Shows
Maynardville Fellowship PodcastRomans 12:3-8 From Multiplication to Cooperation: Living as the Body of Christhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cooke-3-8-26.mp3
Last week Pastor Matt showed how the power of multiplication enabled the apostles and the early church to change the world so quickly. Godly men became examples for others to imitate, and those who followed their example became examples themselves. As that life-on-life discipleship continued, the gospel “sounded forth” not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in “every place.” Through the power of multiplication, the influence of faithful Christians reached far beyond the places the apostles themselves had ever gone.
This week, Pastor Matt explains an essential qualific...
2026-03-0855 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipRomans 12:3-8 From Multiplication to Cooperation: Living as the Body of Christhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cooke-3-8-26.mp3
Last week Pastor Matt showed how the power of multiplication enabled the apostles and the early church to change the world so quickly. Godly men became examples for others to imitate, and those who followed their example became examples themselves. As that life-on-life discipleship continued, the gospel “sounded forth” not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in “every place.” Through the power of multiplication, the influence of faithful Christians reached far beyond the places the apostles themselves had ever gone.
This week, Pastor Matt explains an essential qualific...
2026-03-0855 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastI Thessalonians 1:5-7- The Method of Menhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cooke-3-1-26.mp3
When we look at the enemy all around us, we may be tempted to despair. The enemies of Christ control the news media, the entertainment sector, the monetary supply, education, and virtually every elected official in Washington’s uni-party. Yes, it’s bad out there.
It seems as if there are no quick solutions, but God has turned things around quickly before. We see one such example in 1st Century Thessalonica. Paul, Silvanus, & Timothy ‘turned the world upside down’ (Acts 17:6). In I Thessalonians 1:5-7 we see the simplicit...
2026-03-0159 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipI Thessalonians 1:5-7- The Method of Menhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cooke-3-1-26.mp3
When we look at the enemy all around us, we may be tempted to despair. The enemies of Christ control the news media, the entertainment sector, the monetary supply, education, and virtually every elected official in Washington’s uni-party. Yes, it’s bad out there.
It seems as if there are no quick solutions, but God has turned things around quickly before. We see one such example in 1st Century Thessalonica. Paul, Silvanus, & Timothy ‘turned the world upside down’ (Acts 17:6). In I Thessalonians 1:5-7 we see the simplicit...
2026-03-0159 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 7- Resistance Theory- Tactics of Lawful Resistancehttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cooke-Civics-1-14-26.mp3
Not rebellion. Not anarchy. Lawful resistance.
When civil authority commands what God forbids—or forbids what God commands—Christians must draw a line. Lecture 7 lays out the biblical framework, the jurisdictional boundaries of government, and the tested tactics of lawful resistance developed in the Christian tradition.
2026-01-1454 minCivics Archives - Maynardville FellowshipBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 7- Resistance Theory- Tactics of Lawful Resistancehttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cooke-Civics-1-14-26.mp3
Not rebellion. Not anarchy. Lawful resistance.
When civil authority commands what God forbids—or forbids what God commands—Christians must draw a line. Lecture 7 lays out the biblical framework, the jurisdictional boundaries of government, and the tested tactics of lawful resistance developed in the Christian tradition.
2026-01-1454 minLecture Series Archives - Maynardville FellowshipBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 7- Resistance Theory- Tactics of Lawful Resistancehttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cooke-Civics-1-14-26.mp3
Not rebellion. Not anarchy. Lawful resistance.
When civil authority commands what God forbids—or forbids what God commands—Christians must draw a line. Lecture 7 lays out the biblical framework, the jurisdictional boundaries of government, and the tested tactics of lawful resistance developed in the Christian tradition.
2026-01-1454 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 6- The Development of Resistance Theoryhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cooke-Civics-1-7-26.mp3
In Reformed circles you’ll sometimes hear the phrase “Protestant Resistance Theory.” It teaches that civil rulers are limited—by God’s law, natural law, & their covenant oaths—and that tyranny may be resisted, ordinarily through lesser magistrates & lawful constitutional channels, not private, freelance revolt. But resistance theory isn’t uniquely Protestant. Listen as Pastor Matt shows how it predates the Reformation and is rooted in five ancient Christian creeds.
2026-01-0745 minCivics Archives - Maynardville FellowshipBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 6- The Development of Resistance Theoryhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cooke-Civics-1-7-26.mp3
In Reformed circles you’ll sometimes hear the phrase “Protestant Resistance Theory.” It teaches that civil rulers are limited—by God’s law, natural law, & their covenant oaths—and that tyranny may be resisted, ordinarily through lesser magistrates & lawful constitutional channels, not private, freelance revolt. But resistance theory isn’t uniquely Protestant. Listen as Pastor Matt shows how it predates the Reformation and is rooted in five ancient Christian creeds.
2026-01-0745 minLecture Series Archives - Maynardville FellowshipBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 6- The Development of Resistance Theoryhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cooke-Civics-1-7-26.mp3
In Reformed circles you’ll sometimes hear the phrase “Protestant Resistance Theory.” It teaches that civil rulers are limited—by God’s law, natural law, & their covenant oaths—and that tyranny may be resisted, ordinarily through lesser magistrates & lawful constitutional channels, not private, freelance revolt. But resistance theory isn’t uniquely Protestant. Listen as Pastor Matt shows how it predates the Reformation and is rooted in five ancient Christian creeds.
2026-01-0745 minLecture Series Archives - Maynardville FellowshipBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 4- The Creeds Of Christendom- The Foundations of Western Social Order (Part 1 of 2)https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Cooke-Civics-12-3-25.mp3
Every social order rests on a creed, on a concept of life & law. The political structure of a society represents a religion in action. If you change the creed, you will eventually change the law, the institutions, and political structure of a people. The early church didn’t just win theological debates; it replaced pagan social foundations: From cyclical or meaningless history to linear history under God. From emperor-as-divine to Christ as the only true King & Judge. Listen as Pastor Matt labors to demonstrate how the creeds of the ea...
2025-12-0344 minCivics Archives - Maynardville FellowshipBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 4- The Creeds Of Christendom- The Foundations of Western Social Order (Part 1 of 2)https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Cooke-Civics-12-3-25.mp3
Every social order rests on a creed, on a concept of life & law. The political structure of a society represents a religion in action. If you change the creed, you will eventually change the law, the institutions, and political structure of a people. The early church didn’t just win theological debates; it replaced pagan social foundations: From cyclical or meaningless history to linear history under God. From emperor-as-divine to Christ as the only true King & Judge. Listen as Pastor Matt labors to demonstrate how the creeds of the ea...
