Mining Gold from the Sermon on the Mount 5

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Matthew 7:13-14; Near the conclusion of the Sermon, Jesus uses common imagery to emphasize the difference between those who follow His teaching…..and those who don’t. The wide gate and broad “lead to destruction”, which Jesus warns that many follow to their ruin. Conversely, the small gate and narrow road “leads to life”, but “only a […]

Mining Gold from the Sermon on the Mount 4

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Matthew 6:25-34; Following His instruction on the proper and improper use of treasure, Jesus addresses the powerful topic of worry. Believers should not fret over the necessities of life, as Christ assures his followers that the Father will provide for them. Instead, we should seek to advance God’s kingdom first and the rest will fall […]

From the Tomb to the Church: Easter 2023

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Colossians 2:9-15; The Apostle Paul used the cross and resurrection as the foundation of his doctrinal instruction to the early church. He brought together the full Deity of Christ, spiritual circumcision, purpose of baptism and the victory of Jesus over all spiritual powers into one expansive unit of instruction.

From Bethany to Jerusalem: Palm Sunday 2023

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John 12:12-19; Jesus and disciples returned to the nearby village of Bethany to be honored and anointed by the family of Lazarus. Christ’s raising of His friend from the grave had become a well-known phenomenon in Israel, which did not go unnoticed by the Sanhedrin. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the donkey colt to […]

Mining Gold from the Sermon on the Mount 3

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Matthew 6:19-24; The next section from the Sermon engages earthly wealth and blessing, also beginning with a warning by Jesus. He cautions, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth”. The fleeting nature of earthly hording is revealed by the reality that possessions decay and wear out, as well well as being at risk […]