Podcasts about Sermon on the Mount

The Beatitudes. The beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. We ask Sarah Stenson and Lars Olson: What is Jesus conveying in this sermon and how can preachers build on that in their own sermons? How do Christians misconstrue this text to be an instruction manual for being a good person?And how are you actually blessed when people revile you, persecute you, and utter all kinds of evil against you? CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel.Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls - AddictionCONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

In this episode, we unpack how the way of Jesus is not about behavioral modification but true heart transformation. Through Matthew 5:17–30, we see Jesus confront shallow religion and call us beyond church performance into authentic discipleship—where the condition of our hearts before God and our posture toward others matter most. This message challenges us to deal with the roots of sin, pursue reconciliation, and embrace the deep inner work of grace, as Jesus invites us beyond religious works into a life truly transformed from the inside out. ______________________________________________________________________________________ NEW HERE? We'd love to connect with you. Text "NEW" to 323-405-3232 SERMON NOTES: www.bible.com/organizations/f223…-a8fc-3297da42c26a - Or Text: "SERMON" To: 323-405-3232 CONNECT WITH US: Hopeland Website: www.hopelandla.com Hopeland Podcast: @steinbot-519314947 Hopeland YouTube: www.youtube.com/@hopelandchurch Hopeland Facebook: @hopelandla Hopeland Instagram: @hopeland.church To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people with the gospel click here: hopelandla.com/give Or, choose a giving option here: - Venmo: @Hopeland-Church - CashApp: $HopelandChurch - Zelle: shawn@hopelandla.com - Text "Hopeland" to 833-767-5698

GGGGB :) WELCOME TO OUR NEW STUDIOOOO! In this episode of Girls Gone Bible, we unpack Jesus' words from Matthew 5:13–16 and explore salt and light as identity—not performance. This conversation challenges believers to live visibly different lives rooted in integrity, repentance, and daily dependence on Jesus. we love you guys so much. Jesus loves you so much more. -Ang & Ari ORDER OUR NEW BOOK! You can order our new book "Out of the Wilderness— 31 Devotions to Walk with God Through Your Hardest Seasons" at girlsgonebible.com/book JOIN US ON GGB+

The Sermon on the Mount is at the heart of Jesus's preaching the Kingdom of God.  Jesus presents us with a demanding challenge to live a truly holy life.  At the same time, however, he assures us of God the Father's love and constant care.  

In this episode of House of Learning: Understanding the Doctrine of the Temple, Meghan Farner and Cory Jensen explore how to interpret temple symbols and why symbolic language is central to spiritual growth, revelation, and scripture study.This lesson introduces a foundational principle of temple worship: symbols are layered, multidimensional, and designed to teach us throughout our entire lifetime. Rather than limiting symbols to one fixed meaning, viewers are invited to approach temple imagery, scripture, and sacred ritual with spiritual curiosity, humility, and discernment.You'll learn:✨ Why all scripture can be viewed as temple text ✨ How symbols operate on micro and macro levels of meaning ✨ Why spiritual stagnation happens when symbols are interpreted too narrowly ✨ Multiple symbolic interpretations of the veil — including Christ, creation, protection, unbelief, and the divine feminine ✨ How to let the Spirit expand your understanding over time ✨ Practical ways to study and apply symbolism in your personal worship and scripture studyThis episode also explores examples from Doctrine & Covenants 109, Hebrews 10, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Book of Mormon, showing how temple symbolism weaves throughout sacred text.If you've ever felt that the temple holds deeper meaning than you were taught — or if you desire a more experiential relationship with God — this lesson offers tools to begin seeing with spiritual eyes.

What if the language you're learning to speak has nothing to do with your circumstances and everything to do with your identity? In this episode, we explore waking up to who we are in Christ and how God's vision of us is rigid, inflexible, and unchanging—in the best possible way. Graham invites us to discover how we're known in heaven, long before we even knew ourselves.Key Scriptures:+ 2 Corinthians 5:17. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.+ Colossians 3:2. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.+ Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.+ Malachi 3:6. For I am the Lord, I do not change.+ Luke 1:13-17. The angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John..."+ Matthew 5:17-48. The Sermon on the Mount - "You have heard it said, but I say to you..."+ Matthew 17:1-8. The Mount of Transfiguration - Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, with Moses and Elijah appearing.+ Luke 16:16. The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached.Want to explore more?

Week 16 | The Will to Fidelity (1995)This week, we're in Week 16 of a series Darrell taught on the Sermon on the Mount in 1995 at Glendale Presbyterian Church in California.  In this message, Darrell courageously engages Jesus' hard words on divorce, holding together truth and grace in the midst of deep relational pain. He shows how Jesus' teaching defends the dignity of women, calls us back to God's original “one flesh” vision for marriage, and honestly acknowledges the devastating reality of sin. By placing divorce within the wider context of Jesus' teaching on anger, lust, integrity, retaliation, and love of enemies, Darrell invites us toward relational wholeness made possible by the transforming power of the kingdom of God.__⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Regent College⁠⁠The Vine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—⁠Give to the Ministry of Darrell Johnson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Darrell's Books⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Darrell's Mailing List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠darrelljohnson.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/darrelljohnson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Matthew 5:3-10 is called the Sermon on the Mount—one of Jesus's most well-known teachings.Matthew 5:3-10 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.Again, I want to ask you if any line or phrase or word stood out to you? If so, say it out loud now. … Take a moment to ask God why He had that stand out to you?This time through, I will paraphrase the passage, turning the words into personal language and only reading certain parts for you to hear it differently…“God … realizes your need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven [is yours]. … mourn, [and you] will be comforted. [be] humble, [and you] will inherit the whole earth. … hunger and thirst for justice, [and you] will be satisfied. [be] merciful, [and you] will be shown mercy. [be] pure, [and you] will see God. … work for peace, [and you] will be called the children of God. Do [what is] right, [and] the Kingdom of Heaven is [yours].Which of Jesus' teachings here do you feel like He asking you to focus on right now?You likely know the reason, but if not, ask Him. He wants you to know … and tell you why.For those who follow Christ, the Kingdom of Heaven starts here. The Kingdom of Heaven is yours … right now.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for such incredible teachings and challenges. Thank You for every promise You offer for a balanced and blessed life. I want to experience the Kingdom of Heaven starting here, right now. So I mean it when I say … As above, so below.”

You can say it in different ways, but a Christian school isn't worth the time and effort it takes unless it's helping form disciples of Jesus. That doesn't mean you're practicing child evangelism or replacing the essential work of the church. It does mean that we are partnering with our churches and families and that we as school leaders and teachers are fully devoted to following Jesus ourselves. Like Stephen says, we should think of ourselves as wearing signs that say, “Follow me.” This is a call to evaluate and refocus our personal vision and witness in our relationships around schools that most definitely shape our teaching and our students.   Stephan Gingerich has been on this show before and brings a range of experience in teaching and school leadership, some of which he gained while growing up and teaching in Central America. He brings refreshing perspective and challenges us in this talk to be concerned with what's beyond our school fences.   Stephen invites us to ponder with him. Great opportunities are often disguised as problems. Perhaps we witness the most when we don't know that people are watching us. How can our schools bring light to the world? What does the Sermon on the Mount have to say about Christ-like community relations? What are practical ways you can connect with your community?   Links Contact us: https://thedockforlearning.org/contact-us/ 3-minute feedback: https://forms.office.com/r/1G564EGQkn

We're talking about the unique place of the Sermon on the Mount in ancient history and the people Jesus referred to as "blessed." If you missed the message from this weekend, you're going to want to watch that first.

