Podcasts about Matthew 5

❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Deuteronomy30;Psalm119:73–96;Isaiah57;Matthew5 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org

Jesus ensures that His disciples know that the neighbor whom they are to love includes their enemy. Their Heavenly Father pours His gifts upon the righteous and the unrighteous, and so His Christians are to show the same sort of perfect love. To love only those who love in return is to practice the sort of righteousness that even the pagans already accomplish. God calls His people to His own holiness. Although we never measure up in our actions, He bestows holiness upon us through His grace in Jesus.  Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 5:43-48.  To learn more about Holy Cross in Warda, visit holycrosswarda.com. “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Life can feel a lot like hiking some of the narrow and rugged trails here in Hawaiʻi. Paths that wind along steep ridges and sharp drop-offs, where one wrong move could mean injury or certain death. On our own, it is easy to lose our footing and to fall on one side to the valley of lawlessness or on the other side to self-righteousness. But God, through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, gave us a new way forward. And that way is to walk by faith in His righteousness. The Law shows us the trail we cannot perfectly walk on our own. But God's Word is like a trusted trail guide, revealing His love, His holiness, and our deep need for His grace. As we walk with and follow Him, we begin to see that every command, every warning, and every promise is meant to keep us on the path that leads to life and to point us back to Jesus, the One who fulfills it all. Whether you're new to faith, wrestling with questions, or seeking to grow deeper in your walk with Jesus, Sterling Higa leaves us with a challenge and hope. Join us as we learn what it means to trust Christ as our righteousness, follow Him step by step through the power of the Holy Spirit, and lovingly guard and share the truth of His Word with those around us.

Jesus attacks any attempt to keep the Law as a matter of checking all the right boxes. Oaths are not a matter of using the right formulation. Instead, Jesus' disciples should let their speech be saturated with the truth as they seek to keep the Second and Eighth Commandments. Even as God limited the retaliation of His people, He commends mercy to His people, as Jesus teaches His disciples to show kindness even to those who mean them harm.  Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hanover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 5:33-42. To learn more about St. Peter and Zion Lutheran Churches, visit stpeterzion.org. “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Summer On the Mount: A Life That Makes People Hungry for God (Matthew 5:13–16) Pastor Edward Arias by Lifehouse

What if your worship isn't being received the way you think it is? In Matthew 5:23-26, Jesus gives one of the most sobering teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. You travel days to bring your offering. You finally arrive at the altar. And Jesus says stop. If your brother has something against you, leave your gift, go make it right, and then come back to worship. Jesus makes it clear: you cannot be right with God while refusing to deal with broken relationships. Whether you're carrying the offense or someone else is carrying it against you, the responsibility to pursue peace is yours. Unresolved offense doesn't just damage relationships. It hinders worship and gives the enemy room to work. To be presence driven is to refuse to walk in offense.

Join us this summer as we journey through the Sermon on the Mount, slowing down to sit with the words of Jesus and discover The Way That Leads To Life: a life rooted in the love of God, formed by the wisdom of God, and lived in the freedom of God.Each Monday morning, we will release a companion podcast episode that invites you to slow down and sit with the words of Jesus through a guided Scripture reading and reflection on that week's passage from the Sermon on the Mount.This week, we will contemplate Matthew 5:13-16.For more information, head to www.portcity.church/theway.

Pastor David continues our series in the Sermon on the Mount with his exposition of Matthew 5:8.OUTLINE(V8A) THE CONDITION OF THE PURE IN HEART;Genesis 6:5Jeremiah 17:9-101 Samuel 16:7Psalm 24:3-6Proverbs 20:9Acts 15:8-9Jeremiah 31:33-341 Peter 1:22(V8B) THE CONDUCT OF THE PURE IN HEART;Matthew 23:25-26; 27-28Jeremiah 31:31Ezekiel 11:19-20Matthew 22:372 Timothy 2:221 Peter 1:14-16 (Leviticus 11:44)Matthew 6:20-21(V8C) (AND) THE VISION FOR THE PURE IN HEART.1 Timothy 6:16Exodus 12:8bDeuteronomy 34:10aExodus 33:18-23John 1:18John 3:3John 14:9b1 John 3:2Revelation 22:1-5Psalm 24:6Numbers 6:24-27

