How Should We Celebrate the Birth of Christ?

How do you celebrate Christmas? If we are honest, we must admit that many persons, even Christians, celebrate it most by buying presents, decorating their houses, visiting relatives and friends, or watching football games on television. Others celebrate it by getting drunk, some beginning at the office party on the last working day before Christmas and not sobering up until sometime after the twenty-fifth or even after New Year's. This, of course, is monstrous. These celebrations are inadequate to say the least.

But how should a Christian celebrate Christmas? Before we turn to the book of Luke, I want to say first that by far the best and greatest way to celebrate Christmas is by becoming a Christian if you have never done so. In other words, the best way to celebrate Christmas is by becoming a follower of Him whose birth we commemorate. This is why Jesus came. The Bible tells us that the birth of Jesus was unlike all other births in that Jesus existed before birth as the second person of the Godhead and He became man, not to provide us with a sweet story to tell children each winter or even as a theme for our greatest musical compositions, but in order to grow to maturity and then to die for our sin as a means of our salvation. Jesus was born to be our Savior as the carol says:

    Good Christian men, rejoice,
    With heart, and soul, and voice;
    Now ye need not fear the grave:
    Jesus Christ was born to save!
    Calls you one and calls you all
    To gain His everlasting hall.

    Christ was born to save!

Anyone can understand Christmas in just three sentences:

• I am a sinner.
• As a sinner I need a Savior.
• Jesus Christ is that Savior.

Three sentences! So, the best way to celebrate Christmas is to believe on Jesus as your Savior. If you have never done that, then this is a great season in which to believe on Him. Come to Him! Come to Him now!

But now, assuming that you have believed on Him and that you are a Christian, what can you add to this in order to properly celebrate Christmas? At this point our Bible text comes in, for it is a report of how those who witnessed the first Christmas observed it. The passage begins by speaking of the shepherds.

    "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told" (Luke 2:17-20 emphasis added



 Luke 2:1-20 (NASB)
¹  Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.
²  This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
³  And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
⁴  Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
⁵  in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
⁶  While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
⁷  And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
⁸  In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
⁹  And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
¹⁰  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
¹¹  for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
¹²  "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
¹³  And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
¹⁴  "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
¹⁵  When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."
¹⁶  So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
¹⁷  When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.
¹⁸  And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
¹⁹  But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
²⁰  The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

This passage suggests four ways of celebrating Christmas:

• Tell others about it.
• Be amazed at the event itself.
• Ponder on its meaning.
• Glorify and praise God for what was done that first Christmas.

Pastor Kim's Note

Note from Pastor Kim!!

Pastor Muazzam John has been doing great work in Pakistan. Since his visit here at Faith Church, he and his team have planted 4 new churches with an approximate attendance of 360 people total.

I want you to think about this for a moment. We are NOT just a bunch of people waiting for our own salvation. Faith church is involved in global evangelism. We have helped plant 4 churches in the 6th most dangerous country in the world for believers. We have just sent off 36 Action Packs to Christian refugees in Syria - the 3rd or 4th most dangerous country on earth for followers of Jesus. Some of you just donated to Bible distribution to the least reached people groups in the world! Faith church is anything but an "old folks" church. We are workers in the Kingdom of God and our hands reach all the way around the world! I am certain Jesus is well please with Faith congregation and our service to His Kingdom.

Locally several of you are volunteering at various locations such as the senior center etc. Locally and globally, Faith church is alive and doing great things for the King and the Kingdom. I think you need to feel a proper pride in that, but not vanity. We are not better than anyone else, but, we are going above and beyond the norm in the Kingdom work. Pat each other the back and say, "You are doing great stuff!”

Announcements and Pastor Kim's Notes

Prayer Requests And Announcements

Please Come By– Birthday Celebration on Sat. Dec 17 for Carol Teel’s 86th at the Church. Details coming. 2-4pm. Drop by and give Carole a hug and say Happy Birthday!

 Dec 18th, Sunday 4 pm – Fun Night & Monthly Birthday Celebration . Card Bingo & Potluck & bring an ornament to give, Everyone welcome!