2025-12-0344 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 4- The Creeds Of Christendom- The Foundations of Western Social Order (Part 1 of 2)https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Cooke-Civics-12-3-25.mp3
Every social order rests on a creed, on a concept of life & law. The political structure of a society represents a religion in action. If you change the creed, you will eventually change the law, the institutions, and political structure of a people. The early church didn’t just win theological debates; it replaced pagan social foundations: From cyclical or meaningless history to linear history under God. From emperor-as-divine to Christ as the only true King & Judge. Listen as Pastor Matt labors to demonstrate how the creeds of the ea...
2025-12-0344 minCivics Archives - Maynardville FellowshipBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 3- Our Heritage: Should We Apologize or Celebrate?https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cooke-Civics-11-19-25.mp3
More and more, Americans are pressured to denounce and apologize for their heritage. Many Christians are all too eager to oblige. Should we be? Listen as Pastor Matt considers this sensitive subject and offers a biblical model for understanding the past and looking toward the future.
2025-11-1939 minLecture Series Archives - Maynardville FellowshipBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 3- Our Heritage: Should We Apologize or Celebrate?https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cooke-Civics-11-19-25.mp3
More and more, Americans are pressured to denounce and apologize for their heritage. Many Christians are all too eager to oblige. Should we be? Listen as Pastor Matt considers this sensitive subject and offers a biblical model for understanding the past and looking toward the future.
2025-11-1939 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 3- Our Heritage: Should We Apologize or Celebrate?https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cooke-Civics-11-19-25.mp3
More and more, Americans are pressured to denounce and apologize for their heritage. Many Christians are all too eager to oblige. Should we be? Listen as Pastor Matt considers this sensitive subject and offers a biblical model for understanding the past and looking toward the future.
2025-11-1939 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 2- History- Meaningless, Cyclical, or Linear?https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cooke-Civics-11-12-25.mp3
Skip mere trivia; pursue timeless wisdom. Pastor Matt contrasts three views of history—meaningless, cyclical, linear—and shows why the biblical, linear view both explains the past and shaped America’s civics. Learn what to recover, what to avoid, and how to judge “progress” by an objective good.
2025-11-1243 minCivics Archives - Maynardville FellowshipBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 2- History- Meaningless, Cyclical, or Linear?https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cooke-Civics-11-12-25.mp3
Skip mere trivia; pursue timeless wisdom. Pastor Matt contrasts three views of history—meaningless, cyclical, linear—and shows why the biblical, linear view both explains the past and shaped America’s civics. Learn what to recover, what to avoid, and how to judge “progress” by an objective good.
2025-11-1243 minLecture Series Archives - Maynardville FellowshipBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 2- History- Meaningless, Cyclical, or Linear?https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cooke-Civics-11-12-25.mp3
Skip mere trivia; pursue timeless wisdom. Pastor Matt contrasts three views of history—meaningless, cyclical, linear—and shows why the biblical, linear view both explains the past and shaped America’s civics. Learn what to recover, what to avoid, and how to judge “progress” by an objective good.
2025-11-1243 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 1-Civics vs Social Studies?https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cooke-Civics-11-5-25.mp3
Whatever happened to civics class?Once upon a time, every student needed two or three semesters of civics to graduate high school. Today, “social studies” has replaced it—and most students can’t explain the difference. What changed?
In this opening lecture, Pastor Matt exposes the theological shift behind that subtle terminology change and the seismic worldview upheaval that followed. What was once taught as a science—anchored in divine order, objective truth, and fixed moral law—has been recast as a humanity, rooted in relativism and feeling...
2025-11-0540 minCivics Archives - Maynardville FellowshipBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 1-Civics vs Social Studies?https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cooke-Civics-11-5-25.mp3
Whatever happened to civics class?Once upon a time, every student needed two or three semesters of civics to graduate high school. Today, “social studies” has replaced it—and most students can’t explain the difference. What changed?
In this opening lecture, Pastor Matt exposes the theological shift behind that subtle terminology change and the seismic worldview upheaval that followed. What was once taught as a science—anchored in divine order, objective truth, and fixed moral law—has been recast as a humanity, rooted in relativism and feeling...
2025-11-0540 minLecture Series Archives - Maynardville FellowshipBiblical Foundations of Civics- Lecture 1-Civics vs Social Studies?https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cooke-Civics-11-5-25.mp3
Whatever happened to civics class?Once upon a time, every student needed two or three semesters of civics to graduate high school. Today, “social studies” has replaced it—and most students can’t explain the difference. What changed?
In this opening lecture, Pastor Matt exposes the theological shift behind that subtle terminology change and the seismic worldview upheaval that followed. What was once taught as a science—anchored in divine order, objective truth, and fixed moral law—has been recast as a humanity, rooted in relativism and feeling...
2025-11-0540 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastMatthew 23:29-33- Woe Unto You Who Disguise Your Dishonorhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cooke-10-12-25.mp3
Matthew 23:29-33 serves as the capstone on this series of seven woes—these covenantal indictments against national Israel. Central to understanding this ‘woe’ is a right understanding of the fifth commandment; honor your father and mother. The scribes a Pharisees said ‘If we’d been living in the days of our fathers, we wouldn’t have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ Their pretended honor of the prophets was really a way of honoring themselves and dishonoring their fathers.
When we speak evil of parent...
2025-10-121h 00Sermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 23:29-33- Woe Unto You Who Disguise Your Dishonorhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cooke-10-12-25.mp3
Matthew 23:29-33 serves as the capstone on this series of seven woes—these covenantal indictments against national Israel. Central to understanding this ‘woe’ is a right understanding of the fifth commandment; honor your father and mother. The scribes a Pharisees said ‘If we’d been living in the days of our fathers, we wouldn’t have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ Their pretended honor of the prophets was really a way of honoring themselves and dishonoring their fathers.
When we speak evil of parent...
2025-10-121h 00Sermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipPhilippians 4:8-9- Loving With Our Thoughts: Thinking on the Best Thingshttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Cooke-9-7-25.mp3
Two faithful sisters, Euodia & Syntyche, found themselves divided. They scrutinized motives, assumed the worst, and replayed their grievances. Paul points them to a better way: love that doesn’t record wrongs committed against them in an ever running ledger, but that deliberately dwells on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy. Join Pastor Matt as he unpacks how this transforms conflict into unity.
