#5. The Merciful

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#5. The Merciful

The Beatitudes: Matthew 5

June 4, 2017 • John Carrano

Have you ever been in a situation where you've needed to be shown mercy? Humanity likes to do acts of mercy, but often it becomes about oneself. 'I helped someone in need, I showed them mercy', but Jesus calls us to be different. Because we have been shown such an act of mercy the natural outflow is that we need to be a merciful people. In this week’s message Lead Pastor John Carrano continues our series with teaching from Matthew 5:7 on the merciful.

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Reflection Questions

- Is there an area of your life where you have been withholding mercy? How is Father asking you to make it right?
- Who do you need to bring to the feet of Jesus?
- Where is God inviting you to be merciful?

Challenge

'Intentionally look for ways this week to both: be merciful & show mercy!'

Scripture

- Matthew 5:1-2
- Matthew 5:7
- Matthew 18:21-22
- Ephesians 2:4-5

#9. Be Salt and Light

July 9, 2017 • John Carrano

Have you ever added value to something? Maybe you stepped into a situation and because of you, something amazing happen. Jesus calls us to be the salt and light of the earth, but what does it actually mean to be salt and light? In this week's message Lead Pastor John Carrano closes our series with teaching from Matthew 5:13-16 on how to be salt and light. . . . Reflection Questions - How is God asking you to be salt? Have you begun to lose your saltiness? - How is Christ inviting you to let your light shine? - How is your heart? Are there any masks you need to remove? Challenge - Daily work to keep your heart surrendered and aligned with the Father! - Intentionally look for ways to be salt and light! Scripture - Matthew 5:13-16

#8. Those who are Persecuted

July 2, 2017 • John Carrano

We often talk about the fact that Jesus said “come follow me” but all too often, we omit the part where He said to take up our cross in the process. When persecution comes, we retract, hide, and stop living the way Christ has invited us to live. But we cannot let this deter us, nor make us lose sight of what we are doing and why. In this week's message Lead Pastor John Carrano continues our series with teaching from Matthew 5:10 on those who are persecuted. . . . Reflection Questions - Are you facing persecution because of righteousness? - How is God asking you to respond? Challenge - Pray for those who are living in persecution! Intentionally spend time in prayer for the persecuted church around the world. - Pray for your own situations. Pray for those who persecute you and ask God for wisdom on how to respond. Scripture - Matthew 5:10 - Matthew 16:24-26 - 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - John 15:18 - Matthew 5:44 - Mark 13:13

#7. Pure in Heart

June 18, 2017 • Nick Seders

The state of ones heart is something God constantly refers to in scripture, but why is God so concerned with our hearts? It's because all that we do, indeed all that we are, is a consequence of the state of our hearts. In this week's message Nick Seders continues our series with teaching from Matthew 5:8 on the pure in heart. . . . Reflection Questions - Is your heart pure, and do your actions prove it? - Do you try to live in purity and righteousness apart from Christ? - Have you been guarding the new heart that God gave you? Challenge 'Let this pure heart, the very Spirit of God that has been placed within you, be the source of your every thought and action.' Scripture - Matthew 5:8 - Matthew 15:19 - Proverbs 4:23 - Ezekiel 35:25-26 - 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Titus 3:3-7