Sermon on the Mount Introduction (Life of Messiah 45) | Jesus, Moses, and True Righteousness Thomas Fretwell resumes his Life of Messiah series after reviewing the twelve apostles and Judas, returning to Luke 6 and introducing the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5–7 (with Luke 6 as the shorter parallel). He explains common misunderstandings of the sermon and argues it primarily addresses a correct interpretation of the Mosaic Law in its first-century Jewish context, repudiating Pharisaical externalism and calling for internal, heart-level righteousness for believers, not a works-based salvation or merely a future-kingdom constitution. He highlights Matthew's Jewish emphasis versus Luke's Gentile focus, and develops the “new Moses” theme by linking Jesus “going up the mountain” and “sitting down” to Exodus/Deuteronomy imagery and Deuteronomy 18's prophet-like-Moses promise. The episode ends at Matthew 5:2 as Jesus begins to teach. Become a supporter and get unlimited questions turned into podcasts at: www.patreon.com/theologyandapologetics YouTube Channel: Theology & Apologetics www.youtube.com/channel/UChoiZ46uyDZZY7W1K9UGAnw TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@dr.fretwell?_t=ZN-8w8NXIFTHkc&_r=1 Instagram: www.instagram.com/theology.apologetics Websites: www.ezrafoundation.org www.theologyandapologetics.com

In this message from June 22nd, 2026, Youth Pastor Brett Harper walks us through what Jesus says about our deeds and desires during the Sermon on The Mount.

Harvest is a church where we love to worship God together, where the transforming message of the Gospel is preached weekly, where authentic community can be found, and where we are intentional about making disciples of Jesus Christ. We'd love for you to join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. For more information you can visit www.harvestmemphis.org.

Date: June 21, 2026Title: Kingdom VisionScripture: Matthew 5:33-48Speaker: Conrad QuirosPCPC High School combined with PCPC Middle School

Date: June 21, 2026Title: Kingdom VisionScripture: Matthew 5:33-48Speaker: Conrad QuirosPCPC Middle School combined with PCPC High School

Live Sunday 9:30am A Firm Foundation - Matthew 5:1-6

This sermon from Matthew 5:21–26 explores how Jesus transforms our understanding of anger, judgment, and righteousness in the Kingdom of God. Jesus moves beyond the external command “do not murder” and reveals that the heart behind our actions matters, exposing how anger, insults, and self-righteous judgment can separate us from others and from God. He calls His people not only to avoid harm but to pursue reconciliation, humility, and restored relationships before worship. Through the story of an RV and the weight of feeling betrayed, the sermon reveals how easily we hold others to debts they cannot repay while forgetting the greater truth that we ourselves have a debt of sin we could never repay. Yet the gospel declares that Jesus, the perfect Judge and Savior, paid our debt through His sacrifice, freeing us from both the burden of condemnation and the desire to condemn others. Because Christ has forgiven us, we are called to live as citizens of His Kingdom: reconciled, humble, forgiving, and trusting that our ultimate justice is found in Him.

Matthew 5:17-19 establish a central truth about Scripture: every word matters. Because Scripture finds its fulfillment in Christ, because it endures unchanged down to its smallest details, and because it carries the authority of the God who spoke it, God's people must trust it completely, submit to it wholeheartedly, and teach it faithfully.

