This is the first of six passages in which Jesus explores the topic: "what does true righteousness look like? What does it look like for citizens of God's kingdom to live a life that pleases God?" In this case we see that true righteousness is not just about avoiding murdering people, but about not harbouring unrighteous anger and contempt in our hearts.
Ultimate Approval for Approval Junkies - Matthew 5:1-16
We are all hungry for approval, but the ultimate approval we crave is God's approval. This passage explores the characteristics of those who get God's approval, how we can become those kind of people, and what influence we will have in the world.
Citizens of the kingdom of heaven - Matthew 5:1-12
This sermon provides the framework for understanding the blessings in Matthew 5:1-12, and the Sermon on the Mount as a whole. We see clearly that we can only be citizens of God's Kingdom because of his amazing mercy.
Wise Self Image - Proverbs 11:2, 12; 13:10; 15:25, 33; 16:18-19; 21:4; 28:26
In this talk we will see what pride is, why it is so destructive, and how we can be set free from pride to be both deeply humble, and deeply secure, and live our lives with wisdom.
Wise Friendship - Proverbs 17:17; 18:24; 25:17, 20; 26:18 - 19; 27:5-6; 9, 14, 17.; 28:23; 29:5
In his talk we explore the uniqueness of the friendship, how we can discover and build friendships, and where we can find the strength to be true friends.
Wise Words - Proverbs 10:18-19, 31-32; 12:13-14; 17-18; 15:1,4; 16:23, 28; 18:13, 21; 24:26; 25:11, 15
If we want to speak wise words - words of truth, life, and hope - the loves of our hearts need to be captured by the Ultimate Word - Christ.
Wise Sex and Beauty - Proverbs 5:15–19; 11:16, 22; 30:18–20
We live in culture that foolishly overvalues and undervalues both sex and beauty. If we want to relate to sex and beauty rightly we must have our hearts captured by Christ - as our Ultimate Beauty.
Receiving God's grace - Luke 1:26-56
This well known story of the Christmas narrative and the angel coming to shows us thatwhen we like Mary receive God’s grace with humility, that we are able to then respond to God’s grace with joy!