This episode examines the first two chapters of Keeping the Church Small: Small Group Strategies for Growing Churches. We also review important announcements as we look ahead to this holiday season!

Preaching Point: Salvation is given exclusively through the revelation of Jesus Christ to those who are open to truth and burdened by what this world has to offer.

Main Text: Matthew 11:25–30 (ESV) 25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Teaching Points:

1. Acknowledge God’s Rejection of Human Wisdom vv25-26
2. Affirm God’s Elective Choice in Salvation v27
3. Find Rest in the Work of Christ vv28-30

Preaching Point: Announcing God's coming judgment to our generation is an unpopular but necessary task with eternal implications.

Main Text: Matthew 11:20–24 (ESV) 20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

Teaching Point:

1. Articulate the Purpose of Jesus’ Miracles vv20-21,23
2. Make Repentance a Requirement vv20-21
3. Expect Varying Degrees of Judgment vv22-24