2025-09-0748 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastPhilippians 4:8-9- Loving With Our Thoughts: Thinking on the Best Thingshttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Cooke-9-7-25.mp3
Two faithful sisters, Euodia & Syntyche, found themselves divided. They scrutinized motives, assumed the worst, and replayed their grievances. Paul points them to a better way: love that doesn’t record wrongs committed against them in an ever running ledger, but that deliberately dwells on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy. Join Pastor Matt as he unpacks how this transforms conflict into unity.
2025-09-0748 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastMatthew 23:27-28 Woe to Those Who Beautify that Which Defileshttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Cooke-8-31-25.mp3
It’s one of those uber-familiar texts:
Mt. 23:27 You’re like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they’re full of dead men’s bones.
But most people are not familiar with its Old Testament roots in the book of Ezekiel. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how Ezekiel used the analogy of whitewash to show the guilt of the prophets of his generation, and how Jesus picks up the image, escalating the blood-guilt of the scribes and Pharisees. If the lesser sins of...
2025-08-3158 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 23:27-28 Woe to Those Who Beautify that Which Defileshttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Cooke-8-31-25.mp3
It’s one of those uber-familiar texts:
Mt. 23:27 You’re like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they’re full of dead men’s bones.
But most people are not familiar with its Old Testament roots in the book of Ezekiel. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how Ezekiel used the analogy of whitewash to show the guilt of the prophets of his generation, and how Jesus picks up the image, escalating the blood-guilt of the scribes and Pharisees. If the lesser sins of...
2025-08-3158 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastMatthew 23:25-26 Cleaning the Wrong Side of the Cuphttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Cooke-8-24-25.mp3
From the outside looking in, the scribes and Pharisees performed all the external shows of righteousness imaginable; with lengthened tassels, broadened phylacteries, scholarly robes, prominent seats, & respectful greetings in the marketplace. But they neglected the internal holiness that God requires; justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Listen as Pastor Matt warns against cleaning only the externals (the only part men can see), while neglecting the heart, which God sees perfectly and will surely judge.
2025-08-2451 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 23:25-26 Cleaning the Wrong Side of the Cuphttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Cooke-8-24-25.mp3
From the outside looking in, the scribes and Pharisees performed all the external shows of righteousness imaginable; with lengthened tassels, broadened phylacteries, scholarly robes, prominent seats, & respectful greetings in the marketplace. But they neglected the internal holiness that God requires; justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Listen as Pastor Matt warns against cleaning only the externals (the only part men can see), while neglecting the heart, which God sees perfectly and will surely judge.
2025-08-2451 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastMatthew 23:23-24 Straining Gnats & Swallowing Camels: The Central Reason for the Covenantal Curseshttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Matthew-23_23-24.mp3
You’ve probably heard the phrase: straining at a gnat, swallowing a camel. We use it to describe people who major on the minors and miss the point. But what if I told you Jesus said it first — and He used it to warn of judgment? In this message, Pastor Matt shows why that warning was the very reason Jerusalem fell in 70 AD.
2025-08-181h 00Sermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 23:23-24 Straining Gnats & Swallowing Camels: The Central Reason for the Covenantal Curseshttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Matthew-23_23-24.mp3
You’ve probably heard the phrase: straining at a gnat, swallowing a camel. We use it to describe people who major on the minors and miss the point. But what if I told you Jesus said it first — and He used it to warn of judgment? In this message, Pastor Matt shows why that warning was the very reason Jerusalem fell in 70 AD.
2025-08-181h 00Sermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 23:16-22 Woe Unto You Blind Guideshttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Matthew-23_16-22-Woe-Unto-You-Blind-Guides.mp3
How are we to understand swearing, vows, and oaths? Didn’t Jesus say not to swear at all? Yet Deuteronomy commands, “You shall fear only the Lord your God… and swear by His name.” How do we reconcile these texts?
The Scribes and Pharisees embraced a loophole-laden system of vows — silly as children crossing their fingers, but deadly in its power to defraud. Listen as Pastor Matt unmasks the absurd logic and damning consequences of blind guides in high places — and points us to the only Shepherd who swore tr...
2025-08-1056 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastMatthew 23:16-22 Woe Unto You Blind Guideshttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Matthew-23_16-22-Woe-Unto-You-Blind-Guides.mp3
How are we to understand swearing, vows, and oaths? Didn’t Jesus say not to swear at all? Yet Deuteronomy commands, “You shall fear only the Lord your God… and swear by His name.” How do we reconcile these texts?
The Scribes and Pharisees embraced a loophole-laden system of vows — silly as children crossing their fingers, but deadly in its power to defraud. Listen as Pastor Matt unmasks the absurd logic and damning consequences of blind guides in high places — and points us to the only Shepherd who swore tr...
2025-08-1056 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastMatthew 23:15 Woe Unto You Evangelists of Hellhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Cooke-7-20-25.mp3
Is. 49:6–7 I’ll also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth. Kings will see & arise, Princes will also bow down.
The scribes & Pharisees postured as those very messengers—God’s agents summoning the nations into covenant blessing through the coming Messianic King & royal conqueror. They came bearing the terrifying texts—of a King who would subdue the nations, break rebels with His rod, shattering them like clay pots. What a message—take the carrot, or g...
2025-07-201h 01Sermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 23:15 Woe Unto You Evangelists of Hellhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Cooke-7-20-25.mp3
Is. 49:6–7 I’ll also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth. Kings will see & arise, Princes will also bow down.
The scribes & Pharisees postured as those very messengers—God’s agents summoning the nations into covenant blessing through the coming Messianic King & royal conqueror. They came bearing the terrifying texts—of a King who would subdue the nations, break rebels with His rod, shattering them like clay pots. What a message—take the carrot, or g...
2025-07-201h 01Maynardville Fellowship PodcastMatthew 23:14 Woe to the Wolves in Shepherd’s Clothinghttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Matthew-23_14-Woe-to-the-Wolves-In-Shepherds-Clothing.mp3
Listen as Pastor Matt uncovers the horrifying irony of those who wore the robes of shepherds while devouring the most vulnerable sheep. Each of the synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, reveals the same chilling indictment: religious hypocrisy dressed in pious theater, preying on widows and the weak.
