1. The Basics What is prayer and fasting? 2. The Backdrop How should we pray and fast? 3. The Blueprint Who should we pray to and meditate upon? What should we pray for and meditate upon? 4. The Bombshell Why is v14 here?    

1. THE EXHIBITION! (v1-2) The trumpet blowers 2. THE EXHORTATION! (v3) Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing 3. THE EXAMINATION! (v4) “….so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Introduction Context: The rest of the sermon – directed at disciples Contrasts: “..it was said …but I tell you….” Sayings vs 43,44 The teaching: Lev 19:18; Ex 23:4,5 – what was added, what was subtracted. The truth: Love with no boundaries, prayer for those who oppose. Sons vs 45 -47…

Show yourself approved unto God. (Matt.5:38-42) Deny Yourself: In the face of insult and injury v38-39 In the light of unfair and unjust treatment v40 In the case of enforced service v41 In the pain of being mistreated and manipulated v42   Be like the Head of the Church…

1. The REALITY of Oaths – Biblical Precedent 2. The REASON for Oaths – Honesty and Accountability 3. There are RASH Oaths – Thoughtless and Costly 4. There are REDUNDANT Oaths – Blinding and Foolish 5. Yes or No in WORSHIP 6. Yes or No in WITNESS 7. Yes…

Current divorce rate in UK – 42% (reducing due to increase in cohabiting couples) 11% increase in divorce among the over 50s – “the silver splitters” – in last 10 years 9 most common reasons – Money, Affairs, Interfering Ex’s, Sex, Children from previous relationships, Intrusive parents, Differences in…

A right understanding of Sin leads to: A right understanding of Salvation A right understanding of Holiness A right understanding of the Love of God Know your Enemy – Sin is: Powerful Subtle Corrupting Destructive A right understanding of Sex: It’s beautiful It’s mutual – and exclusive It’s a…

The Principle (v21-22) It’s the ROOT that leads to the FRUIT A Matter of the Heart The Practice (v23-26) In the Church and in the Community: BE RECONCILED! A Matter of Priority A Matter of Urgency A Matter of Honesty

THE RHYTHM OF LIFE RIGHTEOUSNESS: The Powerful Beat of the Christian Life Proclaimed in the Old Testament Stated in the Law; Interpreted by the Prophets Personified in Jesus In His Life, Death and Resurrection Practised by Christians Maximum application not Minimum observance

SALT OF THE EARTH AND LIGHT OF THE WORLD SALT – Preservation in a world of decay “O Taste … that the Lord is good” LIGHT – Illumination in a world of darkness “O See … that the Lord is good.”