Subject: Book of Matthew 5:9Speaker or Performer: Dennis HeltonScripture Passage(s): Matthew 5:9Date of Delivery: June 21, 2026

Speaker: Reese Prater

As Jesus continues to expound upon His Law, He deepens our understanding of the Sixth Commandment. Physical adultery does not only break marriage; the lust of the heart already sins against God's gift of a spouse. Jesus' disciples shouldn't just shrug their shoulders at divorce and make sure to go about it with the right procedures. Jesus' disciples should keep their goal of upholding and protecting marriage, rather than breaking it apart. Although Jesus would not have His disciples engage in self-mutilation, He would have us take steps necessary to remove the causes of sin in our lives so that we would live according to the clean heart He creates in us.  Rev. Richard Mittwede, pastor emeritus residing in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 5:27-32.  “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Join us for our Sunday morning study entitled, Firm Foundation"

When Jesus states what His disciples have heard from the Old Testament, He does not contradict the Word of God but reveals the full depth of His truth. As Jesus begins to teach the true intention of the Fifth Commandment, He states that murder is more than an unlawful taking of life, but begins with anger, hatred, and insults. Rather than allowing anger to fester and grow in our hearts, Jesus teaches His disciples to seek reconciliation quickly.  Rev. Dr. Thomas Egger, president at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 5:21-26.  To learn more about Concordia Seminary, visit csl.edu. “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Pastor David continues our series in the Sermon on the Mount with his exposition of Matthew 5:7.(7A) THE CONDITION AND ATTITUDE OF THE MERCIFUL;Colossians 1:13, 2:6-7a,Titus 3:3-6,Exodus 34:6,1 Peter 1:3,Romans 5:8,Micah 6:8 (NKJV),Colossians 3:12,Luke 6:36,Ephesians 5:1,James 3:17,Jude 1:20-23 (CSB),2 Timothy 1:16,Proverbs 14:21,Luke 10:3-37 (NIV),Second London Baptist Confession,Chapter 22, Paragraph 8(V7B) (AND) THE PROMISED OUTCOME OF THE MERCIFUL.Psalm 18:25,Hebrews 4:16,2 Timothy 1:18,Jude 1:1b-2Second London Baptist Confession,Chapter 32, Paragraph 2

Jesus prepares for a major section of teaching in His Sermon on the Mount by clarifying His relationship to the Scriptures. He has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. He will accomplish all that is written down to the smallest jot or tittle. Thus, none of Jesus' disciples are free to relax God's commandments in teaching or practice. Rather, Jesus calls His disciples to a righteousness that exceeds the righteousness that the Pharisees and scribes have. The righteousness of Jesus' disciples is greater because it is of a different kind—it is the gift of God to them through faith in Jesus.  Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 5:17-20.  To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit gracebrenham.org. “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Hey, Beyond Sunday listeners! Today, we're joined by Seth Jewell for a deeper dive into his sermon on Matthew 5:27–37 from this past Sunday. Join us throughout the summer as we journey back through the Sermon on the Mount as a church body!

Having blessed His disciples, Jesus gives them an identity founded in Himself. His disciples are the salt of the earth, providing what is lacking in this world by bringing the Word of Jesus in word and deed. His disciples are the light of the world, not meant to be hidden but to be seen by all. Yet, the disciples of Jesus are not to be seen to draw attention to themselves. Their light is to reflect upon their heavenly Father so that the world glorifies Him.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 5:13-16.  To learn more about St. Matthew Lutheran, visit GraceFaithLove.org. “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

What does it mean to be salt and light? In this message, Pastor Mike Skedeleski reminds us that these are not goals we strive to achieve someday, but declarations of who we already are in Christ. As Jesus continues His Sermon on the Mount, we discover that our identity as citizens of God's Kingdom carries both purpose and responsibility in a world longing for hope, truth, and direction. Through the powerful images of salt and light, we are invited to see how God uses ordinary people to make an extraordinary impact. We are called to preserve what is good, shine truth into dark places, and reflect the love and grace that we have received from Him. Rather than blending into the culture around us, Jesus encourages us to live with conviction, compassion, and courage to shine His light wherever He has placed us. Join us as we explore how our everyday lives can point others to Christ. Whether at home, at work, online, or in our communities, we are reminded that God has uniquely positioned each of us to influence the world around us. As we embrace our identity in Him, we become living testimonies that draw others toward the hope, life, and light found in Jesus.

