We return to the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus’ description of His kingdom. Kingdom citizens will stand out. We’re from a different culture with a peculiar set of values. Jesus didn’t abolish the Law, but fulfilled it. He didn’t say the Law was unimportant, but that it was so supremely important that even the […]
Matthew 5:27-30 // The Heart’s Intent Read More »
We’ve been in the book of Isaiah for some time, which points ahead to Jesus as the coming Savior and King. As we return to Matthew we read the portrait of this King, beginning with His lineage and birth, and now His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. This sermon outlines the kingdom culture,
Matthew 5:21-26 // Murderous Anger Read More »
Guest speaker Rev. Jeff Walsh Priorities “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matt. 13:45-46 ESV). In Jesus’ metaphor, the pearl of great price is not the Church (though that
Matthew 13:45-46 // Pearl of Great Price Read More »
As it was in Isaiah’s time, the people of God have a message for the nations—a message of hope in the kingdom of heaven. In the midst of turmoil, Judah was warned not to trust in the pagan nations that surrounded them. God’s Power 12 Ah, the thunder of many peoples; they thunder like the
Isaiah 17:12-18:7 // Trusting Our Ever-Present God Read More »
Although the prophecies and images of Isaiah change from one chapter to the next, the overarching theme of the book, and indeed of the whole Bible, is that God is our Master and He desires for all men to look to Him with all our needs. Damascus Deserted 1 An oracle concerning Damascus. Behold, Damascus
Isaiah 17:1-11 // Looking to Our Master Read More »
Guest speaker Rev. Jeff Walsh Have you ever gone to a carnival such as Mint Hill Madness and bought tickets for the rides? Do you plan how to maximize your time and your tickets on the things that look most fun? Sometimes we treat life the same way: how can I use my money and
Luke 16:1-13 // Redeeming Our Finances Read More »