Matthew 5-6 The Keys to the Kingdom

October 3rd, Matthew 5-6

       The sermon on the Mount is a great place to start a journey of transformation. In it, Jesus presents the norms of the Kingdom of God. Blessed are those who mourn, are meek, are merciful, are persecuted. This is the way it should be.
       There is an expansion of the law. For people who felt justified by keeping the law Jesus complicated it to prove a point. Formerly the law said not to murder, but I say don't be angry with your brother, say "Raca" or "you fool." and it's just as bad. It's not an invitation to write down more laws to keep, just proof that the law you think you've kept(and patted yourself on the back for) has never really been kept.
       It's an invitation to a new way to look at the promises we make, retaliation, loving your enemies, giving, praying, fasting, and anxiety. Themes for this journey of life. It's meant to step on our toes and invite us into a different way of seeing and doing things. Like for example... if you wonder why it seems to rain on the land of the just and unjust alike, remember this...God loves the unjust. God loves the unjust, just like he loved you when you were unjust..."for God so loved the world..."
       Errant thoughts get trapped in our minds. God's word brings us back to the way things ought to be. Not being anxious for anything is one of those norms. Do you trust the hand of God enough to not be anxious.
       It's like you could preach a whole sermon series on these two chapters!!!