Sermons from May 2022
Hebrews 7:1-10
In Hebrews 7:1-10 the author returns to the subject begun in 5:1-10 comparing Christ’s priesthood to that of the Levites. Here the author shows that Melchizedek himself was far greater than Levi, which means that the priest after the order of Melchizedek, of which Melchizedek was merely a type, must be far greater than any Levitical priest. This greater priest is Christ, a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Matthew 12:38-42
In Matthew 12:38-42 the Pharisees and scribes continue to challenge Christ. This time they challenge Him by requesting a sign from Him. This request comes after Christ has already given innumerable signs to prove who He is. Rather than perform a sign on demand, which He refuses to do, Christ says the only sign that will be given is the sign of Jonah, His resurrection from the dead.
Hebrews 6:13-20
In Hebrews 6:13-20 the author shows why God’s people can rest in the promises of God. God has not only given a promise that cannot be broken in that God cannot lie, but He has also confirmed that promise with an oath. If one only had a promise from God that would be enough to be sure that it will come to pass, however, God, in His grace, gives the promise and then confirms it with an oath so that…
Matthew 12:33-37
In Matthew 12:33-37 Jesus concludes his response to the Pharisees and their accusation against him that he casts out demons by Beelzebub. Christ says that the words a person speaks reveals the contents of their heart. Thus, this blasphemy from the Pharisees reveals the blasphemous character of their hearts. Not only this, but Christ declares that on the last day the true nature of the heart will be revealed by the words a person has spoken.
Hebrews 6:9-12
After giving a stern warning to God’s people in 6:1-8 the author now gives them encouragement in 6:9-12. Though he has spoken hard words to them, he believes that they have obtained salvation. What gives the author this assurance? Love for God expressed in love for the saints. He then exhorts them to pursue real assurance themselves showing that assurance of salvation is both possible and a duty.
Matthew 12:30-32
In Matthew 12:30-32 Christ explains that there is a sin which God never forgives: blasphemy against the Spirit, a sin which some of the Pharisees had just committed. This is a sin that can be committed in this life. It is a great warning against the dangers of apostasy as this sin is the worst form of apostasy. Do not be hardened, but believe.
Hebrews 6:1-8
In Hebrews 6:1-8 the author speaks of a situation where repentance is not possible. This has historically been one of the most difficult passages in the church and misinterpretation has caused great problems. Pastor Grasso shows that the sin to which the author refers is different than simple unbelief, that it can be committed today, and that the text does not contradict Reformed theology. Ultimately, the warning is for those who know the truth but who yet reject it in…
Matthew 12:22-29
In Matthew 12:22-29 the Pharisees accuse Christ of casting out demons by the prince of demons. They see what is obviously a good work which could only be done by the power of God (cf. John 3:2) and yet choose to say that this was done by Satan. Christ, however, shows that what he has done was done by the power of the Holy Spirit, and therefore the Kingdom of God has come. The Kingdom has come today, but many…
Hebrews 5:11-6:3
In Hebrews 5:11-6:3 the author speaks about the difficulty of explaining Christ’s priesthood to the church. The reason it is difficult is not because of the material, which is admittedly complex, but rather that the church has become slow of hearing. The church has become like those who need milk, not solid food. In the Christian faith, there is an expectation that Christians will progress and grow in maturity. If this is not happening, something is wrong.
Matthew 12:15-21
In Matthew 12:15-21 Matthew shows that Jesus healing many shows that he is the one who fulfills Isaiah 42:1-4, the first Servant Song speaking about the coming Messiah. Christ is the chosen one of God, loved by him, filled with the Spirit, who brings salvation to the Gentiles. He is the humble savior, mighty enough to defeat all enemies and gentle enough to care for those who are weak.