Transforming Hearts: The Call to Reconciliation and Faith
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor emphasizing the significance of Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross, which frees us from the penalty of sin and makes us right with God. The pastor then introduces the topic of murder, explaining that it will be addressed shortly. The congregation is reminded that the Ten Commandments are not just a list of rules to keep but are meant to keep their focus as priests, highlighting their role as God's chosen people.
The pastor then focuses on the sixth commandment, "You must not murder," from Exodus 20:13. He explains that Jesus teaches people to see things differently and gain a new perspective, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5:21. Jesus emphasizes that it is not just about physically committing murder but also about the condition of the heart. Even being angry with someone or insulting them is considered breaking God's covenant. Jesus urges his followers to prioritize reconciliation and making things right with others before presenting sacrifices to God.
The pastor then discusses the concept of being a kingdom of priests in God's kingdom. He explains that priests in the Old Testament had specific roles and responsibilities, which can be found in the book of Leviticus. The pastor then explains the two main tasks of a priest. Firstly, a priest acted as a mediator between God and the people, praying on behalf of the people. Secondly, the priest would offer sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people.
The pastor then shares his personal battle with addiction and his journey to finding faith in God. He emphasizes the power of baptism, stating that the same power that raised Jesus from the grave now lives within them. The sermon then transitions to individuals who are choosing to get baptized and publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ. Each person shares their personal reasons for getting baptized, including a desire to live a life that is pleasing to God, finding true happiness in Christ, and dedicating themselves to a godly life.
The sermon concludes with the pastor addressing those who may be hesitant or unsure about following Jesus. He emphasizes that we are not called to represent God in our own strength. Instead, we are called to rely on the power that God has given us. The pastor challenges those who have not yet made the decision to follow Jesus to consider starting a relationship with Him. They explain that by believing in Jesus and making Him their Savior, they can be seen as righteous and pure in God's eyes.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross frees us from the penalty of sin and makes us right with God. This sacrifice replaces the need for the sacrifices made in the Old Testament. As a result, believers are called to walk as God's representatives and chosen people. [1:23]
- Jesus teaches that it is not just about physically committing murder but also about the condition of the heart. Even being angry with someone or insulting them is considered breaking God's covenant. Jesus urges his followers to prioritize reconciliation and making things right with others before presenting sacrifices to God. [15:45]
- The concept of being a kingdom of priests in God's kingdom is crucial. Priests in the Old Testament acted as mediators between God and the people, praying on behalf of the people, and offering sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people. This system was established by God to address the barrier that sin created between Him and humanity. [28:30]
- The power of baptism is emphasized, stating that the same power that raised Jesus from the grave now lives within believers. Each person shares their personal reasons for getting baptized, including a desire to live a life that is pleasing to God, finding true happiness in Christ, and dedicating themselves to a godly life. [42:10]
- The pastor challenges those who have not yet made the decision to follow Jesus to consider starting a relationship with Him. They explain that by believing in Jesus and making Him their Savior, they can be seen as righteous and pure in God's eyes. This decision does not instantly fix everything in one's life, but it is the beginning of a lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus. [56:20]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
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1. Exodus 20:1-17: "Then God gave the people all these instructions: 'I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods...'"
2. Exodus 19:5-6: "Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation."
3. Matthew 5:21-24: "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, 'Raca,' is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift."
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the specific instructions God gave to the people in Exodus 20:1-17?
2. What does God promise the people if they obey Him and keep His covenant according to Exodus 19:5-6?
3. What does Jesus say about anger and insults in Matthew 5:21-24?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the commandment "You must not murder" extend beyond physical murder according to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:21-24?
2. What does it mean to be God's "kingdom of priests" and "holy nation" as mentioned in Exodus 19:5-6?
3. How does the concept of reconciliation relate to the act of offering gifts at the altar in Matthew 5:21-24?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent time when you were angry with someone or insulted them. How can you apply Jesus' teaching from Matthew 5:21-24 to reconcile with them?
2. What is one specific way you can act as a "priest" in your community this week, mediating between God and people?
3. How can you demonstrate obedience to God's commandments in a tangible way in your daily life?
4. Think of a person you have something against. What steps can you take this week to reconcile with them before "offering your gift at the altar"?
