Sermon On The Mount Series

Matthew 5:17-18: "Do not think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill."

Romans 10:4: "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."

The term "end" or "fulfillment" of the law does not mean abolishment, but culmination. The Greek word "teleo" is central to understanding this concept. "Teleo" means reaching the limit, the apex, or completing something.

Jesus' statement from the cross "It is finished" (using the word teleo) signifies the beginning of the New Covenant. Christ fulfills the law, not by destroying it, but by completing its purpose, but only specifically "for everyone who believes".

This sermon provides theological clarity on Christ's relationship to the law, emphasizing fulfillment rather than abolishment.

Sermon On The Mount Series Matthew 5:14-16 - "You are the light of the world"

Wait what? Me? Kinda...Christians are called to REFLECT Christ's light in the world through their actions and character.

Being a "light" isn't just about proclamation, but about living out Christ's teachings authentically, even when no one is looking.

We can expose darkness through our example of genuine Christ-like behavior. We need to avoid the hypocrisy of being religious. True spiritual illumination comes through love, humility, and authentic living.

Sermon On The Mount Series

Matthew 5:13 "You Are The Salt Of The Earth". Christians are called to be "salt of the earth" - Just because you're salt doesn't mean you can't become quite useless. Salt can lose its effectiveness if you don't engage with the world outside your "Christian compound".

The people who need Christ are the ones on the outside. Salt does not change anything until it comes in contact with it.

Christians have a significant spiritual influence, even when they might not feel like it. The Spirit within believers is "greater than the spirit of the world," and God often does His work through people who approach the world with meekness and humility.

Sermon On The Mount Series Matthew 5:11-12 "Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted For His Name's Sake"

This usually occurs in personal settings like workplace or family, sometimes from those who also name Christ. Surprisingly, it often happens for believing in Christ's teachings of non-violence and loving enemies.

Forgiveness is crucial, but it doesn't mean continuing to enable abuse, but we must return reviling for reviling.

You have permission from God to leave abusive situations in order to protect yourself and family while maintaining a Christ-like attitude.

Remain faithful to Christ's teachings, even when facing personal persecution, and trust God's process of redemption and justice.

Sermon On The Mount Series

Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted"

Persecution means you're being 'persued' and Satans best trick is to persue you with spiritual confusion about what God's kingdom is. Satan persues believers with carnal means of spiritual growth through materialistic, carnal substitutes. True persecution is about maintaining spiritual integrity, denying self, and following God's will, not about politics or material prosperity.

God's sanctifying work is mainly this: breaking your will and replacing it with His will.

Sermon On The Mount Series Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God"

Where are the peacemakers? They're out there but their efforts just don't make the news. James 3:18 says "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace"

We know Christ laid down His life in order to make peace, but many Christians would rather kill... even each other.

Nothing has cost this country more than brother killing brother.

Vengeance belongs to God, not us.

Does the cross change God, or does it change us? Where was the Holy Spirit during the cross? Did Jesus drink the cup of Gods wrath or was it something else? Is it reasonable to infer our own interpretation as 'gospel truth'. Why did it take 1,000 years for the doctrine of PSA to become accepted as mainstream theology? What did theologians believe before that? How does the wrath view of the cross compare with the Christus Victor view?

Have you ever wrestled with any of these questions? Was the wrath of God put on Christ? Does God need an object to put His punishment on? Did God forsake His Beloved Son so He wouldn't need to forsake you? Did Jesus become 'sin'? Was the Trinity broken during the cross? Was the cross punishment or a demonstration of grace? Was the cross retribution or redemption? It takes a good study and some honesty with the Hebrew and Greek to bring clarity to our understanding. The

The moment when Jesus cried out in Matthew 27:46 "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" He couldn't feel the presence of God for the first time in all eternity past, or future.

This cry is often interpreted as confusion, but I believe it is a deliberate quotation of Psalm 22. Jesus knew exactly why.

What do you think? Did God "turn His back" on His Only Son? Or was the Father broken also?

Psalm 22:24 states when Jesus cried, the Father heard Him. God heard it, and it broke his heart also…

Shaming Eve for humanity's fall from grace is an lame excuse for yourself. Adam and Eve were responsible for their own actions not yours. Using scripture to shame or blame others, especially women, highlights your own hypocrisy. 1 Timothy 2:14 shows us: Adam was not deceived- he knew exactly what he was doing was wrong- Eve was decieved- but he still blames her! Don't fall into that trap!