The Pastor's Desk

These are the words that begin the greatest sermon in history.  He begins by telling us how to achieve eternal happiness in His kingdom – through spiritual poverty.  First, the text speaks about the nature of true happiness.  What does it really mean to be happy?  How does the happiness Jesus speaks about differ from the happiness we speak about?  Second, the Scripture shows us the way to receive true happiness.  How is this happiness secured?  Third, the Bible speaks of the security of true happiness.  What does the promise “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” mean, both now and in the future?  Come find out as we begin to delight in this wonderful verse!

 

 Kingdom Happiness Through Spiritual Poverty: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
 Kingdom Happiness Through Spiritual Poverty: Download

This Sunday, we began our journey into the greatest sermon of all time – the Sermon on the Mount. This is the greatest summary of the teaching of Jesus in all the Bible. It has been called “The Magna Charta of the Kingdom.” This first message seeks to set the stage for the sermon. What we are trying to do is understand the big picture so we can make sense of the details and verses that follow. We also examine the background of how first century Jews viewed the kingdom and what they were expecting.  You will be amazed at the parallels to our own culture.  There are three principles of the kingdom taught here – the world’s misconception of the kingdom, the true members of the kingdom, and the spiritual nature of the kingdom.  I hope you will join us as we study this magnificent teaching!

 

 Life in God's Kingdom: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
 Life in God's Kingdom: Download

Ps 119:9-16 – 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. 10 With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. 11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. 12 Blessed are You, O Lord; Teach me Your statutes. 13 With my lips I have told of all the ordinances of Your mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways. 16 I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.

Jesus Christ said in John 15:7, “If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”  WOW!  Wouldn’t you like to be able to pray and receive back from God “whatever you wish?”  That is the promise for the person who “abides” in Christ.  So what does that mean?  How do we live in constant relationship with Jesus?  The secret is in a spiritual discipline – Scripture memory.  I hope you will join the thousands of godly people who are committing to hide God’s Word in their hearts.  I hope you will join me as I try to hide the Holy Scripture in my heart so that I may not sin against God.  It is worth the effort!

 

 Abiding in Christ through Scripture memory: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
 Abiding in Christ through Scripture memory: Download
 Scripture Memory Methods: Download

Amen.  Thanks John.