SEBRING PARKWAY CHURCH OF CHRIST

“Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”  The disciples asked Jesus these two (or three) questions on the Mount of Olives only a short time before He would be betrayed, arrested, and crucified on the cross of Calvary.  Jesus' response in the many verses following have been at the heart of countless debates over the years regarding their meaning.  True and false doctrines alike have arisen to explain His answers.  However, never forget what was asked!  To properly understand answers, one must always remember the questions!  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 24:1-51 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "The Olivet Discourse."

The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:1-51)

Three episodes during the last week of the life of the Christ are often studied separately and independently of one another.  However, upon closer inspection, one will find there is a clear relationship between these stories.  In fact, when Jesus cleanses the temple, curses the tree, and challenges the teachers of His day, it suddenly becomes clear that the authority of God is the lesson at the heart of each of these situations, and they are bound together for our learning and benefit.  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 21:12-27 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "It's All About Respect!"

It's All About Respect! (Matthew 21:12-27)

How much should a person be paid for a day's work?  Should another person be paid less for a half day's work?  Should still another person be paid even less for only an hour's work?  What if all the laborers were paid the same amount despite the difference in hours worked?  Would that be fair?  Although most people would have a problem with equal pay for unequal work, Jesus used the above principal to teach a lesson about the kingdom of Heaven.  Just like an employer is in charge of the terms offered for an employee's hire, God is in charge of the terms offered for our salvation.  If He chooses to give a newborn babe in Christ the same eternal life He rewards the faithful, decades-old Christian, then that is not only His right, but it is also good, just, and fair.  It is only unfair to those who refuse to see it as God sees it.  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 20:1-16 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "The Parable of the Laborers."

How much should a person be paid for a day's work?  Should another person be paid less for a half day's work?  Should still another person be paid even less for only an hour's work?  What if all the laborers were paid the same amount despite the difference in hours worked?  Would that be fair?  Although most people would have a problem with equal pay for unequal work, Jesus used the above principal to teach a lesson about the kingdom of Heaven.  Just like an employer is in charge of the terms offered for an employee's hire, God is in charge of the terms offered for our salvation.  If He chooses to give a newborn babe in Christ the same eternal life He rewards the faithful, decades-old Christian, then that is not only His right, but it is also good, just, and fair.  It is only unfair to those who refuse to see it as God sees it.  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 20:1-16 to the Sebring Park

The Parable of the Laborers (Matthew 20:1-16)

What's in it for us?  That is basically the question Peter asks of the Lord on one occasion that many followers of Christ still ponder today.  After Peter and the other disciples "left everything" to follow the Son of God, he wanted to know the reward for such commitment.  Is that such a strange inquiry?  Do we not wish to know the same?  When we leave the cares of this world while enduring hardship and persecution for the sake of righteousness, "what then will there be for us?"  Jesus answered Peter's question, and He answers ours, as well.  Indeed, the blessings in both this life and the life to come will be far beyond our simple understanding.  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 19:27-30 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "The Reward of Leaving It All Behind."

The Reward of Leaving It All Behind (Matthew 19:27-30)

"Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?"  This was the query posed by the rich young ruler to Jesus, and there is no more important question that could be asked.  However, when one asks the Lord what more he or she can give to serve Him faithfully, be careful!  He may just provide an answer, and that answer may just require more than the person is willing to give.  A person may look good on the outside, but God looks to the heart of man, and He requires all of it if one truly desires everlasting salvation.  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 19:13-26 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "The Young, the Rich, and Heaven."

The Young, the Rich, and Heaven (Matthew 19:13-26)

"Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?"  That was a question asked in Jesus' day, and it is a question still being asked today.  Regarding marriage, divorce, and remarriage, people have many questions, and typically they desire to know the right answers.  However, when the Pharisees came to Jesus asking Him this question, they were not searching for truth.  They were trying to trick the Lord hoping He would answer in such a way as to upset some and turn them against Him.  Nevertheless, the Son of God answered as He often did when asked a loaded question.  He quoted scripture, and in so doing, He revealed to the Pharisees and those listening that they were asking the wrong question.  They were asking how to end a marriage before God intended all marriages to end...in death.  Are we doing the same today?  Are we asking questions about divorce in order to prematurely figure a way out of God's original term for marriage?  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 19:1-12 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate."

"Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?"  That was a question asked in Jesus' day, and it is a question still being asked today.  Regarding marriage, divorce, and remarriage, people have many questions, and typically they desire to know the right answers.  However, when the Pharisees came to Jesus asking Him this question, they were not searching for truth.  They were trying to trick the Lord hoping He would answer in such a way as to upset some and turn them against Him.  Nevertheless, the Son of God answered as He often did when asked a loaded question.  He quoted scripture, and in so doing, He revealed to the Pharisees and those listening that they were asking the wrong question.  They were asking how to end a marriage before God intended all marriages to end...in death.  Are we doing the same today?  Are we asking questions about divorce in order to prematurely figure a way out of God's original term for marriage?  In his continuing study of Matthew's gos

"What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." (Matthew 19:1-12)

Graduate of the Florida School of Preaching, current Bible major at Freed-Hardeman University, and guest speaker, Forest Antemesaris, of Winter Haven, Florida, preaches a sermon to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ from 1 John 3:16-18 entitled, "The Three "Hows" of Love."

