The King and His Kingdom, Part 11

In the tale, Hansel and Gretel, two children are abandoned in a dark forest. To find their way back, Hansel drops a trail of bread crumbs behind them. But the crumbs are eaten by birds, and they lose their way.

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus leaves a trail of bread crumbs, and while the birds of the air may snatch them up so that the message is missed, they are all still there for those who pursue Jesus as king in the text. In a broad collection of events in the life of Jesus, the theme of bread is woven throughout (chapters 14-16). Jesus walks on water, feeds multitudes, rebukes religious leaders, heals enemy children. speaks of crosses instead of thrones. But the various links of this chain create one message about who Jesus is and how His kingdom operates.

We’ll zoom out to look at a powerful section in Matthew (14:22–16:27) where bread is broken, faith is tested, and true worship is redefined. We’ll ask questions that move us beyond belief into transformation—because Jesus doesn’t just want our agreement… He wants our lives. For more sermons and resources:

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"Do you feel overwhelmed by anxiety and fear, constantly worrying that you don't have enough? You're not alone. Join us as we explore Matthew 14, where Jesus powerfully contrasts a world driven by fear with His Kingdom of abundant provision.

Discover how you can break free from anxiety and step into a life of generosity and trust. Click play to learn more about living faithfully in God's abundant Kingdom!"

The sermon, "A Severed Head and Abundant Bread," explores two contrasting kingdoms presented in Matthew 14. First is the anxious kingdom represented by Herod—a kingdom driven by fear, scarcity, and control, where anxiety dominates decision-making and self-preservation leads to destructive outcomes. Herod’s fear and anxiety culminated tragically in the beheading of John the Baptist. In stark contrast, Jesus reveals the abundant Kingdom of God, characterized by trust, compassion, and generosity. Rather than being ruled by fear, Jesus demonstrates a Kingdom defined by abundant provision, feeding over five thousand people with minimal resources. This miracle serves not just as an act of compassion but as a lesson on living abundantly in trust and generosity. The sermon encourages believers to move from the anxiety-driven scarcity mindset toward a Kingdom perspective, trusting God's provision and stepping courageously into the world's brokenness. Followers of Christ are called to generously offer what they have, confident in God's abundant multiplication. Ultimately, the message invites listeners to reject fear and embrace a lifestyle of radical generosity and compassion, reflective of the abundant Kingdom of God.

For more sermons and resources: gulfcoast.community/resources

The King and His Kingdom, Part 9

What do a secret hiding place, a tiny mustard seed, and a hidden pearl of great price have in common? Each reveals a startling reality about God’s Kingdom.

We’ll look at Matthew 13:24–52 and the true story of Corrie ten Boom, a watchmaker who risked her own safety to hide others from Nazi persecution. Through it all, we’ll see that sometimes the most unassuming acts of faithfulness transform hearts and challenge oppressive powers. In these parables, Jesus teaches us three core lessons about God’s Kingdom: the ways of its faithful citizens, the worth of giving everything for it, and the waiting required as we trust God’s ultimate harvest.

Join us to see how small, hidden acts of love can bring hope, how prioritizing Kingdom values can transform our daily choices, and why patient endurance pays eternal dividends. Do you ever wonder whether your life, your kindness, or your faith really matter? Come discover how God’s kingdom grows in hidden and surprising ways through us.

Sermons and Resources: gulfcoast.community/resources