Listen in as Jesus thunders judgment from Ezekiel and Zephaniah, declares covenantal divorce on a corrupt nation, and warns all who dare pose as Shepherds for personal gain: “You will receive greater condemnation.”May we all take refuge in the True...
2025-07-131h 01Sermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 23:14 Woe to the Wolves in Shepherd’s Clothinghttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Matthew-23_14-Woe-to-the-Wolves-In-Shepherds-Clothing.mp3
Listen as Pastor Matt uncovers the horrifying irony of those who wore the robes of shepherds while devouring the most vulnerable sheep. Each of the synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, reveals the same chilling indictment: religious hypocrisy dressed in pious theater, preying on widows and the weak.
Listen in as Jesus thunders judgment from Ezekiel and Zephaniah, declares covenantal divorce on a corrupt nation, and warns all who dare pose as Shepherds for personal gain: “You will receive greater condemnation.”May we all take refuge in the True...
2025-07-131h 01Maynardville Fellowship PodcastMatthew 23:13 Woe to the Gatekeepers Outside the Gate to the Kingdomhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Matthew-23_13-Woe-Unto-the-Gatekeepers-Outside-the-Gate-of-the-Kingdom.mp3
They claimed to be guides into God’s Kingdom — but they were standing on the outside, slamming the gate shut on those who would enter.
The hypocrisy of Israel’s false shepherds was undeniable — men who didn’t love the people, didn’t know the way, and yet presumed to speak for God. Jesus’ first woe in Matthew 23 isn’t mere condemnation; it’s the opening line of a covenantal divorce decree.
The light of the world would no longer shine through national Israel. But make no mistake — the K...
2025-07-071h 12Sermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 23:13 Woe to the Gatekeepers Outside the Gate to the Kingdomhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Matthew-23_13-Woe-Unto-the-Gatekeepers-Outside-the-Gate-of-the-Kingdom.mp3
They claimed to be guides into God’s Kingdom — but they were standing on the outside, slamming the gate shut on those who would enter.
The hypocrisy of Israel’s false shepherds was undeniable — men who didn’t love the people, didn’t know the way, and yet presumed to speak for God. Jesus’ first woe in Matthew 23 isn’t mere condemnation; it’s the opening line of a covenantal divorce decree.
The light of the world would no longer shine through national Israel. But make no mistake — the K...
2025-07-071h 12Maynardville Fellowship PodcastMatthew 23:13-36 The Covenantal Implications of the Seven Woeshttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Matthew-23_13-36-The-Covenantal-Implications-of-the-Seven-Woes.mp3
We hear it all the time from warmongering politicians: “God will bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse Israel.” They say it with conviction—rarely with context—and insist it’s self-evident, even axiomatic.
But what if I told you that Jesus cursed Israel? Cursed them to the point that He took the Kingdom from them and gave it to a new people, a people who would bear its fruit.
What if I told you that the “Israel of God” isn’t a modern politic...
2025-06-2255 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 23:13-36 The Covenantal Implications of the Seven Woeshttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Matthew-23_13-36-The-Covenantal-Implications-of-the-Seven-Woes.mp3
We hear it all the time from warmongering politicians: “God will bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse Israel.” They say it with conviction—rarely with context—and insist it’s self-evident, even axiomatic.
But what if I told you that Jesus cursed Israel? Cursed them to the point that He took the Kingdom from them and gave it to a new people, a people who would bear its fruit.
What if I told you that the “Israel of God” isn’t a modern politic...
2025-06-2255 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastElder Panel Discussion- How Should a Christian Think of Giving and Tithing?https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Panel-6-18-25-noise-removed.mp3
Few topics ignite more heated debate among Christians than tithing. Is it a timeless expectation for God’s people, or a relic of the Old Covenant? Passion runs deep on both sides. Tithers often view non-tithers as greedy or lacking faith, while skeptics of tithing accuse its defenders of legalism. In this panel, the Maynardville Fellowship elders tackle the real heart issues beneath the controversy; exploring generosity, humility, and how to walk with conviction without dividing the Body.
2025-06-1856 minElder Panel Discussions Archives - Maynardville FellowshipElder Panel Discussion- How Should a Christian Think of Giving and Tithing?https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Panel-6-18-25-noise-removed.mp3
Few topics ignite more heated debate among Christians than tithing. Is it a timeless expectation for God’s people, or a relic of the Old Covenant? Passion runs deep on both sides. Tithers often view non-tithers as greedy or lacking faith, while skeptics of tithing accuse its defenders of legalism. In this panel, the Maynardville Fellowship elders tackle the real heart issues beneath the controversy; exploring generosity, humility, and how to walk with conviction without dividing the Body.
2025-06-1856 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipElder Panel Discussion- How Should a Christian Think of Giving and Tithing?https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Panel-6-18-25-noise-removed.mp3
Few topics ignite more heated debate among Christians than tithing. Is it a timeless expectation for God’s people, or a relic of the Old Covenant? Passion runs deep on both sides. Tithers often view non-tithers as greedy or lacking faith, while skeptics of tithing accuse its defenders of legalism. In this panel, the Maynardville Fellowship elders tackle the real heart issues beneath the controversy; exploring generosity, humility, and how to walk with conviction without dividing the Body.
2025-06-1856 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastMatthew 23:11-12- The Lowly High Calling of the Kingdom Citizen- Part 2 of 2- The Humble Path to Exaltation- Pastor Matt Cookehttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Matthew-23_11-12-The-Lowly-High-Calling-of-the-Kingdom-Citizen-Part-2-of-2-The-Humble-Path-to-Exaltation.mp3
Matthew 23:11 is one of the more familiar texts in the Bible: “But the greatest among you shall be your servant.” If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably always taken this as a simple encouragement to serve others. Something like, “If you want to be the greatest, then serve the most,” or “In the Kingdom, greatness isn’t measured by gifting or title, but by service.”
But if we reduce this rich text to mere moralism, we miss the profound covenantal message Matthew intends his readers to gra...
2025-06-151h 00Sermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 23:11-12- The Lowly High Calling of the Kingdom Citizen- Part 2 of 2- The Humble Path to Exaltation- Pastor Matt Cookehttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Matthew-23_11-12-The-Lowly-High-Calling-of-the-Kingdom-Citizen-Part-2-of-2-The-Humble-Path-to-Exaltation.mp3
Matthew 23:11 is one of the more familiar texts in the Bible: “But the greatest among you shall be your servant.” If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably always taken this as a simple encouragement to serve others. Something like, “If you want to be the greatest, then serve the most,” or “In the Kingdom, greatness isn’t measured by gifting or title, but by service.”
