TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESSApply The TextKingdom people make a positive impact on the world for God’s glory.Kingdom people find genuine satisfaction and purpose by keeping God’s commands.Kingdom people reflect their heavenly Father by loving their enemies.Discuss with your Bible study group ways you can work together to extend Christ’s love to people not being reached by your church. This could include the...  Read More

Why do you think Jesus sat before delivering the Sermon on the Mount? How is this sermon different than just a simple code of ethics? Jesus was never “Giglio’ed” (Day 4). How does that affect how you talk about Him to othersHow can we as believers be the salt of the earth and light of the world? How does your being a light affect other’s ability to see? Have you ever benefitted from someone else’s...  Read More

Matthew 5:38-48  (HCSB)Go the Second Mile38 “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with...  Read More

Matthew 5:31-37  (HCSB)Divorce Practices Censured31 “It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a written notice of divorce. 32 But I tell you, everyone who divorces his wife, except in a case of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.Tell the Truth33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to our ancestors, You must n...  Read More

Matthew 5:21-30 (HCSB)Murder Begins in the Heart21 “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Fool!’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But whoever says, ‘You moron!’ will be subject to hellfire. 23 So if you...  Read More

Matthew 5:13-20  (HCSB)Believers Are Salt and Light13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives ...  Read More

Matthew 5:13-20  (HCSB)Believers Are Salt and Light13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives ...  Read More

Matthew 5:1-12  (HCSB)The Sermon on the Mount5 When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He began to teach them, saying:The Beatitudes3 “The poor in spirit are blessed,for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.4 Those who mourn are blessed,for they will be comforted.5 The gentle are blessed,for they will inherit the earth.6 Those who hun...  Read More

WORSHIP THE KINGWe can recognize Jesus as the one, true King.We can know that Jesus is King because His birth fulfilled Old Testament prophecy.We acknowledge Jesus as King through our worship.This is a time of year when it is easy to focus on anything but Jesus. There is one thing worthy of our attention: Jesus. How can your group help each other to keep your focus on Him during this season?Make a...  Read More

The wise men brought fitting gifts. Joseph brought faithful obedience; and Jesus’ family tree shows that everyone can be part of His story. How can you offer Jesus something genuine this week—not perfection, but your honest devotionJoseph, the wise men, and even your own journey show that trust requires action. What is one area of your life right now where God might be asking you to obey before yo...  Read More

Matthew 2:13-23 (HCSB)The Flight into Egypt13 After they were gone, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Get up! Take the child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. For Herod is about to search for the child to destroy Him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and His mother during the night, and escaped to Egypt. 15 He stayed there until Her...  Read More

Matthew 2:7-12  (HCSB)7 Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find Him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen in the east! It led them until it came an...  Read More