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The Sermon on the Mount Sermon Series
- Church Office
- Sep 24
- 34 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
WEEK 10 ~ JOEY DEBONE
Living the Sermon on the Mount: The Heart, Habits, and Choice of the Kingdom
For the past ten weeks, our community has been walking through one of the most profound sections of Scripture—Matthew chapters 5–7, better known as The Sermon on the Mount.
As I wrap up this series, my goal is simple: to leave you with practical, life-shaping lessons—truths you can carry with you beyond today.
Last week, Autumn asked a question that cut right to the heart: “Do I really love Jesus? Is He my everything?” That kind of question is uncomfortable… and yet, it is exactly the kind that Jesus invites us to wrestle with.
Because Jesus didn’t come just to preach good ideas—He came to build a kingdom. A kingdom nothing like the one offered by the world around us. A kingdom built by Him, for us—a kingdom where the King humbled Himself to elevate us as sons and daughters of God.
His words on that hillside 2,000 years ago still resonate today because they expose truth, reorient our values, and challenge us to live differently.
Today, we’re going to look at three major themes—one from each chapter of the Sermon on the Mount:
The Heart of the Kingdom (Matthew 5)
The Daily Routine of the Kingdom (Matthew 6)
The Choice of the Kingdom (Matthew 7)
Let’s dive in.
1. The Heart of the Kingdom: Where Heaven Begins (Matthew 5)
Jesus opens His sermon with eight shocking, counter-cultural statements we know as the Beatitudes:
Blessed are the poor in spirit
Blessed are those who mourn
Blessed are the meek
Blessed are the merciful
Blessed are the pure in heart
Blessed are the peacemakers
Blessed are the persecuted
These aren’t just sayings—they’re invitations.
Jesus is showing us that the kingdom of God begins not with power, perfection, or performance… but with a transformed heart.
Ezekiel 36:26 promised this long before Jesus arrived: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.”
Then Jesus calls His listeners—and us—salt and light. Not dull, hidden beings blending into the world, but people whose transformed hearts shine so brightly that others can’t help but notice. Like food full of flavor. Like a city glowing on a hill.
Jesus ends chapter 5 by raising the bar. He keeps saying, “You have heard it said… but I say…”
Anger isn’t just murder—reconciliation matters.
Lust isn’t just adultery—purity of heart matters.
Love isn’t just for neighbors—love your enemies.
He wasn’t saying, “Do better.” He was saying, “Become new.”
The kingdom begins in the heart. And He invites us to let Him transform it.
2. The Daily Routine of the Kingdom: How We Live (Matthew 6)
If Matthew 5 is about who we become, then Matthew 6 is about how we live.
Here Jesus turns to the everyday practices of kingdom people:
Give without performing
Pray without pretending
Fast without announcing
Everything He teaches in this chapter confronts a very human temptation: to make faith about attention, approval, or appearance.
Instead, Jesus calls us to a life practiced in “the secret place”—a life shaped by humility, sincerity, and intimacy with God.
Psalm 139 captures this beautifully: “O Lord, you have examined my heart… search me, O God… lead me.”
Then Jesus gives us the Lord’s Prayer—not just as words to memorize, but as a framework of daily renewal:
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.
Give us today what we need.
Forgive us—we fall short.
Protect us—we are fragile.
It is heaven touching earth every morning.
Jesus closes the chapter by addressing one of the biggest forces in our daily lives: money, possessions, and worry.
“Where your treasure is, your heart will be also.”
“You cannot serve both God and money.”
“Seek first the Kingdom of God.”
Jesus isn’t trying to guilt us—He’s trying to free us. He’s reminding us to trust Him with what already belongs to Him.
The kingdom grows in us not through hype or inspiration…but through habits: giving, praying, sacrificing, trusting, and walking in humility.
3. The Choice of the Kingdom: Take It or Leave It (Matthew 7)
By the time we reach Matthew 7, Jesus lays out the decision plainly. It’s the “take it or leave it” moment.
After all the radical, counter-cultural teaching, He looks at His listeners and essentially asks:
Do you choose Me?
Do you choose to love Me?
Will you live like Me?
Will you follow Me?
Chapter 7 is full of famous teachings—“Judge not…”“Ask, seek, knock…”The Golden Rule: “Do for others what you would want them to do for you.”
Here Jesus echoes ancient voices—Moses, Joshua, Elijah—calling God’s people to choose:
Joshua: “Choose today whom you will serve.”
Elijah: “How long will you waver between two opinions?”
Moses: “Today I set before you life and death… choose life.”
Then Jesus ends with three contrasts:
Two roads — wide and easy vs. narrow and difficult
Two trees — one bearing good fruit, one bad
Two foundations — sand vs. solid rock
And the question hangs in the air:
Will you choose Me? Will you build your life on My foundation?
A Final Invitation
As we close this journey through the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus asks each of us the same questions He asked them:
Will you develop a kingdom-shaped heart?
Will you live a life built on kingdom practices?
Will you choose the kingdom way—daily?
This isn’t about perfection. It isn’t about rules. It isn’t about “good Christian vs. bad Christian.”
It is about surrender.
It’s about asking Jesus to do the transforming work in us, and waking up each day choosing to love Him, love others, and love ourselves.
So ask yourself…
Will you build on the rock-solid foundation of Jesus? Will you live heaven on earth? Will you let Jesus transform your heart?
The invitation stands. The kingdom is here. The choice is yours.
