Matthew 15:1–20
“The Spiritual Check‑Up”
In Matthew 15, a group of Pharisees, religious leaders, travel from Jerusalem to confront Jesus. Their complaint seems small: the disciples weren’t performing the ritual handwashing before meals. But Jesus reveals something far deeper, their obsession with external rituals had replaced genuine devotion to God.
Jesus exposes how tradition had begun to overshadow truth. The Pharisees had even created loopholes, like declaring resources “Corban,” to avoid caring for their parents. Their lips sounded holy, but their hearts were distant. Their worship looked right on the outside, yet it was disconnected from God on the inside.
So, Jesus turns to the crowd , everyday people like us, and says, “Listen, and try to understand.” What He teaches next overturns everything they assumed about purity: “It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”
Jesus shifts the focus from hands to heart. Food passes through the body and into the sewer, but words flow from the inner life, from the heart. Our speech becomes a spiritual indicator of what’s happening inside us.
This week, let us pause for a heart check:
- Complaining words: reveal a struggle with trust.
- Thankful words: show awareness of God’s goodness.
- Harsh words: point to unresolved wounds.
- Encouraging words: flow from grace.
- Critical words: hint at judgmentalism.
- Prayerful words: reveal dependence on God.
- Gentle words: show humility.
- Hopeless words: signal a heart losing sight of God’s promises.
Jesus teaches that defilement doesn’t come from the outside, it comes from the hidden places within us. The thoughts we entertain privately eventually shape the words we speak publicly.
But here’s the hope: Jesus doesn’t shame what leaks out of our hearts, He heals our hearts.
The Pharisees tried to fix the outside without addressing the inside. Only the Holy Spirit can cleanse the heart. So, this week, invite the Holy Spirit to do what rituals cannot:
o Clean what you cannot reach
o Soften what has hardened
o Expose what is hidden
o Heal what is wounded
When the Holy Spirit cleanses the heart, the mouth begins to speak differently, the life begins to look different, and holiness grows from the inside out.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Eddie
(Based on Sunday’s sermon, August 16, 2026)
Weekly Prayer
Weekly Prayer Request
Richard Ewert, Matthew Franklin, Scott Harvey, and Diana Huckleberry, Rick Mielke and Brian Williams.
* If you would like to add someone to the weekly prayer list please reply or send an email to tuxedo.park@sbcglobal.net
Announcements
Wednesday Night Dinner & Bible Study: Is on Summer Break and will resume on Wednesday September 9th. We look forward to gathering again for food, fellowship, and study when we return.
Indians Baseball Outing: Is this Friday, August 21, 2026 at 7:05 p.m. at Victory Field. Our beloved Indians will face the Louisville Bats, and we’re looking forward to enjoying Friday Fireworks Night together. This will be a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, family time, and summer fun with our church family. Please see John R. for more details.
Bread & Word: (Food Pantry and Clothing Center) will be open on the following Thursdays: 8/27/26, 9/10/26, 9/24/26, 10/8/26, 10/29/26, 11/12/25, 12/3/26 and 12/17/26.
Back‑to‑School Support: We will be assisting families in need with back‑to‑school uniforms and school supplies for the upcoming school year. Supplies are limited, so early requests are encouraged. If you know of a family who could benefit from this support, please notify Carol M. so we can make sure their needs are addressed.
Visiting the Ark Encounter?: We will arrive in Kentucky on Friday night (Sept. 11), spend Saturday (Sept. 12) exploring the Ark, and return home Saturday evening after dinner. If you have any questions, please see Pam M. or Tammy O.
Do you have an idea for our monthly church Fellowship event?: Whether it’s places to go, trips to take, or a fun activity our church family would enjoy, we’d love to hear your suggestions. Please share your ideas with Harold H., Pam M., or Tammy O. A sign‑up sheet is also available at the Fellowship Desk if you’d like to get involved.
Wednesday Night Dinner & Bible Study: Is on Summer Break and will resume on Wednesday September 9th. We look forward to gathering again for food, fellowship, and study when we return.
Monthly Fellowship Calendar
- ⚾ 🧢 Indians Baseball Outing: Friday, August 21, 2026.
- 🦁🛶 Noah’s Ark & the Creation Museum: September 11-13, 2026.
- 🎓🎉Doctoral Achievement & Pastor Appreciation Luncheon: Sunday, October 4, 2026.
- 🦃 🍂 Thanksgiving w/ the Smiths Sunday, November 22, 2026.
- 🎄 ✨ Christmas Eve Service Thursday, December 24, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.
Clothing Closet
The Clothing Closet is seeking donations for any of the items listed below.
Gently used items are acceptable. Bolded items are sorely needed.
Laundry Detergent
Bath Towels
Pillowcases
Sheets
Hooded Sweatshirts (size: Small, Medium, Large)
Men’s Jeans (waist size: 32-38)
Men’s Jeans (waist size 30-32)
Men’s Sneakers (size: 9-12)
Women’s Tennis Shoes (sizes: 8-9 ½)
Men’s T-Shirts (size: Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large)
Boost & Ensure Empty Bottles
Sweat Pants
