The Way Matt Sees It

After years of waiting, I've finally gotten married!  And I’ve finally moved down to the Long Branch area to serve my church in the best way I can.    In the midst of all of this, I’ve been praying for God’s direction, guidance and blessing. Recently I read John 3, the famous passage where Jesus talks to Nicodemus, a high-ranking Pharisee, about being “born again,” or born of the Spirit.   While I’ve totally glazed over this in the past, this passage really came alive for me (in part because of watching The Bible miniseries on Netflix this past Easter).   In John 3:8 Jesus says: “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” –Jesus (John 3:8 NASB) As Pentecostals, we always talk about being led by the Holy Spirit.   But even from this passage, Jesus makes it seem like it’s not an easy thing.   Just like the wind, you don’t...

SPEAKING IN TONGUES This can be a touchy subject among Christians.   There are varying viewpoints, and this issue seems to spark so much emotional and personal feelings it’s almost taboo to talk about it even among Christian circles.   I’ve decided to focus on answering 10 questions regarding speaking in tongues.             1. What is speaking in tongues?             2. Is speaking in tongues found in the Bible?             3. What is Baptism in the Holy Spirit?             4. Why is there so much division on this subject?             5. Is speaking in tongues still for today, or was that just for the Early Church?             6. W...

Lately, God has been growing me in my calling.  The past few weeks have been events, prayer times, class sessions, discussions, etc. that have all served as confirmations on the calling God has on my life.  It’s pretty cool how it’s been happening. This also comes with certain convictions as well.   I’ve been realizing just how incredibly selfish I am, in my relationships with people, the opportunities I have, the way I spend my money, and the list goes on.   While I feel like God has been confirming to me more and more what He wants me to do with my life, He’s also pointed out the great areas that need work in my life.   It’s just so, “ ME ” centered I see two versions of myself, in a manner of speaking. CRAPPY ME Living a ME-CENTERED lifestyle is the “crappy me.”   Although God may not be at the center, I can probably still live a relatively nice life.   Besides, there are plenty of people with seemingly “successful” ministries, ...