In two very brief parables Jesus turns our value system upside down.The post The Value of the Kingdom (Mt 13:44-52) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH.

Living the Kingdom in a less than Friendly World (Mt 13:24-43)

13 days ago

In one longer parable and two brief parables Jesus provides for us word pictures for living the Kingdom now in a less than friendly environment.The post Living the Kingdom in a less than Friendly World (Mt 13:24-43) appeared first on PLEASANT

It’s About the Heart (Mt 13:1-23)

20 days ago

In the first parable recorded in Matthew, Jesus uses a familiar word picture to challenge his listeners to consider carefully the condition of their hearts.The post It’s About the Heart (Mt 13:1-23) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CH

The Priority of Compassion (Matthew 12:1-14)

27 days ago

We can learn a great deal about living the Kingdom of Heaven now as we see the interaction between Jesus and the religious leaders. What traditions may have gotten in your way as you strive to follow Jesus? What will you do to change them?The

Responsibility and Rest (Matthew 11:20-30)

May 26th, 2024

In a rebuke, a prayer, and an invitation, Jesus gives us a frame work for what it looks like to live responsibly in the Kingdom of Heaven, now.The post Responsibility and Rest (Matthew 11:20-30) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH

Kingdom Apprentices

May 19th, 2024

We begin a new sermon series entitled “Living the Kingdom of Heaven…Now.” In this sermon we define the Kingdom of Heaven as used in Matthew’s gospel and we look at some characteristics that should define each of us who claim to follow Jesus.T

Divine Roadmap (part 2 Mt.7:21-27)

May 12th, 2024

In the final two word pictures of the Sermon on the Mount we are reminded that we need to do the right things with the right heart.The post Divine Roadmap (part 2 Mt.7:21-27) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH.

Divine Road Map (part 1 Matthew 5:13-20)

May 5th, 2024

In what may be called the epilogue of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus challenges his listeners and us with choices.The post Divine Road Map (part 1 Matthew 5:13-20) appeared first on PLEASANT HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH.

Kingdom Living in Relationship (Mt 7:6-12)

Apr 28th, 2024

We all know what it is like to deal with difficult people. As representatives of our Heavenly Father, we need discernment to know how to live in a godly way. It is not easy. We also have a God who knows what we need and implores us to ask him f

Watch Out For Sawdust (Mt. 7:1-6)

Apr 21st, 2024

The old saying goes, “We don’t like in others, what we don’t like in ourselves.” Jesus reminds us in a very clear and even humorous way that when we judge others unfairly, we end up looking foolish, and we take over what God has reserved for hi

Kingdom Investment Strategy pt. 2 (Mt. 6:25-34)

Apr 14th, 2024

We all want to live our best life now. In this very familiar passage we discover that it is when we trust fully that God is willing and able to meet our needs that we can live a life that is focused, unhurried, and satisfying. It truly can be o

Kingdom Investment Strategy (pt 1 Mt 6:19-24)

Apr 7th, 2024

Someone has said, “What you own eventually owns you.” There is some truth to that statement. Consider carefully that which you think is valuable. How does it help you now? What difference will it make in your quality of life next month? We have

“Second Chances” (Mark 16:7)

Mar 31st, 2024

Second chances. We have all needed them at some time or another. In the story of Peter, we discover that the risen, living Jesus Christ is a forgiving, Lord and Savior. His mercy is wide, his grace has no boundaries; his forgiveness is complete

A Sharper Focus: Word Pictures from Palm Sunday

Mar 24th, 2024

There are times in our lives when our focus just seems to be sharper. We are more aware of our surroundings, more aware of what is important, more aware of our closest relationships. It seems this was the case with Jesus from his triumphal ride

Check your motives (Matthew 6:1-18)

Mar 17th, 2024

Followers of Jesus exercise various disciplines as an expression of their inner relationship with Jesus. They don’t always parade their efforts on a proverbial stage for the world because God is their audience. Jesus challenges us to check our

Loving our Enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)

Mar 10th, 2024

We all have people who do not care for us. In fact some may actively oppose us. Jesus reminds us, that as people who are characterized as Christ Followers, we are to not attack or just tolerate our enemies, we are to love them and pray for them

Persons of Peace (Matthew 5:38-42)

Mar 3rd, 2024

Conventional wisdom says: “If they hit you; hit them back harder.” On the one hand we can understand the desire to protect ourselves. But on the other hand, Jesus gives us a completely different way of living in the world. When we are confident

Persons of Peace (Matthew 5:38-42)

Mar 3rd, 2024

The Necessity of Integrity (Matthew 5:33-37)

Feb 25th, 2024

This part of the Sermon on the Mount deals with the issue of integrity. God expects us, as followers of Jesus to say what we mean and mean what we say and work through the challenges. When we are people of integrity, we can set an example for o

Godly Purity: Authentic Relationships (Mt 5:27-32)

Feb 11th, 2024

We seem to bombarded from all sides with images, lyrics, and entertainment that challenges any standard of purity. Godly purity is reflected in the mindset that holds that each person is a person of dignity and not an object. In a very stunning

Anger Management God’s Way (Matthew 5:21-26)

Feb 4th, 2024

It seems that we live in an increasingly angry society. With instances mass shootings, road rage, and retaliation, on the rise, many people seem deeply frustrated. Sometimes people will use the excuse that they have never killed anyone as a way

Extreme Righteousness (Matthew 5:17-20)

Jan 28th, 2024

We all have standards or values by which we live. We all have a desire that others see us as being real, or genuine or authentic. No one really likes a hypocrite. Jesus challenged his listeners to have a standard that was so high that it was gr

Make a Difference (Matt. 5:13-16)

Jan 21st, 2024

The old adage is, “You may be the first Bible another person reads.” The idea is that our actions do speak and they speak loudly. Among the many qualities of salt and light, one is that they both make a difference. But they both must be used pr

Core Values of A Christ Follower – Matt 5:7-12 (Part 2)

Jan 14th, 2024

One of the unique realities about following Jesus is that we discover that who we are on the inside, should drive what we do on the outside. The core values of the Beatitudes are truly internal characteristics but we cannot separate them from b

Core Values of a Christ Follower Mt. 5:1-6 (part 1)

Jan 7th, 2024

Every person has a set of values. Every person has a standard or a code by which they live. The question that we each have to ask is what is the source of my values? For some the culture or sub-culture in which they live defines the standards.