Sermon Notes For 2025

Please see "Archived Wednesday Sermon Notes" for previous topics - Thank you!

Sermon Notes For 5-7-25 Part 1 The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 6: Vs. 5 Thru 12, And Then Vs. 14&15, And Then Lastly, Vs. 13. For This Will Be (The 2nd) Out Of 5) Corrective Topics From Our Lord Jesus Which Will Be Life-Changing, (But) It Will Also Reveal How Superficial Or Serious Our Commitment To Obey The Lord Jesus The Messiah King Really Is!

Now, let’s turn to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 6!

Now Today, with God’s help we want to continue with this next important section here in The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 6: *starting with vs. 5 thru 12. *And then we will include vs. 14&15. *And then lastly, we will look at vs. 13.

Now, with these 11 verses, vs. 5 thru 12, and then vs. 14&15, and lastly vs. 13. for these 11 verses will represent The 2nd out of 5 Corrective Topics From Our Lord Jesus Which Will Be Life-Changing, But They Will Also Reveal How Superficial Or Serious Our Commitment To Obey The Lord Jesus The Messiah King Really Is!

Also, our “Topic Title” for this important section will be called, “How To Have An Authentic And Healthy Prayer Life According To Our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Repeat) Let me show you what I mean!

Now, notice Matthew Chapter 6: 5. And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For (they) the hypocrites love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets so that they may be seen by men. Assuredly I say unto you, they have their reward. 6 But when you pray go into your room, and when you have shut your door, And your Father who sees in the secret place our room, will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray do not use vain repetitions as the heathen Do! For they the heathen think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Therefore, do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 Therefore, in this manner you pray: Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

Now at this point, I am going to also include these 2 verses regarding Forgiveness. 14 For if you forgive men of their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 13 And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (Stop here)

So once again, these 11 verses, vs. 5 thru 12, and then vs. 14&15, and lastly vs. 13. For these 11 verses also represent an important topic title, “How Do We Have An Authentic And Healthy Prayer Life According To Our Lord Jesus Christ?”

Because these corrections from our Lord Jesus Christ are not just Him nitpicking or being overly critical about a minor matter. But actually, our Lord Jesus is really helping us to question our motives, and to be willing to change how we approach God in prayer.

For example. Being impressive with our prayers, instead of being sincere and transparent, hiding nothing when we pray! Or, wanting to be seen by others when we pray, instead of wanting to be heard by God, which one really matters more to you? Or here is another one, sounding religious when you pray, instead of being yourself and just talking to God!

And finally, using a quantity of words, or phrases, or clichés when you pray, instead of spending time in fellowship, being still, in order to experience a closeness, a real intimacy when praying to God.

Now, let’s take a moment to turn to an important spiritual principle found in The Old Testament book of first Samuel chapter 16, regarding how God is more focused upon the heart of an individual than the outward appearance of that person.

Now, notice 1st Samuel 16: 7. But the Lord said unto the Prophet Samuel, Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, for I have rejected him. Why? *For or because The Lord does not see as man sees; For or because man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at The heart.

Now, see Matthew 15: 7. Jesus is speaking, “Hypocrites! How well did Isaiah prophesy about you saying: 8. These people draw near unto Me with their mouth, And they honor Me with their lips! But Their heart is far from Me.”

Now, let’s go back to Matthew Chapter 6.

Now, notice (again) Matthew Chapter 6:5 And when you pray you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they the hypocrites love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets so that they may be seen by men. Assuredly I say unto you, they have their reward. (Stop here)

And let’s notice again Mathew 6:2. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, Or practice your righteousness, do not sound a trumpet before you as The Hypocrites do in The Synagogues, which is like a Church assembly, and in the streets.

Why would they do that? So that they may have Glory from men. Assuredly, I say unto you, they have their reward.

Now, notice again Matthew Chapter 6:5. And when you pray you shall not be like the hypocrites. For (they) the hypocrites love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets so that they may be seen by men. Assuredly I say unto you, they have their reward. (Stop here)

Now notice again Matthew Chapter 6:6. But when you pray go into your room, and when you have shut your door, And your Father who sees in the secret place your room, will reward you openly.

