The Sermon on the Mount contains many comparisons. In this book, the functions of these comparisons are studied by the methodology called comparative characterization. Characterization is the way a character is characterized in a narrative. Comparative characterization is the characterization of a character using comparisons. In comparative characterization, another character is used as a foil to bring out a characteristic trait of a concerned character. Jesus characterized the ideal disciple in the Sermon on the Mount with many descriptions and imperatives. To characterize the ideal disciple Jesus used many comparisons and highlighted the characteristic features that embody the ideal disciple. The many comparisons used in the Sermon on the Mount are identified in this study through comparative characterization. In addition, the teleological purpose of the comparisons, which is to play as foil to the characterization of the ideal disciple, is identified and highlighted. Thus, this study identifies Jesus' characterization of the ideal disciple and his complex portrayal of the ideal disciple with the many uses of comparisons in the descriptions and imperatives of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

Six-session small group studies to build true community within the church and among the world.Sermon on the Mount 2: In this sermon, Jesus calls his disciples to live out a love relationship with every person they meet--a relationship inspired and guided by his teaching and infused with the power of the Holy Spirit.

365 Inspiring devotions by Nina Smit. Each month covers a different aspect of walking with God, teaching the reader what it means to truly live in God’s love every day. Topics include: • Live for God • Bearing fruit • Glorifying God • Psalms of praise • Surrender • The peace that God gives This devotion comes in a handy carry-along format. It forms part of the range of products to be merchandised with the Daily Planner for Women 2011 (Nina Smit).

This book can be studied individually, used as a Book for Adult Sunday School Class or used for research regarding events which happened in old Testament times as it relates to Israel and also the early church. This book was written due to years of study, preaching, teaching and due to the burden of I had since from the age of 22 to reach the lost for Christ.

These studies provide a bridge for people to find their place in the Bible story. Designed to be used individually, they can also be followed thematically ' with twenty-five studies on Bible characters; twenty lessons from the life of Jesus; five studies from the Law and Prophets, and more. Each double-page spread has a Bible passage, supporting commentary, a series of questions and a prayer. -Have fun with these outlines,- writes Pen Wilcock. -May your home be a place of friendship, somewhere people can learn to love the Lord Jesus, a safe place to become more self-aware and awake to the beauty and the vulnerability of their fellow-pilgrims.

Wouldn’t you like to know today the standard by which you will be judged in eternity tomorrow? That is exactly what Jesus does in the greatest sermon ever told, The Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said, “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven,” (Mt 5:20). This “opener” provides the basis for His sermon which spans three chapters in Matthew. In it, Jesus provides for us a comparison between two kingdoms: the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of self. In His sermon, Jesus gives us all insight into what a true Christian looks like, acts like, sounds like, and even thinks like. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the law and their traditions. Jesus makes it clear to them and to us in this sermon, that adherence to the law will not count for eternity. Only by clothing oneself in Christ’s righteousness can one hope for eternal life. The world and even the Church at times, attempts to redefine a Christian in a way that “cheapens” Christianity to make it more palatable and pleasing to the un-believer. Pastor and Martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer called this “cheap grace.” But the true Christian will not be measured by the world’s or even the church’s standards. Each and every person will stand before a righteous Judge, and be made to give an account for his or her life according to God’s Word. This book is a line-by-line explanation of Christ’s expectations for every person who professes to be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. In essence, it is a manual to help us all to understand what it means to be a Christian.

In The Sermon on the Mount, the Twelve Steps, and the Royal Road, Dan Hazelwood presents a unique blend of early church Christianity and the twelve-step recovering program that explains how the Christian experience changed over the last four hundred years and how the twelve-step process reconnects a spiritually seeking person to a deeper Christ experience that many mainstream churches cannot duplicate. In preparation for this journey into studying the sermon, he takes the reader on a historical church odyssey and highlights significant philosophical, church, and secular events that not only affected Christian thought but also were significant in altering how current Christians view Christ. He also demonstrates why early Christians viewed Christ differently. By providing this background, he prepares the reader to study the sermon in a manner the early church did while simultaneously demonstrating why the twelve steps represent a reconnection to an almost lost and forgotten Christ experience. Complementing this journey is an exhaustive examination of biblical Greek so that the reader may gain a deeper understanding of the sermon in its original, majestic splendor. This challenging and thought-provoking book unlocks the deeper meanings of many biblical passages and greatly enhances a spiritual seekers walk.

Contains 52 weeks (from September 2012 through August 2013) of Bible lessons based on the International Sunday School Lessons (ISSL) series. Includes Bible background and commentary, daily home Bible readings, and lesson suggestions for adult and youth classes.

Igniting the Flame: Empowering Youth Through Family Worship Are you ready to revolutionize your approach to reaching young hearts within the church? Look no further than "Family Worship: Reaching All Who Attend," a compelling and biblically grounded resource that equips you to effectively connect with the youth. It's time to inspire, guide, and empower the next generation, setting them on a path of spiritual growth and lifelong faith. In this transformative book, you will embark on a journey of spiritual insight and discovery. The author's motto, "If you train them when they are young, you won't have to teach them when they are older," serves as the guiding principle throughout. With a keen focus on the importance of youth and the power of incorporating church services to engage them, this book delves deep into the strategies, methods, and approaches that truly resonate with young hearts. Prepare to have your thoughts provoked and your perspectives expanded as you explore the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used methods. Discover proactive means of reaching out to even the youngest church-goer, nurturing their faith, and building a strong foundation for their spiritual development. Whether you are a new Pastor, Youth Pastor, or Christian Educator, this book is an invaluable asset in your mission to cultivate the spiritual growth of young believers. It provides practical guidance, actionable insights, and thought-provoking ideas that will equip you to connect with youth on a deeper level. Let the transformative power of "Family Worship: Reaching All Who Attend" ignite the flame of faith within the hearts of the next generation. Don't miss this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young believers. Step into a new paradigm of family worship and experience the joy of seeing youth thrive in their spiritual journey. Get your copy of "Family Worship: Reaching All Who Attend" today and be empowered to shape the future of your church and community.