The scribes and pharisees were the super religious, educated, bible nerds of the first century and Jesus said that our righteousness has to exceed theirs or we will never enter the kingdom of heaven. That would have shocked His hearers and has massive implications. In this sermon we will explore how Christians should interpret the Old Testament in light of how Jesus has fulfilled it.

Matthew 5:13-16

Imagine a world without salt or light. It would be a bland, dark place! In this short but profoundly practical passage Jesus compels his followers to add life giving flavor and light to the world as we shine brightly for Christ all for the purpose of God’s glory.

Matthew 5:13-16

One of God’s purposes for our lives is that we would increase the desirability and attractiveness of Christ to those who need Him … that others would be drawn to Christ because of what they hear from us and see in us. How do you and I give glory to God by the way we live?

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus didn’t challenge us to try and become salt and light. He declared that we ARE salt and light; that we are His agents of redemption and illumination in this world.  He commanded us to live in such a way that compels the world to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  So the question that begs to be asked is, “How are you bringing glory to God in the way that you live?”

Matthew 5:1-12

As we enter into a new year may we reflect on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and specifically the beatitudes. An invitation to live a life that has been transformed by the grace of God. The beatitudes are a call to live for the Glory of God with Christ as our King, as we experience the promises of God’s Kingdom.

Depending on who you ask, you will get drastically different and even conflicting answers on what the good life is and how to live a flourishing life. As we embark on a new year, lets let Jesus tell us what the blessed and flourishing life is and press into living out the Kingdom of Heaven in the midst of the kingdom of man. 

Matthew 2:9b-11

Have you ever received a gift you didn’t need and then later realized it was actually exactly what you needed? When the wisemen meet Jesus they joyfully worship him and give him gifts not suited for a baby, but perfectly fit for a king. How will you respond to God’s gift of his Son Jesus?

Matthew 2:9b-11

Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday – the day that God, out of His great love, sought us that He might save us. God promises that, just like the wise men long ago, all who seek Him will find Him, and that all who find Him will be hidden in Him.

Mysterious wise men from the east follow a star that eventually leads them to baby Jesus. Upon seeing Jesus they do two things: They bow down and worship Him and they present their finest gifts to Him. Christmas reminds us to do the same.

Matthew 2:1-9a

People have all kinds of reactions when it comes to the Christmas story; some people love it and look forward to it with anticipation, others can’t have enough of it and prolong the celebration as much as they can, other couldn’t care less about it, and yet some others feel offended by it. 

Even some Christians get very upset with Christmas, with what Christmas has become and they resent the consumerism, and the superficiality of everything that it has become... it's a holiday but it can provoke all these kinds of reactions. And what I want to tell you is that this is not something new. The passage we'll look at today gives us a very similar picture of the different responses we have to Christmas and the glorious truths that may help shape our thinking around it.