5. If you have not yet made the decision to follow Jesus, what is holding you back? What steps can you take to explore starting a relationship with Him?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Christ's Sacrifice
Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross is not just a historical event, but a transformative power that frees us from the penalty of sin and makes us right with God. This sacrifice replaces the need for the sacrifices made in the Old Testament. As a result, believers are called to walk as God's representatives and chosen people. [1:23]
Hebrews 10:10 - "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Reflection: Reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice for you personally. How does this understanding shape your daily walk as a representative of God?
Day 2: The Heart of the Matter
Jesus teaches us that sin is not just about our actions, but also about the condition of our hearts. Even being angry with someone or insulting them is considered breaking God's covenant. Jesus urges his followers to prioritize reconciliation and making things right with others before presenting sacrifices to God. [15:45]
Matthew 5:23-24 - "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift."
Reflection: Is there someone you need to reconcile with today? How can you take steps towards making things right with them?
Day 3: Called to be Priests
The concept of being a kingdom of priests in God's kingdom is crucial. Priests in the Old Testament acted as mediators between God and the people, praying on behalf of the people, and offering sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people. This system was established by God to address the barrier that sin created between Him and humanity. [28:30]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: How can you live out your role as a priest in God's kingdom today? What does it mean for you to be a mediator between God and people in your life?
Day 4: The Power of Baptism
The power of baptism is emphasized, stating that the same power that raised Jesus from the grave now lives within believers. Each person shares their personal reasons for getting baptized, including a desire to live a life that is pleasing to God, finding true happiness in Christ, and dedicating themselves to a godly life. [42:10]
Romans 6:4 - "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Reflection: Reflect on your own baptism or the decision to get baptized. How does the power of Christ's resurrection impact your daily life?
Day 5: The Call to Follow Jesus
The pastor challenges those who have not yet made the decision to follow Jesus to consider starting a relationship with Him. They explain that by believing in Jesus and making Him their Savior, they can be seen as righteous and pure in God's eyes. This decision does not instantly fix everything in one's life, but it is the beginning of a lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus. [56:20]
John 1:12 - "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
Reflection: If you have not yet made the decision to follow Jesus, what is holding you back? If you are a follower of Jesus, how can you continue to grow in your relationship with Him today?
Quotes
"When you allow anger to hang on, it very quickly will turn to hatred and now all of a sudden we begin to act out on our anger right. We begin to say you're an idiot, you're a jerk, I don't like you, and you begin to lash out at the people that God is calling you to represent him to." [41:52]
"Before you even come and worship me, go deal with your relationship, get your relationship right. What good does it do for us to be close to God and for him to fill us up if we aren't willing to take that and be a representative to the people around us?" [42:33]
"Jesus Christ himself to the world even though we make mistakes we sin we mess up Jesus came to the Earth and he covered those sins and he makes us brand new and he allows us to carry his hope." [33:49]
"Yet god with undeserved kindness declares that we're righteous... he did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty of sins." [34:34]
"Jesus says but I say if you are even angry with someone you are subject to judgment if you are even angry with someone you've broken my Covenant to obey me and keep my Covenant so that you can be my priest my representative to the world if you're even angry with someone you're subject to judgment if you call someone an idiot all the kids are kind of giggling and he said idiot in church all right if you call someone an idiot you are in danger of being brought before the court and if you curse someone you're in danger of the fires of hell." [39:39]
"If you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice, leave your gift there at the altar and go and be reconciled to that person, make it right, then come back and offer your sacrifice to God." [39:39]
"God has grafted us even though we're not Jewish into those promises into those covenants and now we get to be a part of God's chosen people." [30:44]
"You are a chosen people, you are royal priests, you are a holy nation, you are God's very own possession... you can show others the goodness of God for he called you out of Darkness into his wonderful light." [32:20]
"I want all of my people My Chosen Nation to serve as a kingdom of priests...that blessing is going to be carried by God's people who serve as his kingdom of priests." #!!27:05!!#
"A priest had two big things that they were supposed to do: number one, a priest prayed on behalf of the people... number two, the priest would offer sacrifices... to make atonement for the sins of the people." (#!!26:22!!#)
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