Now, let’s notice again Mathew 6: 3 But when you do a charitable deed, Or practice your righteousness do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (Why?) 4 So that your charitable deed Or practice your righteousness may be in secret. But your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

Sermon Notes For 5-14-25 Part 2 The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 6: Vs. 5 Thru 12, And Then Vs. 14&15 And Then Lastly, Vs. 13. For This Will Be The 2nd Out Of 5 Corrective Topics From Our Lord Jesus Which Will Be Life-Changing, But It Will Also Reveal How Superficial Or Serious Our Commitment To Obey The Lord Jesus The Messiah King Really Is!

Now, let’s turn to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 6! Now, today with God’s help we want to continue with this next important section here in The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 6: *Starting with vs. 5 thru 12. *And then we will include vs. 14&15. *And then lastly, we will look at vs. 13.

Now, with these 11 verses, vs. 5 thru 12, and then vs. 14&15, and lastly vs. 13. These 11 verses will represent the 2nd out of 5 corrective topics from our Lord Jesus which will be life-changing, but they will also reveal how superficial or serious our commitment to obey The Lord Jesus The Messiah King really is!

Also, we have a “Topic Title” for this important section that i am calling, “How To Have An Authentic And Healthy Prayer Life According To Our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Now, let’s notice Matthew Chapter 6: 7 And when you pray do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do! For (they) the heathen think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Therefore, do not be like (them) the heathen. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask him. (stop here)

Listen, according to our Lord Jesus Christ in order to have an authentic and healthy prayer life there are 2 additional matters that we must accept regarding The Lord’s correction just as we did in verses 5&6.

Remember Matthew Chapter 6: 5 And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For (they) the Hypocrites love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets so that they may be seen by men. Assuredly I say unto you, they have their reward. 6 But when you pray go into your room, and when you have shut your door, And your Father who sees in the secret place (your room), will reward you openly.

But, according to our Lord Jesus, in order to have an authentic and healthy prayer life there are 2 more matters that we must accept regarding The Lord’s correction when it comes to the matter of prayer.

And, here in Matthew Chapter 6: 7. This will be the first one. Show you what I mean! Now, notice again, Matthew Chapter 6:7. And when you pray do not use vain repetitions as the Heathen do! For (they) the Heathen think that they will be heard for their many words, (Stop here)

Now, see also, Mark 12: 40. They devour widows’ houses, *and for A pretense they make long prayers. These individuals will receive greater condemnation

(Question) Who is our Lord Jesus speaking about? Well, see Mark 12: 38. Then Jesus said unto them in His teaching, beware of the Scribes who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces.

Now, let’s go back to Matthew Chapter 6. Now, notice Matthew Chapter 6: 7. And when you pray do not use vain repetitions as the Heathen do! For (they) the Heathen think that they will be heard for their many words, (Stop here)

So, what is Vain Repetitions? In the original language of the New Testament the word vain repetitions is only one word which is only used once in all the Bible right here in Matthew 6: 7.

A Strong's Definition, βαττολογέω battologéō, bat-tol-og-eh'-o; from Βάττος Báttos (a proverbial stammerer) and G3056; to stutter, i.e. by implication to prate tediously: use vain repetitions.

However, in our English Versions of the Bible the word, “vain repetitions” is a compound word made up of 2 different English words. Vain can mean, useless or empty words sayings, platitudes, or clichés. Repetitions can mean the act of repeating, something again and again and again.

Therefore, vain repetitions from a biblical perspective can refer to the practice of repeating prayers or mantras or chants in a mechanical fashion without sincere thought or reflection on what’s being said.

Vain repetition is often associated with the idea that the uttering of certain words repeatedly will bring about a desired outcome. Or, that the repetition itself is intended to impress or bother a deity with the quantity of words rather than with the quality of the words being prayed.
A good example would be the 450 prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel while before the prophets Elijah they prayed and chanted repetitiously.

Now, see 1st Kings 18: 22 Then Elijah said unto the people, I alone am left a prophet of the Lord; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. 26 So the prophets of Baal 450 of them, took the bull which was given unto them, and they prepared it. And called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon saying,"O Baal hear us!" But there was no voice. no one answered. Then the prophets of Baal leaped about the altar which they had made. 27 And so it was at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, Cry aloud for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened. 28 So, the prophets of Baal cried aloud and cut themselves as was their custom with knives and lances until the blood gushed out on them. 29 And when midday was past, the prophets of Baal even prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. But there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention.

