In this message, Stephen emphasizes the spiritual nature of the Kingdom of Heaven as presented in the Gospel of Matthew. He begins with a prayer for understanding and a pure heart, echoing the humility of Mary. Stephen discusses the Beatitudes from Matthew 5, highlighting that they reveal the characteristics of those in the Kingdom, which is not a moral standard but a spiritual reality. He explains that the Kingdom is established by Christ and is characterized by humility, mercy, and a pure heart. The Sermon on the Mount is directed at disciples, not the crowd, indicating that it reveals the essence of the Kingdom to those who follow Christ. Stephen contrasts the spiritual nature of the Kingdom with the moral standards of the Pharisees, asserting that true righteousness comes from living under Christ's authority. He also addresses the parables in Matthew 13, illustrating the mixed nature of the Kingdom, where good and evil coexist until the final judgment. Ultimately, Stephen calls for believers to understand their role in the Kingdom and to live out its spiritual reality, awaiting Christ's return.
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. 10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.