WEEK 9 ~ PASTOR AUTUMN BOSCH
Building Your Life on the Right Foundation: Reflections on the B-Attitudes
A Journey That Changed Me
Over the past several weeks, we’ve been walking through our series on the B-attitudes. And honestly? My life has changed. I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s true. This series has stirred something deep in me—challenging how I view my love for Jesus and the way I prioritize Him.
Maybe you’ve found yourself wrestling with similar questions: Do I love Jesus more than anything else? Am I truly in love with Him?
Today, we reach the culmination of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount—a message that set the tone for His entire ministry. In Matthew 4 we see Him calling His disciples, stepping into Galilee, and proclaiming the Good News: the Kingdom of God is here. As He traveled, He healed the sick, cast out demons, and drew crowds from far and wide.
And then—He sat down to teach.
This sermon is the first of five major discourses in Matthew. It reveals the nature of Jesus’ kingdom and the heart of what it means to follow Him. Jesus invites us into something more than rule-keeping. He invites us into relationship.
The Narrow Road and the Wide Road
Last week, Peter painted the picture Jesus gives us about the two paths: the narrow and the wide. His story about edging along the mountain trail—barely hanging on—sounded terrifying to some of us, but honestly? Also exhilarating. A life of faith isn’t boring. But the wide road? It felt comfortable… predictable… even a little dull.
Now, in Matthew 7:24–29, Jesus brings His sermon to a close.
He helps us understand that following Him requires more than behavior modification. It calls for heart transformation. When we align ourselves with Him, we experience spiritual abundance—peace in chaos, joy, contentment, and a maturity that doesn’t crumble under pressure (Matthew 5:1–12).
For the people listening to Jesus that day, this was revolutionary. They were used to the crushing weight of the Old Testament law—plus all the extra rules the Pharisees had piled on top. It was impossible to keep.
And then Jesus begins to teach differently. With freedom. With authority. With compassion.
The Power of a Story
Jesus wraps up His sermon with a parable—because He knows stories stick. They become mirrors, windows, invitations.
In Matthew 7:24–27 (AMP), He says that those who listen to His words and put them into practice are like a wise man who built his house on solid rock. Those who hear but don’t act are like a foolish man building on sand.
Luke adds even more detail, describing a person who digs deep to lay a foundation (Luke 6:46–49).
Jesus isn’t telling us to go find literal bedrock. He’s saying something far more profound: Your foundation matters. And you get to choose it.
What Foundation Will You Build On?
Jesus gives us two options.
1. Building on the Rock
In Jesus’ day, people knew exactly what He meant. The dry ground of the desert could hide sudden, raging floods. Only a house anchored to bedrock could withstand the storms.
Building on the rock means:
• Knowing God’s Character
Knowing His love, mercy, justice, righteousness—all held together perfectly.
• Surrendering Your Heart
Choosing His will over your own, even when it hurts.
• Becoming Unshakeable
Gaining emotional and spiritual resilience, no matter the chaos around you.
We see this kind of faith lived out in people like Gracia and Martin Burnham, missionaries kidnapped in the Philippines. They endured a year in the jungle before Martin was killed during a rescue. Gracia’s faith never wavered—her book In the Presence of My Enemies is a testimony of a life built on the Rock.
Or think of Bethany Hamilton, Joni Eareckson Tada, and biblical heroes like Job, Moses, Daniel, and Joseph. None of them expected their storms. Most of us don’t.
Sometimes the “storms” look like:
• Losing a relationship• Losing a job you thought was secure• A devastating diagnosis• A child facing lifelong challenges
Storms don’t have to be dramatic to shake us. But a solid foundation in Jesus brings grace, peace, and a strength that simply can’t be explained.
I’ve lived this myself. When I was pregnant with my second son, complications threatened his life. I was scheduled for a procedure to end the pregnancy—until the doctor suddenly found his heartbeat. He had been a twin; one I lost, but one lived. Then, at four weeks old, he became deathly ill. The doctors sent us home saying there was nothing more they could do.
But God was near. His peace carried us. I don’t know how I could have walked through that season without Him.
2. Building on Sand
The other option Jesus gives is the foundation of sand: unstable, shifting, and destined to collapse.
Building on sand looks like:
• Compromise
Letting fear or culture pull you from God—like Solomon, who ignored God’s warning and let desire lead him astray until his heart turned to other gods.
• Comparison and Envy
Chasing illusions on social media instead of valuing what God has already given.
• Empty Faith
Acting like a believer on the outside, but living for the approval of others—like Peter when he denied Jesus out of fear.
• Self-Centered Living
Doing good things to look good. Living from insecurity instead of identity.
Jesus isn’t asking for perfection. He’s asking us to choose wisely. Rock or sand? Security or collapse?
The crowds were astonished at His authority (Matthew 7:28–29). He spoke with a confidence that cut through their assumptions and awakened their hearts.
Choosing Your Foundation
As we wrap up this journey through the B-attitudes, we’re left with a question: What foundation are you building on?
A solid foundation requires vulnerability—examining your motives, admitting your imperfections, and choosing obedience even when it’s painful. James (Jesus’ brother) reminds us that trials are opportunities for growth, producing wisdom, endurance, and deep joy (James 1:1–12 TPT).
Even David understood it: Even when I walk through darkness, I won’t be afraid. Your presence is my peace (Psalm 23:4).
