Let’s explore two types of grace. First is cheap grace – grace that we consume without any effort, without any cost to us. But at the end of the sermon on the mount, Jesus calls us to another type of grace – to a costly grace. After laying out how we are to live, how we […]
Tag Archives: matthew
the Jesus Prayer
We need prayer in our journey to follow Jesus. And Jesus already knew that we would struggle with prayer, so he taught us how to pray. During the sermon on the mount, Jesus clearly lays out how we should pray starting with these words: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:1-15). In providing us […]
Antithesis of Discipleship
As Jesus speaks to his followers on the mount, he contrasts interpretations of old testament writing with His word (Matthew 5:17-48). He speaks with authority over these things, and cuts straight to the heart. Jesus makes clear that it is not just ones actions but the heart and mind behind those actions. It is the heart that prompts all kinds […]
Salt and Light
During the sermon on the mount, Jesus follows up the beatitudes with these declarations about his followers: You ARE the salt of the earth; You ARE the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). To be the salt and the light we must actively engage with the world around us, not isolate ourselves in a bubble. And we are to engage as […]
#blessed
Revisit our recent series examining each of the beatitudes from the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5:1-12) and hear Jesus’ words for your life. Then join us Sunday morning at Cornerstone as we continue to explore the gospel according to Matthew.
the Pure in Heart
Masks are a way for us to deflect and conceal our identity as well as our thoughts and feelings from the outside world. Our words can mask our true feelings, words like ‘fine’ in place of the troubles of our heart. But Jesus clearly states that “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will […]
Reckless Mercy
Step up to the #MercyChallenge – after all “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Christ shows mercy to each of us, and tells us to do the same. We are to be merciful. Showing mercy requires that we step into the eyes and minds of those around us in need; […]
Thirsty for God
We return this week to the beatitudes, the fourth in the series with this ‘simple’ message: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled;” (Matthew 5:6). Though this may sound simple, you can quickly take a look at your life and ask yourself – Do I truly thirst for […]
Cut to the Heart
Have you ever done wrong, knowing it was wrong and not caring or changing your ways? Acknowledging our sin can be easy. Feeling our sin however can be a great struggle. Jesus laid out the first step – lay down your pride and let in my love – in Matthew 5:3. The next step though can cut to […]
At the end of your rope
Have you ever felt so lost that you were just barely holding on to the end of your rope? Been so alone and trying to keep your head above water? Times like these we need to remember, that “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). It is at the end of the rope that […]