...The Sermon on the Mount The Sermon on the Mount has been one of the essential teachings of the church throughout the centuries, but it has not always been understood in the same manner. Many individuals have interpreted it in different ways, majority admiring it, others accepting it, some just flat out trashing it. But, the fact of the matter still stands that the specific lifestyle taught in the sermon is simply impossible for a person to achieve completely. Overall, I believe that the lifestyle presented in the Sermon on the Mount is a mixture of hyperboles and metaphors rather than literal teachings from Jesus. I do not agree at the idea of contradicting everything the sermon states. Interpreting it in a more general sense instead of overanalyzing every word for the purpose of achieving salvation is much more realistic. In this paper I will analyze the text with my opinion in mind and surface the lifestyle in a clear method. The sermon is divided into several main parts including the Beatitudes, the Ten Commandments, and the discourse on judgment and holiness. The Beatitudes and the relation to Light and salt displayed in Matthew (3-16) states, “Happy are the poor in spirit because the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs, Happy are the mourners because they will be comforted…Happy are the poor of heart because they will see God.” These statements as well as the other five are concerned with virtue and how a believer in Jesus Christ can achieve that virtue. In my opinion, the beatitudes...
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...Explain the ethical teachings of Jesus with special reference to the Sermon on the mount. Jesus of Nazareth was born a Jew. He was raised in the Jewish faith, as both his parents were Jewish, and some theologians would argue that Jesus never taught anything that was against the Jewish faith, and was just another new thinking Rabbi. The understand Jesus’ teachings, however, it is fundamental to have a comprehension of the Jewish way of like, and their rules. The Hebrew word for this is Halakah, which translates exactly as ‘the path that one walks...’ Halakah is made up of a series of Mitzvot Aseh (positive commandments ‘to do’) and Mitzvot lo ta’aseh (negative commandments ‘do not’) which are Mitzvot D’oraita (Laws directly from the torah). Then there are Mitzvot D’rabbanan which are Laws instituted by the Rabbis. There are 613 Mitzvot, made up of 248 mitzvot aseh and 365 mitzvot lo ta’aseh, which some of the early Jews claimed to have special meaning because there are 365 days in a year, and 248 bones in the body, but this is actually wrong, and just something said to make the numbers appear to be a sign from God, which they do not appear to be. Also, Manson says that the numbers are not important, merely the content that is of importance. The main teaching of Jesus was Love. He said that love should be the reason for any action. There are 3 types of love mentioned in the bible, Agape which is unconditional love e.g. for one’s family, Phila which is the love for a friend (from...
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...directors, accompanists, rock bands, soloists 5. Name 6 out of 8 Roles of a Worship leader. Priest, teacher, storyteller, evangelist, pastor, prophet 6. List 5 things a worship leader should remember in order to help the flow of a worship service attitude, dead air, the problem, talk, the people 7. In preparation for the sermon, what is preaching? Preaching is the proclamation of the word of God to men by men under the assignment from God. 8. Name 4 out of 6 qualities of a sermon that must be developed. Strive for unity clarity in contents-words- outline and approach Strive for balance and proportion Must have progression Must work a brevity-every word should count and each idea expressed should be pertinent. 9. Name 6 out of 12 things to pray for concerning your sermon. –Pray for the delivery of the Sermon For people who will be attending the preaching service. For the people to arrive in the right frame of mind. For God to guard against preaching distractions. For clarity in your vocabulary and thoughts. For God to give your audience understanding. Ask God for the most effective and fruitful sermon you have ever preached. Ask God to help you...
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...Jonathan Edwards. One very significant aspect of Edwards was his theology. This is beneficial for us to study for a few reasons. The first being Jonathan Edwards’ view of his own sin, second, Edwards’ example of preaching both God’s wrath and love, and finally, Edwards’ held to a healthy balance of Calvinistic theology. Edwards was very aware of his own sin. He is quoted saying, "I know not how to express better what my sins appears to me to be than heaping infinite upon infinite." This theological view helped him to see Christ more precious to him. Today we could benefit from this especially in a society that minimizes sin. Edwards is most known for preaching the wrath of God in his sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” but he also preached the equally the love for God in sermons like, “Charity and its Fruits”. We should also preach all the attributes of God today so our people have a full view of Him. Edwards also held to a strict reformed, puritan, Calvinistic theology, but at the same time, he called people to repent. Edwards also had a heart for the lost and for missions, especially to the Indians. He did not take the dangerous view of, “when God is pleased to convert the heathen world; He will do it without your help or mine.” We should study Edwards’ theology to see how one can have a balanced view of God’s sovereignty and man’s...
