Love Bomb 2025 - Matthew 5:13-16 - from the series of Topical Teachings with Skip Heitzig from Calvary Church.

I. Our World is Dark

II. Our Walk is Different

III. Our Work is Demonstrated

Legalism was a serious problem in Paul’s day, and it’s a serious problem today. Vibrant truth is exchanged for a narrow-minded list of do’s and don’ts. The glorious name of Jesus becomes a synonym for a gloomy killjoy. A legalistic Christian is a dangerous substitute for the real thing. Anyone living under this tyranny never feels like they are doing enough. Let’s get some help!

I. Legalism Contradicts the Gospel

II. Legalism Contradicts Experience

III. Legalism Contradicts Logic

Talk with God: Ask for the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where legalism is taking over your walk and for peace to rest confidently in your salvation—through your faith in Jesus alone.

Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer by reminding them of Jesus’ work in their lives.

Talk with kids: What promises has God made to us?

An alarming report from one research group noted, “Our nation is facing a new public health threat…feelings of anxiety and depression have grown to levels where virtually no one can ignore what is happening.” Today, we consider the help available for our mental health. In this letter to the Philippian church, Paul gives us five steps that will improve our mental health.

I. Rejoice in the Presence of God

II. Rely on the Power of God

III. Recall the Provision of God

IV. Rest in the Peace of God

V. Reflect on the Purpose of God

Talk with God: Ask the Lord to guide your steps and provide wisdom and clarity as you seek to improve your mental health in accordance with Scripture.

Talk with others: If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or another mental health issue, ask a pastor, ministry leader, or mentor for prayer and practical support.

Talk with kids: How were the people disobeying God’s commands?

If someone takes a substance or engages in an activity that provides temporary pleasure, but it becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, he or she is said to be an addict. Addictive behavior is widespread and is one of the reasons people turn to Christ. But even those who follow Christ can tend toward addictive behavior. We were born with a sinful nature. When we’re born again and have a new nature, sometimes the battle is fiercer than ever. How can we find help?

I. We Have a Standard

II. We Face a Struggle

III. We Use a Strategy

  A. Reason

  B. Reckon

  C. Resist

  D. Replace

Talk with God: Identify a sin you’re struggling with and ask the Spirit to intercede for you “with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).

Talk with others: If you’re struggling with addiction or addictive behavior, ask a pastor or trusted believer for ongoing prayer and spiritual encouragement as you go to battle with that addiction.

Talk with kids: How has God rescued us from sin?

A Turkish soldier beat a Christian prisoner until he was barely conscious. He kicked him and shouted, “What can your Christ do for you now?” The bloodied soldier responded, “He can give me strength to forgive you.” One of the hardest areas in the Christian life is forgiving people (even other Christians) who have hurt us in the past. In this passage, let’s see what help Jesus can give.

I. Forgiveness is Difficult

II. Forgiveness is Divine

III. Forgiveness is Demanded

IV. Forgiveness is Doable

  A. Start Upward

  B. Move Inward

  C. Reach Outward

Talk with God: Ask the Lord to show you where you’ve chosen to hold on to hurt, anger, or bitterness, and ask Him for the strength to choose forgiveness.

Talk with others: Ask a mentor or trusted believer to pray for you as you work through any anger or bitterness you’ve been harboring.

Talk with kids: Why did God have to punish Cain for his sin? How was God merciful, even in punishment?