Sermons on Loving Neighbors
Jonah 4:1-11
Why should you be committed to evangelism? The primary motivation is the glory of God, but the second greatest motivation is the salvation of man. There is a real judgment that is coming. Eternal life is truly offered in the gospel. Loving others entails necessarily not wanting them to come into judgment but rather entering into eternal life.
Hebrews 13:1-6
In the exhortations in the book of Hebrews the author has highlighted the need to strive together for faith. In Hebrews 13:1-6 he gives practical instruction concerning how christians ought to love one another so as to edify one another and strengthen the body for perseverance.
Deuteronomy 27:11-26
In Deuteronomy 27:11-26, Moses finishes his instructions for the covenant ceremony to be performed on the other side of the Jordan. The focus of this passage is on the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. In particular the curses for disobedience are emphasized, curses that we, even in this new covenant era, need to take to heart. If you make a practice of sin, you will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Deuteronomy 24:6-25:4
In Deuteronomy 24:6-25:4 Moses addresses how we are to treat one another in every area of life. Fair treatment especially requires taking care of the weak and powerless. Ultimately, the major ideas of the world today fall short of the requirements of Scripture. It is Christians, in obedience to Christ, empowered by the Spirit, who are able truly to love others.
Matthew 7:12
In Matthew 7:12 Jesus, summarizing everything he’s said in the Sermon on the Mount, gives the famous “golden rule”. The sum of the Law and the Prophets (the OT) is to do unto others as you would have them do to you. What does this entail? How does this rule fulfill the law? Is this unique to Christianity?
Deuteronomy 15:1-18
Moses continues to expound the 4th commandment in Deuteronomy 15:1-18 by explaining the year of debt cancellation that was to happen every seven years. The seventh year points to an organic connection with Sabbath law, showing the significance of the Sabbath: it is a celebration of having our debt before God cancelled and being released from slavery. All of this is fulfilled in Christ through his great redemption.
Matthew 5:43-48
Love Your Enemies In Matthew 5:43-48 Jesus concludes this section of the Sermon on the Mount by teaching that Christians must love their enemies thereby reflecting their Father in heaven. This is a difficult doctrine in any circumstances, but as the Church seems to have more and more enemies it is particularly important for Christians to understand today.
Matthew 5:38-42
Today there is much discussion about rights and fairness. More and more Christians are facing hostile treatment. How should a Christian respond? Though Christians should not give up their rights, especially the right to worship, there is wisdom needed to know when to insist on our rights and when to turn the other cheek. Christ addresses this in Matthew 5:38-42. Though Christians may think it is fair to retaliate in light of what was done to them or to cling…