In this lecture titled "The First Gospel," Sam elaborates on the teachings from Matthew's Gospel, specifically focusing on Chapter 5, which includes the well-known Sermon on the Mount, also referred to as the Beatitudes. The session is framed within a larger sermon series that spans from January to Easter, inviting participants to engage with the text personally over the upcoming months. Sam emphasizes the importance of exploring Matthew in its entirety, encouraging attendees to read passages not covered in the discussions and to pose any questions they may have to Ian, the lead teacher.The lecture begins with Sam referencing the Bible Project, an organization that produces engaging educational videos to simplify biblical concepts. He highlights a particular video summarizing Matthew's Gospel, which is presented in an accessible format that captures the audience's attention. Moving on, Sam emphasizes that Matthew's Gospel strategically links Jesus to Moses, particularly illustrating how Jesus, like Moses, imparts important teachings from a mountainside. This connection is crucial for the Jewish audience, who would recognize the parallels between Jesus' teachings and the traditional narratives of their faith.As Sam dives deeper into the Beatitudes, he outlines the blessings Jesus pronounces. He references Psalm 1, illustrating how the notion of being "blessed" resonates throughout the scriptures and prepares the audience to juxtapose these biblical ideals against contemporary societal values that often promote pride, entitlement, and cruelty. He presents an insightful interpretation of the Beatitudes by contrasting them with a set of “Bizarro Beatitudes,” which represent worldly values that stand in stark opposition to the blessings Jesus describes.The Bizarro Beatitudes serve as a powerful rhetorical device to challenge attendees. Sam articulates that in our current world, selfishness and indifference often lead to societal sentiments that contradict Jesus' teachings of humility, mercy, and justice. He reflects on how this disconnect manifests in daily experiences, questioning whether they reflect the divine calling towards righteousness or illustrate a descent into what he describes as "the bizarro attitudes." As he does so, Sam invites attendees to confront the uncomfortable realities of evil, injustice, and neglect present in their lives and communities.Bridging the text with personal anecdotes, Sam shares his journey of faith and service, specifically through his involvement with an organization called InterVarsity. He illustrates how this organization fosters leadership grounded in Christ-like principles and highlights the transformative experiences of students serving in Chicago neighborhoods. Through concrete examples from a service trip, he emphasizes the reciprocal nature of serving—whereby those who serve often find themselves blessed beyond what they give.Sam concludes by explaining what he refers to as "the economy of God," a concept suggesting that when individuals meet the needs of others using God's resources, it creates a cycle of blessing and glorification of God. He describes how serving should be life-giving, encouraging participants to view service as a path to experience God's love and grace. His insistence that true blessing transcends human understanding prompts a reflective moment for the audience, urging them to consider how they are called to live out these teachings.To wrap up the session, Sam invites participants to engage in prayer and reflection, acknowledging the Holy Spirit's role in guiding their next steps. He emphasizes that the mission of service should direct their focus outward, encouraging them to be instruments of change in their communities while fostering an understanding that their actions contribute to the greater narrative of God's kingdom.

Join us in our "Sermon on the Mount: Living the Way of Jesus" series as Pastor Matthew unpacks Matthew 5:17-20. In this message, "Jesus and The Word," discover how Jesus doesn't abolish the Old Testament but brings it to its glorious fulfillment, calling us to a deeper, heart-level righteousness that surpasses mere rule-keeping. In a culture bombarding us with messages to dismiss Scripture as outdated, Jesus anchors us to God's unchanging Word. This sermon grounds the series theologically, showing the Sermon on the Mount as kingdom realization—not moralism. Listen now and let the Word search your heart. What will your verdict be?

Matthew 5-7 Many of Jesus' most familiar teachings come from the Sermon on the Mount, the aim here is not to treat it as a list of moral instructions, but to understand the new day Jesus was announcing. Set against a deeply divided and oppressed Israel, Jesus' announcement that “the kingdom of heaven has come near” was not a threat of judgment, but a declaration that the long wait for God's action was over. The Sermon re-centers the Law, not as a path to salvation, but as a vision of life under God's reign—and Jesus' rhetoric shows it was never meant to be achievable through human effort. From the opening line of the Beatitudes onward, He makes clear that the kingdom is available to all who can admit they can't do this on their own (spoiler - that's all of us - that's the whole point!) Rather than driving us to despair over our shortcomings, the Sermon on the Mount trains us to live within a reality Jesus opened up to every one of us, through God's presence and the power of His Spirit. By Hannah Flint Books referenced: The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God by Dallas Willard The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls by Rich Villodas

On this weeks episode of BTG, Pastor Nate begins a new series with the sermon on the mount where Jesus preached His greatest sermon, but oftentimes the very first statement He made gets overlooked.  "Blessed are the poor in the spirit for they shall inherit the Kingdom of Heaven."Support the show

Send us a textJesus made it clear that in His Kingdom, it's all about this: Who are we BE-coming? He opened His masterful Sermon on the Mount, which defined in detail Kingdom living, with BE-Attitudes: The attitudes (mindset/perspectives) that shape who we ARE, and then will be the foundation of what we DO (which was the rest of the sermon). Just us as Pastor C unpacks critical "Be-Attitudes" for this year! 

This week, Ryan Murphy continues our Sermon on the Mount Series: Culture of the Kingdom.

Ryan and Brian are back and picking up their study of the Beatitudes, focusing on the second half of Jesus' opening words in the Sermon on the Mount. This episode explores what it looks like to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven—not just in belief, but in everyday relationships and public life.The conversation moves through mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and persecution, showing how these Beatitudes reveal Jesus' vision for how Kingdom people treat others. Peace is not passive, mercy is not optional, and faithfulness often comes at a cost. Drawing from Jeremiah, Peter, and the prophets, Ryan and Brian ask what it means to seek shalom in a divided, often hostile world.In a culture quick to react, withdraw, or escalate conflict, this episode challenges listeners to pursue peace, speak truth with humility, and trust God when faithfulness leads to opposition—remembering that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who endure.

Send us a text In this episode of BuddyWalk with Jesus, we slow down over Matthew 5:5: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” In a tribalized world shaped by algorithms, outrage, and echo chambers, Jesus calls His disciples into a strength that doesn't need to dominate. We unpack what “meek” (praeis) really means—gentleness with backbone, power under control—and why Jesus links it to the promise of inheritance rather than conquest. You'll hear how this Beatitude echoes Psalm 37, why meekness is a form of resistance against online manipulation, and what it looks like to live with conviction without contempt. We'll end with simple practices to help you train meekness in your speech, your reactions, and your digital life. Support the show If you have any questions about the subjects covered in today's episode you can find us on Facebook at the links below or you can shoot me an email at joe@buddywalkwithjesus.com One Stop Shop for all the links Linktr.ee/happydeamedia

Pastor Justin Hall preaches from Matthew 5:17-20 in the sermon series, Wisdom from the King: the Sermon on the Mount.

Notes Matthew 4:12-23 Isaiah 9:1-4 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler delve into the Gospel reading from Matthew 4:12-23, which recounts the calling of the fishermen. They explore the significance of Jesus' call to Simon Peter and Andrew, as well as James and John, emphasizing the differences in the Gospel narratives. The discussion highlights the socio-political context of Galilee, where Jesus begins his ministry amid Roman oppression, and the implications of being 'fishers of men' as a call to advocate for justice rather than mere evangelism. The hosts also touch on the upcoming readings from Isaiah and 1 Corinthians, drawing connections between the texts and contemporary issues of division within the church and society. Takeaways Jesus's call to the fishermen is immediate and transformative. The Gospels present different perspectives on the same events. The arrest of John the Baptist serves as a catalyst for Jesus's ministry. Church divisions can distract from the core message of unity in Christ. The Kingdom of Heaven challenges existing power structures. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 02:03 Conferences and Continuing Education in Ministry 04:58 Exploring the Sermon on the Mount 07:43 The Calling of the Fishermen: Matthew 4:12-23 09:00 Comparative Analysis of Gospel Accounts 12:04 The Significance of Jesus' Command to Follow 16:11 The Context of John's Arrest and Its Impact 19:26 The Political Implications of Jesus' Ministry 22:19 Understanding 'Fishers of Men' in a New Light 26:26 The Historical Context of Galilee and Its Importance 30:17 The Struggles of Modern Empires 35:07 The Light in Darkness: A Message of Hope 45:07 Unity in Diversity: The Call for Christian Togetherness  

Title: The Upside Down HeartSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this teaching from the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Nate Holdridge continues through the Beatitudes by examining Matthew 5:6-8. Jesus describes an "upside down heart" that contradicts the world's values: while the world says to hunger for success, Jesus blesses those who hunger for righteousness; while the world says to get what you deserve, Jesus blesses those who give mercy to others; while the world says to manage your image, Jesus blesses those who purify their hearts. Pastor Nate unpacks each beatitude by exploring what it is, what it isn't, what it looked like in Jesus, and the promised result for those who embody it. This sermon emphasizes that the Beatitudes are not moralistic commands to try harder but descriptions of the fruit Jesus produces in those who follow him—transformation from the inside out.Link to Sermon Notes

