The Sermon on the Mount is perhaps the most famous passage of Jesus’s teaching—and for good reason! What do we need to know in order to equip ourselves to get the most out of our reading and study of these words of Jesus? - SERMON NOTES What do we need to know in order to read the Sermon on the Mount well? The Sermon on the Mount is Part of Matthews Gospel The Sermon on the Mount is Carefully Constructed The Sermon on the Mount Summarizes Jesuss Teaching on Kingdom Life The Sermon on the Mount Challenges and Comforts Response: Set aside some time this week to read the Sermon through, in its entirety. If you can, do this more than onceto read the Sermon silently to yourself shouldnt take much more than 10 minutes. As you read, reflect on what words or themes are repeated, the places where you are challenged or encouraged, and any questions that arise. Make a note of these, so that you can consider how they are addressed in the sermon series ahead.Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1152669162?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Prayer is vital to the Christian life and to the life of our church. As we enter into a New Year we commit ourselves afresh to seeking God’s face and expressing our dependance on Him through prayer. - SERMON NOTES We pray so that we can know the heart of God Prayer Action Plan: We Renounce - Quenching the Spirit We Announce - We are the temple of the Holy Spirit We Affirm - And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Eph. 4:30 be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit; singing and making music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Eph. 5:18-21 We Commit to Act - We welcome and obey the Holy Spirit in our lives and in our church. Month of Prayer: Reflect: How can you build prayer into your life in a greater way this month? How does prayer help you discover the heart of God?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1150494274?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Peace is a word that is used a lot around Christmastime, but true peace seems elusive in the world. What does it mean that Jesus came to be the Prince of Peace, and how do we access that true peace? - SERMON NOTES "Gods Mission is Peace" Reflect: How are you experiencing Gods peace this Christmas? Why is peace so important to God? How does Gods peace change the way that you live? Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1149017626?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

We all long for good leadership. But whether it is our boss, teacher, or politician, they all fall short. Thankfully, Jesus fulfills all of our longings as the eternal king of kings. - SERMON NOTES Jesus is the eternal King of kings, worthy of our devotion. Worldly Kings King Jesus (Isaiah 9:6) Our Response (Wise Men - Matthew 2) Reflect: What title of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 is most meaningful in your season of life? What might God be inviting you to place before Him this season?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1147743963?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Mary Had a Little Lamb is a popular nursery rhyme that has nothing to do with Christmas but is actually an apt description of what happened when Jesus was born, given that Jesus would be called the “Lamb of God” who would give his life to overcome sin. - SERMON NOTES The Lamb of God takes away the sin of the world Reflect: What stands out to you from this great vision in Revelation 4-5? How does this great vision give you hope for the future? How does Jesus, the Lamb, overcome and win the victory over sin?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1145395515?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Suffering and Christmas may seem like opposites but the first Christmas story contains suffering within it—just like our stories do. Jesus takes on the identity of the “Suffering Servant” and is therefore able to help us in our suffering. - SERMON NOTES Jesus came to rescue sufferers Jesus entered suffering Jesus suffering shows us that suffering is used by God Jesus suffering shows us how to suffer Jesus has infinite power to comfort us in our suffering Practicing Advent: Spend some time this week in prayer bringing your suffering to God. Then, read the birth narrative (Luke 1-2) followed by the crucifixion narrative (Luke 22-23) and reflect on Jesus example in his suffering (1 Peter 2:20-25).Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1143488178?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Do you ever feel down and discouraged by all the evil and injustice in the world? There is much to lament. Advent reminds us that, though the world is a dark place, the light of Jesus became one of us—a Son of Man—to rescue us from all that is evil. - SERMON NOTES Jesus, the Son of Man, satisfies the longing of our hearts for righteousness. Daniel 7:1-14 How does Advent give us hope in the midst of the beastly realities of the world? For prayer: Bring to God all the things in life that seem unfair. Contemplate the baby Jesusthe Son of Man who came to save you from unrighteousness. Declare your hope in His second coming when His righteousness will be established.Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1141209048?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Few topics generate such passionate debate as faith and politics. What biblical principles can we draw on that help us to navigate these complex topics? And how can Christians live as good citizens while being faithful to Jesus? - SERMON NOTES Christians are first and foremost citizens of Gods Kingdom What is the role of government? What kind of citizens should Christians be? What is the way of Jesus? For reflection: What is one way the Scriptures challenge you in the way you think about politics? Has politics been an idol in your life and how can you value it correctly? What does it mean to be a citizen of Gods Kingdom?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1138999389?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Technology is everywhere and unavoidable in our world. How does the Christian interact with it wisely and not get overwhelmed by it? - SERMON NOTES Because technology dehumanizes us so easily, we must exercise discernment in how we use it. The Tower of Babel: How technology can be dehumanizing: For further reflection: Think about your use of technology in the past few dayshas it helped you to grow in the four fundamental relationships (with God, with others, with Creation, and with self)? What effects, good and bad, is technology having in your life?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1136594125?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

