Four Oaks Midtown Podcast

Sermon | Surrender and Access (Matthew 27:45-54)

As Jesus lays down his life for sinners, we see how access to the Father was initiated and granted by God through the surrender and sacrifice of the Son. 

Teaching | Understanding Proverbs: Why You Should Follow Your Heart (Proverbs 16-18)

You’ve probably heard many sermons bashing the idea of “following your heart” because as Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” There’s truth to that especially in light of the way our culture conceives of the heart as any desire or emotion that bubbles to the surface. But Proverbs tells us that the problem is not in following our heart, but rather what or who our heart follows. The Scriptures portray the heart as the seat of the will, the place of our deepest allegiances. Conversion happens when God’s grace switches the allegiance of our heart away from sin toward God. That’s what it means for his law to be written on your heart. That the place of our deepest loyalties is occupied by God alone. If that’s true of your life, by all means, follow your heart, because if your heart follows God then it will lead you towards worship, trust, and obedience. This is Understanding Proverbs.

Check out the rest of our Understanding Series: https://www.fouroaksmidtown.com/teachings

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@fouroakschurchmidtown1962

Sermon | The Cross (Matthew 27:32-44)

Though found innocent, Jesus is led to be crucified. As he is mocked and scorned, the insults thrown declare the truth of the cross.

Teaching | Understanding Proverbs: The Hope of Wisdom (Proverbs 13-15)

Have you ever felt like you’ve lost all hope in life? That’s a dark place to be. Human beings need hope to live as much as we need food or water. When Solomon writes in Proverbs 13:12, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” he’s tapping into the deep sorrow we feel when we experience the tragedies of life in a fallen world. A Christian counselor once said, “Depression happens when a deeply desired goal or a dream becomes unattainable.” Yet, Proverbs provides a glimmer of hope for those of us who feel ourselves burdened with heart sickness: “but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs reminds us that in the end the promises of God will overcome all the sadnesses we experience this life. That the righteous will find satisfaction, joy, and fulfillment. Adam lost the tree of life by his sin, but the Second Adam, Christ, redeems what was lost and paves the way for us to find that ultimate peace and satisfaction. That’s the promise to a heart-sick Christian — that a tree of life awaits in the future. And wisdom comes as our guide in the present to lead us every step of the way home. This is Understanding Proverbs. 

Check out the rest of our Understanding Series: https://www.fouroaksmidtown.com/teachings

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@fouroakschurchmidtown1962

Sermon | Jesus the Scapegoat (Matthew 27:1-31)

As Jesus sits on trial, we see how Scripture proclaims the truth that He is the righteous King who will suffer for his people.

Teaching | Understanding Proverbs: The Wise Son (Proverbs 10-12)

Every father and mother wants to give their children the absolute best: the best education, financial situation, home, you name it. That’s a good and natural instinct, but the greatest blessing that father and mother can give to their children is wisdom. There’s no more precious inheritance than imparting the skill of living well in God’s world. Solomon’s collection of Proverbs come to us Spirit-inspired words from our Father who desires that we above all receive this precious blessing. This is Understanding Proverbs. 

Check out the rest of our Understanding Series: https://www.fouroaksmidtown.com/teachings

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@fouroakschurchmidtown1962

Sermon | Peter's Denial (Matthew 26:69-75)

As Peter is in the courtyard of the high priest, he is questioned regarding his identity as a disciple. Just as Jesus foretold, Peter denies him three times.  

Teaching | Understanding Proverbs: The House of Wisdom (Proverbs 8-9)

Proverbs 8-9 portrays wisdom as a woman to underscore the beauty and attractiveness of walking righteously. The feminine personification of wisdom draws out  the subtle way wisdom persuades through words rather than direct masculine force. Wisdom serves as a queen alongside a king providing counsel, insight, and knowledge so that he might rule wisely. God created mankind to rule over creation as kings and queens, but sin subverts this desire primarily by cutting us off from the wisdom necessary to perform this task well. When we posses wisdom we’re able to act in the world as the men and women God always intended us to be — creatures of honor, glory, and beauty. This is Understanding Proverbs.

Check out the rest of our Understanding Series: https://www.fouroaksmidtown.com/teachings

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@fouroakschurchmidtown1962

Sermon | Is Jesus Who He Says He Is? (Matthew 26:47-68)

As Jesus is betrayed by Judas, arrested in the garden, and questioned before the Sanhedrin, he reminds us these events have purpose and must be fulfilled as Scripture says. 

Sermon | The Submission of The King (Matthew 26:36-36)

Jesus withdraws to pray before his betrayal and invites the disciples to watch and pray with him.