Join us for worship on Sunday’s at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School at 10:45 a.m.
 
 
Matthew 5:1-2 reads: “One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.” In The Sermon on the Mount that follows, Jesus spoke to the multitudes who would listen. He starts with the Beatitudes, blessings for and identification of “attitudes” that all followers of Jesus are called to possess and display. May Jesus’ teaching on that mountain years ago continue to resonate and challenge us as truth today.
 

September

        7    Blessed are the poor in Spirit                                      Doug

              Matthew 5:3

We are called to humble ourselves before God as we recognize and admit our fallen state of sinfulness and brokenness. God is present and ready to reconcile us to Him. He has prepared for us a Kingdom to live with Him.

      14   Blessed are those who Mourn                                    Doug

              Matthew 5:4

Mourning can occur for a multitude of reasons. Loss of loved ones. Loss of emotional or physical comfort. Loss of relationships, which includes our own fallen state of sin, as we mar our relationship with God and His holiness. He has promised comfort within His arms.

     21     Blessed are the Meek                                                      Wes

              Matthew 5:5

Greek and Roman culture did not value humility and meekness. Power, dominance, and assertiveness were honored and demanded. How are we to be meek, but not be doormats? How are we to be meek, yet live boldly for Christ?

     28     Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst                   Kory

              Matthew 5:6

What are our passions in life? What do we strive for? What are our goals and desires? How do those thoughts line up with God’s will for us?

 

 

October

       5      God is on the Throne                                                       Wes

Today we celebrate the blessing of community and devotion to God and His family. Let us recognize and honor the relationship God as invited us to with Him and with one another. Let us thank Him for the love and sacrifice he has given us.

              Psalm 11

              Communion Sunday/Love Feast/No Sunday School

      12   Blessed are the Merciful                              Brent Reinhardt

              Matthew 5:7

Mercy is defined as “not getting what we deserve”, generally viewed in a punitive sense. How and where has God shown mercy in the past? How, where and when are we called to show mercy to others?

     19     Blessed are the Pure in Heart                                       Doug

              Matthew 5:8

What does it mean and entail to be “pure in heart?” How does one “see God” within our worldly settings as we live day by day?

     26     Blessed are the Peacemakers                                         Wes

              Matthew 5:9

Satan’s desire is to create and stir up chaos, turmoil, and divisions. To be called Children of God, what does identification as a Peacemaker look like? How do we combat evil and untruth in our world today, and yet, do so peaceably?

November

       2      Blessed are those who are Persecuted                         Wes

              for Righteousness Sake

              Matthew 5:10-11

We are not blessed for persecution from our own stupidity or fanaticism. There is persecution toward believers in Christ within our world today. Some are being ridiculed and ostracized for their faith. Some are dying for their faith. What persecution do we face today – for Jesus’ sake? How do we stand firm in the face of persecution?

      9      The Reward and Wisdom of the Beatitudes              Doug

              Matthew 5:12

What is the summary of all this is to be learned from the Beatitudes? What do we gain from following these teachings? Where do we earn our reward? When do we earn our reward? We are not the first individuals to be commanded to live these out in our lives.

      16   Salt and Light                                                                      Wes

              Matthew 5:13-16

What does it mean to be “salt” and “light” of this world? What is our “end game” goal in following these teachings from Jesus? What was Jesus’ “end game” goal in giving us these teachings?

     23     Harvest Sunday                                                                 Wes

              Galatians 6:1-10

Sowing and reaping go hand-in-hand. Frequently, we consider this to be a personal and individual activity. How can – and do – we sow and reap as a community of believers together? What are the responsibilities for each of us and blessings to be gained?