Sermon on the Mount Resources

Living the Beatitudes

The Beatitudes offer us an outline of the curriculum of discipleship. They name our deep aches and longings, and communicate to us the reality that God’s blessing is with us even in the midst of suffering. They name the illusions and distortions in the world around us that lead to systems of oppression and despair. The give us a template for the journey back to God’s reality, the steps of healing and recovery that will free us to be the people God invites us to be. They are not a list of ‘shoulds’, but instead awaken us to reality, and invite us to live in accordance with that reality (instead of living according to what is false).

This journey back to reality culminates in a call to radical love, to (paradoxically) give up one’s life in order to find true life. The way in which the NINE BEATS fly directly in the face of the false narratives we’ve been steeping in our whole lives is most clearly seen here: death leads to life. But the way of Jesus is the way of the Cross, crazy as it may seem, and so we came to the table to celebrate Jesus’ radical, self-sacrificial love for us.

9.11.16 Introduction with Mark Scandrette
9.18.16 Blessed are the poor in spirit with John Perrine
9.25.16 Blessed are those who mourn with Jason Feffer
10.9.16 Blessed are the meek with Sibyl Towner
10.16.16 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness with Meredith and Curtis Miller
10.23.16 Blessed are the merciful with Stu G
11.6.16 Blessed are the pure in heart with Marl Scandrette
11.13.16 Blessed are the peacemakers with Rabbi Evan Moffic
11.20.16 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness with Clary Butler and Jason Feffer

Greater Righteousness (Matthew 5:21-48)

These helpful resources guide us on a deeper dive into the six teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:21-48. We’ve included podcast episodes from the Bible Project (An organization that makes free resources like videos, podcasts, articles, and classes to help people experience the Bible in a way that is approachable and transformative.) and Voxology (A podcast for the curious and the skeptical, where traditional faith meets modern questions.) with pastor and Bible teacher, Mike Erre. We hope you find these helpful

Voxology
Anger and Murder (Apple Podcasts or Spotify)
Lust and Adultery (Apple Podcasts or Spotify)
Divorce (Apple Podcasts or Spotify)
Oaths (Apple Podcasts or Spotify)
Turn the Other Cheek (Apple Podcasts or Spotify)
Love our Enemies (Apple Podcasts or Spotify)