TED Talks are 18-minute videos of influential speakers. So, here's a question: What would Jesus say if he gave a Ted Talk? Turns out, He already did some two-thousand years ago, and it's probably one of the most, if not the most, influential and profound speeches of all time. It's called the Sermon on the Mount, found in the book of Matthew. Many people may not know its name, but they know many of the golden nuggets of Jesus's core teachings that come from it, like The Lord's Prayer, "Our Father who art in heaven..." and the Beatitudes like "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." Lauren revisits a conversation with Dr. Robert Jeffress, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Dallas, on the philosophies and Divine guidance of the Sermon on the Mount in his book, "Eighteen Minutes with Jesus: Straight Talk from the Savior about the Things that Matter Most."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we continue through the Sermon on the Mount as Jesus reveals the heart of Kingdom ethics—calling us to examine our inner life, our relationships, and our unwavering commitment to Him. We explore what it means to be pure in heart, to live as true peacemakers, to remain faithful under pressure, and to embody our calling as salt and light in the world. This message confronts shallow religion and invites us into a life of authentic discipleship—where transformed hearts lead to visible impact and God alone receives the glory. ______________________________________________________________________________________ NEW HERE? We'd love to connect with you. Text "NEW" to 323-405-3232 SERMON NOTES: www.bible.com/organizations/f223…-a8fc-3297da42c26a - Or Text: "SERMON" To: 323-405-3232 CONNECT WITH US: Hopeland Website: www.hopelandla.com Hopeland Podcast: @steinbot-519314947 Hopeland YouTube: www.youtube.com/@hopelandchurch Hopeland Facebook: @hopelandla Hopeland Instagram: @hopeland.church To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people with the gospel click here: hopelandla.com/give Or, choose a giving option here: - Venmo: @Hopeland-Church - CashApp: $HopelandChurch - Zelle: shawn@hopelandla.com - Text "Hopeland" to 833-767-5698

Welcome to River of Life Church's podcast! We are a body of believers who gather together to worship God & grow in His grace. We are a church of His presence, His promises and we are for all people. More info can be found at www.rol-ag.com.

The Book of James deals a deck of wisdom, guiding us to live with faith, love, and discernment through actionable teachings, inspired by Proverbs and the Sermon on the Mount. Like a dealer laying out cards, James introduces God's wisdom as a gift, always there during trials, when we need guidance, and when tempted to be selfish or petty. Join Horizon for James: LIVE AND LOVE WISELY, a verse-by-verse study.

Mitch Dinterman | Christ Community CU

4 Parts: 1. Don't Worship Yet! 2. Settle Out Of Court 3. Betraying Thoughts 4. Postpone Surgery!!

Sunday, January 18, 2026 - Matthew 5:17-20 | One of the church's biggest challenges is determining what role, if any, the Law has in the life of the believer. Some believe that the Law should have no role at all. Others assert that Christians today are bound by the Law. Which of these positions is really true?

BeatitudesGary VillaJanuary 18th, 2025

My WitnessesJanuary 18, 2026Teacher: Pastor Michael WhiteThe golden ruleMatthew 7:12 Intro:“We are an underwear family”I need you to get on board with this.It's the done thing in our familyI would assume that we are all underwear people, if not, please don't tell me. Families have characteristics. Ways that they do things, things they don't do, values they have.  When you think about your family, now or in the past, what things characterized your family?Maybe you're a camping familyOr maybe you're a “we watch a movie on Friday night family”Maybe you're a “we say grace even in restaurants family” There are things that you do, that show what your family values.“Remember who you are!”You've been given an identity.A set of valuesYou're not just you, you represent a group of people. Super familiar verseBut I want to put it into its context and that's going to add a layer to its meaning. ScriptureMatthew 7:1212 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Context is kingThis comes at the end of the sermon on the mount, Matthew 5-7That's importantWhat's the sermon on the mount?RiffJesus greatest concentrated teachingImportant because he starts out with this.He is defining what his purpose isShowing what is important to himFor the next 3 years he lives this out When we get down to our verse…7:12  Doesn't really feel related to vv. 7-11.  7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Then the golden rule comes and it doesn't seem to follow.It goes back to 5:17 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. That's the overall rubric, What does it look like to fulfill the law and prophets?  Jesus takes 2 chapters to illustrate how you do that.then it culminates in the Golden ruleThe law and the prophets are fulfilled in how we treat other people.That's what the 2 chapters of the sermon on the mount are all about, how Jesus' disciples should relate to other people.The proof of a relationship with Jesus is a changed heart that results in changed behavior toward other peopleNeed to understand This is a verse about Christian community, the churchIt's not about being an individual.  It does affect individual behavior, but in the sense of how we as individuals fit into the group.This is about how the family behaves.Just like your family of origin has certain characteristics,The Golden rule characterizes the family of GodThis is how the family behaves as God fulfills his plan and purpose for the world.The movement of God from the moment sin entered into the worldUntil the point where evil is finally defeated once and for allStory arc that God is making a new creation.  The church.  We are living into God's plan and purpose and we do that by acting like the family of God.It's fundamentally about redemption.As people come to know the good news of Jesus, God is gathering them/us together, creating a new people, a new community of people who are living into the reality of God's new creation.  It's like this taste of heaven.Here's where the Golden Rule comes inThose people are pointing to a world where only good is done to each other.  Can you Imagine what that would be like?People wouldn't hurt each otherNo one would say terrible things to each otherThere wouldn't be any warNo one would need to be afraidIt sounds like heaven…This is the profound point.This is the answer to the line of the Lord's PrayerThy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heavenA world where only good is done to each otherThat's the kingdom of God. That's what we point to.That's how disciples of Jesus liveDo to others what you would have them do to you.This is the done thing.  This is how the family behaves.  This is how the new community reflects the character of God.This is how we live into the day when God's rule is complete.That's what the Golden rule is all aboutThe Golden Rule in historyNobody really knows how it became known as the “Golden Rule”  But the story I like best is that the Roman Emperor Severus Alexander 222-35, was so impressed by the saying that he had it inscribed in gold on the wall of his chamber.  Severus Alexander  You've probably never heard of him, but he has a very famous descendentSeverus SnapeThe Golden Rule isn't original to Jesus.It exists in Judaism, particularly in Rabbi Hillel, I'd show you a photo of him, but he doesn't have any famous relativesand many other places, Here's the thing: it is almost always in the negative.  Don't do to other people what you don't want them to do to you.That's a great rule. Would you like it if someone did that to you?No?  Then don't do that to them.Cutting people off on the freeway.Jesus takes that rule and does something interesting with it.Jesus puts it in the positiveTakes it away from being passiveAs long as your not doing anything bad, you're doing fine.By putting it in the positive makes it more demanding.Therefore everything you would like others to do to you, your yourselves be doing to them.It's proactive“Hey, here's this person in this situation.”  If I was in that situation, I would want someone to do this for me.You can't meet everyone's need.  It's impossible.  But don't use that as an out.There will be people God places in your field of visionMe in the supermarketYou look lost can I help you.In the negative way of understanding the rule, he didn't have to do that.  In the positive sense that Jesus introduces, this was a great way.It has little implications and it has huge implications.Maybe it means you open the door for someone who is caring an armful of packages.Maybe you stop and help someone who looks like they need help.Maybe you grant charitable assumptions instead of assuming the worst.Maybe you put yourself into the position of people who are affected by policies and procedures that don't affect you and ask yourself, what would I want someone to do for me if I was in that situation?Water at ChautauquaWe take the initiative to love people.It doesn't say treat others as they treat you.We are called to live by a higher standard, a greater righteousness, a deeper ethic than “pay each other back in kind”quid pro quoFeels like there could be this complex morality.But Jesus boils down to something super simple.There are 622 laws in the Old TestamentAll the teaching of the sermon on the mount is caught up in this summary.  This one thing…Whatever you would like other people to do to you be doing that to other people. Raises issues of identityWhose family do you belong to?Maybe the more revealing question is: Whose family do you look like?  What are the things that characterize your life?Some of us, need to decide which family we want to belong to.Others of us, need to decide that we are going to be more serious about reflecting the family priorities.You can't just dabble with JesusIn the public square there are people saying Jesusy things but whose lives don't reflect anything of the Jesus that I know.What family are you reflecting?Whose family do you look like?Just because you show up at church, doesn't mean that you are reflecting God's family.The biggest problem to be overcome?  Our angerInside and outside the church.We are all Jesusy until something happens that makes us mad or that we don't like.Sajan and the capital fund.We grow.  We get mentored.  We watch other people liveThe longer you hang out with the family, the more you figure out what the done thing is.Which means that some us need to make sure that we are setting a good example and all of us need to continue to grow into the image and likeness of JesusThis happened in our family.Brian  3 criteriaI'm a girl dadHe's a guy.  He contacts his parents 3 times a year.I have heard from Rachel and AllieOur family is not like that.Brian has learnedThat's the done thing in our familyI'm sure his parents don't know he was deployedThey'll have three kidsBut he has learned what our family looks likeWe sink our roots in deeply into the family and we participate with the Holy Spirit in the creation of the new communityI am a part of a group.  I am not just me.  I am an extension of us.All about relationships.  How we treat each other.How we love God, by loving othersHow does this help you make decisions?The Golden Rule is like a compass.  It doesn't address every single situation.  But, it points you in the right direction.It might not tell you how long you need to do something or what the exact process should be, but it helps you find the right path.Friend is dealing with a difficult employee.  They do just the bare minimum to get by.  They are passive aggressive.  They are not actively undermining things.They seem to know just where the line is and they push it but don't cross it.Before you put your management hat on.  It's complicated.  And I haven't told you the whole story.The Golden Rule doesn't tell you when to involve HR, or when to start a performance improvement plan. But it does tell you what your posture should be as you approach the situation. An application point would be to look at your relationships and ask “Who am I not treating like I would like to be treated?”Context of the series on missions.  Uniquely positioned to affect peoplePlace of hospitality and warmthKeeping the main thing the main thing.All sorts of churches who have become characterized by all sorts of things that are not the gospel.God is inviting everyone into a new community.  That's the evangelistic opportunity.We have this to offer people.  Showing people a different way, a better way.  A way that leads to peace and joy and fulfillment.We do this by living differentlylives are Characterized by the things that characterized Jesus' life.Holding as important what Jesus held iimportantI want to go back to something I said early about two very important teachings of Jesus.The Golden Rule and the Lord's prayerDesire is in the golden rule Do the thing that you would desire other people to do for you.It's also key to the Lord's PrayerI desire that Your kingdom come, your will be done.In my life and on earth in the same way it is done in heaven.Our hearts is a not good judge of what is best.  But our hearts can be changed to desire the things that God desires.Encourage us as a group to think about that.  What are our hearts desiring?Who or what is forming our heart?  The gospel or our preferred news outlet?What would your friends, your children or your grandchildren say forms you more, your commitment to Jesus or your party affiliation?We have this amazing gift which we have been given that we can offer people.  Changed lives, changed hearts, a community where we are striving to honor God by faithfully working in our relationships to bring about a kingdom where only good is done.Sermon question:Who or what is forming your heart?Who do you need to treat differently?How can the golden rule help you make decisions this week? 