Now, let’s go back to Matthew Chapter 6. Now, notice again Matthew Chapter 6:7. And when you pray do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do! For they, the heathen think that they will be heard for their many words, (Stop here)

Unfortunately, in our day some within the body of Christ will lead others to recite a certain prayer or a saying or a phrase for a specific number of times in order to be absolved of sin, or to deal with Perceived demonic activity and saying over and over again, Like, “We plead the blood of Jesus!”

Or what about praying multiple Hail, Mary’s. Like, Hail, Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women. And blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

Or what about some who insist the reciting The Lord’s Prayer. “Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

“Or, what about those who believe that you should praying in tongues regularly! See 1st Corinthians 14: 13 Therefore, let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. (Stop here)

Now, remember vain repetitions from a biblical perspective can refer to the practice of repeating prayers or mantras or chants in a mechanical fashion without sincere thought or reflection on what’s being said.

(Note) Now, I have a brief article which explains more about vain repetitions that is used here in Matthew 6: 7 from a biblical point of view, if you are interested let me know.

Now, let’s go back to Matthew Chapter 6. Now, the article which explains more about vain repetitions that is used here in Matthew 6: 7 from a biblical point of view.

The word vain means “empty” or “useless”; so Jesus is warning us that repeating worthless phrases in our prayers will not help them be heard by God.

Our Heavenly Father is not concerned with word count, flowery expressions, or mantras; He desires “truth in the inward being” (Psalm 51:6, ESV).

Therefore, vain repetitions from A biblical perspective can refer to the practice of repeating prayers or mantras or chants in a mechanical fashion without sincere thought or reflection on what’s being said.

“Use not vain repetitions” is the King James translation of Matthew 6:7. Other translations say, do not use meaningless repetition” (NASB) “do not heap up empty phrases” (ESV), or “do not keep on babbling” (NIV).

Our Lord Jesus is points out the use of repetitious words or formulaic phrases isa “heathen” or “pagan” practice and should not be part of Christian prayer. Our prayers should be more like the short, simple prayer of Elijah on Mt. Carmel and less like the prolonged, repetitious prayers of the prophets of Baal (see 1 Kings 18:25–39).

However, when we are praying, we are talking with God and worshiping Him. It is like a conversation from the heart.

Many religions, including some branches of Christianity, have rote prayers that they advise repeating over and over again. This is a throwback to paganism and superstition; such formulaic prayers are “vain repetitions” that have no place in the church.

Jesus has already atoned for our sins once and for all (Hebrews 10:10), and we can approach the throne of grace boldly on the merit of Christ’s sacrifice (Hebrews 4:15–16), not because of our “many words” (Matthew 6:7).

It’s easy to be caught up in vain repetitions, repeating the same words in our prayers instead of thinking about our words or letting them come from the heart. We should be focused on God in prayer and honor Him in our hearts. In Isaiah 29:13, God says, “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”

Jesus’ warning against vain repetitions means we should avoid vain or meaningless words and repetition in our prayers. Repeating things fills up time, but it does not prove our devotion or better our chances of God’s hearing us. We should teach our children at an early age to pray in a natural, conversational manner, with reverence for the One they are addressing.

Being persistent in prayer is not the same as using vain repetitions. There is nothing wrong with praying for the same thing more than once (see 2 Corinthians 12:8). After all, Jesus taught us that we should “always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1). But it’s understood that our prayers are from the heart, spontaneous, and honoring to God, not the repeating of words written by someone else.

The Bible teaches us to pray in faith (James 1:6), in direct address to God (Matthew 6:9), and in Jesus’ name (John 14:13). We should offer our prayers with reverence and humility (Luke 18:13), with perseverance (Luke 18:1), and in submission to God’s will (Matthew 6:10). The Bible teaches us to avoid prayers that are hypocritical, designed to be heard only by men (Matthew 6:5), or rely on vain repetitions (Matthew 6:7).

Sermon Notes For 5-21-25 Part 3 The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 6: Vs. 5 Thru 12, And Then Vs. 14&15, And Then Lastly, Vs. 13. For This Will Be (The 2nd) Out Of 5) Corrective Topics From Our Lord Jesus Which Will Be Life-Changing, But It Will Also Reveal How Superficial Or Serious Our Commitment To Obey The Lord Jesus The Messiah King Really Is!

