We spent the last eight months of 2010 working through this incredible text. For my own part, I spent hundreds of hours reading, studying, analyzing, and teaching these three chapters in Matthew’s Gospel. We move from this intense study to our more apologetic theme of 2011. However, we cannot allow the impact of this teaching by our Lord to dissipate in our lives. For the pastors’ conference in Valle Harmoso two weeks back, we covered the entire sermon in three days. Teaching for four to six hours a day, we studied the implications of Jesus’ words. I really wished for longer teaching times, but due to the drug violence the pastors are hesitant to stay out after sundown. Going back through the Sermon on the Mount was a very helpful reminder, albeit a painful reminder. Jesus said some very remarkable things in this passage.
The following statements come from this sermon. “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 5:20. “I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell,” Matthew 5:22. “I say to you that everyone who looks at a
woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart,” Matthew 5:28. “I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Matthew 5:44. “Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” Matthew 5:48. “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions,” Matthew 6:14-15. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” Matthew 6:21. “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you,” Matthew 6:33. There are always moments from these conferences that stick out in my mind. I will remember the Saturday afternoon discussion on Matthew 7:13-27. Jesus says things like, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it,” Matthew 7:13-14. “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU
The Sermon on the Mount and My Paltry Life
Matthew Road Baptist Church
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FEBRUARY VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2
INSIDE THIS
Daniel’s Article 1
Adult Discipleship 3
Poinsettia Thank You 4
Women’s Ministry 5
Children’s Ministry 6
Young @ Heart 6
20Something 7
Student Ministry 7
February Events 8
Library 8
Wednesday Night
Dinners
8
(Cont’d on pg 2)
WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS,’” Matthew 7:21-23
The most challenging aspect of these statements is that Jesus expressed these words to preachers. He said these things to people that had the right confession, “Lord, Lord.” They had noble tasks: preaching, doing miracles, and engaging in demonic battles all in His name. This terrifying statement from Jesus should cause all of us to pause and reflect, “I never knew you. Depart from Me.” The difference between those welcomed into the heavenly kingdom and those soundly rejected is their obedience to the teachings of Jesus. We are not saved by good works. However, we cannot be saved if our profession of Jesus is all we have. Empty profession with no fruit reflects a dead faith. We are saved by faith alone, but it is not a faith that is alone. The Sermon on the Mount is a clarion call to faithfully imitating Jesus. Saving faith must bear fruit. Saving faith fulfills the parable at the conclusion of this great sermon. Saving faith builds life on the teaching and ministry of Jesus. Saving faith hears and does what Jesus says. If we are truly disciples of Christ we will live as Jesus lived. John says it this way in I John 2:6, “the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” I want my life to be more than just confession or profession. I want to bear fruit worthy of the calling of Christ. We move to apologetic issues in 2011. However, we cannot forget the greatest apologetic we can personally give, a transformed life.
Valle Harmoso Pastors' Conference January, 2011
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Daniel’s Article Continued...
Page 3
We Band of Brothers BEHIND ENEMY LINES
This Men’s Bible study, led by Daniel Sweet, will be a
commitment to read Scrip-ture and pray for each
other regularly over the next 12 weeks. Sunday Nights, beginning
Feb. 13, 6:00pm, in the man-cave (20Something classroom)
Titus Tuesdays
All Ladies are invited to Titus Tuesdays, the second Tuesday of each month
beginning February 8th. Using the Word of God and our own life
experiences, we will discuss different topics and encourage each other in the faith. What an awesome opportunity to truly
fellowship with one another.
*Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share.
Ladies Bible Study
Covenant: God’s Enduring
Promises by Kay Arthur, led
by our own Joy Richards.
Sunday Nights, beginning
Feb. 13th, 5:00pm,
Fellowship Hall
Cost: $25
PHILIPPIANS A BOOK FOR STRUGGLERS
Taught by Dr. Jerry Poteet, we will see how God’s Word speaks
to every one of us.
Sunday Nights, beginning Feb. 13th, 6:00pm, Sanctuary.
He Speaks to Me A seven week study
relating 6 characteristics found in Samuel that are
applicable to women today as they tune their
hearts to hear God's voice. Tuesday mornings,
beginning Feb. 15th, 9:30am, Choir Room.
Cost: $20
20Something Girls & Guys Studies
A time for girls to be girls, guys to be guys, while studying the
word of God.
Girls led by Christina Moreno, guys by Alex Dean
we will meet Monday evenings.
See Christina or Alex for details.
Study in
1st Samuel
Study the message for today in this Old Testament book.
Led by Phil McGlothlin, Wednesday evenings, 6:45pm,
in the Library.
Once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will
never be the same. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything. Led by Kim Sweet, Wednesday evenings, 6:45pm,
Conference Room.
So many options, so little space. If you would like to know more about a class,
please pick up a discipleship brochure or call the church office 972.641.2717.
Our church was decorated beautifully with poinsettias this Christmas. These flowers were purchased in honor or memory of friends and family.
