Jesus warns His followers not only against murder but also against harboring anger, showing that righteousness goes beyond outward actions to include internal attitudes. He urges them to take responsibility for making things right with others, prioritizing reconciliation over ritual offerings. He also cautions them to settle disputes quickly, highlighting the importance of resolving conflicts before they escalate to harsher consequences.

In verses 17-20, we see a shift from the Beatitudes. Jesus proclaims, "I didn't come to abolish the law of the prophets but to fulfill them." With these words, he issues a challenge to His followers: Your righteousness has to exceed that of the Pharisees. In what ways do we behave like the Pharisess today and how do we overcome this tendency and instead follow Jesus's example?

When we do good deeds, do we do them to glorify God, or do we do them to be glorified by others? In verses 13-16, Jesus teaches us what it means to be "salt of the earth" and "light of the world." Our calling as Jesus followers is to bless those around us, so that they may come to know God's love and goodness. What does this look like in the context of our daily lives?

In these last few verses of the Beatitudes, Jesus says that those who work to bring peace are blessed and will be called children of God. He also blesses those who are persecuted for doing what is right, promising them the kingdom of Heaven. How does the way that God characterizes the "blessed life" differ from how we do?

In Matthew 5:7-8, Jesus continues his Sermon on the Mount by discussing two more Beatitudes. He teaches that the merciful are blessed and will receive mercy. He also says that those who are "pure in heart" are blessed, for they will see God. But what does it look like in our lives today to be merciful and pure in heart?

In verses 5 and 6 of Matthew 5, Jesus teaches that the meek will inherit the earth, and that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled. What does it mean to be meek, and what does "inheriting the earth" look like? And are we seeking after righteousness in our daily lives?

Jesus is teaching His disciples when Peter asks how often should they forgive their brother or their sister. Don't we find ourselves asking this same question? Maybe the question comes with restlessness because they are doing the same sin you've already forgiven them in. Or maybe in the context of being so hurt, how can I truly and deeply forgive them? This Sunday, Pastor Bill Holdridge will walk us through the power of the Gospel in the context of forgiveness because even in the difficulty, the truth remains that Christ first forgave us.

In Romans 8, Paul preaches to the Roman Christians about having a relationship with the Father. The Romans (including us!) are able to call God their Abba -- their Father! We are joint heirs with Christ, not only knowing God as our Father, but also knowing that we have an inheritance in the Kingdom of God by faith, through the grace of Jesus Christ who gave His life on the cross, so that we may receive this gift.

Peter is ending this second letter to the exiled elect scattered throughout Asia Minor by calling them to pursue holiness and godliness in anticipation of Christ's return. Peter has this same word for us today -- that we should pursue holiness and godliness, grow in grace and knowledge, be vigilant against false teachings, and prepare for the day when Christ returns.