Pastor Tom's Journal

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In Matthew 4, Jesus begins his public ministry in a moment of danger and uncertainty. John has been arrested. The future is unclear. And yet, on an ordinary shoreline, Jesus speaks two simple words that still carry extraordinary weight:  “Follow me.” This long-form video sermon explores that moment—why Jesus begins where he does, how calling often comes before clarity, and why discipleship is rarely a straight road but a faithful one. It is a reflection offered especially for those navigating change, uncertainty, or a quiet season of faith. 🎥  Watch the full sermon on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rQQNyO3qEi4?si=xNvxXiSNJfWVIbdD 📖  Read the full manuscript, reflections, and study notes on Substack: https://tomsims.substack.com/p/follow-me-when-the-kingdom-comes Whether you watch, listen, or read, you are welcome here—wherever you are joining from. #FollowMe #Matthew4 #Discipleship #ChristianReflection #BibleTeaching #FaithAndLife #L...

Overcoming in the Wilderness A Sermon on Temptation as Formation Matthew 4:1–11 Temptation is often treated as a moral failure in the church. Scripture treats it differently—as a place of formation. In this message,  Overcoming in the Wilderness , I reflect on Jesus’ temptation in Matthew 4:1–11 and why the wilderness is not a detour from God’s purposes, but often the place where identity, trust, and obedience are clarified. Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness—not because something has gone wrong, but because something essential is being formed. Later, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus was “tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” Temptation, then, is not sin itself. It is the arena in which faithfulness is practiced. Watch the Sermon You can watch the full video message here: ▶️  Overcoming in the Wilderness https://youtu.be/4BKXo4ZIZl8?si=Sr0qdhegVfH6Eobs Continue the Conversation Sermons often open a door. Formation usually happens afterward—th...

  https://tomsims.substack.com/p/fired-up for more All Wet or Fired Up Matthew 3:1–12 — John the Baptist Prepares the Way It was a time when religion, even good religion and theology, had become empty ritual for so many. It was a time when many were longing for something authentic in their communities of faith but not finding it. It was a time when masses of common folks were willing to go outside of the temples, synagogues, and traditional places of worship and religious instruction ti hear an uncredentialed and untitled teacher tell them some raw truth about living faith that actually plays out in lifestyle change while being genuinely and deeply spiritual. It was something practical and spiritual that John the Baptist referred to when he proclaimed. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: — Matthew 3:11 How did all of th...