Archippus Awakening Kingdom101

How do you take an oath truthfully and yet not be bound by it? In this next "you-have-heard-I-but-say-to-you" teaching in Matt 5:33-37, Jesus addresses the issue of empty promises and taking the name of God in vain. Building on context, Henson then shares principles for Christians, and brings awareness to how we may be committing the same mistakes without even realising it.

Are Christians allowed to divorce? Yes? No? Continuing with the next two verses (Matt 5:31-32) of Jesus' discourse about adultery and lust, Henson explores the challenging, and often controversial, topic of divorce. After providing background and context, Henson then shares seven pastoral principles for consideration and application.

In Matt 5:27-30, Jesus reveals the root cause of adultery: lust. Man's struggle with lust, adultery and sexual immorality is not a new one. Against a highly sexualised backdrop, Christians experience the same challenges too. After unpacking this passage, Henson provides ten practical points to help believers deal decisively with lust.

Upholding the Law, Jesus moves from a general principle to six specific examples. In Matt 5:21-26, the King exposes a heart that is prone to uncontrolled anger. Left unchecked, who knows what it can lead to, or what it will result in? Should the 6th commandment be changed to "Thou shalt not be angry" then? Should we turn to anger management principles? Listen to this teaching to learn what is expected of kingdom subjects.

What did Jesus mean when He said that He came to fulfil the Law? Many have taken Matt 5:17-20 to say that the Law is no longer applicable to Christians. And especially for Gentile believers, all that is required is love. In this teaching, Henson addresses common misunderstandings and explains how the Law of Christ and the Love of Christ are both complementary and relevant for today.

God is light. Jesus is the True Light. And those who believe are sons of light, and these are to be the light of the world. Note, however, that there are alternative sources of light that Christians must be wary of, both in the world and also in the Church. May we learn to discern that we may always shine through the good works of the kingdom that bring glory to the Father.

The picture of salt was easily understood by Jesus' original audience. But what does it mean to us as disciples of Jesus today? From this simple but rich symbol of salt, Henson teaches on Matt 5:13, drawing seven salty implications, whilst addressing faulty impressions, for consideration and application.

With this final beatitude in Matt 5:10-12, Jesus describes what kingdom subjects can expect when they live the ways of the kingdom. Not exactly something anyone would desire but Jesus declares the blessedness of those who are persecuted for His sake. And what these can decidedly look forward to are the great rewards they will receive from the King of kings!

If believers do not first understand peace, how can we be peacemakers according to Matthew 5:9? And yet, that is what Jesus, the Prince of Peace, expects of His kingdom subjects. in this session, Henson teaches about peace and being peacemakers through five points, bringing the listener from meeting the Master of Peace to maturing in the Master's Peace.

Brace yourself for a detailed study of the hard issues that affect the condition of all our hearts. Consider the plight but also be encouraged by the promise declared in Matt 5:8, that those with pure hearts shall see God. In this teaching, Henson makes effort to define words and concepts that are familiar but often misunderstood. Get ready to be challenged!

Be challenged by this kingdom requirement in Matt 5:7. As recipients of God's mercy, it is expected of all believers that mercy and grace be likewise extended. Beware of mercy stealers and killers that keep us from being merci-naries on mission for Jesus and His kingdom.

When Jesus, the King of Righteousness, speaks about hungering and thirsting for righteousness, we must most certainly take heed. From Matt 5:6, Henson teaches about righteousness and what it means for believers beyond the receiving of the gift of righteousness by faith. If you have never heard a teaching on righteousness, don't miss this.

How do we understand meekness in a dog-eat-dog world? In this teaching, Henson takes time to define what biblical meekness and how it affects believers across seven practical aspects of spiritual life and relationships. He also cautions against the extremes of Christian dominionism, bringing balance and perspective to how we are to see and understand our inheritance in Christ through eschatological hope.

What's so good about mourning? Understandably, mourning is not what we look forward to. And yet, in Matt 5:4, Jesus declares that those who mourn are considered blessed because of the comfort they shall receive. Henson answers two important questions, "Why do we mourn?" and "How do we mourn?" Having the right perspectives will enable us to suffer well that we may be rightly positioned to enjoy the blessedness of the kingdom!

Being poor in spirit, or brokenness, is not a trait we particularly crave for. And yet, according to Jesus, the first beautitude in Matt 5:3 is foundational to fully appropriating kingdom blessedness. In this teaching, Henson invites all to "The Break First Club", explaining what true brokenness is and how that positions us to receive the fullness of the kingdom of heaven.

Although familiar and often quoted, the Sermon on the Mount is not easily understood or applied. This introduction provides the foundation needed before one attempts to fully appropriate the teachings of Jesus. In this teaching, Henson makes four key observations of Matt 5:1-2, welcomes one and all to Mount Makarios (the Mountain of Blessedness, Matt 5:3-12) and then provides a broad structure of Jesus' Kingdom Manifesto. Listen, and then dive deep with us in the next sessions.

Building on the message "Follow" about discipleship, Henson dives deeper into the subject in this teaching. From Matt 4:25-5:1, the terms 'multitudes' and 'disciples' are explored, and common misconceptions cleared. This final session of Phase II ends with a challenge and a prayer of recommitment.

When Jesus began His public ministry, news spread and He started trending in Galilee. Whether an introduction or a summary, Matt 4:23-25 encapsulates the three key elements that must be present in all kingdom initiatives: teaching, preaching, healing. Don't miss the prayer for healing at the end dedicated to all listeners on our SoundCloud Channel.

Understanding Matt 4:18-22 contextually will open our eyes to what Jesus was really inviting the fishermen to. In this teaching about discipleship, Henson asks seven interpretative questions and provides answers that will provoke believers to the next level of following Jesus.

More than just announce the operational base of Jesus in Galilee, the connecting passage of Matt 4:12-17 shows the importance of discerning God's appointed times as we prepare and posture for His kingdom assignments. Glean five key principles and be encouraged that God is still looking to work through Galileans today.