Picture yourself as a mountaineer. You have all the equipment you need. You’re aware of the risks and challenges ahead, but you have an excitement within you to begin your climb. Slowly but surely, you progress up the mountain. You’re going onwards and upwards. Until, you freeze for a moment. You made the mistake of looking down the mountain. Terror grips you. Anxiety washes over you. You want to get your feet on solid ground as quickly as possible. What do you do? Some would advise you to try and climb back down the mountain. That would be our natural instinct. However, if you were to ask an experienced climber, they would tell you that is the worst thing you can do. It is far more dangerous to climb down a mountain than it is to ascend. In the words of Charles Spurgeon, the prince of preachers: “Upward is terrible. But downward is destruction.” This can often be the experience of the Christian life: We set a way forward, only to retreat once we encounter disappointment or difficulty. In this sermon from Pastor Matthew, you will see how Scripture spurs Christians to press onward to the heavenly prize that awaits us and not turn back or become fixated on our past. Instead, we move forward by the sustaining power of Christ through the Holy Spirit and the encouragement of fellow Christians. ⤷ You can support Effective Life Church | Like, share and subscribe! ⤷ For more information about the heart of our church, please visit: https://www.effectivelifechurch.org ⤷ To hear more sermons from Pastor Matthew, be sure to visit: https://www.effectivelifeministry.com #pastormatthewguest #effectivelifechurch #bibleteaching #sermon #jesuschristislord

As is common in the opening weeks of January, many of us use the time to reflect on what goals we ought to achieve for the New Year. However, what happens when we overload ourselves with tasks and initiatives ahead of relationship and intimacy with Jesus? This is just one of a handful of challenges that Pastor Matthew highlights in today's sermon, which will focus on our attitude ahead of 2026, seeking to live Christ-minded, and how to process failure or unmet expectations. ⤷ You can support Effective Life Church | Like, share and subscribe! ⤷ For more information about the heart of our church, please visit: https://www.effectivelifechurch.org ⤷ To hear more sermons from Pastor Matthew, be sure to visit: https://www.effectivelifeministry.com #pastormatthewguest #effectivelifechurch #bibleteaching #sermon #jesuschristislord

Although the Bible says very little about Enoch, there are some helpful principles we can learn from him. Join Pastor Matthew as he examines the meaning of Enoch's name, how this relates to the Christian's walk, and what it means to please the LORD as Enoch did. For more information about the heart of our church, please visit: https://www.effectivelifechurch.org To hear more sermons from Pastor Matthew, be sure to visit: https://www.effectivelifeministry.com #pastormatthewguest #effectivelifechurch #bibleteaching #sermon #jesuschristislord

Join Pastor Matthew as he takes a look at what the Bible has to say about the final destination for those who have placed their trust in Jesus. For more information about the heart of our church, please visit: https://www.effectivelifechurch.org To hear more sermons from Pastor Matthew, be sure to visit: https://www.effectivelifeministry.com #pastormatthewguest #effectivelifechurch #bibleteaching #sermon #jesuschristislord

In this sermon, Pastor Matthew will teach on a topic that is often avoided, which is the reality of Hell. Although there are some Christians who actively avoid the subject, Jesus did not shy away from teaching about the dangers of hell. In fact, across His recorded teachings, Jesus speaks directly and indirectly about hell around 70 times, more than anyone else in the entire Bible. We may have ideas about hell from movies, books and other sources. But what does the Bible actually teach about hell? For more information about the heart of our church, please visit: https://www.effectivelifechurch.org To hear more sermons from Pastor Matthew, be sure to visit: https://www.effectivelifeministry.com #pastormatthewguest #effectivelifechurch #bibleteaching #sermon #jesuschristislord

"Without holiness no one will see the Lord." - Hebrews 12:14 This verse is demonstrates why holiness is one of the chief pursuits of the Christian's life. But what does it mean to be holy? Is holiness the same as sinlessness? How do we live as holy people? Join Pastor Matthew for this highly informative and encouraging sermon! For more information about the heart of our church, please visit: https://www.effectivelifechurch.org To hear more sermons from Pastor Matthew, be sure to visit: https://www.effectivelifeministry.com #pastormatthewguest #effectivelifechurch #bibleteaching #sermon #jesuschristislord

Join Pastor Matthew as he takes an extensive look at the events surrounding the cornerstone of the Christian faith: The Cross. For more information about the heart of our church, please visit: https://www.effectivelifechurch.org To hear more sermons from Pastor Matthew, be sure to visit: https://www.effectivelifeministry.com #pastormatthewguest #effectivelifechurch #bibleteaching #sermon #jesuschristislord

The only way for lawlessness to be truly dealt was with a New Covenant, of which Jesus implemented through His own blood shed on the cross. In this sermon, we will see the significance of the New Covenant and why the Old Covenant was fulfilled by this better Covenant. For more information about the heart of our church, please visit: https://www.effectivelifechurch.org To hear more sermons from Pastor Matthew, be sure to visit: https://www.effectivelifeministry.com #pastormatthewguest #effectivelifechurch #bibleteaching #sermon #jesuschristislord