We’re continuing in the Sermon on the Mount—Jesus’ “Kingdom Manifesto,” describing God’s desire for His people. In Matthew 5:20 Jesus said our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, and this section ends in verse 48 with the statement, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” This is yet […]
Matthew 5:33-37 // Grace for Liars Read More »
In the Sermon on the Mount we’ve been reading Jesus’ kingdom portrait. Christians are to have a distinct flavor and appearance in this world. “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:13, 14). If we were to be just like everyone else, there would be no reason
Matthew 5:31-32 // God Hates Divorce Read More »
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 »