But if we reduce this rich text to mere moralism, we miss the profound covenantal message Matthew intends his readers to gra...
2025-06-151h 00Elder Panel Discussions Archives - Maynardville FellowshipElder Panel Discussion- Understanding Wealth Biblicallyhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Panel-6-11-25.mp3
Is the pursuit of wealth ever a worthy pursuit for a Christian? Should we sell everything we have and give it to the poor? Is wealth especially dangerous for the Christian? Is poverty dangerous? Is money the root of all evil? And how can a Christian recognize when money has become an idol? Listen as the elders of Maynardville Fellowship consider these questions and others related to money.
2025-06-1150 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastElder Panel Discussion- Understanding Wealth Biblicallyhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Panel-6-11-25.mp3
Is the pursuit of wealth ever a worthy pursuit for a Christian? Should we sell everything we have and give it to the poor? Is wealth especially dangerous for the Christian? Is poverty dangerous? Is money the root of all evil? And how can a Christian recognize when money has become an idol? Listen as the elders of Maynardville Fellowship consider these questions and others related to money.
2025-06-1150 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastMatthew 23:8-10 The Lowly High Calling of the Kingdom Citizen- Part 1 of 2- The Rejection of Exalted Titles- Pastor Matt Cookehttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Cooke-6-8-2025-Matthew-23_8-12-The-Lowly-High-Calling-of-the-Kingdom-Citizen-Part-1-of-2-The-Rejection-of-Exalted-Titles.mp3
What did Jesus mean when He told His followers not to be called Rabbi, to call no one on earth Father, and not to be called leaders? Is there something inherently wrong with those titles? Not at all. Listen as Pastor Matt digs into this text to show that something much greater than a legalistic ban on the use of a few titles is at the heart of Jesus’ prohibition. In fact, the rejection of exalted titles is eternally important. It is nothing less th...
2025-06-091h 03Sermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 23:8-10 The Lowly High Calling of the Kingdom Citizen- Part 1 of 2- The Rejection of Exalted Titles- Pastor Matt Cookehttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Cooke-6-8-2025-Matthew-23_8-12-The-Lowly-High-Calling-of-the-Kingdom-Citizen-Part-1-of-2-The-Rejection-of-Exalted-Titles.mp3
What did Jesus mean when He told His followers not to be called Rabbi, to call no one on earth Father, and not to be called leaders? Is there something inherently wrong with those titles? Not at all. Listen as Pastor Matt digs into this text to show that something much greater than a legalistic ban on the use of a few titles is at the heart of Jesus’ prohibition. In fact, the rejection of exalted titles is eternally important. It is nothing less th...
2025-06-091h 03Elder Panel Discussions Archives - Maynardville FellowshipElder Panel Discussion- When and Who Am I Obligated to Forgive?https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Panel-6-4-25.mp3
How should we understand forgiveness? Am I obligated to forgive everyone? What if they are not repentant? Does forgiveness always entail the elimination of any and all consequences? Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider these questions and others related to forgiveness.
2025-06-061h 07Maynardville Fellowship PodcastElder Panel Discussion- When and Who Am I Obligated to Forgive?https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Panel-6-4-25.mp3
How should we understand forgiveness? Am I obligated to forgive everyone? What if they are not repentant? Does forgiveness always entail the elimination of any and all consequences? Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider these questions and others related to forgiveness.
2025-06-061h 07Maynardville Fellowship PodcastElder Panel Discussion- What’s the Difference Anyway?!?! A Discussion About Courtship vs Datinghttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Panel-4-30-25.mp3
You’ve probably noticed a resurgence of a ‘weird’ old term; courtship. What’s the big deal? Who cares what you call it, right? Well… wrong actually. Listen as the elders at Maynardville Fellowship discuss another controversial, yet extremely important topic.
2025-04-301h 01Elder Panel Discussions Archives - Maynardville FellowshipElder Panel Discussion- What’s the Difference Anyway?!?! A Discussion About Courtship vs Datinghttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Panel-4-30-25.mp3
You’ve probably noticed a resurgence of a ‘weird’ old term; courtship. What’s the big deal? Who cares what you call it, right? Well… wrong actually. Listen as the elders at Maynardville Fellowship discuss another controversial, yet extremely important topic.
2025-04-301h 01Maynardville Fellowship PodcastElder Panel Discussion- Again With That Difficult Head Covering Texthttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Panel-4-23-25.mp3
Just in case we didn’t confuse you enough with our discussion of head coverings we decided to hit it again! Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider the historical understanding of head coverings, how and why it ceased to be the cultural norm, difficulties with the text, and if it matters in the ‘culture wars.’
2025-04-241h 08Elder Panel Discussions Archives - Maynardville FellowshipElder Panel Discussion- Again With That Difficult Head Covering Texthttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Panel-4-23-25.mp3
Just in case we didn’t confuse you enough with our discussion of head coverings we decided to hit it again! Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider the historical understanding of head coverings, how and why it ceased to be the cultural norm, difficulties with the text, and if it matters in the ‘culture wars.’
2025-04-241h 08Elder Panel Discussions Archives - Maynardville FellowshipElder Panel Discussion- That Difficult Head Covering Texthttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Headcovering-1-Edited.mp3
What do we do with difficult text like I Corinthians 11:2-16 that have no other texts that add clarity? Is Paul’s command to women that they wear head coverings cultural or timeless? How are men the glory of God, but the woman the glory of the man? Why does Paul say long hair is a shame to a man and a glory to a woman? And what is with this weird reason Paul gives for the command to cover; ‘Because of the angels!?!?!’ Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consid...
2025-04-091h 16Maynardville Fellowship PodcastElder Panel Discussion- That Difficult Head Covering Texthttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Headcovering-1-Edited.mp3
What do we do with difficult text like I Corinthians 11:2-16 that have no other texts that add clarity? Is Paul’s command to women that they wear head coverings cultural or timeless? How are men the glory of God, but the woman the glory of the man? Why does Paul say long hair is a shame to a man and a glory to a woman? And what is with this weird reason Paul gives for the command to cover; ‘Because of the angels!?!?!’ Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consid...