God doesn’t tempt us—but He does refine us. Pain will come either way. The difference is whether you walk through it alone or with Him.
Where Are You Today?
This series may have stirred something in you. Maybe you’re ready to follow Jesus for the first time. Or maybe you’ve been standing on shaky ground—torn between faith and distraction.
Wherever you are, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
LET US HELP YOU, TAKE YOUR NEXT STEPS.
Let’s prepare our hearts for what God wants to do next.
WEEK 8 ~ PETER LESCHKE
The Kingdom Path Is Costly — But It Leads to Life
Text: Matthew 7:13–23
What a joy it has been walking together through this powerful series on the Sermon on the Mount. God is clearly moving in the hearts and lives of our people.
Over the past few weeks:
Joey reminded us that the Kingdom is not about performance, but intimacy and closeness with God.
Barry challenged us to trust Jesus with our hearts and the treasures He’s given us — for His glory and honor.
Jason modeled humility, discernment, and love toward others — I’ll never forget when you preached with that “log in your own eye,” Jason!
Today, we continue the journey by exploring what it means to walk a “road less traveled.” Jesus puts before us two choices — a narrow path and gate, or a wide path and gate.
Two Paths, Two Destinies
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” — Matthew 7:13–14
Photo Space: [Insert photo of a narrow hiking trail or gate here]
Illustration: Think of a trailhead marked “Difficult, but worth the climb.” Most people choose the easy path, but the view from the top is reserved for those who persevere.
Our family once hiked a trail like that in Portland — the climb was tough, but the waterfall waiting at the end was breathtaking. The satisfaction of finishing — as a family — made every difficult step worth it.
That’s the picture Jesus paints here. The narrow path isn’t about earning salvation. It’s about walking in obedience to the King.
Two Roads in Context
When Jesus taught this on the Mount of the Beatitudes, overlooking the Sea of Galilee, His listeners could see both humble Capernaum — with its small, winding paths — and, not far away, Beth Shean, a Roman city with wide, ornate streets and massive gates.
The Romans built wide roads and grand entrances to showcase their power. Jesus contrasts that with His way — simple, humble, yet leading to true life.
What the Wide and Narrow Roads Represent
The Wide Road | The Narrow Road |
Self-rule | Submission to Christ |
Compromise | Obedience to His Word |
Cultural conformity | Countercultural love and faithfulness |
Comfort and convenience | Costly discipleship that leads to joy |
“Salvation is free, but discipleship is costly.”
The wide road feels easier — it’s all about control, comfort, and fitting in. But it leads to emptiness. The narrow road, though difficult, leads to life, freedom, and lasting joy.
Beware of False Prophets
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” — Matthew 7:15
Photo Space: [Insert photo of sheep with one wolf hidden among them]
Jesus warns that not everyone who looks spiritual is genuine. Outward success, charisma, or impressive ministry do not equal spiritual authenticity.
“You will recognize them by their fruits.” — v.16
Fruit means character and conduct — who a person is when no one is watching.
We’ve all seen leaders fall — some started humble and sincere but drifted toward pride, power, or control. This should cause us not to judge but to pray and stay humble before the Lord.
Application: Don’t just listen to people who sound right. Watch how they live. Do they love humbly, or do they seek control and recognition?
True and False Disciples
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven…” — Matthew 7:21–23
This is one of the most sobering passages in Scripture. Jesus says there will be many who perform mighty works in His name — but never actually knew Him.
It’s possible to do things for Jesus without ever being with Jesus.
Illustration: A person can wear fitness gear, talk about the gym, even hold a gym membership — but never actually train. Faith is the same way. It requires showing up, surrendering, and walking closely with Jesus.
“The goal of the narrow way is not rule-keeping, but relationship.”
Romans 10:9:“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Matthew 16:24–26:Following Jesus means denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and finding true life in Him.
When we truly know Him, obedience isn’t a burden — it’s the overflow of love.
Walking the Narrow Way
This week, ask yourself:
“Am I walking the narrow way?”
Identify one area where God is calling you to choose obedience over convenience. It might be:
Integrity
Forgiveness
Generosity
Purity
Humility
The narrow path may not be popular — but it’s the one where Jesus walks.
“It may cost you now, but it leads to life that never ends.”
Key Takeaway
💬 The Kingdom path is costly — it requires discernment, obedience, and intimacy with Jesus — but every step on that narrow road leads to life.
WEEK 7 ~ JASON CONANT
Judgment and the Kingdom
(Matthew 7:1–12)
STORY TIME:
It was his last day with the company. He was dragging his feet a little—just waiting for the day to end so he could move on to the weekend and his new career.
I hadn’t had many deep conversations with him, but I wanted to wish him well and offer to pray for him. So I walked up, we chatted for a bit, and I asked if there was anything I could pray for before he left.
He was surprisingly open—almost excited—to share.
When we finished, he looked at me and said,
“You know, you’re really not like a normal Christian.”
Almost thinking he was joking, I asked, “What do you mean?”
And he said something I’ll never forget:
“Christians are all so judgmental and hypocritical... The Christians in my life are all so mean.”
That stuck with me. And sadly, I don’t think he’s alone in that feeling.
The Reputation Problem
A study by The Barna Research Group found that 87% of non-Christians view Christians as judgmental and 85% as hypocritical. Even half of Christians in the same study admitted this perception. (Barna Group & The Fermi Project, 2007; unchristian by David Kinnaman & Gabe Lyons)
That’s heartbreaking.
