MillCity Church

<p>This sermon on Matthew 23 explores Jesus’ final public message—a powerful warning about the responsibility and danger of spiritual leadership. Speaking to the crowds and the religious leaders still present, Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes through a series of seven “woes,” declaring judgment on those who misuse spiritual authority. He contrasts true leadership—marked by spiritual authority, integrity, compassion, and humility—with the corruption of false leaders who twist Scripture, act dishonestly, feign righteousness, and lead people away from God. Jesus’ rebuke reveals that false spiritual leaders not only harm themselves but also those who follow them, ultimately leading to spiritual death. Yet even amid this strong condemnation, His heart remains full of compassion, longing to gather His people as a hen gathers her chicks. The message concludes with a reminder that judgment is not God’s desire—salvation is. Every believer is called to reflect Christ in their leadership, whether at home, in ministry, or in life, living with accountability before God. The ultimate call is clear: turn from self-righteousness, believe in Jesus, and lead others toward Him in truth and love.</p>

<p>This sermon on Matthew 23:13–39 exposes Jesus’ fierce rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees while ultimately revealing the patience and mercy of God, warning believers against hypocrisy, pride, and legalism that block people from the Kingdom rather than leading them into it. Through a series of “woes,” Jesus confronts religious leaders who burden others with rules, focus on outward appearance over inward transformation, major on minor issues while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, and condemn sins they themselves commit—showing that spiritual performance without humility leads to spiritual death. The message challenges listeners to examine their own hearts: whether they lead others to Christ or away from Him, live authentically across all areas of life, and remember the depth of forgiveness they themselves have received. In contrast to judgmental religion, Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem reveals a Savior who longs to gather His people, offering grace, repentance, and life to all. The antidote to becoming Pharisaical is a humble, grateful heart that continually remembers salvation is by grace alone, resulting in genuine love for God and others and a life that reflects Christ rather than merely appearing religious.</p>

<p>This sermon on Matthew 23 highlights Jesus’ final public warning about spiritual leadership, exposing the failures of the scribes and Pharisees while instructing both followers and leaders of Christ today. Jesus condemns leaders who possess outward authority but lack integrity, compassion, and humility—men who preach truth without living it, burden others without helping them, seek recognition rather than service, and elevate themselves instead of God. The message calls believers to be discerning about who they allow to shape their spiritual lives, since eternity is influenced by spiritual leadership, and also reminds every Christian that discipleship is a shared responsibility. True spiritual leaders are called and sent by God, live what they teach, shepherd people with compassion, and lead with humility, serving rather than seeking status. Ultimately, Christ alone is the true Teacher, and godly leadership reflects His heart by pointing people to Him, not to self.</p>

<p>In Jesus’ final sermon before His arrest, He warns the crowds and His disciples about the Pharisees, who “sit in Moses’ seat” but do not live out what they teach. They burden others with rules, crave honor and recognition, and practice religion for show instead of from a transformed heart. This passage challenges us both to examine who we allow to speak into our lives and to become the kind of spiritual leaders Jesus calls for—marked not by titles, platforms, or appearances but by four key traits: spiritual authority grounded in God’s Word, integrity that practices what it preaches, compassion that lifts burdens instead of adding to them, and humility that serves rather than seeks status. Jesus’ words call us to reject “high talk, low walk” religion and instead build lives of authentic faith, fruitfulness, and freedom in Him.</p>

<p>This sermon on Exodus 32–33 contrasts Israel’s impatience and idolatry with Moses’ and Joshua’s pursuit of God’s presence. When Moses delayed on Mount Sinai, the people quickly turned to idols, showing how easily we exchange God for substitutes when He doesn’t work on our timeline. Idols—whether status, possessions, or relationships—cannot satisfy and only pollute our lives. Yet even after their rebellion, God remained faithful to His covenant, offering His people provision and protection, though withholding His presence. The Israelites mourned, realizing that God’s presence is more valuable than blessings alone. Moses responded by setting up a tent outside the camp to meet with God, while the people only watched from a distance. Joshua, however, chose to linger in God’s presence, unwilling to leave. The message emphasizes that true transformation, wisdom, peace, and power are found not in fleeting substitutes but in lingering with God. While many settle for watching from afar or giving God minimal time, the call is to step into His presence personally, remain there, and experience intimacy with Him. Ultimately, lingering is the key to knowing God deeply and walking into His promises.</p>