Introduction: Get Purified: When There's Sin in the Church... (1 Corinthians 5:1-13) RECOGNIZE sin. (1 Cor 5:1-2) Ephesians 5:3 - But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. REMOVE the sinner. (1 Cor 5:3-5) Proverbs 22:10 - Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease. Titus 3:10 - As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him... What do we hope to accomplish by throwing him out? In His heart: We hope He's ASHAMED. 2 Thessalonians 3:14 - If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. In His head: We hope He LEARNS. 1 Timothy 1:20 - Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. In His body: We hope He SUFFERS. In His Spirit: We hope He REPENTS. REMEMBER the purpose. (1 Cor 5:6-8) RESTRICT discipline to believers. (1 Cor 5:9-13) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 5What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Why do you think people have a hard time with a church removing an unrepentant sinner, when the Bible clearly commands it?What is the motivation behind removing someone from church? What does it do for the church?Explain 1 Cor 5:5 in your own words.How would you coach someone on “How exactly do I confront a brother in Christ who is clearly in unrepentant sin?”BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Open up those Bibles.The book of 1 Corinthians in chapter 5.1 Corinthians chapter 5.Imagine a scenario with me.You go to the doctor because you have a suspicious looking spot on your skin and the doctorgives you the news you don't want to hear.You have skin cancer.So for the good of the body, for the health of the body, what needs to happen with thatspot?You have to remove it, right?Right?You have to remove it.Or if you go to a doctor and they find out that you have cancer in your kidney, for thehealth of the body, what do you have to do?You have to remove it, right?If it's on your skin, for the health of the body, you remove it.If it's on your kidney, for the health of the body, you remove it.And what if there's cancer in the church?All of a sudden the brakes got pumped a little bit, didn't they?In principle, for the health of the body, it has to be removed.We're getting back into 1 Corinthians.Remember the first four chapters, one message really, it was get unified.Paul pointed out that Corinthians had a lot of problems with pride and boasting and factions.Get unified, knock it off.All right, next subject takes us to our next section here, get purified.There is another problem in the church.There was someone who claimed to be a Christian but was living in flagrant, unrepentant sin.What do you do with that guy?Let's just pause for a moment.I'm going to ask you please pray for me.To be faithful to communicate what God's Word says, I will pray for you to have a heartopen to receive it.All right, let's pray.Father, be glorified.Be glorified as we spend this time in Your Word.Be glorified in the hearts of every one of us that we would be very quick to disregardour opinions and have a heart to embrace Your truth.We thank You ahead of time, Father, for what You're going to do.Whatever that looks like to us, I guess doesn't really matter.Do what You do, Father.We pray in Jesus' name.All of God's people said, "Amen."So what do you do?What do you do when there's someone in the church who claims to be a believer but they'reliving in obvious flagrant, unrepentant sin?What do you do with that person?We're going to get right into it on your outline.Get purified.When there's sin in the church, what do you do?What do you do?First of all, number one, write this down, "Recognize sin."How about we start there?Look at verse 1 and chapter 5.Paul says, "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you."Stop right there for a second.What is sexual immorality?What is that?I know what the words mean.I don't need a definition, but in our day, can somebody give me an example of what issexual immorality?Because it seems like we live in a day that anything goes.So how can we say anything's immoral if everything's okay?What even is that?Well, he goes on, look at the rest of verse 1.He says, "It's reported that there is sexual immorality among you and of a kind that isnot tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife."Okay, now, I'm not going to bore you with the homework, but according to the Greek text,here's what's going on.There was a man who married, had a kid, and his wife dies.And he remarries, probably a much younger woman, and his son has the hots for his stepmother.And they start a relationship.And the man ends up divorcing the wife, the stepmom, because the Bible doesn't say theycommitted adultery, it says they committed fornication.So the man divorced his second wife, but his son continued an ongoing sexual relationshipwith his stepmother.Pretty shocking sin, isn't it?But not as shocking as the church's reaction.Paul's like, "What are you doing?What are you doing?Even pagans would look at this and be like, "You're sick, bro!What are you doing?You're sleeping with your stepmother?"Paul's like, "Pagans are gagging at this thought."And church, you're just...What are you doing?You're just allowing this to happen?So the church today is just like Corinth.We church, we live right in the middle of Sodom.And sin in general, and sexual sin specifically, we have - I don't need to sell anybody onthis - we have very quickly moved from tolerating it, which is bad enough, to applauding sexualsin.What do you think about that, Paul?Look at verse 2.He says, "And you are arrogant.Aught you not rather to mourn?Let him who has done this be removed from among you."Paul's like, "What are you doing?This should grieve you as a church.Having one of your members be in sexual sin,you should be sad about this."He goes, "You're so arrogant.You're so fully yourselves."That's what he was talking about in chapters 1-4.Constantly spraining their arms, patting themselves on the back.See, so sick.In Corinth, they made a - we saw this in the first four chapters - they made a big dealout of who the best preacher was, and then they make a very little deal out of flagrant,unrepentant sexual sin.Not much has changed there.The church has graded that, aren't we?We're graded that.We will make a big deal out of nonsense.Oh no, we'll fight about little points of doctrine that we'll never get figured out.We'll fight about that.But one of our members can be living a destructive sinful lifestyle when we're like, "Oh, well,what can you do?"And we'll ignore that.Just like Corinth, Paul tells them and us how to deal with the sinner.But I think first we've got to make sure that we recognize what sin is, because I thinkin the landscape of the church today we've forgotten that such a thing even exists.Do we recognize sin?See, in Corinth we're going to talk more about this here in a couple of weeks, but the Greekssaw sex as a merely biological function.That's all it was.Sex was just a biological function.It's like this.You're hungry, you eat, right?That's just natural.When you're thirsty, you drink.That's just natural.And you have those urges.You just do it, because it's just natural to do that.You know what the problem was in Corinth and in our church today?Same problem.We have lost the idea that marriage and sexuality are sacred things.We've lost that.We have completely lost that concept.There is no idea around this is a holy and sacred and precious thing that needs to beprotected.We become a bunch of dogs.You study God's Word.Do you know how sacred marriage and sexuality is?This is God's picture.God says, "I have this."And then this is all the way from creation.God says, "I have this design.I'm going to take a man and a woman, and these two are going to enter a lifelong covenantwith each other."They're going to make this lifelong commitment as covenant.They're going to have a relationship with each other that's unlike the relationship theyhave with anybody else on the earth.And two will become one.And the physical manifestation of two becoming one is the act of intimacy.They're going to know each other in a way that no one else knows either of them.They know each other that way.This is a sacred thing.Thank God we find out in the New Testament that it's a picture of the gospel.It's God enters a covenant with His people and has an intimate relationship with Hispeople.It's a picture.It's sacred.The church, when we abandon God's design, we disregard the sacredness and we've abandonedall purity.And it is the church's job, yes, it is still the church's job to promote and pursue purity.To the extent, quick call back.Dr. Taylor just read Ephesians 5, but again, verse 3, "But sexual immorality and all impurityor covetousness must not even be named among you as is proper among saints."We church have to deal with people that are insane.And that requires recognizing when people are in unrepentant sin.Can we recognize that?What do you do?What do you do with the guy?Well, look at verse 2 again, last part."Let him who has done this be removed from among you."You see that?God says when someone who claims to be a believer is living in unrepentance and remove him,get him out of the church.You're like, is that really what it says?Or is that just kind of like your interpretation?No, that's what it says.Actually, you're going to see this six times in the passage.In verse 2, verse 5, verse 7, verse 9, and twice in verse 11.In this case, you remove them.Paul says you grab them by the scruff of the neck and the seat of the pants and you finda stained glass window and you throw him out.Remove him.Not, we're going to ask you to step down from your position of leadership.Not, you can still come here, but I need you to sit in the back.But, all right, listen, you can come to church here, but I'm going to ask that you're notsaying anything, just keep your mouth shut.No.Out.You're not welcome here.You're going to recognize sin.That leaves us to number 2.Paul touches on it and I'm sure maybe the Corinthians were as shocked as some of you are now.So he elaborates.Number 2, write this down, remove the sinner.What do we do?We're going to recognize sin.God give us vision for that.And when we do, we're going to remove the sinner.Look at verse 3.Paul elaborates, "For though absent in body, I am president spirit, and as if present,I've already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing."Paul's like, "Guys, I'm not even there.And I know what needs to happen."Like, how are you not seeing this?Verse 4, he says, "When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus, and my spiritis present with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for thedestruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord."He says, verse 4, "This is according to the authority of Jesus in His name, and this mustbe done in the power of Jesus."What do we do with them, Paul?He says, "Deliver this man to Satan."He says, "Throw him out into the world."Like, oh, you want to live like the world.Is that it?You want to live like the world?Okay.You want to go