Beargrass Christian Church Beargrass Christian Church

This week we continue our Ephiphany sermon series "Eyes to See" with a sermon from Dr. Bond titled Eyes to See Temptation from Matthew 4:1-11. 
 
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This week we continue our Eyes to See series with a sermon from guest preacher Rev. Erin Wathen. Erin is the Associate Director for Marketing and Communications at Week of Compassion. In her sermon, Rev. Wathen discusses the work of Week of Compassion and having Eyes to See God's invitation to all of us.
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This week we will hear a passage that most of us have heard so many times that I wonder if we can hear it anymore? The Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:1-12. These words must be for someone else. What do these words mean for us and how we view the world?
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October 15, 2019, Eighteen protesters--including heads of Amnesty International USA, CAIR, America’s Voice, and CWS--wearing life vests symbolizing the life-saving refugee resettlement program risked arrest on the steps of the US Capitol. The 18 protestors represented the 18,000 refugee cap set by the Trump administration - the lowest in the history of the resettlement program. Supporters held 95 photographs of refugees, a nod to the historic average refugee cap of 95,000.

Beargrass member and Kentucky Refugee Ministry Board Chairman, Mike Puckett, was among the protestors that day. This is his story on deciding to be "disobedient". 
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When we gather to hear Jesus speak in Matthew 5:13-20, we hear him say some rather remarkable things. Jesus describes his followers as the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” He doesn't say, “Someday you will be like salt and light.” He doesn't say, “If you work hard all your life, you will be salt and light.” He doesn't say, “When you get to the point where you have no problems and are just about perfect….” No, Jesus tells us, “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.”
Isn’t it amazing that a sermon Jesus preached almost 2000 years ago still “works” for us today? He was so effective in using simple objects to help us remember that the realm of God is all around us. He talked about ordinary things—salt, light, bread, water, wine—and transformed them into extraordinary reminders of God’s love and goodness and presence. 
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As we continue to think about the theme of “Eyes to See”, we look to God for guidance and directions for discipleship. Jesus’ words in this week’s portion of the Sermon on the Mount are some of the most challenging we will ever hear. He outlines an alternative, radical way of being and behaving. Some have described these words as the “Be-Attitudes.” They are Jesus’ “Plan B’s”—instructions about how to BE God’s people in this world by taking the high road in our relationships. And Jesus’ “Plan B’s” all begin with a big “BUT!” “You have heard that it was said…BUT I say to you….” 
Jesus can’t be serious. We do not live in an innocent world of sweetness and light. So, we buy the bumper sticker: “Don’t get mad—get even.” BUT…Jesus proclaims that there is a better way to live. “If you really want to make an impact on this world, if you really want to transform those around you, if you really want to show people the way to God, here is what I am asking you to do.” Then Jesus unloads this list of impossible possibilities. And he invites us to follow him along the road less traveled. 
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