Christmas Eve Service December 24th at 4PM

Women’s Bible Study at Faith Church. Jan 2nd at 10 AM at the church. Bring a salad for lunch. 

Faith Church is a Praying Church!!

Prayer/Praises Requests

Dixie Wright– Heart issues
Larry & Mary Selby– He Colin & Her Breast cancer. Rubin's neighbors
George & Oleta McGee–George dialysis– Oleta surgery December 30th
All the Christians being persecuted.
Brian Morton- Quick recovery
John Swenson– Heart Attach– in Joplin
Pray for Pastor John in Pakistan
Sharon & Larry Anderson– Strength for Sharon & Health of Larry.
Pray for our church members to be able to reach out and touch people with Gods message and encourage them to come to Faith Church.
Carol McCaslin– Daughter-in-law of Lela. Lives in Washington-Pray they have removed all the cancer.
Safe travels for all traveling.
Ivy’s son– Health to continue to improve.
Hannah– Rubin’s 15 year old granddaughter. Depression. improving

Huge Thank You to Lela McLaskin for being a part of this church and to all those that are helping this church family to grow & TO GOD for all his Blessings every day!!

Huge Thank You to all that participated in the Action Packs!!

Verse For Today
 Isaiah 65:11-12 (NASB)
¹¹  "But you who forsake the LORD, Who forget My holy mountain, Who set a table for Fortune, And who fill cups with mixed wine for Destiny,
¹²  I will destine you for the sword, And all of you will bow down to the slaughter. Because I called, but you did not answer; I spoke, but you did not hear. And you did evil in My sight And chose that in which I did not delight."




Brethren, I was asked about how to donate money for Bibles to reach the least reached peoples, and I thought I would pass this information to everyone in case others are interested . Here are two ministries that do this for $5.00 per New Testament Bible.



Open Doors USA
PO BOX 27001
Santa Ana CA 92799
888-524-2535
opendoorsusa.org

VOM
PO Box 443
Bartlesville OK 74005-0443
800-747-0085
persecution.com/bibles

VOM = The Voice Of The Martyrs
A non-profit, interdenominational organization with a vision for aiding Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ.

  Pray for the continued blessing of Faith Church that we may continue to prosper and grow!!

May you have a God Blessed Day!

Sunday December 11 2016

Children's Christmas Program By Children From First Baptist Church In Grove

We were blessed with the Christmas Program this morning by the children from the First Baptist Church! What a uplifting performance.

Pastor Jim Pasley From First Baptist Church In Grove spoke about the two important days in December, December 7th which started World War II. United States President Franklin Delano Roosevelt described it as a "Day That Will Live in Infamy!" Delivered to a Joint Session of Congress on December 8, 1941.
Infamy--(The state of being well known for some bad quality or deed, an evil or wicked act.)

 December 25th The birthday of our Lord and Savior Jesus! For it is only thru him that our sins are forgiven.

Conception and Birth of Jesus

 Matthew 1:18-25 (NASB)
¹⁸  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.
¹⁹  And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly.
²⁰  But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
²¹  "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
²²  Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
²³  "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."
²⁴  And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife,
²⁵  but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

Prayer Requests And Announcements

Put on your Calendar– Birthday Celebration on Sat. Dec 17 for Carol Teel’s 86th at the Church. Details coming. 2-4pm. Drop by and give Carole a hug and say Happy Birthday!

 Dec 18th, Sunday 4 pm – Fun Night & Monthly Birthday Celebration . Card Bingo & Potluck & bring an ornament to give, Everyone welcome!

Women’s Bible Study at Faith Church. Jan 2nd at 10 AM at the church. Bring a salad for lunch. 

Harbor Village-—Sat Dec 10 2:30-4:30. Pat Kraft will be playing Christmas songs and singing. Come on out and visit the decorated houses and participate. 

Faith Church is a Praying Church!!

