Sermon on the Mount - Another Introduction (Chris)

We look at the context of the SOTM in terms of “who,” “what,” “where,” and “why”.  We then introduce a framework for understanding the message based on three states of human existence provided by John Wesley: the Natural State, the State of Law, and the State of Grace.

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Lesson Plan

Sermon on the Mount - The Beatitudes (Randy)

The Beatitudes run completely counter to the values of the world.  They had to have been music to the ears of original listeners, and even we find some solace in them.  However, they also challenge us because many of the phrases suggest hardship that we do not want to face.  What do we make of them?

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Lesson Plan

Sermon on the Mount - Introduction (Randy)

The Sermon on the Mount is the first of Jesus’ five discourses in the book of Matthew.  It lays out the core tenets of Christian discipleship. On the one hand, reading it excites us because it describes a world order unlike our current age.  And yet, as we dig in deeper, it offends us given the impossibility of the standard.  What do we make of this?

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Lesson Plan

Wrestling with God - Does God Exist?

The Bible tells us that God created the heavens and the earth, and us in his own image, but what if we created God instead?  Is there really a God?  This lesson explores the options and concludes that God most definitely exists, is real, and is worthy of our worship.

Note: The recording failed about 5 minutes before the conclusion of this lesson.

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Wrestling with God - Prayer

The Bible tells us to pray, and yet God doesn’t seem to answer many of our prayers.  We pray for peace but wars rage around the world taking the lives of thousands of people.  We pray for health and yet people we love are stricken with terrible disease.  We pray for jobs but we remain unemployed.  Where is God?  How can we reconcile these unanswered prayers with a robust faith?

Note: Podcast recording failed 5 minutes before the lesson concluded.


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Wrestling with God - Wrath

While we don’t talk much about it, there are more references in the Bible to God’s anger, fury, and wrath than there are to his love and tenderness.  How can this be? What does it mean? 

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Wrestling with God - Suffering

Suffering is real, but the Bible doesn’t give us a clear answer for why it must continue. God has not chosen to reveal the full purpose of suffering.  Sometimes, suffering is due to our sin or the sin of others.  Sometimes, suffering is due to the natural order and has nothing to do with our sin.  As Christians we are called, which is consistent with the fact that God suffered for us and with us.  He loves us infinitely.  While he never promised a pain free life, he promised he would always be there when we suffer.

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