Life WITH God, not just FOR God - Emmanuel - God WITH Us#2

Summary - One way we choose to live that misses life with God is living life for God. The older son in Jesus' parable of the lost son is the poster child for living life this way. Obedience, performance, fulfilling your responsibilities as the foundation for relationship with God, instead of living in the presence of and with our Father who loves us... no matter what. When we receive that love, we will be motivated and empowered to then live for God, but not as the foundation of our lives.

Life WITH God, not just FROM God - Emmanuel, God WITH Us Series #1

One of the names\titles associated with Jesus and Christmas is Emmanuel, which means God with us. Jesus came to bring us life with God, not just a life from God. An example of life from God is the younger son in Jesus' parable of the lost or prodigal son. This son didn't want relationship with his father, but just wanted what he could receive from his father. God wants more for us than this.

Maddeningly Impractical Sermon on the Mount #9

When wrongs are done, we want to see it made right in some way. One Old Testament expression of this was the law of retribution (eye for an eye, etc...), law intended to help curb violence or vengeance from spiraling out of control. Jesus calls his people to not settle for curbing vengeance, but to stop the cycle through showing grace, mercy, pity, love and compassion even to those who wrong you. 

No Need To Vow - Sermon On The Mount #8

Jesus addressed another cultural issue of his day, dishonesty. Honesty is part of the foundation for any healthy relationship. Jesus declares kingdom people are called to simple honesty. To live where your word is your bond and even your word may not be necessary. We are to live that way because that is how the people in Jesus' kingdom will be when the kingdom comes in full. We are called to live the full kingdom of God way, today.

Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage - Sermon on the Mount #7

The church today is confused about when remarriage is permissible, because the church is confused about divorce, because the church is confused about marriage, because the church is confused about love. In this sermon, we try to unpack Jesus' words on divorce and remarriage, by getting to some foundations of love and marriage.