Hope Lutheran Church Sunbury

Matthew 5:13-20

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

"More than a Super Prayer"

Sermon Delivered by Pastor Bob Riggs on February 2, 2014

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 6:5-15

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standingB)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father,C)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babblingD)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.E)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you needF)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> before you ask him.

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our FatherG)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdomH)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> come,
your will be done,I)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">
    on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.J)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">
12 And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.K)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">
13 And lead us not into temptation,a]" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">[a]L)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">
    but deliver us from the evil one.b]" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">[b]’M)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.N)" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Sermon by Pastor Bob Riggs