The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most profound teachings in Scripture, offering a vision for life that reflects God’s kingdom here on earth. It challenges us to ask: Do we truly believe and live out what the way of life to which Jesus calls us? This year at Redemption, we are embarking on a journey to discover what it means to follow Jesus through His teachings from the Sermon on the Mount.
Rediscovering Simplicity
Sometimes, the most profound experiences of faith come from simple beginnings. I recall starting a Bible study in high school. It began with a prayer, an invitation to friends, and a willingness to trust God’s leading. By the end of that summer, a handful of students had grown into a group of fifteen, listening to a random high school kid try to teach them Bible.
But as responsibilities grow, it’s easy to overcomplicate ministry and church. Meetings, strategies, logos, and consultants can dominate our focus. While these tools have their place, we must ask ourselves: Are we dependent on these things, or do we rely on God’s direction? As the Bible puts it, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God" (Psalm 20:7). And "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord Almighty" (Zechariah 4:5-7). A moment of conviction came during a recent meeting I was in about website optimization. Amid discussions about layout and messaging, I felt the Spirit reminding me, This is not the core of ministry. I’ve already told you what to do.
And what has God called us to do? Love Him with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and love others as ourselves. This twofold mission will guide our church throughout 2025 as we intentionally live out the Sermon on the Mount.
Loving God with All We Are
Jesus declared the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). This command wasn’t new; it echoed God’s words in Deuteronomy. The Hebrew word for love, ahavah, emphasizes both affection and action. God’s ahavah led Him to rescue His people from Egypt, demonstrating love through action.
In return, we are called to love God through obedience. The Sermon on the Mount provides a roadmap for this transformation, offering a bold vision of generosity, forgiveness, and justice. Jesus’ teaching reveals a kingdom where the poor in spirit, the meek, and those who hunger for righteousness are blessed.
This year, we’ll explore this vision together. Through sermons, small groups, and Q&A nights, we will immerse ourselves in Jesus’ words. We’ll ask hard questions, seek practical applications, and, most importantly, commit to prayer. Before each service, we’ll gather to pray, and monthly prayer guides will help us align our hearts with God’s.
Loving Others as God Loves
Jesus’ second command, to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39), is inseparable from the first. In Deuteronomy, God’s love for the fatherless, widows, and foreigners sets the standard for how Israel is to love others. This theme resonates throughout the New Testament: caring for the vulnerable, sharing with those in need, and practicing hospitality are central to authentic faith.
At Redemption, we’re committed to embodying this love. Throughout the year, we’ll host outreach events designed to serve our community and engage with those who may never set foot in a church. Whether it’s providing meals, offering support to families in need, or simply building relationships, we aim to reflect God’s heart for the world.
Following Jesus Together
The Sermon on the Mount is not just a collection of moral teachings; it’s an invitation to a radically different way of life. As we study this passage throughout the year, let’s embrace its challenges and opportunities. Let’s commit to loving God fully and loving others deeply. Let’s pray, serve, and grow together, trusting that as we do, God’s kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven.
Join us on this journey. Together, let’s discover what it means to live out the Sermon on the Mount in our lives and in our community.
Learn More
If you would like to learn more, we suggest you check out this video from BibleProject.
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