Jesus’ teaching elevates the sanctity of love, sex and marriage for men and women alike.

Matthew 5:27-32

Lust is a heart problem that requires heart solutions, which can only be found through our continual surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

“As long as lust is present, love cannot be. Lust is about consumption. Love is about communion. Lust is about taking. Love is about giving. Lust uses. Love honors. Lust diminishes the other. Love cherishes the other.” - Rich Villodas, The Narrow Path

“...God invented the first divorce recovery program. It's at a place called Calvary. The price for the course is one bloodstained cross–and Jesus paid it. He was the first to go through the program, and it's still in session...” John Ortberg, Insurmountable

“Haven’t you read that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” -Matthew 19:4-6

Jesus’ vision for love, sex and marriage is a narrow road, but it is holy, beautiful, and better than anything this world has to offer.

For Pharisees, the fulfillment of the law was about following the rules. For Jesus, the fulfillment of the law was about following him.

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." -Matthew 5:23-24

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:13-16 NIV

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." -Matthew 5:3-12

Bold Witnesses, compelled by love, represent God by being who they really are.

Reflection Questions:

1. How can I trust the perfect love of God to cast out the fears that are hindering my bold witness for Jesus?
2. What are the specific relationships or places where God is calling me to be a bold witness?
3. What specific step can I take this week to be a bold witness for Jesus?

"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." -2 Corinthians 5:14-15

What does it look like to give God the best of us?

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." -Acts 2:42

Bold Witnesses live generously with their time, talents and treasures. Generosity overflows from lives changed by God’s grace.

1. How is God inviting you to trust the generosity of God’s grace toward you?
2. How is God inviting you to live generously with your time, talents and treasure?

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them." -Acts 4:32-34

What does it look like to share the gospel with the people around us?

1. Keep it Simple: Tell the story of JESUS' crucifixion and resurrection.
2. Keep it Real: Tell the story of YOUR crucifixion and resurrection.
3. Keep it Current: Live a lifestyle of crucifixion and resurrection.

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” -Acts 2:38-39