Thank you to those who participated in decorating our Sanctuary. Jerry Hodges , in memory of Bill Hodges
Joan & Jimmy Crouch in memory of Julie Crouch
Joy Richards in memory of Jessie Vice
Joyce Cole in memory of Dell Cole
Juanita Hyde in memory of Jack Hyde
Kay Naughton in memory of Jim Naughton
Marilyn Giles in memory of Carolyn Rounsaville
Marilyn Mills in memory of Jacquelyn Mills
Mary Sinclair in memory of Bruce Sinclair
Michael & Peggy Laws in memory of Erma Moyer, Cecil Laws
Neil Johnston Family in memory of Buddy Shofield
Neil Johnston Family in honor of Bob & Marilyn Busenitz
Paul & Darlene Ware in honor of Cason Bailey Ware
Pauline Lax in memory of Sharon Lynn Helms
Proctor Family in memory of Mary Gonzalez, Ann Wheat
Rhonda Hudspeth in memory of Ken Hudspeth, RG Mitchell, Estelle Mitchell
Robert & Crystal Costabile in memory of Brian Torrance, Michael Aycock, Joe Aycock
Robert & Crystal Costabile in memory of Augustino Costabile, AnnaMary Costabile
Rosemary & Lynn Titus in memory of Ann Wheat
Ruth Glover in memory of William Carl Glover
Sam Morris in memory of Rachel Michelle Morris, Ola Belle Broughton
Scott & Sharon Snipes in memory of our grand parents
Scott & Sharon Snipes in honor of our parents
Sid Wheat in memory of Ann Wheat
Sleta Butler in memory of husband and sons
Sue Taylor in memory of Arlene Taylor
Syble Edwards in memory of Charlie Edwards
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(Poinsettia Thank You continued)
Tammy Phipps in memory of Bill Hodges "PaPa"
Terry & Susie Roberts in memory of Billy Martin, Steve Martin
The Dibble Family in memory of Henrietta Keel , Samuel Dibble
Wayne and Mary Lou Dillard in memory of Robert Dillard, Luke & Ruby Bolton
Wayne and Mary Lou Dillard in honor of Ruth Dillard Reaves
Winnie Lambert in memory of Clarence Lambert
Bill Clay in memory of Betty Clay
Jamye Aldape in memory of James Johnston, Ann Wheat
Carolyn Smart in memory of Sidney Smart, Margie & George Watts, Sina & Herschel
Spencer
Joey Glover Family in memory of Russell & Joyce Bockmon, Price & Loretta Glover
Babina Family in memory of J.D. Still, Alexander “Bamby” Babina
Helen Lunday in memory of Bob Lunday, Helen Resler
Hello Sisters!
I am excited about what our women’s ministry has to offer. I pray you will take the
opportunities we have planned for you to study the Word of God together and build
relationship with one another. We have such a treasure in the Body of Christ. We are not
meant to face each day alone, but instead we have sisters to fill in the gap.
Please take the time to read about these opportunities in the Cross Training Discipleship
booklet, available at the Welcome Center. If I can be of any help, whether for direction or
prayer, please contact me.
God bless!
Jennifer Howard Women’s Ministry Director
443-717-4152
Women’s Ministry
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Page 6
Young @ Heart
I send greetings to all from the Senior Adult Department. 2011 has gotten off to a big start, beginning on February 13 we have Sunday night Bible studies starting. Doctor Jerry Poteet will be teaching the book of Philippians in the Sanctuary. This class is entitled “Philippians, A Book for Strugglers”. Pastor Daniel will be teaching in the Man Cave. This class is entitled “Behind Enemy Lines”. Joy Richards will be teaching a class called “Covenant” by Kay Arthur. Presently we have two great class’s on Wednesday night. Kim Sweet is teaching “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan and Phil McGlothlin is starting a new study on I Samuel.
Plans for our summer tour to Branson are taking shape. We should have the price of the tour by the end of this month. I will post more information in the display case in the Foyer as soon as I have the information all together. Remember to RSVP and pay your $100 deposit as soon as you can. First Baptist in Granbury is joining us for this tour and seats will sell out quickly. Your deposit is refundable on or before Sunday, May 15, 2011. You may RSVP at Young @ Heart, the Guest Center Desk or in the church office.
Several folks have mentioned they would like to go on a cruise. So, I am looking at a cruise out of Galveston in late November/early December for our winter trip. I am waiting for information from a local travel agent and when I have more information I will share it with you. Mean while, come and grow old with us, the best is yet to come ~ Sid
Children
Area 56 Mini Mission Trip On Saturday, February 12th, Area 56 will be taking a trip to Mission Arlington. There, we will have the
opportunity to serve in many differ-ent ways. After our hard work, we
will go to CiCi’s for lunch! Meet at the church at 8:30am. Return at 1:30pm.
Cost: $6 for lunch Parents are welcome to join us! Permission forms must be turned in by February 5th.
See Maggie for details!
Coming this month...
We will be holding a
5 week New Christian’s
Class beginning Feb. 27th.
