On Sunday we're beginning a new sermon series exploring the Lord's Prayer. Jesus teaches us to pray not by starting with our needs but with our identity. We'll look at what it means to call God our Father, to see Him as both near and holy, and to reorient our hearts around His name. Before we say anything else in prayer, Jesus invites us to come home.

We often think of the resurrection as the end of the story—but what if it’s the beginning? This Easter, we'll see how Jesus’ resurrection vindicates His identity, defeats sin and death, launches new creation, and empowers us with living hope today. The hope we celebrate is not just for the future—it’s for right now.

When God is our ultimate reward, our work, generosity, and devotion flow from a heart set on Him. Jesus reminds us to do everything as unto the Lord, not for the praise of people. He sees what others never notice when we give, serve, and live for Him. In this life and the next, Jesus is our ultimate reward.

As Jesus’ wraps up the final two of his six case studies on the greater righteousness of the kingdom, he presents a profound challenge: how to respond creatively to both the evil committed against us and to those who consider themselves our enemies. Operating in love and mercy is how we imitate our heavenly Father, the King of this kingdom.

In a world where words are often weaponized to manipulate others, Jesus calls his followers to radical truthfulness and courageous honesty. Jesus' teaching on oath-keeping reveals how simple truthfulness in our speech gives us freedom and becomes a powerful witness to the transforming work of God's kingdom in our lives.

This Sunday, Josh Loy will lead us in a study of Matthew 5:27-32, where Jesus talks about lust and divorce. Jesus challenges not only outward actions but also the intentions of the heart, calling for a deeper standard of righteousness. Though this passage is weighty, we expect to learn much about God's kindness towards us and his design for healthy and flourishing relationships.

As Jesus begins to get practical with the greater righteousness He is calling His disciples into, He teaches us about the dangers of unchecked anger, insult, and contempt. Jesus isn’t after rule-keeping; He’s after our hearts.