This weekend at Lakeside Church we are launching a new series on The Sermon on the Mount. This sermon, delivered by Jesus 2000 years ago, is the most important statement of the heart of God ever delivered. In this series we're going to take some time to search it thoroughly for its meaning and significance to us.
Two things you should know: First, this weekend I will be "preaching" the sermon. When I was in college, a friend of mine memorized the Sermon. Our pastor asked him to deliver the Sermon by memory in our weekend worship gathering. As I listened to him preach the Sermon on the Mount, I was moved by hearing the words of Jesus. I determined then to memorize the Sermon.
A few years ago I led a group of Lakesiders on a trip to Israel. We stood on a hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee, in a spot close to where Jesus probably delivered his Sermon. I had the privilege of preaching the Sermon to our traveling group that day. I will never forget the experience. But far more important than that experience, is the hearing of this message.
So this weekend at Lakeside I will preach the Sermon on the Mount. I will not begin teaching about it until the following weekend, when we will begin a series called Upside-Down Blessings. But this weekend, you'll simply hear the Sermon as Jesus might have delivered it so many years ago. (Except I'll deliver it in English.)
The second thing: This would be a great time to invite friends to come with you to Lakeside. They will never hear the word of God in a purer form than they will hear it this weekend. No commentary. No extras. Simply the words of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount.
Remember, too, that we begin our new weekend schedule this weekend. Here it is:
Saturday: 4:30 & 6:30 pm
Sunday: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 am
(The Ten is in the Block. We are not hosting a Kidsfest program for this gathering. But children and family elements will be included in the worship program at The Ten. Check it out.)
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