If your child has recently
become a Christian or is
thinking about making this decision,
this is a wonderful class for him/her to
attend. We will discuss topics
including, baptism, the Lord’s Supper,
salvation, and our testimony.
See Maggie for details.
AWANA Club meets on Wednesdays from
6:30-8pm. Each week, kids work on scripture
memorization, participate in Bible study, and
have a game time! The goal of AWANA is
“to reach boys and girls with the gospel of
Christ and train them to serve Him.”
Cubbies– Three and four year olds Sparks – Kindergarten through second grade
Truth &Training – Third through sixth grade
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Student Ministry
This Month in the Student Ministry...
TwentySomething
Regular Spring discipleship begins Sunday Feb. 13 @ 6:00pm. There will be three offerings for students this
semester: Proclamation, our student choir, Guy Talk and Girl Talk. The girls will examine the
Biblical accounts of women in the Bible and how their example is beneficial to us and our faith.
The guys will look at essential beliefs for the Christian faith and enjoy time being guys and
growing together in the faith.
See Aaron Campbell for info on Proclamation. See Janie Trask for info on Girl Talk. See Ryan Trask for info on Guy Talk.
For Parents Discipleship We will have our first of four prayer and planning meetings for our trip to Denver this Summer on Sunday February 20. We will meet at 7:00pm in the SMAC right after Sunday night discipleship. These meetings will function to give out new information about camp, to prepare and plan,
and to pray together about the work we will do in Denver. I strongly encourage parents to
attend these meetings to get info, ask questions, and pray over and for your students who are
going to minister in Denver this Summer.
This February in Collide we will finish out our
student-requested series “you asked for it.” Then we
will dive into a series that is all about Jesus.
Come join us on Wednesday nights @ 6:28 in the
SMAC as we play fun games, enjoy live music, and talk
through relevant subjects regarding your faith.
This Month in Collide...
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February 3rd: Young @ Heart Breakfast at Outlaws, 8:30am
February 4th: AWANA Racers, 7:00pm, Worship Center
T & T Girls Sleepover, following AWANA Racers
February 5th: Counselor Training, 10:30am, Conference Room, see Sid Wheat for details
February 6th: Churchwide Fellowships, 5:00pm - 7:00pm, see advertisement
February 9th: Counselor Training, 6:00pm, Conference Room, see Sid Wheat for details
February 11th: Parents Night Out, 6:30pm, see Cyndi for details
Men’s Retreat, Mt. Lebanon, see Chris DeWolfe for details
February 12th: AREA 56 Mission Arlington Mission Trip, meet at church at 8:30am
February 13th: Teller Meeting, 4:30pm, Fellowship Hall
Deacon Meeting, 5:00pm, Conference Room
Spring Discipleship begins, 6:00pm, see advertisement
Churchwide Chili Fellowship, 7:00pm, Fellowship Hall
February 17th: 20Something at Game Night, 6:30pm, Fellowship Hall, see Rachel for details
February 18th: In-home Bible studies, 7:00pm, the Germers’ and the Sweets’ homes
February 20th: B & G meeting, 5:00pm, Conference Room
February 27th: Children’s New Christians Class begins, 9:45am, see Maggie for details
New Comer’s Class & Dinner, 5:30pm, Fellowship Hall
February 2011 Events & Activities For more information, please see our website, www.matthewroad.org, or call the church office at 972-641-2717.
If you have an event not listed, please contact the church office at [email protected].
New to Matthew Road Library!
John MacArthur’s Commentaries on the New
Testament Matthew through Revelation
(These are the commentaries Daniel takes to Mexico
to leave with the new Pastor’s he’s training.)
“The Enduring Classics of Billy Graham”
“J. I. Packer Classic Collection” – Devotions
“Out Live Your Life” – Max Lucado
“Don’t Waste Your Life” – John Piper
“If God Is Good” – Randy Alcorn
“Coming Economic Aramageddon” – David Jeremiah
“Choosing to See” – Mrs. Steven Curtis Chapman
Outstanding Fiction by:
B. J. Hoff, Karen Kinsbury, Jan Karon, Frances Rivers,
Lynn Austin, Lori Wick & Terri Blackstock
Several new books for Junior readers,
and DVDs and books for children.
See church calendar for library hours
Join us Sunday, Feb. 6th at 5pm as we kick off
our Spring Discipleship with fellowship for all ages!
Ladies: we’ll meet in the fellowship hall, childcare (with supper) provided. Bring your favorite appetizer or dessert to share. Questions? Please contact Jennifer Howard at 443-717-4152 or [email protected].
Men: we’ll meet in the man-cave for football & food! Questions? Please contact Daniel Sweet at [email protected].
20Somethings: we’ll meet at the Scotts’ house for fun & games. Questions? Please contact Rachel Sullenger at [email protected].
Students: we’ll meet in the SMAC for food and entertainment. Questions? Please contact Ryan Trask at [email protected].
Children: we’ll meet in Daniel’s Classroom, Ed. Bldng., 2nd floor, for a viewing of Toy Story 3 and pizza!
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