live like the world.You're not doing that in here.Because in here, we don't pattern our behavior after the world.So if you are, then you can go into the world and do that.Get him out.Get him out.And somebody's like, "Yeah, but you know, a guy like that, he needs church."That's true.The church doesn't need him.The Bible is clear on this.The Bible is so clear on this.Proverbs 22, look at what Proverbs 22 says, verse 10, "Drive out a scoffer, and strifewill go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease."Again, Titus 3:10, "As for a person who stirs up division."Again, this isn't just about sexual sin.We're going to see that here in 1 Corinthians 5.It's other unrepentant sin too."But as for a person who stirs up division after warning him once and then twice, havenothing more to do with him."Like, look, we've talked about this, and we've talked about this, and you're still causingproblems.I'm ignoring you.We're all ignoring you.We're having nothing to do with you.Go.Like, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.You're like, time out.Why?Like, what good is it to throw the guy out of church?Like, don't we love people here?Absolutely we do.Well, then, if we really love people, why when somebody is stuck in sin, what good wouldit be to have them go out of church?Well, there's four things.Write this down on your outline.What do we hope to accomplish by throwing him out?Look, this is an act of love.You have to understand that.The most loving thing we can do is show them the door.What do you hope to accomplish?Well, there's four things you hope to accomplish, and you're going to see here, you're goingto hit them everywhere.One of the things you hope to accomplish, first of all, letter A in his heart, we hopehe's ashamed.That's one of the things you hope to accomplish.We hope he's ashamed.Second Thessalonians 3:14, Paul says, "If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter,take note of that person.Here it is again, and have nothing to do with him."Why would we do that, Paul?Look, that he may be ashamed.You're trying to shame someone?Yeah, we are, actually.Shame for that person to be out in the world, maybe with friends and family, like, "Hey,don't you go to that church?"Like, "Ah, yeah, they kind of threw me out."You got thrown out of church?That's embarrassing.Yeah, that's real embarrassing.My conduct is so bad, the church doesn't want me there.What are we driving at?We want the person to stop and be like, "What am I doing?"Right?We hope he's ashamed.Letter B, okay, that's going to the heart.Now we're going to the head.Letter B in his head.We hope he learns.We hope he learns.See, Paul told 1 Timothy 120, "Imaneus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan."Same terminology here in 1 Corinthians 5, right?"Who I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme."You see that?In his head, we hope he learns.Like talking to him didn't register.So go.Go think about your choices.Again, same principle.We want the person out of the church going, "What am I doing?What am I doing that these people who love and care for me consider my behavior so badthat I have to be kicked out in the hall like an unruly fourth grader?What am I doing?"So we're hitting them in the heart.We're hitting them in the head.Letter C in his body.We hope he suffers.We hope he suffers.Verse 5 in back in 1 Corinthians 5, Paul says, "Deliver him to Satan."Whoa, why?He says, "For the destruction of the flesh."You know, Satan can touch your body, but he can't touch your soul.He can touch your body, but he can't touch your soul.And sin always eventually leads to suffering every time.You continue an unrepentant, flagrant disobedience sin.Eventually you are going to suffer.Disease.Depression.Addiction.Throw him out.Why?You've got to let him reap the consequences of his sin.You want to live like that?Let me know how that works out for you.Spoiler alert, it's going to wreck him eventually.We want the person to get out there living in his sin, if that's what he chooses to do,to get to the point where he's suffering in one of these ways, and he's like, "Whatam I doing?I wasn't suffering like this while I was actively seeking the Lord.What am I doing?"And you're like, "Wow, seriously, seriously, Pastor Jeff, you're saying you're hoping,when they're throwing out, you're hoping they're ashamed, they learn a lesson and they suffer.Is that what you're hoping for?"100%.Why?I'll look back at 1 Corinthians 5.Look at verse 5 again.He says, "Deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh.Here's the end goal so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord."So that's letter D.In his spirit, we hope he repents.Listen, this is the hard reality.This is the tough love.But when somebody is in flagrant sin, refuses to repent, and they are shown the door, we'renot trying to punish them.Like, "I hate you.I hope you suffer."No, no, no.It's, "I love you, and I hope that this suffering brings you back."You know who the poster boy is for this?Is the prodigal son, Luke 15.Jesus told the story.Now, you know, maybe you're familiar with the story, but this, you know, "Dad, giveme my share of the inheritance."The kid takes it and he goes and he spends it all.And he's broke.And now he's feeding the pigs and he's so hungry, he wishes he could eat the garbagethat he's feeding the pigs.Now, remember the story?He had to get to the place where he was so broken.He says, "What am I doing?"So let me ask you, what would have happened, I know it's a made up story, but let's getin it.What would have happened if Dad would have run in to rescue him?What would have happened?Kids like him out of money and Dad picks him up."All right, son, come on home."Would the kid have learned anything?Would he?No!He wouldn't have learned a thing and he'd do it again.No dad, hard as it was, had to let him suffer the consequences of his own stupid choices.And that's what Paul's saying here.When someone continues to thumb their nose at God, despite your appeals, despite yourtears, despite your pleading with them, despite your praying with them, and they still persistin sin, Paul's like the most loving thing you can do is show them the door.Because that's always the objection.Anytime you talk about something like this, it is so unloving.It is so unloving to kick somebody out of church.No, it is not.Unloving is allowing someone to dishonor the Lord.Unloving is allowing someone to think that sin has no consequences.Unloving is keeping someone from the joy of repenting and walking with the Lord.And he's never going to repent from his sin if the church just accepts it.So what good is it to throw him out?Well, the hope is eventually it benefits him by leading to repentance.Did you know that's only one of the benefits?Actually, that's kind of secondary, believe it or not.Number three, write this down.When they're sinning in the church and you've got to remove the sinner, number three, rememberthe purpose.Yes, it's about ultimately restoring him, but there's a bigger purpose in mind than evenrestoring the sinner.I want you to see this in your Bibles.Look at verses 6-8.Paul says, "Your boasting is not good."Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened.For Christ, our Passover lamb has been sacrificed.Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of maliceand evil, but with the leavened bread of sincerity and truth.Paul gives an illustration here, and it's an illustration from Passover, Exodus chapter12.And it's an illustration also about bread.When you made bread, there would be a giant lump of unleavened dough, and you would haveto take old leaven from a previous loaf, and you would have to put it in the new doughso that that leaven would permeate the whole loaf.Okay, now dial in here, because this is such a beautiful and genius and multi-layered illustration.It's so profound.But see, leaven in this illustration, it's a picture of sin.Right?Verse 8, he says, "It's malice and evil."Paul here is saying the reason that you removed the sinner from church is the same reasonyou wouldn't put leaven in an unleavened loaf, because when you allow it in, it affects everything.You see that?It's about permeation.That's what Paul is saying here.Remember the purpose.Throw him out.Why?Because if he's here, if he's in the church, that his sin, like the leaven in the lump,his sin is going to ultimately affect everyone.You're like, "Well, what's the deal with Passover?What's the illustration there?"Again, it's just crazy brilliant.But in the Passover, remember the last plague, death of the firstborn?Israel was to put the blood of a spotless lamb in their doorposts.And when they did that, that was the defining moment.That was its separation time.We are out of Egypt now, separating from Egypt.We are called, not to separate from Egypt, we are called to separate from the world andthe ways of the world.And that's why Paul says in verse 7 that the death of Christ is our moment of separation.Just for the Jews, blood on the door meant separation from Egypt.For us, the blood of Jesus means separation from the ways of the world.You see that?And with the Passover and the leaven and the bread, here's how it all comes together.When they left Egypt, they were to take no leaven with them.Why?It was a picture of you're leaving that behind, you're not taking Egypt with you.You're separating now.So here's what Paul's saying."Church, Christ died to make you holy.Separate yourselves from the world.The ways of the world don't allow leaven.The old stuff, the sin, back in."Why?Because the purity of the church is at stake.That's why.Because like leaven, sin spreads.Sins infectious.So verse 7, here it is again, "Cleanse out the old leaven."What's he saying?Get the unrepetent sinner out.Because he's going to affect everyone.Because as people, you are more tempted to excuse and ignore your own sin.If you're in a community where we excuse and ignore sin, you are more tempted to excuseand ignore your own sin if you're in a community that excuses and ignores other people's sin.Don't believe me?If you teach in Harvest Academy, what happens if you have one kid?In the class, one kid.Just had too much espresso that morning or something.Put a little too much saccharine on the old Count Chocula.And he comes in and he is kicking people.And he is jumping up and down on the table.And he is screaming.And you don't address it at all.What eventually happens?None of you worked with kids?Oh come on.What eventually happens?Oh, you have worked with kids, right?All of a sudden, little Joey is jumping on the table.What's little Billy doing?Apparently this is what we're doing, right?Little Joey is screaming.Now all of a sudden, little Betsy looks like we're screaming.And if you don't address it, what are you going to have in about two minutes?We're going to have an entire room full of kids all acting like little Joey.And little Joey's number needs to be up on that little screen right there.That says, come get little Joey.Why?He needs to be removed.Why?Not because we hate