Explore every episode of the podcast Maynardville Fellowship Podcast

Listen as Pastor Matt defines Christian Apologetics, defends the branch of Theology from Scripture, and explains why it is such a critically important discipline.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/The-Lord-Remembers-Zech-1_1-6.mp3 Does God see me in my distress? Will he be faithful to his promises toward me? Does he have a plan for my future? It may be surprising to many, but Zechariah opens his book answering these very questions.

What is the proper approach to restoring a brother ensnared by sin? How should a Christian pursue someone who has been excommunicated? Many believe that the approach is the same in both situations, but Scripture is clear that the situations present two different paths to restoration and reconciliation.

Listen as Pastor Josh Woody explains how the local church is to corporately work out their salvation with fear and trembling before a holy God.

Disagreements and conflicts in the church are burdensome, but they are not to unique to your church. The same sorts of conflict was present in Ephesus, Colossae, Philippi, & Corinth. Paul even says that divisions are necessary & even helpful.1 Cor. 11:18 When you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; & in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you. The key is that WHEN there is a disagreement over faith or practice that the members are working through those disagreements toward unity. But how can you tell when someone is using such disagreements to create division through gossip? Listen as Pastor Matt examines Proverbs 20:29 to show us how to identify and deal with gossip so the church can remain unified.

Unity is not an option in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the very thing that Jesus himself prayed his followers would have to mirror the Godhead in John 17. We in the church have an awesome responsibility to maintain the unity that God has already provided us with the means that He has prescribed. Listen as Pastor David presents from Ephesians 4:1-6… I-Unity is Given to us by God DirectlyII-Unity is to be Guarded by us DevotionallyIII-Disunity is to be Gravely Dealt With

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.

It is likely that the title of this sermon itself caused you to cringe a bit and recoil. The question is, why? Listen as Pastor Matt explains the God's patriarchal design for marriage and all of society, and how that departing from this biblical structure 'causes the word of God to be dishonored. The Gospel is unashamedly, unapologetically, and unabashedly Patriarchal and that is something for which we should be thankful.

Christians are commanded to take dominion of the world and disciple the nations under Christ, but we will never take dominion of the world if we do not first take dominion of our own bodies. Listen as Pastor Josh Woody exposits Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 to discipline our bodies and keep our bodies under control, lest we lead ourselves to destruction.

What does it mean to be “in the world, but not of it”? Many in the church either ignore the distinction altogether or reduce it to a christianized version of secular failures. Find out why Jesus prayed for this distinction and how you can avoid being “of the world."

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 pretending to be righteous when our hearts are far from God!

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 seem odd to you? How is John's baptism in any way related to Jesus' authority to march into the city representing Himself as 'the Son of David' and His authority to cleanse the temple. Listen as Pastor Matt explains this remarkable text.

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. *

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 building encouragement that this proclamation by King Jesus carries for His people.

Is assurance of salvation a possibility? Can a believer be confident concerning his position in the Kingdom of Light? Absolutely! John’s epistle was written to give such confidence. Listen as brother Michael Carr exposits the final words of assurance from the apostle in this great epistle.

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.

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!

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.

There’s more to glean from David’s final address than a call for a lasting legacy. There is a rich contrast that unfolds between Saul and David that points the reader to the constant refrain of the man after God’s own heart; that Christ is King!

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!

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.

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.

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 Pastor Matt explains the significance of both the similarities and the differences between these two different healings. It is in the subtle difference found in this latter text that we find the main point; that’s which once needed to be kept secret now needed to be declared & demonstrated as publicly as possible. Jesus is the Lord, the Son of David!

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 Pharisees to the crowds with them listening; exposing their self appointment as leaders, their double-standards, and the unholy motives of their 'righteousness.' If Jesus keeps this up He is going to get Himself killed..... which is, in fact, a necessary component of God's perfect plan.

When the other 10 disciples heard how James and John were conspiring to secure the top positions in the Kingdom for themselves they were indignant against them. What does Jesus do? He acts as a peacemaker. He calls everyone together for an unforgettable teaching moment, offering both a negative and a positive comparison. Matthew 20:25–28 The rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”Listen as Pastor Matt fleshes out this familiar text.

