The Problem With Divorce

Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:31-32

No vision of the Good Life is complete without some emphasis on protecting married individuals from the pervasive, erosive effects of their OWN sin. So Jesus lays down a dramatic vision for the permanence of marriage AND hope of relief to the suffering.

Sermon Points:

  • When We Need To Stay
  • When We Are Allowed To Leave
  • How Not To Get Divorced

Jesus and the Fear of Dying

Scripture Reference: Revelation 1:12-20

The Apostle John introduces a heavenly vision to a people for whom Christianity has stopped working. But it’s a vision of the RISEN Christ that ends up being transformational for this suffering people. It can do the same for us!

Sermon Points:

  • The Vision
  • The Victory

The Heart of Lust

Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:27-30

Jesus’ warnings against lust go way beyond external explanations for our sexual behavior. Searchingly, he encourages us to go into the very depth of our motivational centers to uncover the heart of lust. (Adult themed content!)

Sermon Points:

  • The Tyranny of Lust
  • The Anatomy of Lust
  • The Healing of Lust

The Taming of Anger

Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:21-26

Jesus begins his catechism of the Good Life by zeroing in on the most destructive force to human flourishing: our hatred for each other. His teaching lays us bare for what is really motivating our anger and how to heal it as well.

Sermon Points:

  • Righteous Anger
  • Unrighteous Anger
  • Taming Our Anger

The Good & Imperishable Life

Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:17-20

Jesus is ready to launch into his description of the inner life of his followers, but first clarifies his relationship to the reigning source of truth of his day, the Old Testament Law. But Jesus is not an innovator, but a fulfiller.

Sermon Points:

  • The Bible is Reliable
  • The Bible is About Jesus
  • The Bible is Trustworthy