Romans 3:21-31

Psalm 119:97-105

Mark 1:14-15

John 10:1-6

In a nutshell, the early Christians BELIEVED. They simply, by faith,

believed with their whole hearts the powerful truths taught in the

Scriptures. It changed them from the inside out. Their loving and

courageous actions toward their family, neighbors and even strangers were

merely outpourings of the love that was flowing from inside them. What are

the core truths these followers believed that so radically changed their

lives for the good? These truths make up the content of our series —

Believe.

Our sermon this morning is brought by Dr. Larry Hostetler, founding

minister of Chaparral Christian Church, Scottsdale. He and wife, Marion are

active among local churches, serving as requested. Larry graduated from

Lincoln Christian Seminary in Illinois; Union Theological Seminary, NYC;

and Vanderbilt University. His daughters, Sharon and Jackie, serve in

ministries here at Mountain View.

Matthew 28:16-20

Matthew 5:43-48

43"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 47If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 48Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Matthew 5:43-48

43"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 47If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 48Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Matthew 5:38-42

38"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' 39But I tell you, don't resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. 41Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42Give to him who asks you, and don't turn away him who desires to borrow from you.