2025-04-091h 16Maynardville Fellowship PodcastElder Panel Discussion- A Biblical Theology of Clothinghttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Panel-4-2-25.mp3
Why do we have clothing? What does clothing symbolize theologically, and what practical purposes do they serve? What makes some types of clothing inappropriate? What should a Christian consider when choosing what to wear? Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider these questions and others related to clothing.
2025-04-031h 05Elder Panel Discussions Archives - Maynardville FellowshipElder Panel Discussion- A Biblical Theology of Clothinghttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Panel-4-2-25.mp3
Why do we have clothing? What does clothing symbolize theologically, and what practical purposes do they serve? What makes some types of clothing inappropriate? What should a Christian consider when choosing what to wear? Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider these questions and others related to clothing.
2025-04-031h 05Maynardville Fellowship PodcastThe Frequency and Meaning of Communionhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Closed-Communion-Panel-2-26-25.mp3
What is the meaning and purpose of communion? Who can partake of the table? What is a person professing when they partake? Should you ever refrain from taking of the table because you feel unworthy that Lord’s Day? And can a person take communion at home, or at some other event outside the church? Listen as the elder’s of Maynardville Fellowship collaborate to answer these questions and others in a panel discussion format.
2025-02-2647 minElder Panel Discussions Archives - Maynardville FellowshipThe Frequency and Meaning of Communionhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Closed-Communion-Panel-2-26-25.mp3
What is the meaning and purpose of communion? Who can partake of the table? What is a person professing when they partake? Should you ever refrain from taking of the table because you feel unworthy that Lord's Day? And can a person take communion at home, or at some other event outside the church? Listen as the elder’s of Maynardville Fellowship collaborate to answer these questions and others in a panel discussion format.
2025-02-2647 minElder Panel Discussions Archives - Maynardville FellowshipThe Role, Function, and Authority of Eldershttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Elder-Panel-2-19-25.mp3
What is an elder? Is it different from a pastor? What is the difference between a church that is elder led and elder ruled? Which is Maynardville Fellowship? And what is the extent of a pastor's authority, and what can a congregant do if they feel a pastor has disqualified himself from the ministry? Listen as the elder's of Maynardville Fellowship collaborate to answer these questions and others in our first Wednesday night panel discussion.
2025-02-2058 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastThe Role, Function, and Authority of Eldershttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Elder-Panel-2-19-25.mp3
What is an elder? Is it different from a pastor? What is the difference between a church that is elder led and elder ruled? Which is Maynardville Fellowship? And what is the extent of a pastor’s authority, and what can a congregant do if they feel a pastor has disqualified himself from the ministry? Listen as the elder’s of Maynardville Fellowship collaborate to answer these questions and others in our first Wednesday night panel discussion.
2025-02-2058 minGospel Centered Apologetics Archives - Maynardville FellowshipGospel-Centered Apologetics- Lecture 10- Confirmation for Christmashttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cooke-Gospel-Centered-Apologetics-Christmas.mp3
A couple of week’s ago I stumbled on an article titled ‘Why You Should Stop Treating Jesus’s Birth Narratives as History.’ This guy loved the Spiritual lessons one could glean from the whole Jesus story. In his construct, the story is ‘truth’ but it isn’t TRUE. That is to say that it did not happen. Let me tell you right now, if we neglect the historicity of the nativity of Jesus, the Christian faith is of ZERO value. But how can we know? When you really bear down on the birth n...
2024-12-1841 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastGospel-Centered Apologetics- Lecture 10- Confirmation for Christmashttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cooke-Gospel-Centered-Apologetics-Christmas.mp3
A couple of week’s ago I stumbled on an article titled ‘Why You Should Stop Treating Jesus’s Birth Narratives as History.’ This guy loved the Spiritual lessons one could glean from the whole Jesus story. In his construct, the story is ‘truth’ but it isn’t TRUE. That is to say that it did not happen. Let me tell you right now, if we neglect the historicity of the nativity of Jesus, the Christian faith is of ZERO value. But how can we know? When you really bear down on the birth n...
2024-12-1841 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastGospel-Centered Apologetics- Lecture 9- Confirmationhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cooke-Apol-12-11-24.mp3
The first three ‘Cs’ of Gospel-Centered Apologetics answers three questions;
1) Compatibility- How is this person’s worldview compatible with Christianity? There will be ways that it is, because all men are created in the image of God.
2) Consistency – How is this person’s worldview internally inconsistent? It will be, because all other worldviews are false and will necessarily be internally inconsistent.
3) Contrast- How does Christianity hold to the true aspects of their worldview, but in an internally consistent system? It will, because Christianity is God’s revealed t...
2024-12-1245 minGospel Centered Apologetics Archives - Maynardville FellowshipGospel-Centered Apologetics- Lecture 9- Confirmationhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cooke-Apol-12-11-24.mp3
The first three ‘Cs’ of Gospel-Centered Apologetics answers three questions;
1) Compatibility- How is this person’s worldview compatible with Christianity? There will be ways that it is, because all men are created in the image of God.
2) Consistency – How is this person’s worldview internally inconsistent? It will be, because all other worldviews are false and will necessarily be internally inconsistent.
3) Contrast- How does Christianity hold to the true aspects of their worldview, but in an internally consistent system? It will, because Christianity is God’s revealed t...
2024-12-1245 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastGospel-Centered Apologetics- Lecture 8- Countering Religious Postmodernismhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cooke-Apol-12-4-24.mp3
Listen as Pastor Matt explains the belief system of Religious Postmodernism and how to apply Gospel-Centered Apologetics to counter this pervasive and destructive worldview.
2024-12-0438 minGospel Centered Apologetics Archives - Maynardville FellowshipGospel-Centered Apologetics- Lecture 8- Countering Religious Postmodernismhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cooke-Apol-12-4-24.mp3
Listen as Pastor Matt explains the belief system of Religious Postmodernism and how to apply Gospel-Centered Apologetics to counter this pervasive and destructive worldview.
2024-12-0438 minGospel Centered Apologetics Archives - Maynardville FellowshipGospel-Centered Apologetics- Lecture 7- Countering Evolutionary Naturalismhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cooke-Apol-11-20-24.mp3
In lecture 6 Pastor Matt explained how to direct conversations toward a productive ‘clash of gospels,’ where we point people to the Biblical Gospel consisting of Creation, Fall, Redemption in Christ, and Consummation. In this lecture we consider how to apply these principles when countering the worldlier of an Evolutionary Naturalist.
