Victory Christian Fellowship

Aaron's priestly blessings / benediction has been pronounced over at some point in our church experience by a pastor or clergyman of some sort. We have often received these gracious words, but have never thought deeply about them. Today, in light of Easter, let's consider what would be necessary for this benediction to really be yours. 

Traditionally, we hear Palm Sunday sermons highlighting the festive exuberance of the people as they usher Jesus into Jerusalem for the last time during His earthly ministry. However, Luke's account of the occasion highlights the fact that Jesus' disposition does not mirror that of the adoring crowd. What are we to make of this?

There appears to be a logical contradiction between verse one of this current passage and verse 5:16. In 5:16 Jesus says, "let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." But in 6:1 He says, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." How are we to reconcile these teachings? Is Jesus speaking with a forked tongue? Again, this is one of those instances when our English Bibles fail to pick the nuance of Jesus' original statement. Let's focus in as Jesus lays down the guidelines for charitable giving.

In the six and final antithesis, Jesus concludes this portion of His teaching with an equally provocative message: Love your enemies! Who are our enemies? Why is it so difficult to love them? What is love according to Jesus? What are some tangible ways in which we might do good to them who only seem to want to see our demise? Brace yourself again this week for a message likely to ruffle feathers!

In the fifth of six antitheses, Jesus hands own one of His most provocative teachings: Non-relailiation in the face of someone determind to humiliate you & see to it that you get the short end of the stick. Is retailiation ever permitted? Are there limits to a Christian's non-retailiation ethic? How are we to determine the difference? Hold onto your seats, Jesus' lesson tonight is a juggernaut!

In the fourth of six antitheses, we are confronted with the reality that swearing oaths is unnecessary when you are a truthful Christian person. Are you a truthful person? Can your word be trusted? Are your handshake & your word reliable? Lets hear from Jesus on the matter!

In the third of six antitheses, Jesus continues to challenge the disciples realationally, particulary in the context of marriage. As a disciple of Christ & citizens of heaven, is divorce okay? If it is permitted, then on what grounds? What happens if I've blown it in marriage? Can I remarry? Jesus addresses these questions today!

In the second of six antithesis, Jesus continues to challenge the disciples relationally, though in this antithesis and in the third He deals specifically with marriage. How do we avoid the scandal of adultery? What drastic, yet practical steps can we take to preserve our marriages? Let us hear from the Master Himself tonight. 

The passage that we will consider tonight is the first of what is known as "the six antithesis" paragraphs of Jesus. Have you ever committed murder? Have you ever been in a violent rage towards a fellow Christian? Have you ever insulted a brother or sister of Christ? Jesus has a provocative teaching on the subject of where sin begins. Let's learn from Him.

Today's passage is interesting in the sense that Jesus no doubt shocked His audience by His statement in verse twenty of our text. How is it possible for the righteousness of an everyday believer to transend that of the holiest men of Jesus' day? Jesus says that is not only possible, but a necessity for entrance into heaven. Let's hear from the King on this matter.