And it raises a vital question: 👉 How do we represent Jesus in a way that reflects His Kingdom, not just religion?
That’s what we’re exploring today in Matthew chapter 7—Jesus’ teaching about Judgment and the Kingdom.
1. The Heart Behind Judgment
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.”— Matthew 7:1–2
This is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible—sometimes even by people who don’t follow Jesus. But what was He really saying?
The word “judge” here can also mean condemn. And who has the right to condemn? Only God.
Remember the woman caught in adultery? The crowd was ready to stone her, but Jesus said, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” He alone was qualified to condemn—and He chose mercy.
Paul reminds us in Romans 8:1 that “there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
So when Jesus says, “Don’t judge,” He’s saying:
Don’t sit in the seat that only belongs to God.
He’s warning us against a heart that condemns others while excusing ourselves.
The Trap of Comparison
James, the brother of Jesus, put it this way:
“Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, you are criticizing and judging God’s law…God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So, what right do you have to judge your neighbor?”— James 4:11–12
When we judge, we’re not just criticizing others—we’re trying to take over God’s job.
And it’s sneaky. Even saying, “I’m not like those judgmental Christians,” can become its own form of judgment. We end up doing the very thing we claim to reject.
So why do we do it?
Because sometimes, instead of facing our own sin, pain, or shame, we project it onto others. When we carry unhealed guilt, we start seeing others through that same lens.
And when we use Scripture to shame instead of heal, the watching world sees hypocrisy instead of holiness.
“Why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?…First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”— Matthew 7:3–5
Jesus isn’t saying we can never help someone who’s struggling—He’s saying, start with your own heart first.
When we’re honest with God about our own weaknesses, we become free—and we begin to offer others the same grace we’ve received.
2. Wisdom and Discernment, Not Condemnation
Grace doesn’t mean we ignore sin—it means we approach others with the same mercy God has shown us.
“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.”— Matthew 7:6
That might sound harsh at first, but Jesus is teaching discernment. Not everyone is ready to receive correction and forcing it can do more harm than good.
“Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return…But correct the wise, and they will love you.”— Proverbs 9:7–8
Jon Collins from The Bible Project said it perfectly:
“It takes wisdom to know when to offer wisdom.”
So where does that kind of wisdom come from?
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”— Matthew 7:7–8
Ask!
When we ask for wisdom, God is generous to give it.
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.” — James 1:5
This wisdom doesn’t just help us make good choices—it transforms our hearts to reflect God’s heart.
Ask for the Holy Spirit
“If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”— Luke 11:13
When we ask for the Spirit’s presence, we’re asking for deeper awareness, guidance, and discernment in our daily lives.
And as this relationship grows, so does the fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
When that fruit takes root, our posture toward others changes—we stop condemning and start caring.
3. The Kingdom Life: Mercy
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”— Matthew 7:12
That’s more than good manners—it’s Kingdom culture.
Do you want to be seen for who you are, not by what you’ve done? Do that for others.
Do you want someone to listen to your story before judging? Do that for others.
Do you want mercy while you’re still learning and growing? Show mercy to someone else.
Jesus said it earlier in the Sermon:
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” — Matthew 5:7
The Big Picture
From the very beginning—in Eden—humanity reached for the knowledge of good and evil, claiming the right to judge. That moment broke everything.
But Jesus came to reverse that story.
Instead of taking judgment into our own hands, we receive grace—and then extend it.
That’s the Kingdom:
A people who has stopped playing Judge because we’ve met the true Judge—and found Him to be merciful.
Three Takeaways
Examine your own heart first. Remove the log before pointing out the speck.
Ask for wisdom before you speak. God gives generously to those who ask.
Practice mercy in every relationship. Blessed are the merciful—for they will receive mercy.
Before you move on with your day, pause for a moment.
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Ask for wisdom in how you speak and love today. And ask for mercy to flow through you—so that the world sees the Kingdom of Jesus, not the judgment of man.
WEEK 6 ~ BARRY BUECHNER
A Different Kind of Focus
Matthew 6:19–34
Have you ever tried to take a close-up picture with your phone and gotten that little message — “Can’t focus. Try moving back”? Sometimes one small shift makes the whole picture clear.
That’s what Jesus does in Matthew 6. He doesn’t change our surroundings — He changes our focus. He helps us refocus our lens so we can see what truly matters.
1. The Heart Behind Formation
Matthew 6:19–21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
In Jesus’ time, wealth wasn’t in bank accounts or stocks — it was in fabric, grain, and metals. Moths ate clothes, rats ate grain, and rust ate metal. What He was saying is simple: everything you can hold can fade, break, or be taken.
He wasn’t condemning money or success — He was confronting our attachments. Because what we give our attention to becomes our devotion.
If your worth comes from what you own, you’ll live in a constant sense of lack. But gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s already here.
Jesus is saying: Treasure isn’t about having less — it’s about being whole. The treasure that can’t rot or be stolen is the kind of heart God builds in you.
2. The Heart Behind Clarity
Matthew 6:22–23
“The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”
In Hebrew culture, to have a “good eye” meant to live generously — to see abundance, not scarcity. A “bad eye” meant envy, greed, or fear.
The “eye” Jesus is talking about isn’t about eyesight — it’s about insight. The way you see shapes the world you live in.
Two people can walk through the same storm — one sees despair, the other sees dependence on God. Same storm, different eyes.
