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