Prayer/Praises Requests

Dixie Wright– Heart issues
Larry & Mary Selby– He Colin & Her Breast cancer. Rubin's neighbors
George & Oleta McGee–George dialysis– Oleta lung cancer
All the Christians being persecuted.
John Swenson– Heart Attach– in Joplin
Pray for Pastor John in Pakistan
Sharon & Larry Anderson– Strength for Sharon & Health of Larry.
Pray for our church members to be able to reach out and touch people with Gods message and encourage them to come to Faith Church.
Carol McCaslin– Daughter-in-law of Lela. Lives in Washington-Pray they have removed all the cancer.
Safe travels for all traveling.
Ivy’s son– Health to continue to improve.
Hannah– Rubin’s 15 year old granddaughter. Depression. improving

 Pray for the continued blessing of Faith Church that we may continue to prosper and grow!!

May you have a God Blessed Day!

Sunday December 4 2016

First we want to recognize our people each week!
Huge Thank You to…
Connie Marco for being a part of
this church and to All those
that are helping this church
family to grow...& to God for
all his Blessings!

Special Thanks go out each week to our Pianist —Pat Kraft, & our Song Leader—Priscilla Wenzel

Verse for today
Psalm 11:5-7 NIV
"The Lord examines the
righteous, but the wicked
and those who love violence
His soul hates. On
the wicked He will rain
fiery coals and burning
sulfur; a scorching wind
will be their lot. For the
Lord is righteous, He
loves justice; upright
men will see His face."

 The Sermon today “Christmas, the Waiting Game”

Pastor Kim's Sermon Notes

Things To Ponder
Christmas--The Waiting Game
Christmas--And Our Society
Christmas--And Childhood
Christmas--In An Educated Society
Christmas--And Waiting On The Second Coming 

Luke 2:22-40

²²  Then when the days stipulated by Moses for purification were complete, they took Him up to Jerusalem to offer Him to God as commanded in Gods Law;
²³ "EVERY MALE WHO OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE A HOLY OFFERING TO GOD"),
²⁴  And also to sacrifice "A PAIR OF DOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS." prescribed in Gods Law,
²⁵  In Jerusalem at the time, there was a man, Simeon by name, a good man, a man who lived in the prayerful expectancy of help for Israel; And the Holy Spirit was on him.
²⁶  The Holy Spirit had shown him he would see the Messiah of God before he died.
27 Led by the Spirit, he entered the Temple. As the parents of the child Jesus brought him in to carry out the rituals of the Law, 
28 Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God.

29 God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised.
30 With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation.
31 It’s now out in the open for everyone to see.
32 A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations and of glory for your people Israel. 

³³Jesus’ father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words. 

34 Simeon went on to bless them, and said to Mary his mother,

This child marks both the failure and
 the recovery of many in Israel,   
35 A figure misunderstood and contradicted the pain of a sword-thrust through you But the rejection will force honesty as God reveals who they really are.  

³⁶ Anna the prophetess was also there, a daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was by now a very old woman.

37 She had been married seven years and a widow for eighty-four. She never left the Temple area, worshiping night and day with her fastings and prayers. 

38 At the very time Simeon was praying, she showed up, broke into an anthem of praise to God, and talked about the child to all who were waiting expectantly for the freeing of Jerusalem.

³⁹ When they finished everything required by God in the Law, they returned to Galilee and their own town, Nazareth. 
40 There the child grew strong in body and wise in spirit. And the grace of God was on him.


 Luke 2:21-52 (NASB)
²¹  And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
²²  And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
²³  (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD"),
²⁴  and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, "A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS."
²⁵  And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
²⁶  And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
²⁷  And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,
²⁸  then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
²⁹  "Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word;
³⁰  For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
³¹  Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
³²  A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel."
³³  And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.
³⁴  And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed—
³⁵  and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
³⁶  And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
³⁷  and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.
³⁸  At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
³⁹  When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.
⁴⁰  The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
⁴¹  Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
⁴²  And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast;
⁴³  and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it,
⁴⁴  but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day's journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
⁴⁵  When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him.
⁴⁶  Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.
⁴⁷  And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.
⁴⁸  When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You."
⁴⁹  And He said to them, "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?"
⁵⁰  But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them.
⁵¹  And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
⁵²  And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Put on your Calendar– Birthday Celebration on Sat. Dec 17 for Carol Teel’s 86th at the Church. Details coming. 2-4pm. Drop by and give Carole a hug and say Happy Birthday!

