Kingdom Come

During the Sunday morning sermons we’ve seen the way that Jesus focuses upon the idea of righteousness in the Sermon on the Mount. Throughout the Gospel of Matthew we see the kind of righteousness that is required of a follower of Jesus contrasted with the self-righteousness of the Pharisees. Pharisees are focused on the specific details of the law that guide their outer actions while followers of Jesus are called to focus on our hearts being changed by God’s intent in the law.

Yesterday, as we looked at what we call The Lord’s Prayer, we see Jesus teaching his disciples to pray for God’s Kingdom to come—namely for his will to be done on the earth as it is in heaven. The Kingdom of God is an important theme in Matthew’s Gospel as well (though it is sometimes called the Kingdom of Heaven). In two weeks we’ll be looking at a passage which is central to this entire passage: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” (Matthew 6:33, NIV). Seeking God’s Kingdom and God’s righteousness is central to what it means to be a Christian.

Make sure to look at the various events that are going on in connection with the Mennonite Relief Sale. There are lots of opportunities to lend a helping hand in baking, or donating items, or in some other way.

Remember that this coming Sunday is also our next potluck Sunday.

God bless,

Brian

Scripture readings for next Sunday Matthew 6:19-24—What’s the difference between storing up treasure on earth or in heaven?

Proverbs 11:24-31—What do these proverbs teach us about money?

Mark 10:17-31—What is the point of Jesus’ teaching in this account?

Ezekiel 28:1-10—What is the effect of wealth according to this prophecy?