Now, let’s turn to The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 6!Now, today with god’s help we want to continue with this next important section here in The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 6: *Starting with vs. 5 thru 12. *And then we will include vs. 14&15. *And then lastly, we will look at vs. 13.Now, with these 11 verses, vs. 5 thru 12, and then vs. 14&15, and lastly vs. 13.

These 11 verses will represent the 2nd out of 5 corrective topics from Our Lord Jesus which will be life-changing, but they will also reveal how superficial or serious our commitment to obey The Lord Jesus The Messiah King really is!

Also, we have a “Topic Title” for this important section that I am calling, “How To Have An Authentic And Healthy Prayer Life According To Our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Now, let’s notice Matthew Chapter 6: 9 Our Lord Jesus continues to speak, in this manner therefore pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

Now, at this point I am going to also include Vs. 14&15. Now, notice vs. 14. For if you forgive men or people their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men or people their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

And finally go back to vs. 13, *And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. *For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. *Amen.

One of the most well-known prayers ever! Most of us can say it or recited by memory some of you learned this in Sunday school or vacation Bible school or at Home. These words are so familiar! These words are so memorable!

Thinking about it, if you were playing Bible Jeopardy, would you know the answers to these questions? How many English words do you think make up The Lord’s Prayer? Actually, there are 66 English words that are used to make up this most well-known prayer for many of us.

Notice, starting with vs. 9 thru 13 = 66 English words then, if you add vs. 14&15 = 29 English words. Therefore, you should have a grand total of 95 English words

Now, we will not be looking at every word, but we will be looking at every phrase in vs. 9 thru 12, and then from vs. 14&15, and then lastly, vs. 13. Actually, there are there are 16 phrases.

Notice again Matthew Chapter 6: 9 *Our Father in heaven. *Hallowed be Your name. 10 *Your kingdom come. *Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 *Give us this day our daily bread. 12 *And forgive us our debts. *As we forgive our debtors.

Now, at this point, I am going to also include vs. 14&15. Now Notice Vs.14, *For if you forgive men or people their trespasses, *your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 *But if you do not forgive men or people their trespasses. *neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. And finally go back to vs. 13, *And do not lead us into temptation. But deliver us from the evil one. *For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. *Amen.

Now, If you were still playing Bible Jeopardy, and the question was given, is Matthew 6: 9 through 13 Is the only place in The Bible where we have The Lord’s prayer given unto us?

What would be your answers to this questions?

Well, let’s see Luke 11: 1 Now it came to pass as The Lord Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He had finish one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord teach us to pray as John the Baptizer also taught his disciples. 2 So Jesus said unto them, when you pray say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread.4 And forgive us our sins, For as we also forgive everyone who is indebted unto us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Stop here)

Let’s go back again to Luke 11:1. Now it came to pass as The Lord Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He had finish one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord teach us to pray as John the Baptizer also taught his disciples. (Stop here)

Did John Have disciples?

Well, see The Gospel Of John 1: 35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 24 Now, those who were sent were from the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, saying, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" *26 John answered them saying, I baptize with water but there stands One among you whom you do not know. 27 It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. 36 And John looking at Jesus as He walked, John said, Behold the Lamb of God! 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, What do you seek? They said to Him, Rabbi (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), where are You staying? 39 He said to them, Come and see. They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day now it was about the tenth hour. 35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew Simon Peter's brother. 43 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46 And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these." 51 And He said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

Now, let’s go back to Matthew 6. Now, let’s notice again Matthew 6:9A. In this manner therefore pray: (Stop here) Now, let’s notice Luke 11:2. So, Jesus said unto them when you pray and say, (Stop here) Now let’s notice again Matthew 6:9A. In this manner therefore pray: Our Father in heaven, (Stop here) Now, see Luke 11:2. So, Jesus said unto them, when you pray say: Our Father in heaven, (Stop here)

Our Father, the multitude of spiritual children who belong to God the father because of Jesus Christ.

St. John 3:7. Do not marvel that I said unto you, You must be born again.

Ephesians 3: 14. For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15. from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, in Heaven, the primary abode of our Heavenly Father.

Revelation 4: 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. Revelation 5: 1 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.