When James, John, and their mother asked Jesus to grant them seats on His left and right hand in His Kingdom Jesus responded by telling them that they didn't know what they were asking. What does that mean? In what sense did the not understand what they were asking? Listen as Pastor Matt fleshes out this difficult question and explains its implications for the Kingdom if Heaven.

Christians cannot perpetually surrender ground to wickedness. Paul demonstrates in this text that there is ground that must be defended at all costs. To surrender this hill is to surrender the entire battle. What is this ground that must be defended at all costs? Listen as Brother Michael Carr explores this texts and encourages Christians to fight the good fight of faith.

Right after Jesus told the disciples of His coming suffering and death two of them, James and John, accompanied their mother to ask a favor of Jesus. What was the factor? That James and John would sit on the right and left hand of Christ in His Kingdom. Listen as Pastor Matt considers the problems with this question, and explores how we should understand the relationship between helpful and blessed influence and positions of power and authority.

Last week Pastor Matt explained the particular elements of the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. He did not explain what Matthew intended to convey. What is meant by 
the Kingdom of Heaven/The Vineyard? Who do these early morning laborers and late day laborers who receive just as much as the early morning laborers represent? And how are the early morning laborers provoked to jealousy? Listen as Pastor Matt 1) shows how this text is rooted in the O.T. tradition. 2) Considers what’s going on in the flow of Matthew 3) how Matthew uses the concept of the vineyard elsewhere.

Our sinful nature often clouds our judgment on issues of right and wrong. Such is certainly the case with the laborers in the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. Listen to part one of Pastor Matt's examination of this often misunderstood parable.

Culture has changed DRAMATICALLY in the past few generations. That which was unthinkable is now popular opinion, and that which was once popular opinion is now unthinkable. Unfortunately, laws and public policy have moved with these cultural norms. What happened? Listen as Pastor Matt explains a concept known as 'the Overton Window,' how it has moved, and what we have to do move it back.

The very concept of a gender binary, is under Satanic attack. Gender is said to be distinct from biological sex, and to exist only as a social construct. But what does the Bible teach us on this topic? You may be surprised to learn how much you've been impacted by the ‘spirit of the age.' It is very possible that you celebrate things the Bible teaches are reprehensible, and consider reprehensible things the Bible prescribes and celebrates. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how God designed men and women differently on purpose. And how that design is perfectly tailored to the duties He has prescribed to both genders. It is only as we embrace God's design that we can rule over and subdue the earth as God has called us to do.

Last week Pastor Matt biblically demonstrated how Jesus ascended to His throne in the resurrection. But the text goes on to say that when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne the disciples will also sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.... but that didn't happen..... or did it? Listen as Pastor Matt explain the dangers of strict literal interpretation and show how the disciples literally fulfilled Jesus prophesy that they would sit on twelve metaphorical thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Matthew 19:28 Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.But what does 'in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne' mean? Are these events that are still to come, or has it all already happened? Listen as Pastor Matt explains the title 'Son of Man', His Throne, and the implications those concepts carry concerning the timing of these promises.

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 explains the mysteries truths that make these seemingly contradictory identities possible, and the implications of those truths for both the enemies of Christ and the citizens of His Kingdom.

A serpent has entered the garden and is mocking God and man. Who will drive it out of the garden and crush its head? One king won’t, another king will temporarily, and the True King does ultimately and completely.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King! Listen as Pastor Josh Woody explains from the book of Galatians how that 'in the fullness of time' the incarnate Son of God came into the world as King, and made us sons of God and heirs with Him.

The disciples were shocked by Jesus' words concerning the difficulty of entering the Kingdom. He said it was difficult for the rich, & gave an illustration suggesting it was impossible for them. But then Jesus went further. He expanded that impossibility to all men, and said that only by a miracle of God was it possible for anyone to be saved. The disciples are shaken by that reality. They have left everything and followed Christ. Was it possible that their sacrifices were for nothing? So they ask, 'What will there be for us?' Listen as Pastor Matt considers this reasonable question, and Jesus' answer where we see that the reward of faithfulness is always worth the sacrifice.