2024-11-2846 minMaynardville Fellowship PodcastGospel-Centered Apologetics- Lecture 7- Countering Evolutionary Naturalismhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cooke-Apol-11-20-24.mp3
In lecture 6 Pastor Matt explained how to direct conversations toward a productive ‘clash of gospels,’ where we point people to the Biblical Gospel consisting of Creation, Fall, Redemption in Christ, and Consummation. In this lecture we consider how to apply these principles when countering the worldlier of an Evolutionary Naturalist.
2024-11-2846 minGospel Centered Apologetics Archives - Maynardville FellowshipGospel-Centered Apologetics- Lecture 6- What is ‘Gospel-Centered Apologetics?’https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cooke_apol_11-13-24.mp3
Every person has a basic worldview, a ‘gospel,’ that gives their lives meaning and purpose. Each ‘gospel’ will answer the four major worldview questions;
1. Where Did I Come From?
2. What’s Wrong with the World?
3. What’s the Solutions?
4. Where is all this Headed/What Happens When I Die?
Listen as Pastor Matt explains how to direct conversations toward a productive ‘clash of gospels,’ where we point people to the Biblical Gospel consisting of Creation, Fall, Redemption in Christ, and Consummation.
2024-11-1442 minGospel Centered Apologetics Archives - Maynardville FellowshipGospel-Centered Apologetics- Lecture 5- The Danger of Under-Spiritualizing Faithhttps://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cooke-apol-11-6-24.mp3
Apologetics is the biblical practice of defending the faith. Paul did it. Peter did it. Jesus did it. And we are commanded to do it. But man’s problem is not only an intellectual problem but a spiritual and moral problem. Listen as Pastor Matt explains from Romans 1 the limits of evidence and reason, and the need for prayer and the Spirit of God to work for evangelism and discipleship to be effective.
2024-11-0642 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipGalatians 6:7-10 A Call to Continued Faithfulness- Reverend Caleb Stomberg
One of the great encouragements in Scripture to press on in faithfulness, regardless of how we feel or what we see around us, is that God is not mocked. Sowing to the flesh, no matter how the wicked seem to prosper, will bring only corruption. Sowing to the Spirit, will bring eternal life. Listen as Caleb Stomberg, Pastor of Legacy Reformed Baptist Church in East Grand Forks Minnesota, encourages Maynardville Fellowship toward continued faithfulness in light of this hope. *
2024-09-091h 01Sermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 22:46-23:7 Jesus on the Attack: Exposing the Scribes and Pharisees
Jesus has finally silenced the relentless attack of the religious leaders. They don’t know how to answer Jesus’ question. Furthermore, they are so intimidated by His wisdom that ‘no one dared from that day to ask Him another question.’ One might expect Jesus to kind of, ‘live and let live.’ If the Scribes and Pharisees are no longer going to attack Jesus, then He can just go about His business freely. Why enflame their passions against Him, right? But what do we see? We see Jesus on the attack! Listen as Pastor Matt shows how Jesus lambasts the Scribes and...
2024-09-0257 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 22:41-45 David’s Son and David’s Lord
The day after the triumphal entry was a doozy of a day. All the groups of religious leaders banded together in their opposition to Jesus. Matthew tells of how they tried to intimidate Jesus, incriminate Him, discredit His theology, and diminish the influence He had over the crowds. In each instance they failed. Now Jesus goes on the offensive. He asks them two questions designed to expand their understanding of the Messiah. Yes, the Messiah was to be the Son of David, but He was more than that; He would also be David’s Lord. Listen as Pastor Matt ex...
2024-08-2550 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 22:34-40 The Great Commandment
The religious leader’s have come after Jesus relentlessly since the triumphal entry and the cleansing of the Temple, but each time Jesus has warded off their attacks and made them look foolish. He was unfazed by their attempt at group intimidation. He avoided the Pharisees political trap to catch Him in treason, and answered what the Sadducees thought was an unanswerable Theological inconsistency in Jesus’ worldview concerning the resurrection. Now the Pharisees are attempting to test Jesus again; this time with a legal question. They expect to get Jesus to ostracize a portion of His support proclaiming one port...
2024-08-191h 06Sermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 22:23-33 A Mysterious and Troubling Defense of the Resurrection
Some texts are easier to understand and accept than others. This one is a doozy! What’s with this law about marrying your deceased brother’s widow if they had no kids before he died? And how are we supposed to feel about there being no marriage in heaven? And how are we ‘like the angels in heaven’ in the resurrection? After a surface reading, this text probably leaves you with more questions than answers. Listen as Pastor Matt unpacks this difficult passage, and points us to the death and resurrection of Christ as our only hope in life and in d...
2024-08-121h 01Sermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 22:15-22 Render Unto Caesar?
This text is the go to text for statists: ‘Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ It is regularly used as a proof text for unlimited submission to leaders, and unquestioned acceptance of any tax burden levied by those leaders. But is that what Jesus is saying? Listen as Pastor Matt shows from the biblical and historical context that there is a lot more going on here than a blanket instruction to submit to any and all human Government, and how that within this text there is an implicit...
2024-08-0558 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 22:1-14 The Parable of the Marriage Feast
The chief priests and elders of the people attempted to intimidate Jesus after the triumphal entry and the clearing of the temple. Let’s just say it did not work…. like at all. In response Jesus gave three parables that progressively indicted the Jews as a whole, and the religious leaders in particular for their rebellion and wickedness. Listen as Pastor Matt shows how this third parable points to the irrationality and wickedness of their collective rejection of His offer of grace and blessing.
2024-07-2959 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 21:33-46 The Parable of the Landowner
The Parable of the Landowner is the second of three judgment parables that Jesus with which Jesus threatened the chief priests and the elders of the people when they opposed Him in the temple. Listen as Pastor Matt explains this dark illustration, Jesus dreadful application for the Jewish people, and how their damning repudiation of Jesus’ warning led to the salvation of the world.
2024-06-2352 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 21_28-32 Delayed vs Pretended Obedience
After the chief priests and the elders refused to answer Jesus concerning the source of John the Baptist’s ministry, Jesus presented them with a question centered around a parable. In this parable one son rebels and then repents while another son pretends to be an obedient son but doesn’t actually obey. Jesus then asks which son did the will of the father. Clearly, it was the first. But then Jesus hits them with a shocking pronouncement, ‘The tax collectors and prostituted would enter the Kingdom before these self-righteous, hypocritical religious leaders! May we all guard ourselves from preten...
