Jesus radically contradicted the law of Moses and its traditional interpretation in the Sermon on the Mount.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends, hate your enemies.’ But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:43-44 (GNT)
Sermon preached extemporaneously on September 8, 2019 at Briensburg United Methodist Church by Rev. Bill Lawson, pastor.
Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him and wish to live in peace and harmony with each other. All are included without exception regardless of religious affiliation, age, or any other circumstances.
Sermon about Matthew 26:26-30 by Pastor Bill Lawson at Briensburg United Methodist Church on September 1, 2019.
“This is my blood, which seals God’s covenant, my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 6:28 (GNT)
Jesus taught about mercy as demonstrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan to communicate to us, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:37.
Can we pass by on the other side because we have some policy we want to support? Can we pass by on the other side because we have a politician we want to support? God invites us and challenges us to be like the Good Samaritan, who regardless of any differences we may have with the persons who are suffering we lend our resources, we lend our hand, to do what we can. And then we plug into other resources of those who can take it a little further than we are able to. And then we come back by and revisit to make sure if there’s anything else that we can do. That’s all the Good Samaritan did. That’s all He expects of us.
You have the authority to be a forgiving person. If you’re not, who will be? If you decide not to be a forgiving person, you hurt the people who need it the most, and you hurt yourself.
Audio of sermon preached April 28, 2019 on John 20:19-31.
The prodigal’s extravagantly wasteful living was completely overshadowed by the parent’s extravagant forgiveness and love and acceptance. Luke 15:1-3, 11-32.
Audio of sermon by Rev. Bill Lawson at Briensburg UMC on March 31, 2019.