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...Nichole Pinson Professor Slattery TH-150 Introduction to Theology 13 December, 2015 Reflection: The Sermon On The Mount Abstract The purpose of this research is to examine the significance of the Sermon of the Mount and how it relates to me personally. It is important to recognize that the principles underpinning Judaism is not a single belief instead a variety of belief systems. Through my research, I have drawn parallels and differences between Judaism and Christianity with respect to their belief system, and worldview. The paper affirms that Judaism has had a profound influence on the overall lifestyle, social interactions, cultural practices, and the religious history for the Jewish community. Introduction What does Judaism mean in the life of a Jewish person? In order to properly analyze “Judaism” one must first understand both the origin and the significance of the term Judaism. The term was first used in the intertestamental period by Greek-speaking Jews to distinguish their religion from Hellenism. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Judaism is defined as “a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews and characterized by belief in one transcendent God who has revealed himself to Abraham, Moses, and the Hebrew prophets and by a religious life in accordance with Scriptures and rabbinic traditions.” Simply put, Judaism is the intricate religious and cultural history for the diverse people known as the Jewish community. Judaism plays...
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...simple notes. I was nervous at first to take my notes this way but I very quickly got the hang of it. After the sermon it was much easier for me to look over my notes and understand what the message and sub nots were pointing out. I will now take all of my sermon notes this way. 2. What did you like about the style of note taking you chose? I enjoyed using this style for many reasons. One of the main reasons was because it gave me the opportunity to listen more to the sermon wrather than focusing on writing down the notes that we were given. It also was a huge help to me after when I was looking over the notes. It gave me a clearer picture of what the sermon was about. 3. What did you dislike about the style of note taking you chose? I think the only thing I disliked about it is that it is almost like an outline,a nd if you are not careful you could miss an important long point that need sto be recorded just for the sake of making your picture graph look good. I added a few take away points at the bottom of my notes that I felt like I needed to add so that I could better understand the over all message. 4. How do you plan to use your notes in the future? I plan to us ethisnote style every time I take notes for a sermon or class now. This is a great way for me to grasp what I am being taught. I also plan on using this for somewhat of a outline or sermons tha I will be preaching as well. I feel like it is a great way to keep things in order without making it seem like...
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...The function of a pardoner in Chaucer’s time was to collect money for charitable purposes and to be the pope’s special agent in dispensing or rewarding contributors with certain pardons as a remission for sins. He could visit churches, receive money in the pope’s name and dispense indulgences. The pardoner’s tale displayed how greed and avarice can only bring treachery and death, the money causes them to behave in ways that lead to their demise. In the prologue, the pardoner admits that he is a fraud and is motivated by greed and avarice and many sins that he himself displays. He preaches that money is the root of all evil but sells relics to others which is supposed to bring them great fortune; he also states that many of his sermons are the product of evil intentions. When asked to tell a tale he agrees only after he has food and wine to eat and drink. He begins his tale about a group of young people who spend most of their time drinking and partying excessively, he names gluttony, drunkenness, gambling and swearing as a few sins they commit. As they drink a coffin passes and they are told its one of their old friends who was killed by the hands of death; the three personified death and decided to search for him and slay him in order to avenge the death of their old buddy. On the search they passed an old man who searched for youth again, he said “death won’t even take him” when he said this the three demanded to be lead to where death resided, the old man told them death...
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...famous description of the sinner as a loathsome spider suspended by a slender thread over a pit of seething brimstone in his best known sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.”(1741) The First Great Awakening also gained impetus from the wide-ranging American travels of an English preacher, George Whitefield. Although Whitefield had been ordained as a minister in the Church of England, he later allied with other Anglican clergymen who shared his evangelical bent, most notably John and Charles Wesley. Together they led a movement to reform the Church of England (much as the Puritans had attempted earlier to reform that church) which resulted in the founding of the Methodist Church late in the eighteenth century. During his several trips across the Atlantic after 1739, Whitefield preached everywhere in the American colonies, often drawing audiences so large that he was obliged to preach outdoors. What Whitefield preached was nothing more than what other Calvinists had been proclaiming for centuries that sinful men and women were totally dependent for salvation on the mercy of a pure, all-powerful God. But Whitefield and many American preachers who eagerly imitated his style presented that message in novel ways. Gesturing dramatically, sometimes weeping openly or thundering out threats of hellfire-and-brimstone, (1741) they turned the sermon into a gripping theatrical performance. But not all looked on with approval. Throughout the colonies, conservative and moderate clergymen...