 Dec 18th, Sunday 4 pm – Fun Night & Monthly Birthday Celebration . Card Bingo & Potluck & bring an ornament to give, Everyone welcome!

Women’s Bible Study at Faith Church. Jan 2nd at 10 AM at the church. Bring a salad for lunch. 

Harbor Village-—Sat Dec 10 2:30-4:30. Pat Kraft will be playing Christmas songs and singing. Come on out and visit the decorated houses and participate.

 May you have a God Blessed Day!

Announcements

December 18th, Sunday 4 pm – Fun Night & Monthly Birthday Celebration . Card Bingo & Potluck & bring an ornament to give. Everyone welcome!!

There will be no Women’s Bible Study at Faith Church in December.

 Put on your Calendar– Birthday Celebration on December 17th for Carol Teel’s 86th birthday at the Church. Details coming soon.

Decorating the Church—Friday Dec 2nd at 10:30am. Soup at the church for those helping.

Pray for our church members to be able to reach out and touch people with Gods message and encourage them to come to Faith Church. 

Pray for the continued blessing of Faith Church that we may continue to prosper and grow!!

Sunday November 27 2016

The Sermon Today was “Gratitude for What We Have”

Pastor Kim's sermon Notes

Humility and Gratitude

1 Timothy 2:8-10 (NKJV)
⁸  I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere,  lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;
9 In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing,
10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.

A Call To Prayer

 1 Timothy 2:1-15 (NASB)
¹  First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
²  for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
³  This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
⁴  who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
⁵  For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
⁶  who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.
⁷  For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
⁸  Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. 

Women Instructed

⁹  Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments,
¹⁰  but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.
¹¹  A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness.
¹²  But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.
¹³  For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.
¹⁴  And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
¹⁵  But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.  

1. God owes us NOTHING! 
2. The World owes us NOTHING!  
3. America owes us NOTHING!

Acts 24:24-25
 ²⁴  And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.
²⁵  Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you." 

  Acts 24:1-27 (NASB)
¹  After five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders, with an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought charges to the governor against Paul.
²  After Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying to the governor, "Since we have through you attained much peace, and since by your providence reforms are being carried out for this nation,
³  we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.
⁴  "But, that I may not weary you any further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing.
⁵  "For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
⁶  "And he even tried to desecrate the temple; and then we arrested him. [We wanted to judge him according to our own Law.
⁷  "But Lysias the commander came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands,
⁸  ordering his accusers to come before you.] By examining him yourself concerning all these matters you will be able to ascertain the things of which we accuse him."
⁹  The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.
¹⁰  When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense,
¹¹  since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
¹²  "Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot.
¹³  "Nor can they prove to you the charges of which they now accuse me.
¹⁴  "But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets;
¹⁵  having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
¹⁶  "In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.
¹⁷  "Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings;
¹⁸  in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been purified, without any crowd or uproar. But there were some Jews from Asia—
¹⁹  who ought to have been present before you and to make accusation, if they should have anything against me.
²⁰  "Or else let these men themselves tell what misdeed they found when I stood before the Council,
²¹  other than for this one statement which I shouted out while standing among them, 'For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.'"
²²  But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case."
²³  Then he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from ministering to him.
²⁴  But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.
²⁵  But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, "Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you."
²⁶  At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him.
²⁷  But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned. 

2 Timothy 3:2-3
 ²  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy.
³  Unloving,unforgiving , slanders, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good. 

  2 Timothy 3:1-17 (NASB)
¹  But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
²  For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,
³  unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,
⁴  treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
⁵  holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.
⁶  For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses,
⁷  always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
⁸  Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith.
⁹  But they will not make further progress; for their folly will be obvious to all, just as Jannes's and Jambres's folly was also.
¹⁰  Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance,
¹¹  persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!
¹²  Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
¹³  But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
¹⁴  You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
¹⁵  and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
¹⁶  All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
¹⁷  so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 

Let's learn to be CONTENT in whatever state we find ourselves. 

