The Heart of the Matter

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘YouContinue reading “The Heart of the Matter”

Requirement for Citizenship

“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20, ESV) After speaking of Salt and Light, Jesus presented the second main point in the Sermon on the Mount. He stated, “unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees,Continue reading “Requirement for Citizenship”

Saltiness

“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” (Matthew 5:13, ESV) Immediately following Jesus’ introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, He brought forth the first major point. The children of the kingdom have a purpose. To explain this, He presented twoContinue reading “Saltiness”

Happy Are the Citizens of the Kingdom (Matthew 5:3-12)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3, ESV) Many today say that Christianity is not about blessing and happiness, and in one context, they are right. Salvation does not guarantee us health, wealth and fame. Yet Jesus begins this Sermon with a statement of fact about theContinue reading “Happy Are the Citizens of the Kingdom (Matthew 5:3-12)”