Jesus begins His Sermon on the Mount with nine beatitudes. Jesus speaks these statements of God's blessing and salvation to unlikely groups, such as the poor in spirit, the mourners, and the persecuted Christians. Apart from their own merit or strength, they receive blessings from their heavenly King both now and in the future. By the end of this section, Jesus blesses not only “them,” but “you.” In this way, He calls each one of us to hear His Word and receive His blessing.  Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 5:3-12.  To learn more about St. John's, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.org. “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Summer On the Mount: If Jesus Gave a Graduation Speech Part 2 (Matthew 5:7-12) | Pastor John Ware by Lifehouse

A church of Jesus in Chattanooga, Tennessee that loves God and lives in community for the sake of the city.We gather for worship on Sundays at 10am at Battle Academy (1601 Market Street).@citycollectivechatt on Instagramwww.citycollective.usinfo@citycollectivechatt.com

One of Jesus' most difficult commands is this: Love your enemies. How can we understand and apply this teaching? Matthew 5:43-48

Join us this summer as we journey through the Sermon on the Mount, slowing down to sit with the words of Jesus and discover The Way That Leads To Life: a life rooted in the love of God, formed by the wisdom of God, and lived in the freedom of God.Each Monday morning, we will release a companion podcast episode that invites you to slow down and sit with the words of Jesus through a guided Scripture reading and reflection on that week's passage from the Sermon on the Mount.This week, we will contemplate Matthew 5:1-15.For more information, head to www.portcity.church/theway.

In this message, Wesley unpacks Matthew 5:5-6 and shares how they fit into the sermon on the mount as a whole.

The Sermon on the Mount: More Than You Think | Matthew 5 | Family Church Matthew Chapter 5 contains some of the most well-known words Jesus ever spoke — and some of the most misunderstood. In this message, our guest speaker walks us through the entire chapter, verse by verse, unpacking what Jesus was really saying in the Beatitudes, in His teachings on murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, and loving your enemies. Here's what most people miss: Jesus wasn't coming to get rid of the Old Testament. He came to complete it — to be the lens through which all of it finally makes sense. And when you read Matthew 5 through that lens, everything shifts. In this message you'll discover: What "poor in spirit" and "blessed are those who mourn" actually mean Why the hunger and thirst Jesus talks about is nothing like a mid-afternoon snack craving How Jesus raises the bar from action to heart — and why that's actually good news What the Sermon on the Mount has to say about your marriage Why "love your enemies" is the most radical thing Jesus ever said This is part of our ongoing series reading through the book of Matthew together — because the Bible is enough.

This week, Wendy closed the "Emmanuel: Practicing Presence" series with a message on how God is with us in our enemies, and argued that Jesus's command to love our enemies corrects a misreading of the Old Testament that treated hatred as permissible toward outsiders. She walks through four steps for escaping what she calls "enemy mode" (listed below) and frames love as the more powerful and life-giving alternative to hate, and we are urged to move these practices from theory into action during the week ahead.Escaping “Enemy Mode”1. Identify who your enemies are2. Surrender your hatred to God in trust that He will handle justice3. Reframe your enemies by seeing them through God's eyes as fellow fallen people and beloved children4. Pray for and actively bless those who persecute youSupport the show

Harvest is a church where we love to worship God together, where the transforming message of the Gospel is preached weekly, where authentic community can be found, and where we are intentional about making disciples of Jesus Christ. We'd love for you to join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. Browse around our website for more information.

