Sermons on Matthew 12:38-42:38:

The Kingdom Way – Grace Over Fairness. Matthew 20 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Aug 9, 2025

MATTHEW 20: GRACE, GREATNESS and THE GOD WHO SEES. GOD’s kingdom operates on grace, not human merit. GOD’s grace defies human fairness, greatness is measured by servanthood, and spiritual sight is found in recognizing JESUS.

2025.08.10. Sermon Notes. THE KINGDOM WAY – GRACE OVER FAIRNESS. Matthew 20. GRACE, GREATNESS and THE GOD WHO SEES. William Akehurst, HSWC SCRIPTURES: Matthew 20:1-34, Romans 9:15-16, Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Peter 1:10-11, Revelation 22:17, Matthew 7:21-23, John 15:16, James 4:6, Ephesians 4:1 BIG ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-34, Romans 9:15-16, Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Peter 1:10-11, Revelation 22:17, Matthew 7:21-23, John 15:16, James 4:6, Ephesians 4:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Disregarding Tradition And Taboo (Matthew 15:1-39)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Aug 20, 2025

In this chapter, we read about the Lord Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees yet again, and of His mercy to a Gentile woman whose daughter was possessed by a demon.

Coming from Jerusalem, the Pharisees asked Jesus why His disciples did not perform the traditional ritual of washing one’s hands before eating. This ceremony had been established by the “elders” and had nothing to do with hygiene alone, but was instead an elaborate ritual that involved not only ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:1-39, Isaiah 29:13, Mark 7:24-30, Mark 8:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Disaster Of The Dark Lamp - Matthew 6:22-23 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 4, 2024

Your hidden attitudes and your way of looking at things will color all the data before it reaches your brain, so that you will never see things properly unless you have a generous, honest outlook. This message will alert your soul to the deadly dangers of greedy attitudes.

Matthew 6:19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and eating destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and eating do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:22-23

Stress-Free Suffering - Matthew 6:27-34 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 6, 2024

Anxiety is not caused by trouble. It is caused by an untrusting heart’s response to trouble. There are six spiritual causes of anxiety, and Jesus shows us the solutions.

Matthew 6:25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:27-34

Judgment Day Surprise - Matthew 7:21-23 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 18, 2024

Many will call Jesus Lord and have impressive, Christ-centered ministries and yet be condemned because 1) they were not known by Christ (not favored by Him and did not trust and obey Him) and 2) they did not do the Father’s will (a function of knowing God) and are therefore lawbreakers.

Matthew 7:15 Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23

A Passion Greater Than Comfort - Matthew 16:24 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Nov 22, 2024

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to seek comfort over commitment? How quickly we gravitate towards convenience over courage? May our passion for Jesus always be greater than our passion for an easy life.

A Passion Greater Than Comfort Introduction Have you ever noticed how easy it is to seek comfort over commitment? How quickly we gravitate towards convenience over courage? Yet, when we read the Bible, we discover that following Jesus is not about ease—it's about a deep and abiding passion for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24, Galatians 2:20, John 16:33, Colossians 3:17, Matthew 6:19-21, James 1:2-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Go! And Make Disciples - Matthew 28:19-20 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Dec 12, 2024

The words of Matthew 28:19-20 are not just a suggestion or a guideline; they are a command from Jesus to His followers. This command is the heartbeat of Christianity, a call to Go! But it’s not just about going—it’s about what we do as we go.

Go! And Make Disciples - Matthew 28:19-20 Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT): “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, Romans 6:4, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 13:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Heart Matters Most - Lessons From Matthew 15 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jun 12, 2025

GOD cares more about the condition of your heart than the traditions you keep. GOD desires genuine inner purity and authentic faith, not religious performance. True righteousness comes from a transformed heart, not outward tradition.

2025.06.15.Sermon Notes. The Heart Matters Most – Lessons from Matthew 15 When Religion Misses the Point William Akehurst, HSWC Reminder: It’s Father’s Day Scripture: Matthew 15:1-39, Isaiah 29:13, Psalms 51:10, Psalms 139:23-24 INTRODUCTION: JESUS confronts the religious leaders for honoring ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:1-39, Isaiah 29:13, Psalm 51:10, Psalm 139:23-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Question That Defines Eternity - Matthew 16:13-28 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jul 7, 2025

WHO DO YOU SAY JESUS IS? THIS IS THE QUESTION THAT DEFINES ETERNITY. True discipleship begins with a right confession of who Jesus is, embraces the necessity of the cross, and responds with wholehearted surrender to follow Him; regardless of the cost.

2025.07.06. Sermon Notes. THE QUESTION THAT DEFINES ETERNITY - MATTHEW 16:13-28 PART 2 William Akehurst, HSWC THE CHRIST, THE CROSS, AND THE CALL - MATTHEW 16:13-28 SCRIPTURES: Matthew 16:13-28, Mark 16:19-20, Ephesians 1:20-23 THE QUESTION THAT DEFINES ETERNITY: "Who Do You Say Jesus Is? ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-28, Mark 16:19-20, Ephesians 1:20-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Go! And Feed On Every Word - Matthew 4:4 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jul 12, 2025

This is a declaration of where true life is found.

Go! And Feed on Every Word Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word that is alive and powerful. Thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. As we open the Scriptures, feed our spirits. Speak into our hearts and minds, and help us not only to hear, but to respond in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Isaiah 55:1-2, John 6:35, Romans 10:17, John 1:14, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Kingdom Living - Humble, Holy, And Forgiving - Matthew 18 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jul 18, 2025

Living in GOD's KINGDOM means walking in humility, protecting others from sin, restoring the fallen, and forgiving like our KING. Jesus teaches how to live together as His followers - with humility, care for the vulnerable, accountability, and forgiveness.

2025.07.20. Sermon Notes. KINGDOM LIVING - HUMBLE, HOLY, AND FORGIVING - MATTHEW 18 William Akehurst, HSWC Scriptures: Matthew 18:1-35, 1 Corinthians 13:5, Psalm 103:12, John 6:35, 1 Corinthians 11:24, Mark 11:25-26, Luke 6:36 Living out Christlike humility, holiness, and forgiveness in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-35, 1 Corinthians 13:5, Psalm 103:12, Mark 11:25-26, Luke 6:36, John 6:35, 1 Corinthians 11:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Kill Sin Or Die - Matthew 5:29-30 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 14, 2024

The threat Jesus warns of here is being thrown into hell. For a lustful look? How do we reconcile that with passages that assure us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ?

Matthew 5:27-30 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:29-30

Amputation 101 - Matthew 5:29-30 (Contd) Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 14, 2024

The key to persuading your heart to fling sin away is to become convinced that nearness to God would be more satisfying than that sin. But what do you do when the sin brings intense pleasure and the last few times you sought God in prayer or Scripture it was boring?

Matthew 5:27-30 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:29-30

Life Under Oath - Matthew 5:33-37 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 17, 2024

Everything you ever say is under oath, as if you swore by God himself that it’s true. This message will help you grasp how important truthtelling in every detail of life is. It also explains the legitimate purpose of formal oaths.

Matthew 5:33-37 "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' 34 But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37

One-Handed Giving - Matthew 6:3-4 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 27, 2024

Jesus spends so much time in Matthew 6 and other places trying to get us to be motivated by eternal rewards. Why are so few Christians still not motivated by reward?

Matthew 6:1-18 "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:3-4