This is perhaps one of the most challenging things Jesus has ever said. What he says in these passages goes against much of what is natural to humanity. What do you mean "love my enemies?" What do you mean turn the other cheek? What do you mean "give to anyone who begs"? In this sermon we look at all of these commands and how they are not only commanded of Christians, but possible to fulfill with the help of God. 

Jesus preaches here what is known as the Beatitudes. But he also adds some "woes" to give us a warning that we might be headed down the wrong path. What he says here will be hard to hear for most people, yet it is totally necessary if we are to receive the divine favour of God rather than his judgment. 

The Bible is full of "one another" commands for the church. How serious are you taking those commands? How important is body life to you? 

Jesus sought the Father in prayer in order to receive spiritual power and wisdom. We also, as our Saviour, must commune with God in prayer for both the power and wisdom to live for Christ.

The Sabbath is a topic of much discussion in the Christian church. We probably all know people who don't keep the Sabbath, and others who have added so much to the Sabbath that it misses the point of the Sabbath. In this sermon, we are going to look at what proper Sabbath keeping looks like according to Jesus. 

This passage is set within a group of passages where Jesus challenges the views and beliefs of the Pharisees in many different ways. In this conversation, he challenges their view of fasting and more broadly, their view of the old system of relating to God. Well, Jesus has some big news, it's all going to change! 

Jesus seeks out the chief of sinners in this passage, the tax collector, and in doing so, provides for us an example of the attitude and action we should have towards sinners and non-believers. What should these relationships look like? What should their purpose be? Do they look like Jesus' relationship with sinners? 

Jesus has his first big face-off with the Pharisees. They've sent a delegation to inspect this mysterious preacher and healer from Nazareth. Is he a friend? And enemy? A blasphemer? The real deal? Can he actually do what he said he has come to do? 

When you hear the word shame, what comes to mind? Shame is something that comes as a consequence of our sin, and many people, though they know they are forgiving of their guilt of sin, they still wrestle with the shame of it. Well in today's sermon, we will be looking at how God makes the unclean, clean. The exposed, covered. The unholy, holy. Jesus makes clean. 

We encounter Jesus in many different ways throughout our lives. Through his Word, through prayer, or maybe through the first time we hear the gospel. When we encounter him, the question is put before us, "how are we going to respond?" Are we going to recognize him as who he is and follow him? Or are we going to continue on in our own ways? In this sermon we look at Simon's encounter with Jesus and how he leaves a changed man.