What is the “kingdom of heaven”? What characterizes its citizens in the age before it comes in its fullness? How do its citizens enlist other ones?

Matthew 5:1-16

Matthew uses the sacred Old Testament genealogical list to introduce the monumental event of Jesus, the Great and Universal King, being born into the world. [please note: I meant to say “squelch our enthusiasm” instead of “quench our enthusiasm” right near the beginning of the sermon].

2 Samuel 7:11-16

This closing bookend of Book 1 of the Psalms connects clearly to Psalms 1 and 2. We must align ourselves with Jesus in His weakness, because the Lord restores, sustains, and blesses both Jesus and all who are found in Him.

Psalm 41

Psalm 39 is what you sing when the prosperity of the wicked discourages you almost to the point of despair.

Psalm 37 talks about two paths and their ultimate destinations. In Christ we are on the first path, and though we should not be surprised or discouraged when we don’t receive the desires of our hearts right now, this path does lead to the happy land of glorification.