Matthew 6:1-18. Righteousness is not something we can achieve by “looking

good” for others. True Christian righteousness flows from Christ’s cleansing

blood and our solid relationship with our Father in Heaven. As we seek to

serve God and serve other people, our motives may need a periodic “tune up.”

Love must be at the center of our prayer life (our intimate relationship with our

Father) and at the center of our outreach (showing hospitality toward others).

The “righteousness ratio” needs to be just right so we keep our eye on the

prize and don’t carry unnecessary “dead weight” or replace vital needs with

worthless innovations.

Matthew 5:38-48. We cannot lose this race; Christ has already won the race

for us. Therefore, we will finish this race, knowing we are going to win.

Because we have nothing to lose, we can allow God's nature to become our

own. We are never vulnerable. We are never doormats. We are more than

conquerors, even when people seek to take advantage of us. Our trust is in

our Father. We have nothing to lose.

Matthew 5:21-26. Allow no leverage, no foothold for the enemy. When all of our confidence as Kingdom citizens is in Christ, we have nothing to lose; we may just gain the hearts and souls of our enemies for our King.

Taking our identity as Kingdom citizens seriously motivates good deeds that bring people's hearts in contact with the King.  Push the throttle wide open; live a life of hospitality, wide open.  HOSPITALITY, HEARTS WIDE OPEN, EVERYWHERE, PRAYING THAT WE RECEIVE VISITORS BETTER.

Jesus powerfully redirects our passions to align with what our Father desires for us.  This realignment of self becomes the fuel that God uses to transform this world into His Kingdom. (Matt. 5:3-12)

"Take Up the Full Armor of God"

Ephesians 6:10-20. God willing, 2020 will be a year full of God’s favor for FCC

as we stand for the Gospel, suit up with the full armor of God, and pray for the

Kingdom mission.