Paragon Church

As we continue in looking at how to "live the good life" Jesus ventures into the topic of divorce... but like anger was the root of murder and lust was the root of adultery, what is the root of divorce? Could it be a flippant view of the importance of marriage? Join us as we look at Matthew 5:31-32 in the Sermon on the Mount

Sin isn't just what we do, it is rooted in who we are. The Sermon on the Mount isn't just focusing on the external, but also the internal. The heart of the matter is it is a matter of the heart. In Matthew 5:27-30 we find the second of the six "opposing" teachings of Christ to what the Pharisees and Scribes were teaching. Adultery and Lust.

A special event with Author and speaker Steve Gregg. He starts off answering a "millennium" question from Revelation 20.

When it comes to following Jesus and living righteously... it is not just a list of do's and don'ts - it It's a matter of the heart. In Matthew 5:21-26 Jesus talks about being in right relationship with God and with man.

When someone says "I think I'm a good person" whose standard are they measuring by? When we talk about living the Good Life, who defines what is "good?" Jesus says in Matthew 5:20 "For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven." what did he mean?

Come as you are. Be changed. Go change the world. That is our Battle Cry. In Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus calls his followers to "influence" the world for good. What does it look like to be an "influencer" in this world? How can we effectively change the world?

Righteousness (living your life aligned with God's will and plan) is a magnet for persecution. It started with Cain and Abel and has continued throughout history right up to today. Righteousness is the light on the hill that cannot be hidden. The problem is, darkness hates the light. Jesus tells us in our passage today to BE GLAD & REJOICE (instead of the opposite natural reaction of discouragement or anger). Live for Him with no regrets.

Matthew 5:9 says "Blessed are the peacemakers." Who are the peacemakers? What does it biblical peacemaking look like? Why will they be called sons of God? This Beatitude gives us a lot to think about especially when it comes to our duties as followers of Christ.

What does it mean to be pure in heart? What should it look like in our daily lives? Matthew 5:8

The shift in the Beatitudes from "vertical" to "horizontal" takes place in Matthew 5:7. While the first four are "vertical" between us and God... the rest of our Beatitudes will flow from the heart change that comes from a relationship with God to our "horizontal" relationships with others.

What do you hunger for? What do you thirst for? What truly satisfies your everything? As we progress through the beatitudes and look at Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" know that our desire for Jesus leads to our satisfaction in Him.

In the progression, Jesus starts with "Blessed are the poor in spirit" (not those who think they are righteous but those who know they are broken) and follows that up with "Blessed are those who mourn" (not those who have are happy with themselves but hose who mourn their sinfulness). The next in the list is "Blessed are the meek or humble" (not those who are proud of all that they are and all they have done, but those who have given themselves to God and celebrate what He has done). How do we apply that truth in our lives? Matthew 5:5

In the progression of the Beatitudes, Jesus follows up "blessed are those who are poor in spirit" (realize they are spiritually bankrupt without Christ) with "blessed are those who mourn." What does that mean? How can those who "mourn" be "happy or satisfied?"

Blessed are. Eight phrases over the next eight weeks from the mouth of Jesus telling us where we find our true JOY and contentment (even our happiness). It is "FLIPPED" from what the rest of the world might tell us... This week, Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs."

As we wrap up Revelation, we need to remember this book was not written for us to have to argue and fight over what the future return of Jesus looks like... it was written to give us hope and challenge us to live for Christ today. Are you growing in holiness? Are you growing in godliness? Are you growing closer to Jesus today? Revelation 22

In two places. Between two points. For one purpose. We live in the Kingdom of God, both now and not yet. In our series we are coming to the completion of all things... how do we respond? Revelation 21:1-22:5

With so many varied interpretations of Revelation 20 and the Millennial reign, this week we will focus on the truth, no matter what beliefs you hold on to. How ever it "pans out" God's love doesn't change the fact that He is sovereign, Satan is under Him, the Gospel will move forward, Christ will return, and Judgement is coming.

Up to this point, we have seen the seven seals, seven trumpets, seven angels with seven plagues, and seven bowls of Gods wrath. Revelation 19 introduces us to a chorus of hallelujahs sung by the heavenly choirs in response to Jesus Christ victoriously riding on a white horse. The point we will see is God-centered worship will ultimately overcome human-centered selfishness. We have said this throughout, but God deserves our worship. Revelation 19 reveals God as heaven sees Him, which in turn drives us to bow before Him.

Hell. Is it real? If so, does God really send people there? If so, why? How could a God of Love also be a God of Judgement? Is Hell Eternal? These are all questions that people have about Hell. The truth is we need to better understand the reality of Hell... because you cannot fully appreciate the coming of Jesus (first or second) without grasping what the Bible says about hell. Revelation 20:11-15

On Easter (and every day) we celebrate the Resurrected King and look forward to his return (Revelation 19)