Proverbs 1

Our summer sermon series is called “Life in the Kingdom”. Each weekend we will explore the Gospel of Matthew, especially the portions that detail the teaching ministry of Jesus. If one was to read through the book of Matthew, one might notice how often Jesus speaks of “the kingdom of heaven”, a way of talking about the kingly reign of God. Throughout His life, Jesus encourages His listeners to live according to God’s will since we are ultimately under His authority and kingship.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus has a lot to say about life in the Kingdom of God. Throughout our “Life in the Kingdom” series, we will examine specific ways Jesus encourages us to live out our lives as His disciples.

Today’s theme and texts “offer hope to those yoked by sin to the fallen world. Grounded in God’s truth, we find assurance that His love is a perfectly fitting yoke, transferring burdens from our shoulders to our Master. On the cross God revealed His love in a way that still confounds the worldly wise. Jesus submitted once and for all to God’s yoke, taking our burden and exchanging it for a simple promise—believe and be saved! His promise offers hope to those who, by faith accept it, and it fixes condemnation on those who expect His yoke to choke” (Life in the Kingdom devo, June 22).

“Over the years we have been taught many myths.  Most of them are purely harmless (Santa, Easter Bunny, always wear clean underwear in case you are in an accident, etc.).  However, there have been some myths that just aren’t true, that really are harmful – they have robbed us of happiness and led us into guilt and despair.  In this Bible study, we’ll bring God’s truth to the myths about ourselves, about life, the future, and our past.  Why? Because if we don hot have truth in our life we cannot have true joy either.”

Part 1 - "The Truth About What You Believe"

Our summer sermon series is called “Life in the Kingdom”. Each weekend we will explore the Gospel of Matthew, especially the portions that detail the teaching ministry of Jesus. If one was to read through the book of Matthew, one might notice how often Jesus speaks of “the kingdom of heaven”, a way of talking about the kingly reign of God. Throughout His life, Jesus encourages His listeners to live according to God’s will since we are ultimately under His authority and kingship.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus has a lot to say about life in the Kingdom of God. Throughout our “Life in the Kingdom” series, we will examine specific ways Jesus encourages us to live out our lives as His disciples.

Today we will focus on what Jesus had to say about persecution, something that Jesus told His followers to expect. In John 15:20, Jesus said: “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master’. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” In Matthew 5:11, Jesus said: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul echoed Jesus by saying: “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” As we examine a difficult teaching, may we be transformed by the power of God’s Holy Word; may we find strength in His faithfulness and the cross of Jesus; and may we learn how to take up our cross, follow Jesus and even love and pray for our enemies. 

Our summer sermon series is called “Life in the Kingdom”. Each weekend we will explore the Gospel of Matthew, especially the portions that detail the teaching ministry of Jesus. If one was to read through the book of Matthew, one might notice how often Jesus speaks of “the kingdom of heaven”, a way of talking about the kingly reign of God. Throughout His life, Jesus encourages His listeners to live according to God’s will since we are ultimately under His authority and kingship.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus has a lot to say about life in the Kingdom of God. Throughout our “Life in the Kingdom” series, we will examine specific ways Jesus encourages us to live out our lives as His disciples.

Today we will focus on what Jesus had to say about persecution, something that Jesus told His followers to expect. In John 15:20, Jesus said: “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master’. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” In Matthew 5:11, Jesus said: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul echoed Jesus by saying: “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” As we examine a difficult teaching, may we be transformed by the power of God’s Holy Word; may we find strength in His faithfulness and the cross of Jesus; and may we learn how to take up our cross, follow Jesus and even love and pray for our enemies. 

Our summer sermon series is called “Life in the Kingdom”. Each weekend we will explore the Gospel of Matthew, especially the portions that detail the teaching ministry of Jesus. If one was to read through the book of Matthew, one might notice how often Jesus speaks of “the kingdom of heaven”, a way of talking about the kingly reign of God. Throughout His life, Jesus encourages His listeners to live according to God’s will since we are ultimately under His authority and kingship.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus has a lot to say about life in the Kingdom of God. Throughout our “Life in the Kingdom” series, we will examine specific ways Jesus encourages us to live out our lives as His disciples.

Today we will focus on what Jesus had to say about persecution, something that Jesus told His followers to expect. In John 15:20, Jesus said: “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master’. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” In Matthew 5:11, Jesus said: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul echoed Jesus by saying: “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” As we examine a difficult teaching, may we be transformed by the power of God’s Holy Word; may we find strength in His faithfulness and the cross of Jesus; and may we learn how to take up our cross, follow Jesus and even love and pray for our enemies. 

1 Corinthians 15/Genesis