2024-05-2700 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 21:23-27 The Nature & Origin of Jesus’ Authority
After Jesus’ triumphal entry and the cleansing of the temple the religious leader in Jerusalem were angry. So when He returned he was met with a huge group of chief priests and elders. This group asked Jesus two insincere questions. 1) By what authority are You doing these things, and 2) Who gave You this authority? Jesus’ response is a bit confusing on the surface. He asks them a question, and says if they answer His question He will answer theirs. He asks, ‘What is the source of John’s the Baptist’s baptism, from heaven or of man?’ Does this question see...
2024-05-1952 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 21:18-22 The Cursing of the Fig Tree (Part 2 of 2)
We all know the text.
Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen.
Have you ever wondered how the cursing of a fig tree has anything at all to do with a mountain being cast into the sea? Listen as Pastor Matt explains how these two things are related, and the confidence buildi...
2024-05-121h 08Sermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 21:17-19 The Cursing of the Fig Tree (Part 1 of 2)
Have you ever read the story where Jesus cursed a fig tree for not having any figs on it? Doesn’t that story seem a bit weird? Did Jesus let His hunger and disappointment in not getting any figs cause Him to act rashly and out of character? Absolutely not! Everything Jesus did was under control and purposeful. Listen as Pastor Matt explains this unusual narrative, and the symbolic lesson it is teaching concerning the future of Jerusalem and the Temple.
2024-04-2859 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 21:13-16 The Triumphal Entry…Into the Temple (Part 2 of 2)
In Jesus’ famous Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem we see the bold audacity of Christ on full display. He rides into Jerusalem presenting Himself as the promised Messiah, but in this text we see Jesus take His audacious claims to a new level. Jesus is not only the Messiah; He is God in the flesh!
2024-04-2158 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 21:11-13 The Triumphal Entry…. into the Temple
In Jesus’ famous Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem we see the bold audacity of Christ on full display. His next move takes it to the next level. Listen as Pastor Matt explains the significance of the title conferred upon Jesus by the Galilean crowds, the prophesies surrounding Jesus’ hometown, and the bold statement Jesus is making by cleansing the Temple. He is indeed the Prophet, the King, and the Priest who was to come into the world.
2024-04-1459 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 21:8-10 The Response to the Triumphal Entry
Jesus has set up quite the spectacle by arranging to enter Jerusalem the way He did. He was making a clear statement concerning His identity as the promised Messiah, and the Galilean crowds fully bought into His message. Listen as Pastor Matt contrasts the positive response of the Galilean with the negative response of those in Jerusalem. And then challenges us to respond in faith and joy to a God who establishes His purpose regardless of man’s resistance. The empty tomb is evidence of our victory!
2024-03-3146 minSermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 21:1-7 The Audacity of the Triumphal Entry- Fixed Audio
Audacious isn’t a typical word we think of when we think of Jesus, but that’s because we’ve been programed by feather haired, limp-wristed, effeminate, pansy men pastors to ignore the obvious intentions of Jesus’ words & action. Audacious means- Bold, daring, fearless, & courageous. Jesus was both gentle & lowly AND bold, daring, fearless & courageous. Contrary to popular opinion, those adjectives are not mutually exclusive. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how that in the Triumphal Entry we see both on display at the same time.
2024-03-261h 00Sermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 21:1-7 The Audacity of the Triumphal Entry
Audacious isn’t a typical word we think of when we think of Jesus, but that’s because we’ve been programed by feather haired, limp-wristed, effeminate, pansy men pastors to ignore the obvious intentions of Jesus’ words & action. Audacious means- Bold, daring, fearless, & courageous. Jesus was both gentle & lowly AND bold, daring, fearless & courageous. Contrary to popular opinion, those adjectives are not mutually exclusive. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how that in the Triumphal Entry we see both on display at the same time.
2024-03-241h 00Sermons Archives - Maynardville FellowshipMatthew 20:29-34 No Longer a Secret
In Matthew 20:29-34 Jesus heals two blind men….. almost exactly like He did in Matthew 9:27-31. There too, Jesus encounters two blind men. There too, the blind men show a remarkable urgency & persistence in their cry for help. There too, these blind men demonstrate an astounding understanding of Jesus’ identity; confessing Him as both Lord & as Son of David. There too, Jesus heals them of theirblindness. With just a surface reading, we see these same basic elements as in Matthew 20:29-34. So why does Matthew include two narratives that are so strikingly similar.
Listen as Past...
2024-03-1852 minPortraits of Grace Archives - Maynardville FellowshipLoss and Gain at Christmas Time: A Tribute to My Uncle Tom
Christmas doesn’t always seem holly jolly. People lose their jobs, houses burn down, there are car accidents, people get sick, and loved ones die. Why? What is magical about that? How are we supposed to get in the Christmas Spirit in the middle of this wretched brokenness? Sometimes, at out weakest points, it can feel like God is mean. But before we give into that thought let’s consider first that maybe, just maybe, we’re missing something. Listen as Pastor Matt grieves the passing of his Uncle Tom, and points to how Christmas can be even sweeter in time...
2020-12-1335 minPortraits of Grace Archives - Maynardville FellowshipRodney Widner’s TestimonyRodney Widner encourages us with the story of God’s miraculous work in his life.
2014-02-2515 minPortraits of Grace Archives - Maynardville FellowshipNoah’s TestimonyNoah Goggans encourages us with his testimony of how God has transformed Him from a young man marked by anger and lust into a new creation; joyful, loving, and more desiring of the things of God than the things of this world.
2014-02-1744 minPortraits of Grace Archives - Maynardville FellowshipPrentice’s TestimonyPrentiss Allen blesses us with her confession of what God has done in her life to give her confidence and joy in the knowledge that she is His. God is faithful; we can trust, and even have joy, in the hard trials of life because we know that He is working our good in it all.
2014-02-1012 minPortraits of Grace Archives - Maynardville FellowshipDanielle’s TestimonyDanielle Devault gives her testimony of what God has done, and is doing, in her life. She shares her journey to follow where God is leading her. From our Sunday service on February 2, 2014.
2014-02-0416 minPortraits of Grace Archives - Maynardville FellowshipChris’ TestimonyChris Hardee gives his testimony of how God gave him new life and victory over sin at our Sunday service on January 19, 2014.
2014-01-2018 minPortraits of Grace Archives - Maynardville FellowshipDiane’s TestimonyDiane Bernard gives her testimony at our Sunday service on January 12, 2014.
2014-01-1408 min