Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount to a large crowd, explaining the way to find true happiness. The key lies in knowing about the life that comes after this one, and the Kingdom of God. In verses 1-12 he makes a series of eight surprising statements about the traits of those who attain this happiness.

Continuing the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus instructs his followers the kind of impact he wants them, and us, to have in the world. Using the analogies of salt and light, Jesus urges them to be involved but distinct, and have their lives reflect the love that they have found in Christ. Do our communities impact others in this way?

Jesus turns from talking about his followers' witness to addressing his whole audience to answer how people can enter into God's kingdom. We have a choice - we can try and enter of our own effort, through doing good and following a series of laws and rules. Jesus informs his audience that there is no one good enough to get to God this way, but then shares the good news that God has already provided an alternative through Christ!

Next in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks to the religious elite. Addressing things commonly viewed as giving piety, and turning them upside down. Instead of doing things to gain peoples' admiration and favor, we should live for an audience of one. God wants a real relationship with us, not for us to merely go through the motions.

Life in God's kingdom is different from religion. Jesus teaches his followers how to truly pray. Instead of reciting empty words needlessly, God wants us to connect with him. As we take time to understand who God is, what He has done, and who we are before him, we can pray in a genuine and real way.

Jesus teaches on the subject of material possessions and wealth. We cannot serve God and at the same time be controlled by money. We can live our lives storing up things here on this earth, or we can focus on storing up treasure in the next life.

Jesus addresses not only our relationship with material wealth but also the effect of material anxiety. We should be responsible, but we also need to place our faith in God who will never let us down. We can address our anxiety and pursue God's priorities instead.

We are stewards of God's resources, even though we often view ourselves as owners. We should pursue contentment, taking our identity in Christ. As we give generously and live simply we should strive to be responsible stewards of what God has given us.

Jesus moves from talking about our relationship with money to our relationships with other people. Human relationships are complex, and Jesus offers four keys to healthy relating. How we view others, treat others, and effect others is impacted by our relationship with Christ.

How can we avoid being deceived? Jesus warns against three forms of spiritual deception: 1) trusting the majority when it comes to spiritual matters, 2) listening to anyone who claims to speak for Christ, and 3) merely agreeing with Jesus instead of acting on his words. God wants us to think for ourselves, use discernment, and to act on the things Jesus says.