Introduction1 Kingdom Worship Doesn’t that make you hungry? Matthew 4:16-17 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Read verse in New International Version It was the same call given by the prophets throughout Israel’s history. It’s not just an issue of what you do to worship God; the reason why you do it is crucially important. Events of that Sabbath evening (Mark 1:32-34; Luke 4:40-41). Matthew 16:17. No doubt Jesus’ ministry of teaching and healing is the basis for that light. Jesus and the disciples get in a boat again to cross the Sea of Galilee, perhaps to gain space away from Jewish religious leaders. Matthew wants us to be clear. Matthew 8:16-17. Well, turn back to Matthew chapter 4. Peter (and by extension the rest of the Apostles of Christ as seen in Matthew 18:18) had the authority to permit or forbid people from entering God’s Kingdom. Matthew 3:17(NASB) Verse Thoughts It was at the start of Christ's ministry that Jesus walked from His home-town in Galilee to the River Jordan to be baptised by John; to be anointed by the Holy Spirit and to be confirmed as God's only Begotten Son and Israel's promised Messiah - and the significance of Christ's baptism is staggering. Unlike the Gospel of John, Matthew does not identify Jesus as the light of the world. A general statement, which, after Matthew 4:23 f., might have been dispensed with; but it is in the source (Mark) in the same context, and it gives our evangelist a welcome opportunity of quoting a prophetic text in reference to Christ’s healing work. But those who belong to the kingdom need to watch their motives. Not all who are intrigued by God's Word are chosen by Him (I Corinthians 1:26; John 6:44; Matthew 22:14; Luke 13:23-24).The stony ground represents those who hear the gospel and feel intrigued and excited by it because it is new or interesting, yet they have no depth of understanding. Since they have not changed their minds or repented, they are not true Christians. Matthew 3:16-17 "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:" "And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." We discussed the meaning of this message several weeks ago when we examined Matthew 3. Verse 21 From that time began Jesus to show unto his disciples that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up. And Simon Peter answered and said Either of his own accord, and for himself, being a warm, zealous, and forward man; one that dearly loved Christ, truly believed in him, and was ready to make a confession of him; or, as the mouth of the rest, in their name, and with their consent; or, at least, as full well knowing the sentiments of their minds. Binding and loosing were expressions that were used by the rabbis that mean to exclude or include (forbid or permit). Matthew tells us that Jesus moved to Capernaum so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled. People perform acts of worship for many different reasons. Mark 4:16-17. Today we want to finish up our study about our motives for worshipping God. First announcement (Matthew 16:21); second announcement (Matthew 17:22,23); third announcement (Matthew 20:18). Matthew 16:16. This is the other reason why Jesus started out in the North. Jesus answered, Blessed [or happy, as μακαριος signifies] art thou, Simon Bar-jona, (or the son of Jonas,) namely, in being brought thus firmly to believe and confess this most important truth, on believing and confessing which the present and everlasting salvation of mankind depends. The message of repentance involved 1) Turning to obedience to Yahweh’s will, 2) Turning to trust in Yahweh and 3) Turning from everything ungodly to righteousness. He declares He will not give them any sign but that of Jonah (Jonah 1:17), who was swallowed by the great fish and restored on the third day (Matthew 16:1–4). It was a deliberate move, so that he could fulfil Isaiah’s prophecy. Nonetheless, the prophecy from Isaiah makes clear that Jesus’ return to Galilee will be the occasion for those who sit in darkness to see “a great light” (Matthew 4:16-17). ’ ministry of teaching and healing is the other reason why Jesus started out in the North the! 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