Philippians 4:11-12 (NKJV)
¹¹  Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. 
¹²  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  

God's Provisions

 Philippians 4:10-23 (NASB)
¹⁰  But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.
¹¹  Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
¹²  I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
¹³  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
¹⁴  Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
¹⁵  You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone;
¹⁶  for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.
¹⁷  Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.
¹⁸  But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
¹⁹  And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
²⁰  Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
²¹  Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.
²²  All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.
²³  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  

December 18th, Sunday 4 pm – Fun Night & Monthly Birthday Celebration . Card Bingo & Potluck & bring an ornament to give. Everyone welcome!!

There will be no Women’s Bible Study at Faith Church in December.

 Put on your Calendar– Birthday Celebration on December 17th for Carol Teel’s 86th birthday at the Church. Details coming soon.

Decorating the Church—Friday Dec 2nd at 10:30am. Soup at the church for those helping.

Pray for our church members to be able to reach out and touch people with Gods message and encourage them to come to Faith Church.

Sunday November 20 2016

Today's Sermon "We Are The House Of Prayer"

Pastor Kim's Sermon Notes
A continuance of last weeks Sermon.

Do we have Jesus' joy when we pray?

 Faith Church is a Praying Church!

Remember GOD answers Prayer!!

Our body is Personally a House of Prayer in which the Holy Spirit Dwells!! 


Isaiah 56:7 
7 These I will bring to My Holy Mountain and give them Joy in My House of Prayer.
their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My alter; For my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."

Rewards For Obedience To GOD

 Isaiah 56:1-7 (NASB)
¹  Thus says the LORD, "Preserve justice and do righteousness, For My salvation is about to come And My righteousness to be revealed.
²  "How blessed is the man who does this, And the son of man who takes hold of it; Who keeps from profaning the Sabbath, And keeps his hand from doing any evil."
³  Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, "The LORD will surely separate me from His people." Nor let the eunuch say, "Behold, I am a dry tree."
⁴  For thus says the LORD, "To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant,
⁵  To them I will give in My house and within My walls a memorial, And a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name which will not be cut off.
⁶  "Also the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, To minister to Him, and to love the name of the LORD, To be His servants, every one who keeps from profaning the sabbath And holds fast My covenant;
⁷  Even those I will bring to My holy mountain And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples."

Guy Penrod or Matthew West -- Will fill the building!
But schedule a Prayer Concert _ And not so much!

Rev 3:14-19
14 "Write this letter to the Angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen-- the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's new creation;
15 I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other!
16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!
17 You say, "I am rich, I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!" And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.18 So I adsvise you to buy gold from me- gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.
19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

Message To Laodicea

Revelation 3:14-22 (NASB)
¹⁴  "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:
¹⁵  'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.
¹⁶  'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
¹⁷  'Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,
¹⁸  I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.
¹⁹  'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.
²⁰  'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
²¹  'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
²²  'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'"

Remember We Are A House of Prayer! 

We Are Personally a House of Prayer, After we receive Jesus Christ as Savior, we become the temple of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19 Says 'Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own."

The Body is the Lord's

 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (NASB)
¹²  All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.
¹³  Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.
¹⁴  Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power.
¹⁵  Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be!
¹⁶  Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, "THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH."
¹⁷  But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
¹⁸  Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.
¹⁹  Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
²⁰  For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. 

The Church is a House of Prayer, As we assemble together we are the corporate expression of prayer.

 Matthew 18:15-20
20 "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."

 Discipline and Prayer 

 Matthew 18:15-20 (NASB)
¹⁵  "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.
¹⁶  "But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED.
¹⁷  "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
¹⁸  "Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
¹⁹  "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.
²⁰  "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."

Hebrews 10:24-25
²⁴  And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
²⁵  not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.  

A New and Living Way

 Hebrews 10:19-25 (NASB)
¹⁹  Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,
²⁰  by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,
²¹  and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
²²  let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
²³  Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
²⁴  and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
²⁵  not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.  

1 Peter 2:5
5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

As Living Stones

 1 Peter 2:4-12 (NASB)
⁴  And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, ⁵  you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
⁶  For this is contained in Scripture: "BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNER stone, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."
⁷  This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, "THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE VERY CORNER stone,"
⁸  and, "A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE"; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed.
⁹  But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
¹⁰  for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.
¹¹  Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.
¹²  Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.  

