Sermon on the Mount Wrap Up
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Matthew 7:28- 29 - 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority and not as their teachers of the law.
Leader - This is the word of the Lord.
All - Thanks be to God.
What if our vision of Jesus is shaped more by commentaries about Jesus than Jesus himself?
Galatians 3:13-14 - Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
Law & Gospel
The gospel becomes the solution to our inability to meet the requirements of the Law.
Psalm 19:7-11 - The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Matthew 4:23 - 23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom
Isaiah 52:7 - How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
Evangelism
What if our vision Jesus is shaped more by evangelism for Jesus than Jesus himself?
You are a sinner separated from God
But God, in Christ, loves you.
He (Jesus) demonstrated his love by dying for you;
And if you trust him, you will go to Heaven when you die.
John 17:3 - Now this is eternal life: that they know you (the Father), the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Prosperity
What if our vision Jesus is shaped more by prosperity from Jesus than Jesus himself?
Kate Bowler - “A wildly popular Christian message of spiritual, physical, and financial mastery that dominates not only much of the American religious scene but some of the largest churches around the globe.”
What is the commentary that shaped your vision of Jesus?
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Each Sunday we come together we offer an open invitation into the way of Jesus. An invitation to enter into sacred rhythms - to draw near to God through singing, giving, learning, and praying.
As a community that desires renewal in Des Moines as it is in Heaven, we recognize that we cannot offer what we ourselves do not have. We cannot lead where we ourselves have not been led; in turn, these questions aim at reflection. Reflecting on God’s word and making space for his leadership.
After watching or listening consider the following discussion questions as a large group or in groups of three to four:
What stood out from the teaching?