Christ, The Law, and Christian Righteousness - Matthew 5:17-20

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Date:  04/03/16
Speaker:  Matt Givens
Title:  Christ, The Law, and Christian Righteousness
Scripture:  Matthew 5:17-20

Description:  What does the Old Testament have to do with the kingdom Jesus came to establish? He came to fulfill its purpose and demands, and now his followers should be careful to follow his commandments out of delight instead of duty.

Salt, Light, And Christian Calling - Matthew 5:13-16

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Date:  03/20/16
Speaker:  Matt McCullough
Title:  Salt, Light, And Christian Calling
Scripture:  Matthew 5:13-16

Description:  In the Beatitudes Jesus described the character of those who follow him. Now he tells us why our character matters. When we're with Jesus, we're called to be different, called to be useful, and ultimately called to glorify God.

Where Do You Belong? - Matthew 5:10-12

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Date:  03/13/16
Speaker:  Matt McCullough
Title:  Where Do You Belong?
Scripture:  Matthew 5:10-12

Description:  As a follower of Jesus, you should expect persecution. It is as basic as being poor in spirit, mourning over sin, or hungering after righteousness. But Jesus also says you should welcome persecution, because it shows you belong to another world.

Pure In Heart - Matthew 5:8

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Date:  02/28/16
Speaker:  Matt McCullough
Title:  Pure In Heart
Scripture:  Matthew 5:8

Description:  For one reason or another, we want to see God. We want to understand the forces in the world that are bigger than us and outside our control. We want to know that there's meaning beyond our own preferences and something that lasts longer than our own lives. We want to know the claims of the Bible are true, that we aren't alone in our suffering, that our connection to God can be more than abstract and impersonal. We want to see God, and Jesus promises that it's possible for the pure in heart. So why is it necessary to be pure in heart? And how can I become pure in heart?

Hungry? - Matthew 5:6

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Date:  02/14/16
Speaker:  Matt McCullough
Title:  Hungry?
Scripture:  Matthew 5:6

Description:  Some of us need to be told that it's possible to be satisfied. Some of us need a reminder that we're more hungry than we may realize. All of us need the challenge and the comfort in Jesus's promise that satisfaction comes to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. So what is righteousness? And what are you hungry for?

Mourning And Comfort - Matthew 5:4

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Date:  01/31/16
Speaker:  Matt McCullough
Title:  Mourning And Comfort
Scripture:  Matthew 5:4

Description:  All of us spend tremendous amounts of time and energy and money seeking what we believe will make us happy. But Jesus says that it's those who mourn who will be blessed. What sort of mourning does he have in mind? And how will the mourners be blessed?

Introducing the Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 4:23-5:3

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Date:  01/10/16
Speaker:  Matt McCullough
Title:  Introducing The Sermon On The Mount
Scripture:  Matthew 4:23-5:3

Description:  To begin his public ministry, according to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus traveled around proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount is the longest, most detailed account of the sorts of things Jesus was saying. What does he say the kingdom is like? In what sense is this gospel good news? And how can we make the most of this sermon?

Growing Wise Together - James 5:19-20

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Date:  12/06/15
Speaker:  Matt McCullough
Title:  Growing Wise Together
Scripture:  James 5:19-20

Description:  James finishes his letter by calling us to do for each other what he had done for his friends through his letter. He calls on every one of us to pursue everyone with the truth, because everything is on the line. We’re all responsible for helping each other bridge the gap between what is true about God and what is going on in our lives.

The Church In Prayer - James 5:13-18

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Date:  11/29/15
Speaker:  Drew Raines
Title:  The Church In Prayer
Scripture:  James 5:13-18

Description:  Throughout his letter James has been showing us what it looks like to live as if we truly believe that God is and that he is for us in Jesus. It makes sense, then, that he would close his letter with a call to prayer. Prayer demonstrates the fear of the Lord that is the source of all wisdom.

When Wealth Is Deadly - James 5:1-6

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Date:  11/15/15
Speaker:  Matt McCullough
Title:  When Wealth Is Deadly
Scripture:  James 5:1-6

Description:  With powerful, unmistakeable images James warns us that wealth can lead to our destruction. But how can we recognize when wealth becomes deadly? James gives us two examples. We're in danger when our wealth depends upon hoarding, and when our self-indulgence depends on exploitation.

Who Is Wise? - James 3:13-18

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Date:  10/11/15
Speaker:  Matt McCullough
Title:  Who Is Wise?
Scripture:  James 3:13-18

Description:  James claims that the wisdom of the wise shows up in meekness or humility. Why? Because the wise know wisdom comes as a gift, not an accomplishment. The wise know wisdom is for serving others, not proving themselves. And the wise know wisdom is for making peace, not winning battles.