A healthy eye sees through generosity and trust. A divided eye looks through fear and competition. Once your focus clears, you don’t just see better — you start seeing truer.
3. The Heart Behind Faithfulness
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
Jesus doesn’t say, “You shouldn’t serve two masters. ”He says, “You can’t.”
“Mammon” — the word used in the King James — was more than money. It represented the idol of materialism and control. It was the empire mindset of the day: If I can just control enough, I’ll finally feel safe.
But Jesus draws a clear line — you can’t serve both trust and control. One will always win your imagination.
It’s printed right on our dollar bills — “In God We Trust” — but we panic when the numbers drop. The truth is, control doesn’t create peace; it kills it.
If control tightens the grip, presence loosens it. And that’s exactly where Jesus goes next.
4. The Heart Behind Presence
Matthew 6:25–32
“For this reason, I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these… For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
Jesus was speaking to day-laborers — people living paycheck to paycheck under Roman taxes. When He said, “Do not worry,” He wasn’t dismissing their pain. He was reframing their focus.
He’s saying: Because your Father knows you, stop living like your worth depends on what you produce or own.
Worry is imagining a future without God’s presence in it. Anxiety is trying to control what’s already held in His hands.
When belonging shrinks, we reach for other ways to prove our worth — success, comparison, or control. But Jesus calls us back to alignment: Look up. Trust again. Your Father sees you.
5. The Heart Behind Alignment
Matthew 6:33–34
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Jesus isn’t promising a pain-free life. He’s offering presence — the kind that grounds you when life gets uncertain.
To seek the Kingdom first means to align your attention, your values, and your trust with God. It’s the kind of focus that turns chaos into clarity.
And for anyone walking through real anxiety or chronic fear, hear this: Jesus isn’t shaming you. He’s not saying, “just get over it.” He’s inviting you to notice it — to see where your thoughts go and gently bring your focus back to His presence.
Transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a slow unlearning, a retraining of attention.
Action Steps for the Week
When your thoughts start to spiral…
Pause & Notice When worry starts to build, stop for a moment. Breathe. Notice where your mind went. You can’t serve both peace and panic.
Redirect Your Focus Look for signs of God’s presence in your day — the laughter of your kids, a sunrise, a kind word. Shift from the problem to His presence.
Practice Renewal Every time you redirect your attention toward God, your brain literally rewires for peace. Each small redirection weakens the “what if” loop and strengthens the “what is.”
Closing Reflection
Jesus wasn’t giving a three-step life hack. He was offering heaven-on-earth living — teaching us to see through God’s eyes again. To move from fear to trust. From control to surrender. From chaos to a different kind of focus — one where fear no longer drives the vehicle of your mind.
WEEK 5 ~ JOEY DEBONE
The Secret Place: Living from the Heart (Matthew 6:1–18)
Last week, Pastor Peter reminded us that Jesus came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. The Law showed us how far from perfect we are, but Jesus flipped the script. He shifted the focus from rules to the heart: “You’ve heard it said, don’t murder—but I say, if you hate someone, you’ve already committed murder in your heart.”
That’s the theme running through the Sermon on the Mount: Jesus revealing that true righteousness isn’t about performance—it’s about posture. And in Matthew 6, He dives right into our motives: giving, praying, and fasting.
1. Giving from the Heart
Jesus starts with this challenge:
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.”
We all crave recognition—it’s part of how God wired us to desire love and connection. But sin twists that desire into pride and self-promotion.
Years ago, I experienced what true, humble generosity looks like. While I was a Bible school intern, a family quietly handed me an envelope of money to help me buy an engagement ring for Mikala. No announcement. No spotlight. Just love in action.
That’s what Jesus meant when He said, “Give in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Generosity is about the heart, not the show.
2. Praying from the Heart
Next, Jesus turns to prayer:
“When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.”
He wasn’t condemning public prayer—He was calling out empty performance. God doesn’t need fancy words or attention-grabbing displays. He just wants you.
Then Jesus gives us the Lord’s Prayer—not as a ritual to recite mindlessly, but as a model for real conversation with God. It’s about relationship, not repetition.
Prayer is where we meet God in the “secret place.” It’s where honesty replaces performance, and intimacy replaces routine.
3. Fasting from the Heart
Finally, Jesus talks about fasting. In His day, people would make a scene about it—looking miserable so everyone knew how “spiritual” they were. Jesus said the opposite: “When you fast, wash your face… so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting.”
Again, He’s after the why. Fasting isn’t about proving holiness—it’s about hungering for more of God.
The Kingdom Upside Down
Everything Jesus says in Matthew 6 flips the world’s values upside down. In our culture of followers, likes, and views, Jesus calls us back to the quiet places—where faith is formed away from the spotlight.
He invites us to live differently:
Give without seeking credit.
Pray like God is your Father, not your audience.
Fast not for applause, but to grow closer to Him.
This is how we make the Kingdom visible—when our actions point not to us, but to Jesus.
Your Challenge This Week
Which of these three could you practice from the secret place?
Giving – Bless someone quietly.
Praying – Talk with God privately and honestly.
Fasting – Set something aside to make room for Him.
Let’s be people who give, pray, and fast from the heart—where Jesus gets the glory, and we become less so He can become more.
WEEK 4 `~ PETER LESCHKE
The Sermon on the Mount: Living the Kingdom Here and Now
When Jesus stood on that hillside, speaking to hundreds—possibly thousands—He wasn’t offering a lofty, future hope. He was declaring a present reality: The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Not a distant dream, but a tangible reality made manifest in Him and through Him.