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...31 Days of Praying for Your Pastor Brothers, pray for us. (1 Thess 5:25 ESV) “Let the thought sink deep into the heart of every church, that their minister will be such a minister as their prayers make him. … How perilous is the condition of that minister ... whose heart is not encouraged, whose hands are not strengthened, and who is not upheld by the prayers of his people! … “It is at a fearful expense that ministers are ever allowed to enter the pulpit without being preceded, accompanied, and followed by the earnest prayers of the churches. It is no marvel that the pulpit is so powerless, and ministers so often disheartened when there are so few to hold up their hands. … When the churches cease to pray for ministers, ministers will no longer be a blessing to the churches.” Gardiner Spring (1785-1873) There is no greater gift you can give your pastor and the spiritual leaders of your church than to pray for them. Pastors cannot win the battle alone; they need committed intercessors to lift them up in fervent, specific prayer. Imagine how the power of God might be released in our churches if we were to pray faithfully for our pastors. Pastors are human—they face the same challenges that their people do, with some additional ones! They grow tired in ministry, are tempted to sin, and may find it difficult to balance their many roles and responsibilities. They need the encouragement and support of those they lead. Prayer for your pastor is crucial to the spiritual health of...
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...Note- Taking Assignment CLST 101 Preaching to Pagans 08 March 2014 | Paul’s Sermon to the people of Athens from scripture of Acts | | Paul and Barnibus preached from Acts in the city of Listra | What were Pauls purposes? | They were presumed gods because of the miracle they administered | | They were wrongly identified so they explained through scripture | | Communicated in Greek language; wanted to dissuade the people from | | Mistakenly worshipping them; gave full sermon from Acts 14:14-18 | | Four points; one living God, maintain witness of Himself(God), | | Creator of all living things and exercise patients. Paul went to synagogue | | To reason with the people on the Sabbath day( Saturday) proclaim | | God and his works, the people misunderstood Paul as proclaiming | | More than one god; explained his position; Paul preaches new ideas to the | | People, used a language and terms that the people would relate to, | | Build a bridge of communication, played close attention to how he | | Conveyed message; speaking to mainly pagan audience | | Careful in using scripture but relative to their teaching so not | | To insult them; used scripture known to the people from one of | | Their own poets, we are offspring’s of God; used to reinforce | | Paul’s teaching, careful not quote scripture but still get the...
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...The ways in which the Baptist church worship THE TRADITIONAL SERVICE Music: Currently, this venue continues to enjoy the great hymns of the faith. A hymnal can still be found in the pew pocket. However, there are many who know most of them by heart. The song leader leads the congregation like a choir in singing everything from Amazing Grace to Zion Haste, accompanied by a pianist and an organist. There will always be a "special," just before the message, referring to a | | solo or small group musical presentation or perhaps even the choir. A Southern styled gospel quartet fits very well into this type of venue. Message: With his suit and tie uniform looking every bit the man of God he is, the pastor preaches a sermon from the Word of God to a spiritually hungry congregation. Regardless of the topic of the hour, the conclusion of every message will contain the plan of salvation. Doubtless, a hymn of invitation will be sung at the conclusion to invite sinners to come and kneel at an old fashioned altar to do business with God. As the hymn, "Just as I Am" is sung (or a similar hymn of invitation), those who respond to the calling of God's Spirit are met by personal workers up front who pray with them if needed. Souls are saved and lives are changed. | - THE CONTEMPORARY SERVICE Music: Two electric six-string guitars, a bass guitar, a digital electronic keyboard, and a set of drums flank the pulpit. The choruses are flashed up on to the angled ...
