Fulfilling the Law of God - Pastor Dave Klassen
In a world that often resists the message of Christ, God is calling each of us to step out boldly and live as citizens of His kingdom, wherever He has placed us. The call is not to imitate the unique ministry of someone like Charlie Kirk, but to be faithful and unashamed in our own spheres, letting the light of Christ shine through our lives. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, defines what it means to be a citizen of heaven: humble, gentle, surrendered, merciful, pure in heart, and a peacemaker. Yet, He also warns that living out these qualities will inevitably bring opposition and even persecution, just as it did for Him.
We are called to be both salt and light in the world. Salt preserves and flavors, but it also stings when it touches a wound—our testimony may sometimes irritate those who are resistant to the truth. Light, on the other hand, exposes and guides, drawing those who are open to the truth. The challenge is to not hide our light or lose our saltiness, but to live authentically and courageously for Christ.
Jesus makes it clear that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. The Old Testament remains valid and reveals the heart and standards of God. However, Jesus confronts the legalism of the Pharisees, who focused on outward obedience while neglecting the heart. True righteousness, the kind that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, is not about perfect rule-keeping, which is impossible for any of us. Even if we could keep every law from this day forward, our past sins would still condemn us. The law points us to our need for a Savior.
The heart of God’s desire is not mere external compliance, but a renewed heart that loves Him and others deeply. Jesus summarizes the law in two commands: love God with all your heart, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. This love is only possible through surrender to Christ, who alone can deal with our sin and give us new life. The law serves as a guide, but the power to live as true citizens of heaven comes from a genuine relationship with Jesus. God desires our whole heart, and He calls us to let His love and truth shine through us, wherever we are.