The Three "Hows" of Love (1 John 3:16-18)

How far would you go for your child?  How far would you go for your child if he or she were gravely ill?  On one occasion in the Bible, a Gentile woman of Syrophoenician descent was put to that very test.  Interestingly, the test itself was administered by the Son of God.  In fact, Jesus responded in some very unusual ways to the mother's cries for help to see just how far her faith in Him would take her.  And, He tests us today, as well.  How far are you willing to go to receive spiritual healing from the Lord?  What struggles would you be willing to endure for the spiritual healing of others?  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 15:21-28 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "The Patience, Perseverance, and Persistence of a Mother."

The Patience, Perseverance, and Persistence of a Mother (Matthew 15:21-28)

"You are what you eat from your head down to your feet."  This saying is a common way of encouraging people to eat healthy foods so they will have healthy bodies.  If a person only eats unhealthy foods, then they will only have unhealthy bodies.  From a spiritual standpoint, however, Jesus declared, "It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man."  What one physically eats or how he eats it is not what renders one spiritually unclean.  What one desires in his heart contrary to the will of God is what leads a person to the unholy choice of sin that separates all men from the absolute purity of a perfect God.  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 15:10-20 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "The Defilements of the Heart."

The Defilements of the Heart (Matthew 15:10-20)

Traditions can be good, and traditions can be bad.  Sometimes they help with order and organization. Other times they hamper thinking and truth.  In Jesus' day, He encountered the many traditions of the scribes and Pharisees, and on one occasion, they advocated the washing of hands before eating bread.  In and of itself, this tradition was neither right nor wrong, and from a hygiene standpoint, it was probably a good idea!  The problem occurred when these leaders of the people elevated their tradition to the same level of importance as a commandment of God.  In fact, they even ignored Divine authority to uphold and enforce this tradition, and the Lord rebuked them in the presence of all for doing it.  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 15:1-9 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "Traditions vs. Truth."

Traditions vs. Truth (Matthew 15:1-9)

Wherever Jesus went during His earthly ministry, He made an impact.  His mighty words and remarkable deeds caused people to search far and wide for Him.  News spread quickly in the surrounding areas when the Lord would arrive in a particular location.  The people brought their ill to the Great Physician, and those who were sick begged Him for their healing.  The Christ certainly did amazing things for the people of His day.  The question is:  do followers of Jesus today behave similarly regarding the people around them?  If one is referred to as a Christian, is he or she truly "Christ-like?"  Do the people around you see the difference in your life, and do they seek the healing of Jesus because of how well He has made you?  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 14:34-36 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "Jesus' Impact on the People."

Jesus' Impact on the People (Matthew 14:34-36)

Numerous miracles performed by our Lord are recorded in the Bible.  Whether it was healing the sick, walking on water, or raising the dead, Jesus demonstrated His divine power time and time again through amazing and wonderful works.  One of those supernatural events recorded in scripture describes how the Messiah took five loaves of bread and two small fish and fed thousands.  In fact, not only did every man, woman, and child eat until they were all satisfied, but twelve baskets of leftovers were gathered up after the meal!  However, is the sheer power of God to miraculously feed a multitude all this story is intended to reveal, or is there more?  Is it possible that it is there to teach us a fundamental need to rely on our Savior to work in our lives with a power and love far beyond our comprehension?  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 14:13-21 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand."

Numerous miracles performed by our Lord are recorded in the Bible.  Whether it was healing the sick, walking on water, or raising the dead, Jesus demonstrated His divine power time and time again through amazing and wonderful works.  One of those supernatural events recorded in scripture describes how the Messiah took five loaves of bread and two small fish and fed thousands.  In fact, not only did every man, woman, and child eat until they were all satisfied, but twelve baskets of leftovers were gathered up after the meal!  However, is the sheer power of God to miraculously feed a multitude all this story is intended to reveal, or is there more?  Is it possible that it is there to teach us a fundamental need to rely on our Savior to work in our lives with a power and love far beyond our comprehension?  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 14:13-21 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ enti

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand (Matthew 14:13-21)

The parable of the sower is one of the most well-known parables of our Lord.  It begins with the simple tale of a sower distributing seed to various types of soil.  Because each of these soils is different from the next, the survival of the seed also differs relative to the soil into which it is sown.  However, this story is not a lesson in agriculture.  Like all of Jesus' teachings, this parable had a purpose, and unique among many of His parables, the Lord actually explained this message in clear, understandable language.  What is the seed?  Who is the sower?  And, who are the soils?  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "The Parable of the Sower."

