The Good Life
The Good Life 9 – Two Foundations
The Good Life 9 – Two Foundations. Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 7, verses 24 to 29. A challenge, a warning and an invitation. A Challenge 24 So then, everyone who hears my words and puts them into practice is like a wise man. He builds his house on the rock. 25 The rain comes down. The water rises. The winds blow and beat against that house. But it does not fall. It is built on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25 A Warning 26 But…
The Good Life 8 – The Two Ways
The Good Life 8 – The Two Ways Matthew’s Gospel chapter 7, verses 13 to 23 Two Ways – God’s way or my way? Two Gates, verses 13 to 14 13 Enter God’s kingdom through the narrow gate. The gate is large and the road is wide that leads to ruin. Many people go that way. 14 But the gate is small and the road is narrow that leads to life. Only a few people find it. Matthew 7:13-14 NIRV Two…
The Good Life 7 – Relationships 101
The Good Life 7 – Relationships 101 Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 7, verses 1 to 12 Relationships occupy our lives, make the biggest part. How are we to relate to…? Christian brothers and sisters Matt. 7:1-5 ‘Dogs’ and ‘Pigs’ Matt. 7:6 Our Heavenly Father Matt. 7:7-11 All people everywhere Matt. 7:12 The golden rule. Treat others as we want to be treated. Simple, but hard. In everything, do to others what you would want them to do to you. Words of…
The Good Life 6 – Jesus’ Kingship & Our Anxiety
The Good Life 6 – Jesus’ Kingship & Our Anxiety Matthew chapter 6, verses 25 to 34 Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. On average, one in four people – one in three women and one in five men – will experience anxiety at some stage in their life. In a 12-month period, over two million Australians experience anxiety (from BeyondBlue) Not occasional anxiety over special circumstances. Rather, daily, crippling anxiety, fear and worry. Christians are not immune from this. It is part…
The Good Life 5 – Treasure Hunters
The Good Life 5 – Treasure Hunters Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 6, verses 19 to 24 Where is your treasure? Matt 6:19-21 Treasure is not just external. Our hearts live with the treasure, either on earth or in heaven. How do you see things? Matt 6:22-23 Who owns you Matt 6:24? Two masters. To whom do you belong? Materialism is the greatest enslaver in our culture. Jesus is the heavenly treasure our hearts were made for, and only there can they…
The Good Life 4 – An Audience of One
The Good Life 4 – An Audience of One. Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 6, verses 1 to 18. Cravings of the heart. We all want to be noticed. By someone, anyone. How good to come to Jesus, the heart specialist, to get a better perspective. Jesus’ Prescription “When you give” – Matt. 6:2-4. Mask-wearers turn giving into getting by seeking applause. Jesus says “use the hidden way.” “When you pray” – Matt. 6:5-15. Mask-wearers turn giving into getting by seeking applause.…
The Good Life 3 – The Heart of the Matter
The Good Life 3 – The Heart of the Matter. Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 5, verses 17 to 48. How do we really view God? Rules, rules, rules? Or a love relationship? This part of the Jesus’ teaching shows us about:- Righteousness (verses 17 to 30) Relationship (verses 31 to 37) Responsibilities (verses 38 to 48)
The Good Life 2 – Making a Difference
The Good Life 2 – Making a Difference. Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 5, verses 13 to 16. Salt and Light You are the salt of the earth. But suppose the salt loses its saltiness. How can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything. It will be thrown out. People will walk all over it. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill can’t be hidden. Also, people do not light a…
The Good Life 1 – The Upside-Down Kingdom.
The Good Life 1 – The Upside-Down Kingdom. Matthew’s Gospel chapter 5, verses 1 to 12 Blessed are those who are … ? Matthew 5 “Blessed” means truly favoured by God. Jesus does not give us rules to get us to heaven, but a description of what it is like to be in the kingdom of heaven. Relating to God Matt 5:1-6 Relating to People Matt 5:7-12