Sunday Morning at Calvary Chapel Faith Fellowship with Pastor Jim Sweigart.

In Matthew 8, Jesus demonstrates His power through three healings: a leper, a centurion’s servant, and Peter’s mother-in-law. These miracles, following the Sermon on the Mount, highlight the importance of faith and obedience to Jesus. The leper’s healing symbolizes Jesus’ power over sin, the centurion’s faith exemplifies true belief, and Peter’s mother-in-law’s healing illustrates Jesus’ authority and compassion.

Sunday morning at Calvary Chapel Faith Fellowship with Pastor Jim Sweigart.

The Sermon on the Mount concludes with Jesus emphasizing the importance of a genuine response to His teachings. He contrasts two paths: the narrow gate leading to life, requiring obedience and sacrifice, and the wide gate leading to destruction, accommodating various beliefs and lifestyles. True faith, demonstrated through obedience, builds a strong foundation, while mere profession without action leads to a weak foundation vulnerable to life’s storms.

Sunday Morning at Calvary Chapel Faith Fellowship with Pastor Jim Sweigart.

Matthew 7:1-12 discusses the topic of judgment, emphasizing the importance of righteous judgment based on God’s Word rather than a critical, hypocritical spirit. Jesus warns against judging others while harboring our own sins and highlights the need for discernment in sharing the gospel with those who reject it. The passage concludes with the Golden Rule, urging believers to treat others with the same grace and mercy they desire for themselves.

Sunday Morning at Calvary Chapel Faith Fellowship

with Pastor Jim Sweigart.

Matthew 6:19-34 emphasizes the importance of focusing on heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones, as earthly treasures are temporary and can be lost. Jesus uses the eye as a metaphor for perspective, stating that a generous person has a “good eye” and is filled with light, while a person who hoards riches has a “bad eye” and is in darkness. He warns against worrying, encouraging believers to seek first the kingdom of God and trust in His provision, as He cares for even the birds and lilies.

Sunday Morning at Calvary Chapel Faith Fellowship with Pastor Jim Sweigart.

Matthew 6 emphasizes the importance of authentic discipleship, focusing on genuine motives in giving, praying, and fasting. Jesus warns against performing these acts for public recognition, as the Pharisees did, highlighting that their reward would be limited to human praise. Instead, Jesus encourages private prayer, sincere giving, and humble fasting, promising rewards from God for those who prioritize their relationship with Him.

Sunday Morning at Calvary Chapel Faith Fellowship with Pastor Jim Sweigart.

The church is beginning a 21-day period of prayer and fasting, focusing on spiritual rest and a reset. This time will be dedicated to seeking God’s will, drawing closer to Him, and experiencing His power. The message emphasizes the importance of fasting, both as a biblical practice and as a way to align oneself with God’s purposes.

Sunday Morning at Calvary Chapel Faith Fellowship with Pastor Jim Sweigart.

As we approach the new year, we should reflect on God’s desires for us and our church. The Israelites’ crossing of the Jordan River, as described in Joshua 3, teaches us to seek God’s presence, follow His guidance, and honor Him. By doing so, we can experience God’s wondrous works and trust Him to overcome obstacles in our lives.

Sunday Morning at Calvary Chapel Faith Fellowship with Pastor Jim Sweigart.

Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5:43-48 emphasize loving our enemies, a command that goes against human nature. This love is not based on human wisdom but on imitating God’s love for both good and evil, just and unjust. By loving our enemies, we demonstrate our identity as children of God and our citizenship in His kingdom.