The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23)

"Jesus called them one by one:  Peter, Andrew, James, and John.  Next came Philip, Thomas, too, Matthew, and Bartholomew.  James the one they called the less, Simon, also Thaddeus.  The twelfth apostle Judas made; Jesus was by him betrayed.  Yes, Jesus called them!  Yes, Jesus called them!  Yes, Jesus called them!  And they all followed Him."  That simple song describes the story of how Jesus specifically called twelve of His disciples whom He would ultimately call apostles.  He called them to be deliverers of the most important message in history of the world - a message to the lost and dying people of the world.  He called them to preach the gospel, and Jesus calls us to to preach that same gospel today.  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 10:1-15 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "The Sending of the Twelve."

The Sending of the Twelve (Matthew 10:1-15)

There are many things that Christians are called to do that do not make sense to the world around us.  In fact, the Bible describes us as a "peculiar" people.  Our thoughts, our words, and our actions are to be wholly different from those outside of Christ.  However, by worldly standards, our simple faith in God and His divine knowledge and power should be the strangest thing of all.  Such is the case in the first book of the New Testament where four accounts of faith in Jesus Christ were so great that the expectations of the Messiah and His healing just did not make sense to those around Him.  Nevertheless, what made even less sense were the eyewitnesses to the power of the Holy Spirit who contributed His good works to those of demonic forces.  Yet, as strange as that may be, some people doubt the Lord today despite the overwhelming evidence that God has provided everyone in His written word.  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 9:18-34 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "That doesn't make sense!"

There are many things that Christians are called to do that do not make sense to the world around us.  In fact, the Bible describes us as a "peculiar" people.  Our thoughts, our words, and our actions are to be wholly different from those outside of Christ.  However, by worldly standards, our simple faith in God and His divine knowledge and power should be the strangest thing of all.  Such is the case in the first book of the New Testament where four accounts of faith in Jesus Christ were so great that the expectations of the Messiah and His healing just did not make sense to those around Him.  Nevertheless, what made even less sense were the eyewitnesses to the power of the Holy Spirit who contributed His good works to those of demonic forces.  Yet, as strange as that may be, some people doubt the Lord today despite the overwhelming evidence that God has provided everyone in His written word.  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florid

That doesn't make sense! (Matthew 9:18-34)

Many people desire to be disciples of Jesus Christ.  Others claim already to be His disciples.  What does it truly mean to be a disciple pf Jesus, and do those who wish this life for themselves understand the price they will be required to pay to walk in His footsteps?  Have they actually taken the time to count the cost?  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 8:18-22 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "The Cost of Following Jesus."

The Cost of Following Jesus (Matthew 8:18-22)

One verse of the Bible that gets used a lot by the world is Matthew 7:1.  That might sound like a good thing, but it is not.  The scripture is not being used to teach the will of God.  Rather, it is being used to justify sin and silence those who suggest that such sin is wrong.  "Judge not, that ye be not judged" has been twisted and distorted to the point that some in the world use it as a banner cry to indulge in their sin without criticism, and some Christians have actually accepted the false notion that they cannot acknowledge ANY sin in another's life without sinfully judging themselves!  Which is it?  Should we judge, or should we not judge?  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 7:1-6 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "Judge or Judge Not?"

Judge Not or Judge?  (Matthew 7:1-6)

What is the most important thing in your life?  Is it something of this life?  Is it something of this world?  In time, all things of0 this physical realm will pass away.  Even the world itself will be destroyed.  However, there is a realm that will not pass away nor be destroyed.  It is the spiritual home of God.  If Heaven and an eternity with our Lord is what we treasure, then our heart's desire will be to make the choices necessary to do all that we can to find ourselves there one day.  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 6:19-24 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "Choices."

Choices (Matthew 6:19-24)

The term "swearing" in our culture may refer to cursing or other forms of unwholesome language, but when Jesus referred to swearing in His Sermon on the Mount, He was talking about those who make vows or oaths to lend credibility to their words.  Vows and oaths are not necessarily wrong.  God-fearing men of the Bible made vows.  God Himself declared oaths.  However, when men whose words are not their bonds use fancy vows or elaborate oaths in an attempt to come across as more believable, then the use of such language is wrong.  Simply put, Jesus wants us to be people of honesty and integrity whose words are our bonds.  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 5:33-37 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "To Swear or Not to Swear."

To Swear or Not to Swear (Matthew 5:33-37)

Jesus was born a Jew and lived His earthly life under the Law of Moses.  He did not come to abolish that law.  Rather, He came to fulfill it.  However, the old covenant would indeed come to an end when Jesus died on the cross and ushered in for us the new covenant under which we now live - the law of Christ.  How did Jesus respond to the Law of Moses, and what lessons can we learn as we respond to the law of Christ today?  In his continuing study of Matthew's gospel account, join Kevin Patterson of Sebring, Florida, as he preaches a sermon from Matthew 5:17-20 to the Sebring Parkway church of Christ entitled, "Jesus and the Law."

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