<p>This sermon on Matthew 22:41–46 unpacks Jesus’ question to the Pharisees about the Messiah being both David’s son and David’s Lord, showing that He is not only the promised descendant of David but also the eternal Son of God. The message traces Israel’s history, the Pharisees’ zeal for the law, and God’s covenant promises, highlighting how Jesus fulfills Psalm 110 as the exalted Priest-King in the order of Melchizedek. Unlike the Pharisees, whose reliance on tradition blinded them to God’s unfolding plan, Jesus reveals Himself as the one seated at the right hand of the Father, ruling with authority, mediating a better covenant, and trampling His enemies underfoot. The sermon calls believers to humility, to avoid reducing Jesus to fit personal agendas, and to recognize Him as the Alpha and Omega, Son of David and Son of God, who secures eternal hope. </p>

<p>This passage from Matthew 22:34–40 shows the Pharisees again attempting to trap Jesus, this time with a theological test: which commandment is greatest? Rather than diminishing the law, Jesus distills its essence into two inseparable commands—love God fully with heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. These sum up all of Scripture and reveal that true obedience flows not from rigid rule-keeping but from love. The sermon explains how centuries of added traditions had shifted the law from devotion to ritual, while Jesus, as the Great High Priest, gives the ultimate interpretation and fulfillment of the law. His life and sacrifice embody perfect love for God and others, accomplishing what human effort never could. The Pharisees complicated faith, but Jesus simplified it, pointing to a relational, willful, and active love that transforms how we live. Through His finished work on the cross, believers are freed from striving under the law and invited into God’s presence, empowered to love both Him and others sincerely.</p>

<p>This message centers on Matthew 22 and the Greatest Commandment, set in the tense context of Passion Week as religious leaders repeatedly try—and fail—to trap Jesus using the Law. Jesus exposes the heart of God’s will by declaring that all Scripture hangs on two commands: loving God with one’s entire being—heart, soul, mind, and strength—and loving one’s neighbor as oneself. In contrast to the crushing weight of legalism and religious tradition, Jesus reveals that true obedience is not rule-keeping but wholehearted devotion expressed through action, service, and love. The sermon emphasizes that knowing about God is not the same as knowing God, that serving flows from salvation rather than earning it, and that believers are saved to serve as Christ’s ambassadors, primarily through the local church. Ultimately, the passage shows that no one can perfectly fulfill this command except Jesus Himself, which is why salvation comes not through the Law, but through faith in Christ, who calls people not just near the Kingdom of God, but into it.</p>

<p>In Matthew 22:23–33, the Sadducees—who denied the resurrection—tried to trap Jesus with a hypothetical question about marriage in the afterlife. Jesus corrected them, saying they misunderstood both Scripture and God’s power: in the resurrection, there is no marriage, and God is the God of the living, not the dead. This revealed that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are alive with Him, affirming the reality of resurrection. The sermon expands this truth, showing that the resurrection is central to the gospel: through Christ’s death and resurrection believers are freed from sin, made new creations, and already share in new life. Eternal life begins now for those in Christ, but will be fully realized when He returns and raises the dead in glory. The hope of resurrection calls Christians to live as children of light, holy and free from sin, knowing death has no final power. One day all pain, sorrow, and death will be gone, and we will stand complete in God’s presence—so we are urged to remain steadfast, living for the Lord, because our labor in Him is never in vain.</p>

<p>In Matthew 22:15–22, the Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, but He responds with wisdom: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” The coin bore Caesar’s image, so taxes rightfully belonged to him; but since people bear God’s image, our lives belong to God. This passage teaches us to respect governing authorities and fulfill civic duties like paying taxes, while remembering that our ultimate loyalty is to God. More than money, He desires our whole selves—our time, talents, and treasures—as a response to His grace, because in Christ He has declared us priceless.</p>

<p>In Matthew 21:23–22:14, Jesus is confronted by the Jewish leaders about the source of His authority after He cleanses the temple and teaches the crowds. Instead of answering directly, He exposes their hypocrisy by questioning them about John the Baptist, revealing their unwillingness to acknowledge truth. Through three parables—the two sons, the wicked tenants, and the wedding banquet—Jesus explains that authority comes from God, but those who reject it will lose their place in His kingdom. Religious leaders, though offered this authority first, forfeited it through unbelief, while repentant sinners, the marginalized, and others willing to bear fruit will inherit it. Ultimately, Jesus shows that God is patient but seeks obedience and genuine faith, warning that rejecting His invitation leads to judgment, while accepting His authority leads to life in His kingdom.</p>

