Jesus gives four illustrations of what true love looks like. In all four of them we see the characteristic of true love, which is grace. For love to be effective, it cannot demand justice. Rather, true love must give grace, and at great cost to self. For when we do this, the Christian displays love, making the Gospel believable.

In one of the most exciting, world-tilting events in the bible we also have a place where confusion can easily come into play. In our passage we see the birth of the Church, an entirely new entity never before known or seen. And with this we have very unique events that come about which are unique in their own right. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the speaking in what are known as tongues are just three examples of these unique events. Today we will examine the nature of tongues as this is the first time it is seen in the New Testament.

No notes for this special sermon.

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Jesus enters into the main substance of the Sermon on the Mount. He gives the first recorded command in the Gospel, and it's the command to love. This passage reveals the preeminent mark of any true disciple, namely, love. It is not enough to withhold vengeance from our enemies, rather, we must also seek their good in practical ways. Jesus begins His great teaching with four commands to love, summarizing the essence of all He is about to teach.

We come to the birth of the Church and in it we see some powerful and exciting events take place. But in this passage there are several ways we can go off into error because we are not careful to study and note what actually is occurring. In this multi-part series on the dawning of the Church, we will seek to let the passage say what is actually there. And in the process we will also be able to explore some doctrines that tend to create tension or confusion in churches.

In the final chapter of the book of Habakkuk, the prophet has a face-to-face encounter with the living God that changes his entire perspective of the coming judgment through Babylon. Whereas before, the problem of evil left the prophet indignant toward God, he now sees God as He is: worthy of all praise. Yet this heart change does not simply produce recognition of the fact that God is worthy of praise. Habakkuk rejoices for the evil days ahead, namely, because He rejoices in the God of His salvation.

In the second half of Jesus' introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, He gives four "woes." These are four curses over those who will not repent. Attached to these declarations of judgment are four characteristics (or signs) of the unredeemed heart. These marks correspond to the four beatitudes He just gave. It's a helpful passage, causing us to reflect on what it truly means to be a converted sinner. It's a sobering message, declaring the realities of hell; yet a hopeful passage, for we still live in the time of grace.

The apostles watched their Lord ascend into heaven with the promise to return. They spent forty days in His presence and now He is gone. They have waiting for them the promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit but that is not quite there. It is the in-between time for them. That time that is in-between key events, fun or exciting times, or life-changing situation. In reality it is just life for most people. But in this section of the book of Acts we see a glimpse into how to live during the in-between times.

Our Lord lays out a very important truth. His teaching reveals that all those who are true disciples will be hated by many. Suffering and persecution is a reality for the true Christian. Jesus gives two commands, instructing us in how we ought to respond. We are to be glad and rejoice in the day of our persecution. The motivation He gives to obey these commands is to remember our great reward in heaven. Persecution for the name of Christ should not be avoided, rather, it is something in which the Christian must rejoice. For it is the token and assurance of our kingdom inheritance.

In his final sermon, Pastor Henry is taking your questions regarding the Kingdom of God series and answering them.