 Faith Church is a Praying Church!

Please pray for all the persecuted Christians around the World!
Pray for Pastor John in Pakistan!
Pray for all that need healing!
Pray that we may be able to reach out and touch people with God's Message and encourage them to come to Faith Church!
Pray for the continued blessing of Faith Church that we may continue to grow and prosper!

Sunday November 13 2016

Faith Church is a Praying Church!

Please pray for all the persecuted Christians around the World!
Pray for Pastor John in Pakistan!
Pray for all that need healing!
Pray that we may be able to reach out and touch people with God's Message and encourage them to come to Faith Church!
Pray for the continued blessing of Faith Church that we may continue to grow and prosper!

Remember GOD answers Prayer!!

November 20th 4PM Our normal Monthly Fun Night and Birthday Celebration will be replaced with a catered dinner to celebrate the Holidays.

The Sermon today was "Lesson From Daniel"

Pastor Kim's notes.

Daniel's Example

The Story of Daniel, Jesus, & Billy Graham

Infiltrate rather than isolate!

1 Timothy 2:1-4
1 Urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intersession and thanksgiving be made for all people.
2 For kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quit lives in all Godliness and Holiness
3 This is good and pleases God our Savior.
4 Who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the Truth.

A Call To Prayer

 1 Timothy 2:1-8 (NASB)
¹  First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
²  for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
³  This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
⁴  who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
⁵  For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
⁶  who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.
⁷  For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
⁸  Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. 

1 Peter 2:13-17
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority, whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority. 
14 Or to governors, who are sent by him to punishing those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
15 For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover up for evil; live as God's slaves.
17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

Honor Authority

 1 Peter 2:13-20 (NASB)
¹³  Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,
¹⁴  or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.
¹⁵  For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.
¹⁶  Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond slaves of God.
¹⁷  Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
¹⁸  Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.
¹⁹  For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.
²⁰  For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.

 

Sunday November 6 2016

Sermon today "Persecution"

Pastor Kim's Sermon Notes.

Divide and Conquer - Adam and Eve
God's people removed from the garden
Cain kills Abel - One is excepted, one is not
Egypt and Exodus - Coming out of the world's (Satin's way)
Babylon, Persia, Assyria, Rome - Either scatter God's people or dominate them like Rome.

Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise your Head, And you shall bruise his Heel

The Fall Of Man

 Genesis 3:1-24 (NASB)
¹  Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?"
²  The woman said to the serpent, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat;
³  but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'"
⁴  The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die!
⁵  "For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
⁶  When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.
⁷  Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings.
⁸  They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
⁹  Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?"
¹⁰  He said, "I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself."
¹¹  And He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?"
¹²  The man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate."
¹³  Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" And the woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."
¹⁴  The LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, Cursed are you more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you will go, And dust you will eat All the days of your life;
¹⁵  And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel."
¹⁶  To the woman He said, "I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, In pain you will bring forth children; Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he will rule over you."
¹⁷  Then to Adam He said, "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat from it'; Cursed is the ground because of you; In toil you will eat of it All the days of your life.
¹⁸  "Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; And you will eat the plants of the field;
¹⁹  By the sweat of your face You will eat bread, Till you return to the ground, Because from it you were taken; For you are dust, And to dust you shall return."
²⁰  Now the man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all the living.
²¹  The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.
²²  Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever"—
²³  therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken.
²⁴  So He drove the man out; and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life.

Jesus time; Roman Occupation - living under human rule.

On going scattering, on going genocides up to the present.

Abortion - 50+Million!

Deuteronomy 4:20
²⁰  "But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be his people, an inheritance, as you are today.day.


 Deuteronomy 4:20 (NASB)
²⁰  "But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, from Egypt, to be a people for His own possession, as today.

Psalm 12:6
⁶  The words of the LORD are pure words; Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
 
 Psalm 12:1-8 (NASB)
¹
 Help, LORD, for the godly man ceases to be, For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.
²  They speak falsehood to one another; With flattering lips and with a double heart they speak.
³  May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, The tongue that speaks great things;
⁴  Who have said, "With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?"
⁵  "Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy, Now I will arise," says the LORD; "I will set him in the safety for which he longs."
⁶  The words of the LORD are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.
⁷  You, O LORD, will keep them; You will preserve him from this generation forever.
⁸  The wicked strut about on every side When vileness is exalted among the sons of men.