“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8 NLT) The apostle Paul wrote, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:12–14 NLT) This is a prime example of a person with an undivided heart. Many of us today could say, “I focus on these eight things” or “I focus on these four things,” instead of saying, “I focus on this one thing.” Such is the problem of a divided heart. Jesus emphasized the importance of an undivided heart in His Sermon on the Mount. He said, “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8 NLT). The word pure in this context means “undivided.” In other words, blessed, or happy, are the people who have a singular focus. Happy are the people who strive to maintain a pure heart. Happy are the people who know where they’re going in life, who have priorities and live by them. Happy are the people who aren’t trying to live in two different worlds. The apostle Peter explained why trying to live in two different worlds isn’t an option for believers: “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT). We live in a wicked time, one in which we’re exposed to countless things that are spiritually harmful. This presents a serious problem for believers. As Paul wrote in Romans 16:19, “I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong.” Paul makes the case for an undivided heart in Colossians 3:1–4: “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory” (NLT). God is offering you true happiness—happiness that’s not contingent on how much you have but on whom you know. If you don’t align your life properly with God, you will always be chasing an elusive dream. But if you do align your life with Him and pursue His will, you’ll find purpose in life. You’ll find the happiness you’re seeking. Reflection question: What would an undivided heart look like in your life? Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 NKJV) Jesus began His Sermon on the Mount with these words: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3 NKJV). The word translated as poor comes from a verb that means “to shrink, cower, or cringe.” It describes a destitute person or someone who is completely dependent on others for help. You’ll notice, however, that Jesus didn’t just say, “Blessed are the poor.” He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Jesus wasn’t addressing people’s economic situation but rather their spiritual condition. Let’s not miss the implications of His words. Blessed, or happy, are the people who recognize their spiritual poverty apart from God. Blessed, or happy, are those who recognize what they really are in God’s sight: lost, hopeless, and helpless. Apart from Jesus Christ, everyone is spiritually poor. Regardless of our education, accomplishments, or religious knowledge, we’re all spiritually destitute. We may be tempted to look at someone who’s in prison or who’s down and out or who’s struggling with drug addiction and think, “Now, there’s someone who’s spiritually destitute.” We may be tempted to compare ourselves favorably with them. Maybe we’ve lived a relatively refined life. Maybe we have a good education or have accomplished certain things. If so, we may conclude, “I’m not as destitute as that person.” In one sense, that may be true. But in another sense, it isn’t true at all. Before God, all people are spiritually destitute and unable to help themselves. Some people have a hard time admitting this. It’s difficult for us to acknowledge we need to reach out to God and need His forgiveness. We prefer the illusion of being spiritually self-sufficient, of being good enough in and of ourselves. But the Bible doesn’t give us that option. What do we have to offer God—our righteousness? Romans 3:10 says, “No one is righteous—not even one” (NLT). Our good works? Isaiah 64:6 says, “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags” (NLT). The only thing we can offer God is our sincere humility. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor” (NLT). To receive the blessings Jesus talked about, we must embrace our status as being poor in spirit. We were created to bring glory to God, not to ourselves. When we prioritize Him by humbling ourselves, we connect to our original purpose. We find a soul-deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. We discover our spiritual potential when we acknowledge our spiritual poverty. Reflection question: How do you maintain a spirit of humility in your relationship with God? Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:13–16 NLT) The religious leaders of Israel thought that they had eliminated the problem of Jesus when they crucified Him. But instead, they multiplied the problem. His disciples started preaching and performing miracles. It was as though Jesus had returned. And so He had—in the hearts and lives of His people. This reminds us that one of the best arguments for the Christian faith is a transformed life. New believers are ideal advertisements for the Christian faith because their lifestyles change, their attitudes change, and even their countenances change. The greatest biography of Jesus is written in the words and actions of His people. Your godly lifestyle is a testimony, just as if you were a walking miracle, like the lame man whom Peter and John healed. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:13–16 NLT). Even if you don’t tell people that you’re a Christian, they will sense something different about you, and they will watch you. As a representative of Christ, you’re like a walking lightbulb. If you’re being the kind of follower of Jesus that God wants you to be, if you’re being a “salty” Christian, then your lifestyle will stimulate a thirst for God in others. The greatest compliment you can get is when people want to know more, when they approach you and say, “What is it about you?” That’s your opportunity to “turn on the light.” One paraphrase of Scripture puts it this way: “Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy” (1 Peter 3:15 MSG). Are you ready? Reflection question: What does being salt and light look like in your life? Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” (Matthew 5:21–22 NLT) “You must not murder” (Exodus 20:13 NLT). At first glance, this seems like the easiest commandment in all of Scripture to obey. Most people can say, “I may not be a saint, but at least I’ve never killed anyone.” But in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reframed the idea of murder and brought it closer to home—maybe a little closer than most people are comfortable with. Look at His words: “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell” (Matthew 5:21–22 NLT). That’s quite an expansion of the concept of murder. It’s not simply an act of physical violence; it also involves thoughts that are less than wholesome. Jesus was saying, “I’m not just telling you that it’s wrong to kill someone; I’m saying that it’s wrong to hate someone. I’m saying that it’s wrong to hold anger in your heart toward someone.” With those words, Jesus turned one of the easiest commandments to obey into one of the most challenging. Is there anyone you hate? Is there anyone who could cause your blood pressure to spike just by walking into a room? Is there anyone who, though you may not wish them dead, you would not mourn if they did die? If so, then as Jesus said, “You are in danger.” You’re violating God’s commandment. You’re committing a sin for which you need to repent. That doesn’t mean simply confessing the sin; it also means turning away from it. The apostle Paul wrote, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior” (Ephesians 4:31 NLT). A spirit of love is evidence of our Christian faith. Love toward our fellow believers. Love toward our enemies. The fact that showing love toward certain people seems next to impossible doesn’t relieve us of the responsibility. The apostle John wrote, “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7 NLT). That’s the key. The love we show others doesn’t come from us; it comes from God. We love people who are unlovable because God loved us when we were unlovable. When we choose love over hate, we strengthen our relationship with others as well as our relationship with God. Reflection question: How can you show love to someone you’re tempted to hate? Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:10 NLT) The great preacher John Wesley was riding his horse one day when he realized that three days had passed since he’d been persecuted in any way. In that time, not a single brick had been thrown in his direction. He’d not been hit by even a single egg. He stopped his horse and said out loud, “Could it be that I am backslidden or I have sinned?” Slipping down from his mount, he knelt on one knee and asked the Lord to show him if there was anything wrong with him spiritually. A man who disliked Wesley happened by and saw him kneeling in prayer. The man picked up a brick and threw it at him, barely missing the preacher. When Wesley saw the brick fly by, he said, “Thank you, Lord! I know I still have Your presence.” Is it any wonder that Wesley was such a powerful preacher? The takeaway from this story isn’t that we should pray for bricks to be thrown our way. The takeaway is that opposition and persecution are often signs that we’re doing something right, spiritually speaking. There’s no reason for our spiritual enemy to attack ineffective believers. But believers who have the potential to make a difference for God’s kingdom scare him. So, he hauls out the big gun of persecution to try to silence them. If you’re a follower of Christ, your very presence will bother some people. You don’t even have to say anything to arouse their opposition. Your presence is like a bright light shining in a dark place. And for some people, that’s not necessarily a good thing. Jesus said, “God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil” (John 3:19 NLT). The persecution we experience because of our beliefs aligns us with the One in whom we believe. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you” (John 15:18–19 NLT). To be treated in the same way that Jesus was treated is an honor and a blessing. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs” (Matthew 5:10 NLT). Sometimes persecution shows itself as a brick coming our way—that is, as some kind of physical harm, or perhaps even death. Other times, it shows itself in the form of mockery or rejection and causes us to lose friends or perhaps even a job. Whatever form it takes, the reality is this: If you’re living a godly life, then you will face persecution. If you endure and thrive in the face of that persecution, you’ll forge a powerful testimony that impacts people more than words ever could. Reflection question: What would enduring and thriving in the face of persecution look like in your life? Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.