As His disciples, we are called to live out that Kingdom here and now—on Earth, as it is in Heaven.
From Creation to Covenant: God’s Design for His Kingdom
To understand the weight of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, we need to step back and look at the big picture.
From the beginning, God created a well-ordered world—He brought light out of darkness, life out of chaos, and harmony out of disorder. In that original creation, Heaven and Earth were one. God reigned, and humankind—made in His image—was appointed to reflect His character and rule with His wisdom.
In Hebrew, the word “tsedeq” means righteousness—right relationship with God and others. The word “mishpat” means justice—the actions we take to create and restore those right relationships. Love, then, is the driving force of God’s Kingdom.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart... and love your neighbor as yourself.”
God’s law was never meant to be a list of burdensome rules. It was given as an invitation to live in deep, relational partnership with Him—a way of life that reflects His heart. From Abraham to Moses, the covenants given to God's people were centered on love, justice, and communal flourishing.
Abrahamic Covenant – A Promise of Blessing
“I will make you into a great nation... and all peoples on Earth will be blessed through you.”(Genesis 12:2–3)
This wasn’t just a promise for Israel—it pointed forward to the kind of people God always intended to shape: a blessing to the world.
Mosaic Covenant – A Pathway to Right Living
The Torah (meaning "teaching" or "instruction") gave the Israelites a framework for community, identity, and holiness. It was meant to:
Guide everyday life
Unite the community
Reflect God’s holy character
Yet over time, the Law became distorted.
When the Law Becomes a Burden
By Jesus’ time, religious leaders—Pharisees and scribes—had taken this life-giving Law and turned it into something rigid, legalistic, and oppressive. What God intended for transformation had become a system of control, shame, and exclusion.
It’s into this climate that Jesus brings His upside-down Kingdom.
Jesus Fulfills the Law – Not Abolishes It
“Do not think I have come to abolish the Law... but to fulfill it.”(Matthew 5:17–20)
Jesus didn’t come to cancel the Law. He came to complete it—to embody its true purpose. Where the Law pointed to righteousness, Jesus is righteousness. Where the Law taught right living, Jesus lived it out perfectly.
True righteousness, Jesus says, is not just external behavior, but internal transformation.
1. Heart Over Appearance: Going Beyond Behavior
Jesus presses deeper than the surface.
On Anger
“Anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment...”(Matthew 5:21–24)
Murder doesn’t start with violence—it starts with contempt. Jesus uses the word "raca," an Aramaic insult meaning “worthless” or “empty-headed.” Contempt flows from the heart—and Jesus warns us: unresolved anger, hatred, or superiority has no place in God’s Kingdom.
On Lust
“Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart.”(Matthew 5:27–30)
Jesus doesn’t stop at action—He speaks to intention. He calls us to deal seriously with the parts of our heart that lead us toward broken relationships and objectification. His command is bold: cut off what leads you astray.
But remember: Jesus also showed radical grace, like to the woman caught in adultery—“I do not condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
2. Integrity in Relationships
Jesus teaches that truthfulness and reconciliation are central to life in the Kingdom.
“Let your ‘Yes’ be yes, and your ‘No’ be no...”(Matthew 5:33–37)
Kingdom people don’t need to manipulate truth—they live with such honesty that their word is enough.
“If you are offering your gift at the altar and remember someone has something against you... first go and be reconciled.”
Jesus prioritizes relationships over rituals. He teaches us to keep short accounts, fight for connection, and live with integrity.
3. Radical Love: Loving Even Our Enemies
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...”(Matthew 5:43–48)
This is where Jesus turns the world upside down.
In a polarized world—politically, culturally, relationally—enemy-love is the mark of the Kingdom. Loving those who agree with us is easy. Loving those who hurt us, oppose us, or think differently? That takes divine transformation.
It’s not a call to false forgiveness or enduring toxic abuse. Jesus never minimizes harm. But He does call us to rise above retaliation and step into the radical mercy of God.
Who have you made your enemy? Is there someone you’ve cut off—outwardly kind, but inwardly cold? Jesus invites us into something higher: a love that prays, blesses, and forgives.
The Law Was Always About the Heart
Jesus fulfilled the Law in His life, death, and resurrection. He fulfilled it when He taught on a hill. He fulfilled it when He died on another hill—Golgotha.
Now, He invites us to do the same—not just in action, but in our hearts.
This Week: Go Beyond the Surface
Take some time to reflect:
Is there someone you need to forgive?
Someone you need to be honest with?
Someone you’ve silently deemed an enemy?
A wound you’ve buried instead of addressing?
Ask God to transform your heart. The Kingdom isn’t about managing behavior—it’s about becoming a new kind of person, shaped by the love of Jesus.
Reflection
As we come to the table today, we remember the One who fulfilled the Law completely:
On the mountain where He taught,
On the mountain where He died,
And in the garden where He rose.
Let us surrender our outward performances and invite God to transform our hearts.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for the radical love You’ve shown us through Jesus. Teach us to go beyond surface appearances—to live with hearts marked by forgiveness, honesty, and grace. Transform us by Your Spirit, that we may fulfill the Law through love. In Jesus’ name, Amen
WEEK 3 ~ Pastor Christine Dondlinger
Heaven Here and Now: Living as Salt and Light
We’re now a few weeks into our ten-week journey through the Sermon on the Mount—a series called Heaven Here and Now.