little Joey.Because little Joey is affecting the whole class.You see?You know that same principle is true for adults, isn't it?If we tolerate or condone God help us applaud sin, what we do church is we create a culturewhere people are comfortable to sin.And it's not long before rainbow flags are hanging on the church.We're called to be different, aren't we?Aren't we called to be different than the ways of the world?Aren't we called to pursue the ways of God?Aren't we called to represent the kingdom of Jesus Christ here on earth?And you're like, oh, so what are you saying, Pastor Jeff?You have to be perfect to come here?Oh, no, no, no, no, not at all.No, no, we're not saying that at all.At least as to Paul's last point here, write this one down.Number four, resist.I'm sorry, restrict.Excuse me, restrict.Restrict discipline to believers.Restrict discipline to believers.Look at verse 9.He says, "I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people."You're like, what letter?Well, there was another letter, alright?He wrote them a letter before 1 Corinthians.And we don't have that letter.Do you think if God wanted us to have it, we would have it?For sure.For some reason, God didn't want us to have it.But we have some clues, right, about what was going on there.What part of that letter was, he told to Corinthians, "You need to avoid immoral people."And now he's saying, look, that's what I told you before.It's true, but I need to clarify some things here, right?Because apparently you're not getting it.Verse 10, "Not at all," meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlersor idolaters, "Since then, you would need to go out of the world."He says, look, when we say avoid sinners.He goes, I'm not talking about avoiding non-Christians.He goes, that's impossible.That is impossible.As long as you're living on this earth, you are going to interact with non-Christians.So this whole remove, separate yourself.He says, I'm not talking about non-Christians at all.Yes, we should be loving and reaching out and sharing the gospel and inviting the churchto non-Christians.Absolutely.Paul's like, I am so not talking about that.What are you talking about, Paul?Look at verse 11, here it is.But now I'm writing to you, "Not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother."Did you see that?If he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or as an idolater, revalor, drunkard, or swindler,not even to eat with such a wand.Paul's making it very clear here.He's not saying we just avoid, we avoid sinners, we avoid non-Christians.No, no, no, no.He says, I'm talking about people who claim to be born again believers but are unrepentant.Flagrantly, proudly living in sin.By the way, not just limited to sexual sin.I think you saw that.Sometimes that's the only sin the church wants to pick on because they sin differently thanus.It's not the only sin.But you have to see the difference.You have a Christian in sin, this happens all the time.All the time.You have a Christian in sin that's like, look, I am struggling.I need help.What I'm doing is wrong.I need help.And you have a different guy that is like, look, nobody tells me what to do.Who are you to judge me?What I'm doing is not wrong.Who do you think you are telling me?I can't be with this person or do this.You don't tell me what to do.Nobody tells me what to do.You see the difference?There's a huge difference in attitude and there is a huge difference in our response.Please hear me.If you call yourself a Christian and you come to me or one of our pastors, one of our eldersand you come to us and you say, Pastor Jeff, I'm stuck in sin.Please help me.I realize this is wrong and I want to honor Christ.I will do whatever it takes to get you on track and you walk with the Lord.I will work with you.I will spend as much time as we need.I will get whoever needs to be involved to get you on track in seeking the Lord the wayyou should.I will do anything in the world for you.You have to know that and there are some people in this room that know that firsthand.On the other hand, someone who calls himself a Christian but they're in sin and they'relovingly confronted, hey, what you're doing isn't right.This is honoring the Lord and they refuse to repent.Who do you think you are?You don't tell me what to do.He's out.He's out.And listen, this is an austere passage for sure.And I sure hope to heaven that none of you think that anybody is reveling in the thoughtof evicting somebody from church.This is a horribly sad and painful thing.No one is happy when this has to happen.And this isn't meant to be harsh.You see, it's confronting people in a spirit of love.It's a plea to repent because of the gospel, because of the kingdom, because of our testimony,because purity matters.That's the point.If there's flagrant, obvious sin and there's an absolute refusal to repent, then they'reout.And we can sit here today, church, and we can look at the text on the page and we can agreewith the concepts.But I'm going to tell you for a fact, it gets real hard when it actually happens to oneof us.I mean, we can agree to the concept, but when there's a face and a name, then it gets realhard.This happened a handful of times over my ministry.I could tell you stories.I could tell you stories of a man who was sneaking off and having a relationship withone of the girls in a youth group.This was at a previous church.Confronted, chip on his shoulder.You don't understand.And the man's 38, she was like 14.Confronted, he's like, you don't understand.She's very mature.We have a special relationship.The law was involved, by the way.And he went to where he needed to go.But in that conversation with him, I said, you are not welcome here.He says, where am I supposed to go?And I said, that's not my problem, but not here.Closing time, you don't have to go home, but you can't stay here.We had another situation with a man who asked for help in saving his marriage.And he seemed real repentant until somebody from church caught him on a date with anotherwoman out of the restaurant holding hands with her at a table.He was confronted with that.There's the door.And look, I could tell you several more, I'm not going to.But I can't tell you this.Every single time in my ministry that's happened, those have been some of the most painful seasonsof ministry that I've experienced.It's not fun.It's not fun to sit down with a brother or sister and say, you are dishonoring the Lordin your conduct, and we are begging you to turn this around.The hope, when someone is removed, the hope is always that they repent and we will joyfullyrestore them and then we all move on.It's in the rear of your mirror.We're done, you're repented.Okay, we're not going to talk about it.We're not going to bring it up.We're done.Great.That's the hope.But do you know what usually happens in our culture?Somebody's confronted with their sin.They get upset.Then what do they do?Off to Orchard Hill.I don't need to sit here and listen to this.It's a north way.Off to anywhere but here.Hope.They don't throw me out for sinning.And I'm like, I kind of hope they do.Yeah, that's typically what happens.People are disciplined and they just pack up their Bible and they go to another church.And you're like, well, so discipline didn't do them any good.Well, maybe not.But it did the church good.Tolerating sin will destroy the church.Look at verse 12.Paul says, "For what have I to do with judging outsiders?Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?"Now Paul's like, outsiders, not my business.Members, my business.Talks about judging here.I'd encourage you to underline that verse in your Bible.Next time somebody says, "Don't judge me."Listen, we've talked about this in the Sermon on the Mount.We are forbidden to judge motives.But look here, we are commanded to judge actions.We are commanded to judge the actions of those in church, those who call themselves believers.We are commanded.We have a responsibility to the person.We have a responsibility to the church and we have a responsibility to God.You're like, well, okay, what about the sin of the outsiders?What about them?What about their sin?What about the sin of the unbelievers?Well, verse 13, God judges those outside.Heard the evil person from among you.Yeah, you know the non-believers in sin, don't worry about them.God will take care of them.You love them.You share the gospel with them.You help them to know and receive and believe in Jesus Christ.But as far as their sin goes, God will take care of that.That's His job.Your job, last phrase, purge the evil person from among you.Maybe your Bible has that in quotes because that's not a new concept.That's an old testament quote.You're like from where?From Deuteronomy 13, Deuteronomy 17, Deuteronomy 19, Deuteronomy 21, Deuteronomy 22, Deuteronomy24, there was a principle for ancient Israel that is for the church.Get them out.Get them out.At this point you're like, what am I supposed to do?What am I supposed to do with this information, Pastor Jeff?And I can tell you it is my sincere hope that you never have to do anything with this information.But if you see a brother or sister in sin, you have a responsibility to encourage themto repent.Matthew 18 gives principles for the process.And I know Matthew 18 is if somebody sins against you directly, I think the principlestill stands.Go by yourself.Get the whole story.Sit down with them.It's what I think I'm seeing, actually what I'm seeing.And if they refuse to repent, get some people from your small group.Like, hey, it looks like you're making some really bad choices right now.We love you and we care about you and we want you to get on track.And if they refuse to listen to that, then you need to come and talk to me and we'lltake care of it from there.The church, we are not headhunting.We are not looking for reasons to eject people.We are not making a federal case out of something minor, okay?I saw Billy smoking a cigar at a wedding.Church discipline, no.Slow down there, deputy dog.And we are certainly not assuming or judging character.The only thing we can judge is action.This is what I see you doing.And this is where God says, "That is wrong."We're talking about flagrant, obvious, verified, unrepentant sin.And we won't be a pure church if we refuse to deal with sinners.Let's pray.Father in heaven, it's a lot easier to preach Psalm 23.But we are committed to preaching the whole counsel of God.And Father, as uncomfortable as this might be and as offensive as this might be, Father,give us the wisdom and give us the understanding that this is actually the most loving thingwe can do is to allow someone to be shown the door if they refuse to repent.Father, you know our hearts in every case.It's our hope that there is repentance and restoration.Father, you care so much about the purity of this church.And I'm asking, Father, that you would give us compassion and love, and at the same time,boldness and obedience to handle things in a way that glorify and honor you.We pray in Jesus' name, amen.