God’s story has always been about embodied life. In Jesus—the Word made flesh—we discover that resurrection is not an escape but renewal, and that our very bodies are designed for glory in God’s new Creation. - SERMON NOTES You were made for resurrection life! 1. Design Embodied (Genesis 2:7) 2. Redemption Embodied (John 1:14) 3. Resurrection Embodied (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 54-56) 4. Discipleship Embodied (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) 5. Hope Embodied (Revelation 21:3-7) For Further Reflection: How does knowing that your body is part of Gods good creation change the way you see yourself and others? What might it look like for you to live the resurrection in your everyday embodied life? How might you join in Gods renewing workusing your body, your presence, and your giftsto bring life and love into the world around you?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1134367633?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Gender is hot topic in our society today—how does God’s creational intent for human beings influence how we think about this? What is the biblical vision of gender and how might we use our gender to honour God? - SERMON NOTES Disciples of Jesus surrender everything about themselves to their King Principles of gender: Conclusions: Questions to consider: How does your gender factor into your discipleship journey? What does it look like to honour God with your gender?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1131844670?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Dave Rosborough talks about why our universal fallenness makes self-rescue impossible, and how God's unwavering faithfulness, shown through His Covenants, ultimately leads to Christ's work on the cross for our salvation and the restoration of Shalom. - SERMON NOTES God works actively in the world to pursue his good ends The Problem of the Fall - Genesis 6:5 The Pattern of Covenant -God's plan is always focused on restoring **Shalom** Shalom Secured - This cup is the **new covenant** in my blood." (Luke 22:20) Questions to consider: Since we can't save ourselves, what area of your life do you need to stop trying to fix on your own and truly trust to Jesus' finished work on the cross? How has seeing God's consistent plan through the Biblical Covenants (Noah, Abraham, Moses) encouraged you that God is still actively working for good in your specific circumstances today?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1129938501?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

What does it mean to be truly human? This week Dave Rosborough talks about how understanding our fallen nature can lead to a deeper appreciation for God's grace and a greater capacity to love others. - SERMON NOTES Because our hearts are broken, we have an absolute, universal need for God's complete and unearned mercy. The Entry of Evil (Genesis 3:1-7) - Sin entered God's perfect creation through the human choices of: The Breaking of Relationships (Genesis 3:7-13) - The Fall immediately damaged all fundamental human relationships: The Consequences of Sin (Genesis 3:14-24) - Jeremiah 17:9 Two Silver Linings 1. 2. Questions to consider: When you sin, what is your immediate "fig-leaf" response, and what step helps you approach God honestly? How can you view your work and daily toil less as punishment and more as dignified creation-tending?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1127318230?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

What is a human life worth? What should Christians believe about the sanctity of life, particularly at its beginning and at its end? God’s design for human beings helps us know what human flourishing looks like in these important areas. - SERMON NOTES Human life is priceless and sacred. Questions to consider: How does the doctrine of the image of God explain the Christian position around abortion and euthanasia? How can you express care and compassion for every person you meet this week?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1125706442

Most of us spend a lot of time at our place of work and many of us assume that God’s not that interested with what happens there. But God created us to work—and to use our time and energy to reflect His love to the world. - SERMON NOTES How we workand restought to reflect the God who made us. Work Vocation defined: The goodness of work: The idolatry of work: The Christian work ethic: The rest we need: Questions to consider: Have you considered that your work (paid or unpaid) is of great interest and importance to God? How does knowing this change the way that you approach it?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1123681488?share=copy

What responsibility do humans have towards the created world? How should Christians feel about the environmental concerns of our day? The creation story gives us some important insight into God’s design for us and all He has made. - SERMON NOTES Our God-given mission is to care for and rule over Gods creation. Two extremes to avoid: Serve and Protect: Gods Future Plan: Questions to consider: What is one thing that you could do this week to demonstrate godly stewardship of creation?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1121969261?share=copy

What gives a human being dignity and worth? The Creation story provides a comprehensive answer to that question when it tells us that we were made in the image of God, a truth which has massive implications for our lives. - SERMON NOTES Human beings are infinitely valuable because they are made in the image of God Genesis 1:26-27 Implications You are valuable Everyone deserves respect Identity is not earned We pattern ourselves after Jesus Questions: Which of these implications is most helpful for you? How would our world change if we all lived out of our true identity as human beings created in the image of God?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1119574226?share=copy

The universe that we live in is astonishing in its complexity and beauty. God delights in His creation including us as people, a fact that gives our lives incredible meaning and purpose. - SERMON NOTES Because God created the universe your life has meaning God stands alone as Creator God brings order out of chaos You are not an accident You dont have to create meaning for your life For further reflection: Take a walk in creation this week and let all of your senses experience the abundance of Gods work. How does the fact that God created you and delights in your help you experience purpose in life?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1117910497?share=copy

What does it mean to be a human being? What is the purpose around which we should build our lives? How does God’s design influence the way we live our lives? - SERMON NOTES Human beings flourish as they live according to Gods design Questions to consider: How much have you thought about the purpose of your life as a human being? In what ways has cultural opinions influenced how youve made decisions and lived your life? How does living according to Gods design bring true life?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1115939385?share=copy

We are told to discover or create our own identity, and yet that most often leads to emptiness and a void in our lives. We can find our true identity, but it only comes from listening to the truth about what God says about who we are. - SERMON NOTES The only way to find your true identity is to listen to what God says about who you are. Identity in two cultures Ancient culture Modern culture I am what I can ________________________________ I am what I _____________________________ I am what I _____________________________ CLUNK C - L - U - N - K - Respond: Where do you find your identity? What are some of the lies about your identity that you need to counter with truth? Will you be a Keeper of the CLUNK? Will you regularly remind yourself of how God sees you?Watch at: https://vimeo.com/1111775593?share=copy