Jesus says - Love your enemies and pray for you persecutors. Take 2. 12/18/22

Weekly Memory Verse: "But I say to you, 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." - Matthew 5:44

Sermon Scripture Reading: Romans 5:6-11

-THIS SUNDAY'S SERMON- Jesus says - Love your enemies and pray for you persecutors.

Dear River Family,

Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement through a time of sickness in our household. We are so blessed to be a part of The River Family. Everyone is better and looking forward to getting back to some type of normal. Lord willing, we will pick up where we left off.

The Lord had raised up Israel to be His people. He would be their God and they would be His people. He would set Israel part from all other nations. He would distinguish His people from all other peoples in that they would be like Him.

In Leviticus there is instruction after instruction for God's leaders and His people (instruction concerning holy living, punishments for unholy living, sacrifices, worship, feasts, celebrations, the priesthood, etc.). The ultimate theme of the book of Leviticus is - God is holy and His people are to be holy.

Read Leviticus 19:9-18 & Matthew 5:43-48. Compare Leviticus 19:18 to Matthew 5:43

What is different in these two verses? What is different in what was written in Leviticus compared to what was heard that is stated in Matthew?

Now reread Matthew 5:44-48 and meditate on what Jesus commands and questions with authority.

Thank church for desiring to hear the Word of God. By God's grace may we also heed and obey the Word of God for His name sake and our benefit.

Helpful Passages: Romans 5:6-11 Romans 12:14-21

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.

Grace and Peace,

Eric