~ LISTENING CENTER ~

Date: September 23, 2018 Title: The Standard of the Kingdom (Pt 3a - A Definitive Standard) Passage: Matthew 6:1-34 Speaker: Bob Corbin Sermon Note Sheet (PDF) Download Audio

* Focusing on the Messiah in the book of Matthew. * Matthew was a Jewish man writing about the Jewish Messiah to a Jewish audience. As we study his account of the life and ministry of Jesus (Y'shua) we need to keep looking at from that context. * We have been considering the portion of Scripture commonly referred to as "The Sermon on the Mount." In it Jesus, as the King, is sharing the standard of His Kingdom. It is a Different Standard than that of the world. Those who follow Jesus will begin to have a Kingdom Worldview not a Secular Worldview. Additionally, the Standard of the Kingdom is High Standard - it is in fact, the Perfection of God. But, as we saw Jesus shares that those who follow Him shall be perfect even as the Father is perfect! When you believe, and trust in, the sacrifice of Christ for your salvation, you are Justified by God (positionally declared perfect). When we pass through the portal of death (or are taken up by Christ at His return), we will realize that ultimate perfect (for we have been Glorified! Romans 8:28-29). As we follow Christ in this world, we will be progressively be made perfect (sanctified) by God. * In today's message, Jesus continues His discourse regarding the Kingdom Standard by revealing that this Higher Standard is a Definitive Standard - there is no middle ground! Whose side you are on can generally be determine by honestly asking yourself two questions: Whose Applause are you Seeking? and Whose Treasure are you Seeking? We only made it through the first of those questions in this message as we considered the focus of our giving, our prayer, and our fasting.