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...well-placed amenities, be assured that she cannot survive without the consistent, accurate, and authoritative preaching that intends, in every instance, to transform its hearers.” [p. 5; my emphasis (unless otherwise noted, all italicized comments are Fabarez’ emphasis, not mine).] • The NT uses three primary word families to denote the importance of preaching: khrussw, aggellw, didaskw. They all point to the authoritative, life-changing message that the teacher and preacher are empowered to deliver to God’s people. This was the expectation of Paul (cf. 2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Tim. 1:3; Eph. 4:1). [pp. 7-9] • The basic question for every sermon is whether it produced change in the lives of the hearers. “…we can no longer evaluate our sermons solely on the basis of theological or exegetical soundness.…we must purpose to evaluate every sermon we preach in light of the biblical change it brings about in the lives of our congregants!” [pp. 9-10] Chapter 2 — “Adopt a Life-changing Method of Preaching” • A definition of expository preaching: it will have these primary components — 1. it clearly derives its content from the Bible; 2. it accurately explains what the Bible is saying; and 3. it effects the change God intends for the Bible to effect. [p. 15] • “To truly derive our messages from the Bible means that we are going to the Bible to find out what we will say. In the end the preacher does not use the Bible to preach his own message; instead, it is the Bible that...
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...life of a Christian. Jonathan Edwards was a powerful, influential figure in this movement and was known for his visual sermons. His method of preaching was using fear to frighten people to convert. One of his most powerful sermons, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”, used many rhetorical strategies to persuade his unsaved audience to become saved to avoid the torment of hell. One productive approach that was substantial in scaring the unsaved people in the audience is through the use of imagery. Imagery is the usage of words to make an image in the mind of the listener(s); with which Edwards uses adequately to defend his reason. In his case, he utilizes this technique to penetrate the hearts and minds to everyone present. This strategy terrifies his listeners into following his directions and method of redemption. “There are black clouds of God’s wrath now hanging directly over your heads” is an excellent example of imagery because it displays an image of hater from God. Metaphors are applied often in this distinctive speech about God and his anger. This figure of speech spans over the whole account through all paragraphs and is a very unique way of influence. I feel that “The bow of God’s wrath is dent” presents the meaning of the word metaphor, which is the using of words to designate another. Since this strategy is used repetitively, this sermon has served its purpose. When Edwards wrote this lecture to preach to the congregation of his church, his emphasis was...
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...Successes of the First Great Awakening In the 1730’s and 1740’s the British American Colonies embarked on a revitalized religious piety called “The Great Awakening” which had a plethora of positive effects that strengthened the colonies at that present time and has remnants today in modern day America. Two extremely brilliant pastors by the names of Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield operating as separate entities led a mission through British America exhorting colonists to repent of sins! “As The Great Awakening” begins to ignite, these two pastors will have made footprints in America that will shape the way of Christianity forever. Jonathan Edwards was known for having one of the deepest theological minds ever. He proclaimed a burning desire for righteousness, and depending whole heartedly on God’s saving and loving grace. Preaching boldly with much conviction! On the contrary George Whitefield was effective! But, had a different preaching style. Four years into “The Great Awakening” English parson George Whitefield appeared on the scene, he was a great orator, spiritually led his voice boomed and was able to reach the masses. How did these two pastors Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield effect America? What evolved from “The Great Awakening?” We are going to dissect “The Great Awakening” by following events that led to spiritual success for British America after returning to a sound walk with God. Additionally, we will see how the Holy Spirit moved through these men...
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...of Maycomb County. Their parents and grandparents went to church every Sunday; therefore, their kids are expected to do the same thing. Although the citizens attend church on a weekly basis it doe not seem to affect their everyday life. The community of Maycomb County all believe themselves to be devout, wholesome people; but as you read you discover that they are using their religion to cater to their own opinions and thoughts. Although they listen to the sermons about their religion and pretend that they practice it outside of church on a Sunday, the rest of their time, their beliefs on social harmony are far from the perfect Christian morals they believe themselves to have. A perfect example of this is when the Finch family’s maid Calpurnia decided to take Jem and Scout to church at First Purchase African M.E. Church. Calpurnia’s church did not welcome them with open arms. A comment was made that the white folk have their own church and why must they come to ours. Scout also made an observation the sermon Reverend Sykes preached that day was very similar to what she normally hears at her own church. Throughout the entire book the church was a part of their life but it did not necessarily affect their life. An example of this is Aunt Alexandra used her missionary society meetings as social gatherings rather than a time of fellowship. They became more or less a critical gossip session instead of prayer and Bible studies. In every household in Maycomb county...
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