Sermon September 7th 2025

1. The sermon describes Jesus's choice of disciples and his teachings on poverty as an "upside down way of understanding the kingdom of God." Analyze this concept using specific examples from the text, explaining how it challenges conventional ideas of worldly success and strength.2. Discuss the symbolism of the "mountain" as presented in the sermon. How does Jesus's experience on the mountainside serve as a model for a believer's spiritual life, and what is the significance of him coming "down from the mountain" to minister to the people?3. The service includes numerous personal prayer requests and praise reports, ranging from health crises to new jobs and spiritual growth. How do these shared experiences reflect the broader themes of suffering, hope, and community discussed in the sermon's interpretation of Luke 6 (e.g., "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh")?4. Explore the theme of discipleship as presented throughout the entire source text. What does it mean to "follow Jesus," according to the sermon's message, the personal testimonies, and the lyrics of the songs sung during the service?5. The sermon states that the disciples "left their livelihoods to follow Jesus." How does this act of profound sacrifice connect to the blessings Jesus promises to the poor, the hungry, and those who are rejected for his name's sake in the Beatitudes?