Let’s pause for a quick review.
The Kingdom has come. The King has arrived. And He’s inviting us to follow Him into a new way of living—heaven on earth, right here, right now.
Jesus taught us to pray:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.”— Matthew 6:9–10
Jesus didn’t just teach that prayer—He lived it. He brought the Kingdom of God to earth and showed us what it looks like when heaven touches everyday life.
This is the Upside-Down Kingdom—where the overlooked are lifted up, where love is the law, and where God’s presence breaks into ordinary moments.
The Sermon on the Mount isn’t a list of self-help tips or feel-good slogans. It’s Jesus describing what happens when God’s Spirit reshapes a human heart. His invitation wasn’t just for His disciples 2,000 years ago—it’s for us, right now, in the middle of our ordinary lives.
Salt and Light: The Kingdom in Action
“You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world...Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deed sand glorify your Father in heaven.”— Matthew 5:13–16
Notice—Jesus didn’t say, “Try to be” salt and light. He said, “You are.” It’s a statement of fact, not a suggestion.
So, what does that mean?
What It Means to Be Salt
In Galilee, salt had many purposes:
Preserving food—especially meat and fish.
Enhancing flavor—making food better.
Fuel for ovens—mixed with dung to increase heat.
Helping lanterns burn brighter.
Healing and purifying agent.
A valuable commodity and currency.
Spiritually speaking, God calls us to be “mixed in” with the world—preserving what is good and adding flavor wherever we go—while never losing our distinct identity as followers of Christ.
We’re not meant to absorb the world’s values or hide away from it. We’re called to live in the world, bringing God’s goodness, integrity, and faith wherever we go.
So, how are you enhancing the world around you? In your neighborhood? At work? At the grocery store? Does your presence bring warmth, kindness, and hope? Is your “salt” being useful?
What It Means to Be Light
Light has a few key qualities:
It illuminates. It brings clarity and truth where there’s confusion.
It dispels darkness. Light pushes back fear, sin, and despair.
It reveals and exposes. It helps others see what’s real—both the brokenness and the beauty.
It guides and gives hope. It points people toward safety, truth, and God.
When Jesus said, “You are the light of the world,” He was calling us to live in such a way that our lives illuminate His love—both up close and from a distance.
Salt works best up close; Light can reach far. Together, they transform everything they touch.
Transformation Starts Within
Before we can influence the world, we must first be changed ourselves.
When we accept Jesus’ love and forgiveness, God transforms our hearts and fills us with His Spirit. The fruit and gifts of that Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are what make us salt and light.
Salt and light are active, not passive. We don’t just sit and wait for others to come to the Kingdom. We bring the Kingdom to them.
Jesus went out to people—He met them where they were. He didn’t wait for them to find Him in a synagogue. We are called to do the same.
The Upside-Down Kingdom in Practice
In this Kingdom, we don’t seek to be served—we serve. We love first. We forgive freely. We lift others up. This is what it means to be salt and light.
So, how do we live this out intentionally?
Be Salt
Be a positive influence. Use your words and actions to inspire and uplift.
Promote biblical values. Speak truth in love and model godly principles.
Serve others. Meet practical needs in your community.
Stay connected. Don’t isolate yourself from the world—engage with it.
Maintain integrity. Live distinct from the culture’s negativity.
Stay rooted in Scripture. Keep your “saltiness” through God’s Word.
Pursue righteousness. Let your character grow in faith and humility.
Let Your Light Shine
Do good deeds that bring glory to God.
Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, and more.
Offer hope and encouragement wherever darkness looms.
Show compassion. Be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Serve with your gifts. Use your talents to bless others.
Be open about your faith. Don’t hide your devotion to Christ.
Lead by example. Live in such a way that others see God’s light in you.
A Closing Challenge
This week, be mindful of how you live as salt and light. Then, take one day to be intentional about it. Go out of your way to add “flavor” to someone’s life and shine light into a dark place.
Maybe that means encouraging a coworker, helping a neighbor, or simply choosing patience where frustration usually wins.
Remember: when we live as salt and light, heaven breaks into earth—through us.
A Prayer for Today
Lord, show me where You want heaven to break in today—in my heart, in my family, in my friendships, in my work, in my community. Let Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Let me be salt and light to the world. Through me, let Your Kingdom come. Amen.
WEEK 2~ Barry Buechner
The Beatitudes | The Upside-Down Kingdom
Most of us have heard pieces of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount
“Blessed are the peacemakers. Turn the other cheek. Love your enemies.”
They’ve become wall art and bumper stickers. But when Jesus first spoke them, they weren’t slogans. They were a radical vision of what life looks like when God’s Kingdom actually takes root.
Jesus wasn’t giving us tips for happiness. He was describing what happens when God’s Spirit reshapes your heart. And His invitation wasn’t just for His disciples 2,000 years ago. It’s for us—right here, in ordinary life.
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12, ESV)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Who Is This For?
This wasn’t a private huddle for the Twelve. Jesus taught with His disciples up close and the crowds within earshot—anyone willing to lean in.
The Beatitudes aren’t advanced rules for “elite” Christians or ideals for some future age; they’re the ground floor of life with God now.
They’re for ordinary people in ordinary places:
Parents running on fumes
Workers under pressure
Students sorting out identity
Neighbors trying to make peace
Skeptics still feeling a tug
If you’re tired of image-management, hungry for something deeper, or ready for God to work from the inside out—you’re the audience.