The Sermon on the Mount is at the heart of Jesus's preaching the Kingdom of God.  Jesus presents us with a demanding challenge to live a truly holy life.  At the same time, however, he assures us of God the Father's love and constant care.  

Welcome back, Beyond Sunday listeners! Tune into this special episode to learn more about our upcoming Men's and Women's Bible Studies. We're joined by Adult Ministries Pastor Kent Austell and our very own Sonia Watkins, who are introducing the books for this semester, laying out the logistics, and sharing about the heart behind our Men's and Women's Bible Studies. You don't want to miss it!Sign up for Women's Bible Study here: https://harvestmemphis.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3353870Sign up for Men's Bible Study here: https://harvestmemphis.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3342062We're also previewing our spring season, which we're excited to kick off! We'll get started with a three-part mini-series on Spiritual Growth in the New Year. Tune in to hear practical tips on how to enhance your Bible reading, deepen your prayer life, and live on mission in 2026. Then join us as we journey through the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus shows us in vivid and specific terms what it means to obey him from the heart and how to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven.We are using John Stott's The Message of the Sermon on the Mount to guide our conversation this season — click here to purchase a copy of your own: https://bit.ly/4bzYgZI

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps:(00:00) Heavenly Father's plan in the premortal council and Jesus’ role as Savior. The Savior sought only the glory of the Father.(06:15) The Serpent (Satan) comes to Eve. The serpent was subtle, a word with many meanings. 2 Nephi 2 explains how agency works its requirements.(13:40) Adam and Eve were commanded to not eat the fruit and to also multiply and replenish the earth. A discussion on these potentially conflicting commands.(20:23) Another view on the divine commandments given to Adam and Eve.(26:01) Eve's temptation and the Fall. Understanding Lehi's discourse on the Fall helps us see how it was a blessing to all mankind.(31:07) Reading Genesis 3 through the lens of the temple and Jesus' Sermon on the Mount will help us see layers of meaning.(45:16) The curse given to the serpent as an allusion to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.(47:39) The curse given to Eve relates to sorrow in conception. Other ways to interpret “He shall rule over thee.” The curse given to Adam.(58:54) Moses 4 introduces the two first laws of heaven: obedience and sacrifice.(1:03:52) Moses 5 shows how Cain’s choices led him down a dark path.(1:10:07) The Mahan principle is converting life into property.(1:15:50) The Lord invited Cain to think about his choices. One lesson from this story for parents is “Don't freak out!”(1:19:54) Hidden meaning in the names of Cain and Abel. Their story can be read as a rivalry between two priesthoods.(1:24:23) The Book of Mormon helps us see that the curse and mark put on Cain was an absence of the Light of Christ or a dark countenance. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 355 | Genesis 3-4; Moses 4-5, Come Follow Me 2026 (January 19-25) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

John reflects on Jesus' teaching from the Sermon on the Mount regarding giving in secret. His words weren't just spiritual advice. They were revolutionary. In a world built on reciprocity, status, and public recognition, Jesus offered a radically different way to live—one rooted in gratitude, freedom, and quiet goodness.Drawing on insights from ancient history, lived experience, and wisdom from voices like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this reflection shows how generosity can slowly retrain our hearts. When we practice giving without announcing it, something remarkable happens: we become less impressed with ourselves and less dependent on other people's approval.Over time, generosity becomes second nature. The left hand forgets what the right hand is doing. And goodness begins to feel free.

