Sermon on the Mount
Living as Kingdom Citizens
Not Everyone Goes to Heaven
November 7, 2021 • Vlad Burlaka • Matthew 7:21–23
Roughly seven-in-ten (72%) Americans say they believe in heaven. Are you confident? Are you sure? Are you clear in your understanding? As Jesus drew near to the end of the Sermon on the Mount, He takes the time to remind us of how serious the topic of salvation is. And the way He does this is by stressing that, "Not Everyone Gets To Go To Heaven.” Not everyone who claims to be a Christian will go to heaven. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, "These, surely, are in many ways the most solemn words ever uttered in this world." Let’s be sure we are Kingdom Citizens by answering three vital and significant questions. When it comes to the false converts: 1. What did they possess? 2. What did they lack? 3. What's the heart of the issue?
Wolf In Sheep's Clothing
October 24, 2021 • Vlad Burlaka • Matthew 7:15–20
Who Are Your Guides? Which voices will you choose to follow? Kingdom Citizen, Beware of false guides who will try to get you on the path of destruction… 4 facts to equip you to avoid a bad guide on your Christian walk. 1. Christian, False Teachers Are Dangerous 2. Christian, False Teachers Use Deception 3. Christian, False Teachers Can Be Detected 4. Christian, False Teachers Await Their Destruction
The Best Road Taken
October 10, 2021 • Vlad Burlaka • Matthew 7:12–14
As Jesus approaches the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, He calls His disciples to action. To love. To enter through the narrow gate. All followers of Jesus must submit to Him. What does it mean for us to submit to the Lord? 1. Transformed Love (v.12) 2. Transformed Life (v.13-14)
Ask, Seek, Knock
October 3, 2021 • Vlad Burlaka • Matthew 7:7–11
Jesus has set a high standard before His followers in the Sermon on the Mount; how are they to reach it? Prayer is an important part of the answer. Four headings that ought to encourage us, as Kingdom Citizens, to pray. 1. A Plea to Pray 2. A Promise to Answer 3. A Picture of a Father 4. A Power to Utilize
When To Be Silent
September 26, 2021 • Vlad Burlaka • Matthew 7:6
Jesus tells His Kingdom citizens how to handle the Gospel with discernment & when to be silent. 1. Jesus tells us to beware of dogs and pigs 2. Jesus tells us when to speak & be silent 3. Jesus sets the example D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, "You answer the questions of a Pilate, but you say nothing to a Herod.”
Specks, Logs, & Hypocritical Judgement
September 19, 2021 • Vlad Burlaka • Matthew 7:1–5
"Judge not, that you be not judged" is one of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible. Yet, it's important for us to understand/apply Matthew 7:1-5 in order to have healthy relationships as kingdom citizens. So let's ask and answer 3 pivotal questions: 1. What Does Jesus Not Mean? 2. What Does Jesus Mean? 3. How Do We Do It Well? John Chrysostom, “Correct your brother, not as a foe, nor as a an adversary, exacting a penalty, but as a physician providing medicines. Yes, and even more, as a loving brother anxious to restore and rescue.”
In God We Trust
September 12, 2021 • Vlad Burlaka • Psalm 46
A continuation of the truth studied last week in Matthew 6:25-34. We learn in Psalm 46 that God is our refuge in Earth shaking & life threatening trouble. 1. Radical Trust, Because of God’s Protection in the Chaos (v.1-3) 2. Radical Trust, Because of God’s Presence in the City (v.4-7) 3. Radical Trust, Because of God’s Peace Throughout the World (v.8-11)
Freedom From Worry
September 5, 2021 • Vlad Burlaka • Matthew 6:25–34
Do you want freedom from anxiety? In Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus commands His kingdom citizens to "not be anxious." He also provides 6 reasons why we should not worry: 1. Stop Worrying, Because It's Disobedience 2. Stop Worrying, Because You Are Valuable to God 3. Stop Worrying, Because It Doesn't Work 4. Stop Worrying, Because God Cares 5. Stop Worrying, Because It's Not Worthy of Your Calling 6. Stop Worrying, Because His Grace Is Sufficient For Today
Pray Like This - Part 2
August 15, 2021 • Vlad Burlaka • Matthew 6:11–15
After focusing on the glory of God in the first half, the second half of this prayer teaches us how to pray for our personal needs. 3 petitions of dependance: 1. Prayer for our food 2. Prayer for our forgiveness 3. Prayer for our fight
The Father’s Reward
August 1, 2021 • Vlad Burlaka • Matthew 6:1–8
Jesus issues a warning for His kingdom citizens to not be hypocrites; to seek the Father's approval, not man's. He also provides two examples of how His disciples are to avoid hypocrisy. 1. Jesus Issues a Word of Caution - Don’t be a Hypocrite (v.1) 2. Example 1: Giving 3. Example 2: Praying
Honesty: Why Integrity Matters
July 18, 2021 • Vlad Burlaka
As kingdom citizens, what we say matters. A new heart results in a new tongue, and words are not cheap. Why is honesty important to God? Why should honesty be important to us? 1. Lying Dishonors the Name of God 2. Honesty Promotes the Character of God