Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus' focus is not on a "do this, and don't do that" list of things to be righteous. But His focus is on a mindset that will be in the Kingdom of God. Jesus shares, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.  You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16) Throughout Matthew chapter 5 Jesus pressed those listening to His sermon to consider if they were just ticking off a checklist of items to be righteous, or if they were examining the motivations for their lives. In this passage, Jesus addresses a series of statements saying, "You have heard that it was said..." and then broadens the way in which the law should be applied and the depth that a follower of Jesus needs to go in their life.

Mike Phelps

Pastor, United Church of God

Michael Phelps and his wife Laura, and daughter Kelsey, attend the Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Flint Michigan congregations, where Michael serves as pastor.  Michael and Laura both grew up in the Church of God.  They attended Ambassador University in Big Sandy for two years (1994-96) then returned home to complete their Bachelor's Degrees.  Michael enjoys serving in the local congregations as well as with the pre-teen and teen camp programs.  He also enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, and running.