Grace Church Of Perry

In Ecclesiastes, we read the thoughts of the meaninglessness of life. There is not much to be gained in selfish desire and wealth. Life is found when we wrestle with God. We find peace in contentment.

Ecclesiastes was written from someone who had the time to be cynical. The first portion seems to be written by a narrator. Chapter 1 introduces the dark, cynical thoughts of someone struggling to find meaning in life.

What is your house built on? We have a choice to listen to Christ. However, the pertinent question is, "Will we obey?"

As the Sermon on the Mount closes, Jesus highlighted the fate of those who act religious, but are really empty. It is important for us to allow the cleansing power of Jesus to reform our hearts and our actions.

Why do we look for the living among the dead? We tend to look at the dead things of this world to give us life, instead we need to look at the one who beat death to bring us life.

On Palm Sunday, Jesus announced to the people that he is the Messiah. However, Jesus was not the Messiah like people expected or wanted, but he was and is the Messiah we need.

Jesus told us to enter by the Narrow Gate. The way to the Kingdom is not easy. He also reminded us that there are false prophets seeking to take advantage of you in your journey. Learn to discern the truth.

Jesus told us to Ask, Seek, and Knock. Does this mean all our prayers will be answered like we want? The answer is: no, of course. But we still get disappointed when we don't get what we want. Orienting ourselves towards Christ will help us reorder our passions and pursuits.

Jesus reminded us that judging others is a dangerous thing, and should be taken with care. Often we judge as a means to put others down and make ourselves feel better. When we do have to confront others, it is best if we do a good deal of self reflection first.

Grace Church of Perry

Fasting is perhaps the most ignored spiritual disciple in Christianity. We need food to live, but truly we are dead without Christ.

Prayer can deeply moving or overly religious and hypocritical. Jesus sought to refocus us on the heart and meaning of prayer.

Jesus did not do away with "religious" activity. He redefined it. He reminded us of the proper motives behind our actions. His way crucifies our desire for self-gratification.

Jesus finished his second segment in the Sermon on the Mount speaking on love. Love is the motive for all those who follow after Christ. Our love is not to be based on selfish love of the world, rather on the selfless love of Christ.

Retaliation and Retribution are harmful to relationships. A life saturated in holiness values relationships and denies power plays among individuals. Jesus reminds us that charity towards others is the way of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus took on the ease of divorce in his profound message on holiness and the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus reset the world expectations on marriage interactions that seek to value the being made in the image of God.

Lust dehumanizes people and seeks to view them only as objects of desire and self gratification. It limits the follower of Christ in holiness and true relationship with others.