<p>This passage explores the teaching of Jesus on prayer, using the account of the cursed fig tree as the backdrop. When the disciples marvel at the tree’s sudden withering, Jesus seizes the moment—just days before His crucifixion—to emphasize the necessity of prayer once He is no longer with them. The message highlights five key elements of powerful and effective prayer: remembering what God has already done, trusting His character and will, believing without doubt, asking boldly in alignment with His purposes, and forgiving others. Through scripture, personal stories, and church experiences, the teaching shows that prayer is not about manipulating God but about aligning with His will, trusting His power, and keeping hearts free from bitterness so that His purposes can be fulfilled.</p>

<p>As we continue our walk through the book of Matthew, we encounter Jesus teaching about the fig tree. He teaches us that the evidence of our faith in Him is shown by the fruit that we produce. We can have the faith as small as a musturd seed and still move mountains. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30 and Wednesdays at 7:00pm!</p>

<p>Pastor Ashley Spence delivers the message this week. In this week's message, she talks about how we need to come to the Lord like children. Joins us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am and Wednesdays at 7pm.</p>

<p>Pastor Justin Smith brings us this week's sermon, and highlights Jesus's flipping of the tables in the temple. We are the temples of the Holy Spirit, and we need to examine what is in the way of us having a completly dedicated life towards God. Join us every Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30am, and every Wednesday at 7:00pm.</p>

<p>Trendon Albers delivers a powerful word on knowing who Jesus is and how HIs triumphant entry into Jerusalem was predicted in the book of Zechariah. Those that knew of the prophecy knew who Jesus was, while those that didn't know didn't know who He was. We are called to be in His word to know who our Lord is. Join us every Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30am and Wednesdays at 7:00pm!</p>

<p>In this week's sermon, Jay Baker preaches about how the world doesn't revolve around us. He preaches about about how Jesus is always passing by ,and we should always take the oppurtunity to not miss out on Him. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am, and Wednesday's at 7:00pm!</p>

<p>As we continue in the Gospel of Matthew, we come across the third time Jesus predicts his death. We look at several prophetic voices in the Old Testament that predicts the crucifixion, and how the Old Testament over and over again reveals God's plan of salvation. Join us Sundays at 7:30 and 10:30am and Wednesdays at 7:00pm!</p>

<p>In this powerful sermon, Pastor Steve Spence preaches on the Parable of the Vineyard Workers. We learn that while we are saved there is a job to do. We learn that we have to serve the Lord, just as He was sent to serve in advancing the Kingdom. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am and Wednesdays at 7pm!</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>In this week's sermon, we look at Matthew 19: 16-30. In this message, Jesus tells His disciples about what the rewards are for following Him. We have to give up everything and follow HIm. Anyone, that gives up everything for Him will recieve a hundred times in return and inherit eternal life. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am, and Wednesdays at 7:30pm!</p>

<p>As we continue our walk through the Gospel of Matthew, we come across the story of The Rich Man. We learn that it isn't our works that get us into the Kingdom of Heaven, but only the belief in Jesus. Its through God's grace that we recieve our salvation and that its a gift. Nothing we do for God can get us into His Kingdom. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am and Wednesdays at 7:00pm</p>

<p>In this powerful message, Pastor Steve and Sandi teach us about what true christian parenting looks like. We take a look at many different situations in parenting by having a Q&A. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am, and Wednesdays at 7:00pm,</p>

<p>In this powerful message, Pastor Steve teaches us about what a true christian marraige looks like. We take a look at both the roles of the man and the woman in a marraige. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am, and Wednesdays at 7:00pm.</p>

<p>Mike Van Sickle presents this week's message on the The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. We learn about how important it is to extend forgiveness as we have been forgiven.</p>

<p>In today's message, we examine the process for what to do when a Christian has sinned. We learn that it's a step by step process that takes time and heart. We also go through the importance of forgiveness and how forgiving someone releases bondage on ourselves. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am, and also Wednesdays at 7:00pm.</p>