Why This Feels Upside Down
Everything in these verses pushes against our culture. We’re told to chase success, status, and security. Jesus says blessing looks like humility, grief, mercy—even persecution.
C.S. Lewis captured this tension in The Screwtape Letters (1942), where a senior demon advises:
“Keep the patient fixated on politics… in a constant state of angst, frustration, and disdain… believing the problem is ‘out there’ in the broken system, rather than with himself.”
Eighty years later, it sounds like our news feeds. That’s the enemy’s playbook—keep us distracted, divided, numb. Jesus’ Kingdom calls us back to the heart.
Walking Through the Beatitudes
Poor in Spirit → Blessing starts with humility, admitting we need God.
Those Who Mourn → Not gloom, but grief over sin and brokenness—where God meets us with comfort.
The Meek → Strength under control. Gentleness over dominance.
Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness → Craving God’s way more than applause, money, or success.
The Merciful → Extending forgiveness and compassion, even when it looks weak.
Pure in Heart → Integrity—inner life matching outer life.
Peacemakers → Not avoiding conflict but moving toward reconciliation, even when it costs.
The Persecuted → Faithfulness to Jesus doesn’t always win applause—but it carries blessing.
So What Now?
The Beatitudes are like a mirror. They force us to ask:
Which one resonates with me right now?
Which one makes me uncomfortable?
Often, the one we resist is exactly where the Spirit is pressing in.
The Kingdom Jesus describes looks upside down to the world—but it’s where real strength, joy, and peace are found. In a culture chasing more but never feeling full, Jesus flips everything and says: This is the way that actually satisfies.
✦ Reflection Question: Which Beatitude do you need to lean into this week—and what would it look like to practice it in real life?
WEEK 1~ Peter Leschke
Week 1: The Kingdom Has Come
Sermon Series: Heaven Here and Now
A 10-Week Walk Through the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7)
I’m so excited to begin this new series with you—Heaven Here and Now. Over the next 10 weeks, we’ll be walking together through one of the most powerful sections of Scripture: Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7).
If you’ve ever heard of Jesus of Nazareth, you probably know he was more than a miracle-worker. He was also a teacher—arguably the most influential one in history. Some of his words have become household phrases: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” “Love your neighbor as yourself.” These words have shaped cultures, laws, and countless individual lives, both believers and non-believers alike.
The Sermon on the Mount is short—just three chapters—but it is nothing less than Jesus’ announcement that God’s Kingdom has arrived. And here’s the good news: that Kingdom isn’t only for the past or for the future. It’s for right now.
Let's set the stage:
To give us the context and structure of the Sermon on the Mount.
To offer a 30,000-foot view of what “Kingdom” means in the story of the Bible.
To introduce the idea of the Upside-Down Kingdom that Jesus describes.
To invite us to dive deep into Matthew 5–7 and allow the Spirit to transform us—today.
Context: Where the Sermon Fits
Matthew places the Sermon on the Mount within his larger account of Jesus’ life and ministry. Written sometime between 55 and 90 CE, this gospel shows us Jesus teaching in Jerusalem, Judea, Galilee, and the surrounding areas of the Roman Empire.
The Sermon on the Mount isn’t a random collection of sayings. It’s a carefully structured message, organized so that people could remember and live it out. It falls into three main sections:
The opening blessings (The Beatitudes), describing the good and blessed life.
The main body, showing how love reshapes relationships and daily life.
The conclusion, challenging hearers to respond.
And at the very center of the message? The prayer Jesus taught us to pray:
“Our Father, who is in heaven,Hallowed be Your name.Your kingdom come.Your will be done,On earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9–10)
What Is God’s Kingdom?
To understand Jesus’ message, we have to start where he started—with the Hebrew Scriptures.
In Genesis, God creates a world where heaven and earth overlap, where humanity reflects His image and carries His authority. Humans are called to rule with love, righteousness (tsedeq), and justice (mishpat). God’s Kingdom is experienced when His love and wisdom govern life on earth.
But as the story unfolds, we see humanity trying to build kingdoms on their own terms—Babel, Egypt, Babylon. Brokenness spreads. Yet God doesn’t abandon His creation. Instead, He chooses Abraham’s family to bless all families of the earth (Genesis 12:1–3). Through the covenant, the Law, the prophets, and the long years of waiting, the people of God yearned for the coming of God’s true Kingdom.
By the time of Jesus, Israel was oppressed by Rome, divided into factions, and weary of waiting. Then John the Baptist appeared, declaring: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” And right after, Jesus steps onto the scene.
The Kingdom was no longer far away. The King had come.
The Upside-Down Kingdom
When Jesus opens his Sermon, he flips the script on what blessing and success look like:
Blessed are the poor in spirit.
Blessed are those who mourn.
Blessed are the meek.
Blessed are the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers.
Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness.
This is the Upside-Down Kingdom—where the overlooked are lifted up, where love is the law, where God’s presence breaks into ordinary lives.
Our Prayer Today
Lord, show me where You want heaven to break in today—in my heart, in my family, in my friendships, in my work, in my community. Let Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
The Kingdom has come. The King has arrived. And He is inviting us to follow Him into a new way of living—heaven here and now.
The Beatitudes:
3. Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4. Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5. Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7. Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8. Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9. Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say
all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12. Rejoice and be glad, because
great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the
prophets who were before you.
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