First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Lord’s Day August 17, 2003 Anno Domini

Matthew 9:9-13

Celebrating God’s Mercy.

  I.  Matthew’s call and his banquet.
 

      A.  He left everything behind.
      B.  He hosted a banquet to honor Jesus.
      C.  Matthew used his wealth and his connections to bring the needy to
Christ.
     

  II.  Where Christ is honored, sinners are welcome.
 

      A.  Christ came to bring hope and forgiveness.
      B.  Forgiveness is a gift of God.
        

Ephesians 1:7; 2:8; Romans 8:34.

      C.  Christ’s opponents aim to remove hope.
        

Isaiah 65:5; Mark 7:8-9; John 5:39-44; Matt 11:19.

   III. Where Christ is honored, people truly learn God’s ways.
 

      A.  Hosea 6:6 expresses God’s desire.
        

Matt 5:46-47.

      B.  God desires...mercy, compassion, steadfast love, loyalty.
      C.  God desires to be known.
        

John 17:3.

  IV.  Your ministry: banquets for Jesus, invitations to sinners, learning
to know God.
 

      A.  When Jesus calls you to follow him, leave all behind and go!
     

      B.  How do you use your resources to bring sinners to Jesus?
        

Luke 14:12-14

      C.  It is not true that only the leaders and the famous make
important contributions to the kingdom of God.
     

      D.  Celebrate God’s mercy by making him known!
     

Pastor Christian Adjemian, Dipl.Div., Ph.D.

pastor@reformedprescambridge.com phone: 617.864.3185