Week 15 | Yes, Yes... No, No (1995)This week, we're in Week 15 of a series Darrell taught on the Sermon on the Mount in 1995 at Glendale Presbyterian Church in California. In this message, Darrell Johnson explores Jesus' challenging words in Matthew 5:33–37, where simple honesty replaces oath-making. He shows how Jesus exposes the power of the lie, revealing that oaths exist because of evil and distrust, and how “yes, yes, no, no” breaks evil's hold. This sermon invites us into a gospel-shaped way of life marked by integrity, faithfulness, and trust in the God who always keeps His promises.__⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Regent CollegeThe Vine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—Give to the Ministry of Darrell Johnson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Darrell's Books⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Darrell's Mailing List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠darrelljohnson.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/darrelljohnson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What does it mean to live a faith that shines in the ordinary, everyday moments? Today's message will explore Jesus' words in the opening of the Sermon on the Mount. Pastor Amira highlights that a radiant faith is not about striving harder but resting deeper in Christ. Join us as we look at what it means to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs His Light. NEXT STEPS: Have you made a decision to follow Jesus? You may be wondering what's next on your journey. We want to help! Let us guide you to your next steps in your walk with Christ: Text RESPONDING to 94000Follow Crossroads Women's Ministry on Facebook or Instagram at go2crossroadswomens.If you'd like more information about Crossroads Community Church, find us on any social platform @go2crossroads. 

What if the entire goal of the gospel isn't to escape earth but to bring heaven crashing into it? One of the greatest living theologians, author of over 80 books, former Bishop of Durham, and a scholar whose work has shaped how millions understand Paul and the early church, N.T. Wright sat down with us to talk about his new book, The Vision of Ephesians.  We delve deeply into Paul's letter to Ephesus, which is filled with the kind of cosmic, spiritual warfare content that most churches tend to gloss over.  Tom walks us through what it actually means to be "seated in heavenly places" while simultaneously engaged in battle against principalities and powers. We talk demons, the rapture, and the weird stuff in Scripture that most pastors skip over.  He explains why the armor of God is mostly defensive—and why the one offensive weapon, the sword of the Spirit, isn't the Bible as we think of it, but the announced word that Jesus is Lord. As we further explore Ephesians, Wright contends that Paul's letter is the "room with a view" in his writings—a place where you can stand back and see the whole cosmic picture of what God is doing. And that picture isn't about escaping earth for heaven. It's about heaven and earth crashing together, with Jesus at the center and his people caught up in the collision. Tom traces how ancient philosophy and Enlightenment thinking convinced the Western church that God is far away and our job is to wait for extraction—and why that reading makes nonsense of Genesis, the Sermon on the Mount, and Revelation.But this conversation isn't just theological theory. Tom opens up about personal encounters with spiritual warfare, including the time every fire alarm in the building went off the moment he stood up to lecture on Ephesians 6. He shares stories from his years overseeing diocesan exorcists as Bishop of Durham, the C.S. Lewis passage that shaped his understanding of spiritual resistance, and why both ignoring the demonic and seeing demons behind every bush are dangerous mistakes. We also get into his thoughts on the rapture and how Jesus redefined power itself through the cross. This is a masterclass in biblical theology from a living legend. This episode is sponsored by: https://rocketmoney.com/blurry — Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster! https://preborn.com/blurry or dial #250 and say the keyword BABY — Just $28 can help save a life! - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pastor Justin Hall preaches from Matthew 5:13-16 in the sermon series, Wisdom from the King: the Sermon on the Mount.

In this episode of the Voxology podcast, hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford discuss various pressing issues, including the recent tragedy involving the shooting of Renee Good by ICE agents, the implications of Christian nationalism, and the importance of hope amidst grief. They explore the fall of influential Christian leaders, the role of worship in justice, and the significance of understanding holiness in the context of the church's mission. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement, political action, and a deeper understanding of the nature of God's name and holiness. Further, Mike and Tim engage in a profound discussion on faith, justice, and societal change. They explore the significance of names and holiness, reflecting on current events and personal experiences. The conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining hope and integrity in a world filled with tragedy and injustice, while emphasizing the importance of community and active resistance against dehumanization. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:58 Lamenting Tragedy and Violence 06:00 The Impact of Christian Nationalism 08:58 The Confession of Philip Yancey 11:59 Hope Amidst Despair 15:01 The Role of the Church in Society 17:56 Questioning Political Allegiances 21:08 The Importance of Community and Humanity 24:00 Navigating Dehumanization and Response 27:01 The Sermon on the Mount and Its Implications 29:57 Conclusion and Future Directions 34:30 The Significance of Names in the Ancient World 39:08 Understanding Holiness and Its Implications 45:01 Profaning the Name: Lessons from Israel's History 51:09 The Restoration of God's Name and Its Importance 57:05 The Interconnection of Worship, Justice, and Holiness As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Send us a text In this episode of BuddyWalk with Jesus, we slow down and sit with one of the tenderest lines Jesus ever spoke: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). We explore what “mourning” really means in the Beatitudes—personal grief, the ache of a broken world, and sorrow that awakens the heart instead of hardening it. This isn't a call to pretend pain is good or to rush past sorrow with clichés. It's Jesus' promise that tears don't disqualify you—they become a meeting place with God's presence, strength, and hope. Together, we'll learn how to mourn as disciples through biblical lament, honest naming of loss, and trusting that the Kingdom is coming even in the valley. Support the show If you have any questions about the subjects covered in today's episode you can find us on Facebook at the links below or you can shoot me an email at joe@buddywalkwithjesus.com One Stop Shop for all the links Linktr.ee/happydeamedia

Matthew 7:21-29; Charles Johnson, Senior Pastor at RMC; the 17th sermon in the series on the Sermon on the Mount, "He Sat and Taught."

This week, Ryan Murphy begins our Sermon on the Mount Series: Culture of the Kingdom.

Jesus' call to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” wasn't just for spiritual elites—it was a radical, communal invitation to ordinary people. In a time of increasing loneliness, isolation, and individualism, this teaching from the Sermon on the Mount reminds us that faith is meant to be lived out together, not alone. Salt preserves and enhances, but only when it's used. Light exposes and guides, but only when it shines. In this message, Dr. Megan Marshman explores how living on mission with Jesus means stepping out of comfort zones, forming Christ-centered community, and impacting the world with hope, love, and truth.

In this episode, we dive into Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount and uncover how the Beatitudes are not a checklist of virtues, but a portrait of a life transformed by grace. We explore how true spiritual fruit flows from surrender, not striving, and how the Kingdom of God belongs to the humble, the broken, and the spiritually hungry. Through historical context and Scripture, this message challenges cultural ideas of power, status, and performance, and calls us back to the inner work of the Spirit that forms us to look more like Jesus. ______________________________________________________________________________________ NEW HERE? We'd love to connect with you. Text "NEW" to 323-405-3232 SERMON NOTES: www.bible.com/organizations/f223…-a8fc-3297da42c26a - Or Text: "SERMON" To: 323-405-3232 CONNECT WITH US: Hopeland Website: www.hopelandla.com Hopeland Podcast: @steinbot-519314947 Hopeland YouTube: www.youtube.com/@hopelandchurch Hopeland Facebook: @hopelandla Hopeland Instagram: @hopeland.church To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people with the gospel click here: hopelandla.com/give Or, choose a giving option here: - Venmo: @Hopeland-Church - CashApp: $HopelandChurch - Zelle: shawn@hopelandla.com - Text "Hopeland" to 833-767-5698

Welcome to River of Life Church's podcast! We are a body of believers who gather together to worship God & grow in His grace. We are a church of His presence, His promises and we are for all people. More info can be found at www.rol-ag.com.

Thank you for joining us today for worship! In our second week of our Follow Me series, we begin chapter 5 as Pastor Bobby walks us through the Beatitudes given during the sermon on the mount.

We discover that God cares about the heart. God wants us to love Him, value Him, and esteem Him above all things. When we serve the Lord out of sincere hearts, wanting to please Him, and wanting to give Him the glory, he rewards us only a loving Heavenly Father can.Main Points:1. In Jesus' great Sermon on the Mount he speaks to the heart of what we do for God, not just what we do for God. We learn that it's not just the act of serving God that pleases the Lord, but our motives matter to Him as well.2. I believe this is one of the things that distinguishes Christianity from every other world religion. You see every world religion is about what you do. It's about your work. Salvation is earned by your diligence to hard work and keeping rules. 3. In Christianity, it's not that Jesus doesn't care what we do, but he is more interested in those intentions that are hidden from human eyes. He's after our heart. Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 6:1 - “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”Matthew 5:16 - “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”Psalm 26:2 - “Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group