#8. Those who are Persecuted

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#8. Those who are Persecuted

The Beatitudes: Matthew 5

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.

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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

#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

#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

#6. The Peacemakers

June 11, 2017 • John Carrano

In Matthew 5:9 Jesus says 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.' Nobody really likes peacemaker. By making peace, ironically, it makes people upset but peacemaking is rooted in the grace that we have received from God and it’s a true indication of sonship and right relationship with God. Peacemakers continually fight for peace and unity in the Kingdom, but it's up to you to seek peace in every situation! In this week's message Lead Pastor John Carrano continues our series with teaching from Matthew 5:9 on the peacemakers. . . . Reflection Questions - Is there an area of your heart or soul that lacks peace? Surrender it now! - Is there a situation you need to make right? - How is God inviting you to be a peacemaker? Challenge 'Intentionally look for ways to be a peacemaker! Bring peace with you!' Scripture - Matthew 5:1-2 - Matthew 5:9 - Colossians 3:15 - Hebrews 12:14 - James 3:18 - Proverbs 12:20 - Romans 12:18 - Psalm 34:14 - Galatians 5:22 - 1 Peter 3:11 - Philippians 4:7 - Psalm 29:11 - Romans 14:19 - Romans 12:18