<p>This week's powerful message is delivered by Pastor Steve. We take a look at the word of God and how to apply it to our lives. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am, and Wednesdays at 7:00pm!</p>

<p>This week's powerful message is delivered by Trendon Albers. We take a look at how as disciples of Jesus we have a responsibilty to look different then the rest of the world. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am, and Wednesdays at 7:00pm!</p>

<p>This week, Pastor Steve Spence talks about the condition of one's heart. He teaches us that we are to guard our hearts from the tribulations of the world as they will be a constant in our lives. We are responsible for the conditon of our heart and when we let worldly issues consume it God becomes less and less in our lives. Join us every week on Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am, and Wednesday's at 7:00pm!</p>

<p>In this message, Pastor Steve Spence shares a powerful word on biblical giving, unpacking Mark 12:41-44—the story of the poor widow who gave everything she had. Building on last week’s message about our eternal purpose and responsibilities as citizens of heaven, Pastor Steve calls us to view our finances not through a lens of obligation, but through the lens of worship, trust, and maturity.</p><p><br></p><p>You’ll be challenged to rethink the role of money in your life and to consider how giving reflects the posture of your heart before God. Whether you’re new to the idea of tithing or have walked in this principle for years, this message is a timely reminder that God doesn’t need your money—He desires your heart. Our prayer is that this message will strengthen your faith and encourage you to live generously in your walk with the Lord.</p><p><br></p><p>Join us live on Sunday mornings at 8:30 and 10:30 AM, and Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM.</p>

<p>This week's sermon we learn about the Temple Tax. We learn that as we are God's chosen people we must present ourselves as such, and follow the laws of the land as God has commanded in scripture. Join us Sunday mornings at 8:30 and 10:30!</p>

<p>In this week's message, Jesus tells the disciples that the Son of Man needs to go to Jerusalem. He tells them how He needs to be killed, and then be raised on the third day. We examine scriptures from the Old Testament that points to God's plan of salvation. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am!</p>

<p>In this week's message Pastor Steve continues in the Gospel of Matthew. After the Transfiguration, a father asks for Jesus's help in healing his son from demonic possession. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am!</p>

<p>Today we have the pleasure of hearing a message given by one our missionaries Jon Riemer. From the Book of Acts, he teaches us about Paul and Barnabas' mission trip in Lystra. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am!</p>

<p>We take a break from our study of The Gospel of Matthew and look at Water Baptism and its significance. Its an important command in a Christians walk with the Lord. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am!</p>

<p>In this week's message, we land on the transfiguration of Jesus and the impacts it has not only on the disciples but on us as well. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am!</p>

<p>This week was Vision Sunday 2025. We celebrated the year that was in 2024, and all that God did at MillCIty. We even took a look at what God has in store for 2025. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am. </p>

<p>This powerful sermon comes at a crossroads in Jesus's ministry. He asks the disciples about who they believe he is. This is the most important question to answer as its defines whether or not one believes in who Jesus says He is, which is the Son of God. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am</p>

<p>In this week's message we find ourselves in the 16th chapter of the Book of Matthew. Eric teaches us what Jesus was teaching to his disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees and how they still impact us today. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30!</p>

<p>This week we look at Matthew 15:29-39. We examine how he establishes what His church is to look like. We see that he travels many miles to heal a man that has difficulty speaking and cannot hear. Then we look at Jesus's feeding 4,000 Gentiles. Jesus teaches us that God is for everyone and not the few. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am. </p>

<p>In today's sermon Pastor Steve continues on a series called Reigning in Life. We look at the various forms of works and what their impacts are on the church. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am!</p>

<p>As we close the books on 2024, we look ahead to 2025. We look at the benefits of prayer and fasting as we begin the new year on a 21 day fast. Join us on Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am.</p>

<p>In today's sermon, we learn about the Gentile woman who asked Jesus to heal her demon possessed daughter. We learn that even though she was a Gentile that Jesus doesn't discriminate and is for all. </p>

<p>This week we continue with part two of Reigning In Life from our message on November 17, 2024. Join us on Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30.</p>

<p>Today we take a look at the importance of reaching university aged students and their role in advancing God's Kingdom. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30</p>

<p>This week we take a little break from The Book of Matthew and look at what Reigning in Life is all about. We take a look at what Paul has to say about adding rules and laws to the Gospel, and how it's not biblical to add anything to the Gospel. Join us Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30.</p>