We continue our Sermon on the Mount series hearing from our newest staff member and elder candidate, Cean Williard, preaching out of Matthew 5:27-30 on the topic of adultery and lust. Many people are fooled into thinking sin is simply the bad, external actions we commit but the truth is that sin starts internally, in the deepest parts of our heart where desire is formed and revealed.

We begin the next section of the sermon on the mount where Jesus begins to state parts of the Law but goes on to reveal the intent of the law. God gave the law to Israel, not so it could keep an external code of moral obligations, but rather so the light of God's holiness would expose man's sinfulness in order to lead us to transformation. Today's topic is anger.

As we continue our series through the sermon on the mount, we see that Jesus did not come to earth to abolish the law he gave Israel but rather, to fulfill it and accomplish the plan of the Father. We, like Israel, feel the weight of the law and now, through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, receive the freedom of grace. But what kind of grace are you walking in; cheap grace or costly grace?

The second message in our Sermon on the Mount series reveals that all true, authentic faith is public faith. Jesus tells us that the work of faith within us, sanctification and maturation in order to be more like Christ, is all for a purpose; for us to be peacemakers, agents of reconciliation, proclaimers of His gospel message; to be salt and light in a bland and darkened world.

We begin our new series out of the gospel of Matthew working through Jesus' sermon on the mount. We start with the beatitudes, the promises of blessing God gives to his saved and adopted children. What does your picture of a blessed life look like? And is it in alignment with what Jesus calls a blessed life?

On Easter Sunday, we were reminded of the rest that only Jesus provides and the hope of the kingdom of God that never fades or crumbles. Why are you so tired and what are you putting your hope in?