2/23/14 – Jonathan Chute – “Perfect”
Sermon – Perfect
Matthew 5: 38-48. In this week’s gospel Jesus continues his teaching in what we know as the Sermon on the Mount. When we are confronted by evil, he tells us to give love in return. To some this sounds like a recipe for victimization. But Jesus does not want us to let others determine how we will act. Revenge and retaliation are the ways of the world. But they are not the way of God’s kingdom.
Scripture – Matthew 5: 38-48
2/16/14 – Jonathan Chute – “A Higher Law”
Sermon – A Higher Law
Matthew 5: 21-30. This week’s gospel continues Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. He offers an important commentary on the 10 commandments, and on God’s Law in general. Jesus wants us to honor the spirit of compassion and grace that are its foundation. Where the Law says “Do not murder,” Jesus says “Do not be angry with a brother or sister.”
Scripture – Matthew 5: 21-30
2/09/14 – Jonathan Chute – “Be Who You Are”
Sermon – Be Who You Are
Matthew 5: 13-16. This week’s scripture continues Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. He gathers his followers to teach them about life in the kingdom of heaven. He wants them to be able to take their part in the story. They are like salt, an ingredient that makes all the difference. They are light, that cannot be hidden. He does not call them to take on a new responsibility, but simply to live out what they already are.
Scripture – Matthew 5: 13-16
2/02/14….. Jonathan Chute – “Blessed Are”
Sermon – Blessed Are
Matthew 5: 1-12. The opening verses of the Sermon on the Mount are among some of Jesus’ most beloved, beautiful and provocative teachings. He describes a range of people who are typically not seen as blessed and speaks a word of blessing on those who face some of life’s deepest struggles.
Scripture – Matthew 5: 1-12
