• Jesus uses them to reveal spiritual truths in ways that only those seeking God will understand. For others, parables might seem like riddles, as seen in Mark 4:12—so "they may be ever seeing but never perceiving."

• Notice: In Mark 4:11, Jesus said, "You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God."

• Question: Who can understand the secret of the Kingdom of God?Answer: Only disciples.

• Question: Why do many, or even the majority of believers, not understand the secret of the Kingdom of God?Answer: Because they have not become true disciples of Jesus. Jesus does not reveal the secret to outsiders, only to insiders.

• Points: To understand the secret of the Kingdom of God, you must become an insider—a disciple of Jesus. (V11b)

• • Purpose of Concealment: Jesus’ use of parables allows individuals to respond according to their hearts. Those who seek God will dig deeper, while others might dismiss the message.

Main Passage: Matthew 5:33-37(NLT)"You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one." “As a believer, every word that comes out of our mouth carries the weight of who we are and whose we are.” Words can be treated like pennies—casually thrown out with little value—or like precious gold, each carrying weight and importance. In fact, God values your words, especially when you are a child, follower, disciple, and servant of God. For prayer request, please feel free to contact us at www.globalicc.org/contact To give please click www.globalicc.org/give Cash App $iccglobal Venmo App @iccglobal Subscribe to our weekly podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-christian-church/id1076335656 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mKKhWqCqr7rkXsdsqpgRx?si=1f717cde8a5846c2 Live streaming Copyright License #20714391

Matthew 5:31-32(NLT) “You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.” ‭‭ The Sermon on the Mount calls us to live in a way that often contrasts sharply with the norms of society. (Counter cultural message) Understanding God’s standards for marriage can help us navigate challenges, offer support to others, and uphold the covenantal nature of this sacred bond. From a biblical perspective, marriage is the foundation of society because it is the first institution established by God, designed to reflect His covenant love and unity. In Genesis 2:24, marriage is depicted as a union where a man and a woman become “one flesh,” symbolizing deep commitment, love, and partnership. This relationship mirrors God’s faithful love for His people, providing stability, nurturing environments for raising children, and fostering community. Strong, godly marriages lay the groundwork for building healthy families, which in turn form the core of a stable, thriving society. For prayer request, please feel free to contact us at www.globalicc.org/contact To give please click www.globalicc.org/give Cash App $iccglobal Venmo App @iccglobal Subscribe to our weekly podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-christian-church/id1076335656 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mKKhWqCqr7rkXsdsqpgRx?si=1f717cde8a5846c2 Live streaming Copyright License #20714391

Key Passage Matthew 5:27-30: "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell." "Guarding the Heart" The enemy targets our hearts by attacking through our soul, which includes our mind, emotions, and will. He seeks to influence our thoughts, stir up negative emotions, and weaken our resolve, aiming to distance us from God and disrupt our spiritual life. Guarding our hearts means being vigilant over what we allow into our minds and how we manage our emotions and decisions, keeping them aligned with God's truth. - The Pharisees taught that the Seventh Commandment (against adultery) was a matter of outward actions alone. They believed that as long as one did not physically act out their lust, they were not guilty of sin. - Jesus corrected this interpretation, teaching that the sin of adultery includes not just the physical act but also the lustful thoughts and desires in the heart. - Jesus emphasized that sin begins in the heart, and He calls His followers to address sin at its root, not just the outward manifestations. For prayer request, please feel free to contact us at www.globalicc.org/contact To give please click www.globalicc.org/give Cash App $iccglobal Venmo App @iccglobal Subscribe to our weekly podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-christian-church/id1076335656 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mKKhWqCqr7rkXsdsqpgRx?si=1f717cde8a5846c2 Live streaming Copyright License #20714391

Matthew 5:21-26 In this sermon, Jesus brings a critical lesson on anger. He challenges not just the act of violence but the deeper root of anger that leads to it. Jesus shows that anger and harsh words are dangerous because they can degrade the value God has placed on each person, which can cause real harm to relationships. “Anger” is only one letter short of “danger” because danger always lurks beneath anger. If anger is brewing inside you, it will lead to danger, for murder begins in the heart. For prayer request, please feel free to contact us at www.globalicc.org/contact To give please click www.globalicc.org/give Cash App $iccglobal Venmo App @iccglobal Subscribe to our weekly podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-christian-church/id1076335656 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mKKhWqCqr7rkXsdsqpgRx?si=1f717cde8a5846c2 Live streaming Copyright License #20714391

Matthew 5:17-20 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. - Jesus invites us into a deeper kind of righteousness—a righteousness that fulfills the heart of the law through love, integrity, and grace. By living out this kind of life, we become true disciples, reflecting the Kingdom of God in the world. Let us strive to fulfill the law by loving God with all our hearts and loving others as ourselves. For prayer request, please feel free to contact us at www.globalicc.org/contact To give please click www.globalicc.org/give Cash App $iccglobal Venmo App @iccglobal Subscribe to our weekly podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-christian-church/id1076335656 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mKKhWqCqr7rkXsdsqpgRx?si=1f717cde8a5846c2 Live streaming Copyright License #20714391

Sermon Series: Sermon on the Mount, Part 10 Main Text: Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT) “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.' Key Themes: 1. Salt and Purpose: Jesus uses the metaphor of salt to indicate the value and purpose of His followers. Just as salt enhances flavor, preserves, and creates thirst, we are called to live lives that enhance, preserve, and point others to Jesus. 2. Light and Visibility: Jesus describes His disciples as the light of the world, called to shine in a world of darkness. Just as lamps were necessary for navigating the hills at night in ancient times, our presence as believers brings clarity, guidance, and hope to a darkened world. For prayer request, please feel free to contact us at www.globalicc.org/contact To give please click www.globalicc.org/give Cash App $iccglobal Venmo App @iccglobal Subscribe to our weekly podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-christian-church/id1076335656 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mKKhWqCqr7rkXsdsqpgRx?si=1f717cde8a5846c2 Live streaming Copyright License #20714391

Matthew 5:10-12 "' God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.' Three Foundational Elements: 1. God’s Desire: For His people to live in a way that reflects the Kingdom’s values. 2. Paradoxical Truth: The message of the Beatitudes is countercultural – a reversal of worldly expectations. 3. The Promise: Each promise reflects God’s favor and eternal reward, even in the face of hardship. For prayer request, please feel free to contact us at www.globalicc.org/contact To give please click www.globalicc.org/give Cash App $iccglobal Venmo App @iccglobal Subscribe to our weekly podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-christian-church/id1076335656 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mKKhWqCqr7rkXsdsqpgRx?si=1f717cde8a5846c2 Live streaming Copyright License #20714391