Back to Basics: One Perfect Word

Pastor Matt Tarr – PM Sermon

Scripture: Selected Scriptures

When we speak of inspiration, we mean that the Bible is wholly correct and completely without error on all matters about which it speaks and in all its assertions. While that might seem like a basic truth, the term “inspiration” has been twisted and modified from its historical use, even among major leaders of evangelicalism. The Bible’s revelation about its own words is quite clear though. If the Bible is not absolutely pure, then it isn’t the Word of God.

Fear and Guilt

Pastor Matt Tarr – AM Sermon

Scripture: Mark 9:30-37

Having just cast the demon out of a boy in a significant moment teaching the importance of faith, Jesus immediately passes through Galilee, focusing his attention on training His disciples. From Caesarea Philippi to Capernaum, Jesus taught the twelve about His death, burial, and resurrection. The disciples are still confused, and instead of submitting their plan to God’s, they instead argued about who among them would have the greatest position in the Kingdom.

Back to Basics: One Authority

Pastor Matt Tarr – PM Sermon

Scripture: Selected Scriptures

As Christians, we readily give lip-service to the authority of the Scriptures, but often we fail to live like we believe the Scriptures are authoritative. This begs the question, “Are they authoritative, or are they not?” The clear testimony of the Bible is that because they are the very words of God, they are absolute in their authority, and must be obeyed and conformed to.

How Much Faith?

Pastor Matt Tarr – AM Sermon

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

In a moving account just after returning from the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus, Peter, James, and John return to Caesarea Philippi to a great commotion around the remaining 9 disciples. Evidently, after failing to cast the demon out of a man’s son, the scribes capitalized on the opportunity to make a mockery of Jesus’ authority during His absence. Upon seeing Jesus though, the father falls to his knees begging Jesus to cast the demon out of his son. While he only had a little faith, it was sufficient for Jesus to demonstrate His compassion.

Add. Ref.: Mark 6:7-13

Back to Basics: How We Got the Bible

Pastor Matt Tarr – PM Sermon

Scripture: Selected Scriptures

In this message, Pastor Matt Tarr explains how we received the canon of the Bible. How do we know there aren’t “lost” books that belong in the canon, or how do we know that books that are known shouldn’t be included? Before answering this though, the question must first be answered, “Is the Bible even necessary?” If it isn’t, then there is no need for divine superintendence over its purity and preservation. But if it is necessary, then it would be rational to conclude that the same God who gave it, would also protect it.

Who is This Elijah?

Pastor Matt Tarr – AM Sermon

Scripture: Mark 9:9-13

In the glory of the Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John are both terrified and awestruck, but they interpreted their experience wrongly. They thought this was the moment that Jesus would bring His Kingdom. After all, He was here and now in His Kingdom splendor and being in the moment, they didn’t know it wasn’t permanent. Their response proved that while they had a really good Christology, they had a terrible eschatology.

Add. Ref.: John 11:23-24

Back to Basics: How to Study the Bible

Pastor Matt Tarr – PM Sermon

Scripture: Selected Scriptures

If God inspired His revelation, and the very nature of the term “revelation” indicates that something is intended to be known and understood, then that means that God’s Word is written in such a way that is intended to be known and understood. Furthermore, because God is the author, then the meaning of the text must be derived from God’s intent, not man’s. How should these principles govern our method of interpreting the Bible? This special seminar explains a biblical philosophy of studying the Scripture.

Sermon Resources: PowerPoint Slides

The Son of God in Glory

Pastor Matt Tarr – AM Sermon

Scripture: Mark 9:2-8

In a miracle unlike the disciples had ever seen, Jesus fulfills His promise made in 9:1. Peter, James, and John see Jesus lift the veil of His humanity so that they might see Him in His kingdom glory and power. He is the Divine Christ, and as such, His words must be obeyed and followed. The disciples must abandon their own ideologies and sinful denial of the necessity of His death, and recognize their need for a Savior.

Add. Ref.: Philippians 2:6