  Proverbs 17:3
³  The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts.

 Proverbs 17:1-5 (NASB)
¹  Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife.
²  A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers.
³  The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts.
⁴  An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
⁵  He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker; He who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.

 Isaiah 48:10
 ¹⁰  "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

 Isaiah 48:9-11 (NASB)
⁹  "For the sake of My name I delay My wrath, And for My praise I restrain it for you, In order not to cut you off.
¹⁰  "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
¹¹  "For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; For how can My name be profaned? And My glory I will not give to another.
 

Announcements

November 7th 10AM Women's bible study at Faith Church

November 13th 9Am Will be story time by Juanita
Think of an unexpected "Thank You" Story to share with the group.

 November 20th 4PM Our normal Monthly Fun Night and Birthday Celebration will be replaced with a catered dinner to celebrate the Holidays.

Please pray for the persecuted Christians around the World!!

Pray for all of Faith Church members that are ill!

Pray for the continued blessing that Faith Church to continue to grow and prosper!

What is Christian Persecution?

The International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church (IDOP) will take place Today November 6th.

Christian persecution is any hostility experienced from the world as a result of one's identification as a Christian.  From verbal harassment to hostile feelings, attitudes and actions, Christians in areas with severe religious restrictions pay a heavy price for their faith.   Beatings, physical torture, confinement, isolation, rape, severe punishment, imprisonment, slavery, discrimination in education and employment, and even death are just a few examples of the persecution they experience on a daily basis.
According to The Pew Research Center, over 75% of the world's population lives in areas with severe religious restrictions (and many of these people are Christians).  Also, according to the United States Department of State, Christians in more than 60 countries face persecution from their governments or surrounding neighbors simply because of their belief in Jesus Christ.

Each Month Around The World

332 Christians are killed for their Faith
214 Churches and Christian properties are destroyed
772 Forms of violence are committed against Christians (Such as Beatings, False Arrests,  Abductions, Rape, and Forced Marriages)

At least 100 Million Christians are being persecuted for their Faith Worldwide!

Please Pray For The Persecuted Christians Around the World Today!!

The 9 Worst Countries Where Christians Are Persecuted 

1. North Korea
2. Iraq
3. Eritrea
4. Afghanistan
5. Syria
6. Pakistan
7. Somalia
8. Sudan
9. Iran

For more information visit Open Doors USA

https://www.opendoorsusa.org/

The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes are eight blessings recounted in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. Each one includes a topic that forms a major biblical theme.

Matthew 5:1-20 (NASB)
¹  When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.
²  He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
³  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴  "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
⁵  "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
⁶  "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
⁷  "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
⁸  "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
⁹  "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
¹⁰  "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
¹¹  "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

Disciples and The World
¹³  "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
 
¹²  "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
¹³  "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
¹⁴  "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
¹⁵  nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
¹⁶  "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
¹⁷  "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.
¹⁸  "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
¹⁹  "Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
²⁰  "For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Four of the blessings also appear in the Sermon on the Plain in the Gospel of Luke, followed by four woes which mirror the blessings.

The Sermon on the Plain has parallel passages with the Sermon on the Mount.

The Beatitudes in Luke

  Luke 6:20-45 (NASB)
²⁰  And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
²¹  "Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.
²²  "Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man.
²³  "Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.
²⁴  "But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full.
²⁵  "Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
²⁶  "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way.
²⁷  "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
²⁸  bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
²⁹  "Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.
³⁰  "Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.
³¹  "Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.
³²  "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
³³  "If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
³⁴  "If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount.
³⁵  "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.
³⁶  "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
³⁷  "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.
³⁸  "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."
³⁹  And He also spoke a parable to them: "A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit?
⁴⁰  "A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.
⁴¹  "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
⁴²  "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.
⁴³  "For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit, nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit.
⁴⁴  "For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush.
⁴⁵  "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.