Jesus told the disciples that it was easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Does it then follow that it is more difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom than it is for a poor man? Listen as Pastor Matt shows how this section teaches the impossibility of any man, rich or poor, to enter the Kingdom by his own efforts. But praise be to God! With God all things are possible.

It’s often the most memorable biblical stories that are twisted to advance ideas that weaken, undermine, or even directly contradict clear biblical doctrines. The Story of the Rich Young Ruler is one such story. Does every believer need to sell all he owns and give it to the poor in order to have eternal life? Is there something inherently holy about being poor, or inherently unholy about being rich? Isn't money the root of all evil? How should a Christian view wealth? Listen as Pastor Matt answers these questions and more as he walks through the story of 'the Rich Young Ruler.

Immediately after Jesus affirms the propriety of some men choosing a life of celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven, we find a story that emphasizes the importance of children to the expansion of the Kingdom. Listen as Pastor Matt explores how this text fits in the flow of chapter 19 and calls upon Christian parents to invest deeply in their children's spiritual development during these precious moldable years. There is no more important calling and duty in your lives! Children matter for the Kingdom of Heaven!

Countless people have concluded from Matthew 19:10-12 and I Corinthians 7 that truly spiritual people, truly holy people, & truly Kingdom minded people should choose a life of singleness & celibacy. At a glance these texts would lead a man to think that if he REALLY wants to make an impact for the Kingdom of Heaven he needs to forego marriage & commit his life to ‘ministry.’ But is that what this text is teaching? Is it better not to marry? Listen as Pastor Matt explores these texts to answer these difficult question.

Just as in the Modern USA, at the time of Christ divorce was shamefully common. The Pharisees had taught the popular Hillelite tradition on divorce saying that divorce was acceptable for any reason. When they asked Jesus He disagreed. He said, 'What God has joined together, do not let man separate.' They responded by claiming that Jesus was contradicting Moses. Listen as Pastor Matt delves into Jesus' response to that accusation, and how He again points to God's intention for marriage from creation.

In Genesis 12, God has just given wonderful promises to Abram. However, when famine strikes, Abram’s response displays his lack of faith in God upholding His promises. In an attempt to preserve his own life, he acts as a cowardly husband and endangers the life of his own wife. Listen as Brother Cody leads us through Genesis 12:10-20 and shows how God is faithful to uphold His promised blessings even when Abram acts in his lack of faith.

In their jealousy and envy the rebellious Pharisees test Jesus by asking Him a calculated question about divorce. The question is designed to reduce Jesus popularity and possibly even get Him killed. How does Jesus respond? Listen as Pastor Matt highlights the uncompromisingly bold answer Jesus gives, and what we can learn from His answer.

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 portion of the Law as the greatest when others, undoubtedly would have their differing opinions. Listen as Pastor Matt explains how Jesus once again avoids another trap. Jesus answers this question in an incontrovertible way with which no Jew could possibly argue, and in a way that ultimately points us to the Gospel.

We have all walked through difficult seasons with varying degrees of intensity. In Lamentations Jeremiah shows us how a proper theology helps you navigate even the most distressing circumstances.

After Peter heard Jesus' somber, yet encouraging, teaching about the effectiveness of the church in administering church discipline what does he ask? Does he ask about how to pursue the shunned man who has been put out of the church? Nope. Does he ask any clarifying questions about how to be certain they are rightly binding & loosing? Nope, Not on his radar. In light of Jesus’ teaching about discipline, Peter was concerned about putting a cap on his mercy. Listen as Pastor Matt looks at the parable of the unmerciful servant, and the danger involved in withholding forgiveness.

We know the titles 'The Devil' and 'Satan,' but do we even know what they mean? Listen as Pastor Chris Jones of Christ the King Reformed Baptist Church in Clinton, Tennessee sheds light on the meaning of these titles and his method of warfare. Whether Satan accuses us to God, God to us, us to one another, or us to ourselves; we must recognize his tactics and be prepared to resist them.

Most every Christian knows Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Unfortunately, this verse is often wrongly used to justify people's lack of involvement in the organized church. But did Jesus intend the verse to be taken that way? Listen as Pastor Matt shows how this verse is actually a verse highlighting the authority and influence of the local church instead of denying or diminishing it.