“Who am I?” is a question asked by just about all of us at some point in our life as we struggle to understand our existence. Since God made us in His image (Genesis 1:26) the answer is based on the “I AM” of Exodus 3:14. When God identifies Himself to Moses by declaring His eternal existence and being He sets the foundation for the existence and meaning of all life, including ours. Jesus also identifies Himself as “I AM” in John 8:58 further setting the foundation of meaning in the eternally existent divine being. Without the Great “I AM” “Who am I?” is a meaningless question with no answer.

For 2010 we have determined to take an in depth look at the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5 – 7. As we study the text we find an incredibly detailed answer to our question “Who am I?” from the mouth of Jesus as He sat and taught. For the next twelve months we will look to the Sermon on the Mount and let Jesus explain who YOU ARE as we explore our 2010 theme - Mountain Message for Kingdom Citizens

In January we will look at Matthew 5:13-16 as Jesus teaches that You are World Changers. With two figures of speech, salt and light, Jesus emphasized the tremendous impact that Kingdom Citizens should make on the world. Salt works as a powerful preservative by changing the composition of everything it contacts. Light has the power to spread out and push back darkness. As you look around at the sin darkened and spoiled world ask yourself “Am I salt and light?”

In February we will look at Matthew 5:17-20 as Jesus teaches that You are Righteous. We don’t usually see ourselves as righteous. If we are honest with ourselves we are all too aware of our own sin. But Jesus makes it clear that in order to be Kingdom Citizens we must be righteous, at least far more than the Pharisees, by having an absolute respect for God and His word.

In March we will look at Matthew 5:21-30 & 7:1-6 as Jesus teaches that You are Pure in Heart. Too many people mistakenly believe that as long as they clean up their exterior and put on a good appearance everything will be ok. However, Kingdom Citizens know that sins such as hypocrisy, murder and adultery all start in the heart. Will you do whatever it takes to be Pure in Heart?

In April we will look at Matthew 5:3-12 as Jesus teaches that You are Blessed. In many ways we live in the most blessed of times; with more physical blessings than just about any other people of any time. Unfortunately, that makes it even more difficult to realize how much more important it is to live as Blessed people in God’s Kingdom. Join us as we look at the Beatitudes.

In May we will look at Matthew 5:31-37 as Jesus teaches that You are Promise Keepers. There is a tremendous need for truth in a society that is overrun with dishonesty at just about all levels. It is no surprise that a book and movement called Promise Keepers has received so much attention in our time, but long before the book and movement of that name came along Jesus was telling Kingdom Citizens of the importance of fundamental honesty in every part of life.

In June we will look at Matthew 5:38-48 as Jesus teaches that You are Loving. We hear so much about love that is simply not true. Much of what is called love today is really nothing but selfishness in disguise. Let’s spend some time learning how to love as God loves.

In July we will look at Matthew 6:1-4 & 16-18 as Jesus teaches that You are Servants of God. The religious world is full of people who claim to worship God, but the real subject of their worship is themselves. If our worship is always about what we like, and what we want maybe we need to learn the difficult lesson that our service is truly for God alone.

In August we will look at Matthew 6:5-15 as Jesus teaches that You are Prayerful. In what is commonly known as “The Lord’s Prayer” Jesus teaches Kingdom Citizens how to pray properly by starting with the right attitude.

In September we will look at Matthew 6:19-24 as Jesus teaches that You are Focused on Heaven. There are so many things that can easily distract us; jobs, hobbies, homes, toys and trinkets. We must stay focused on God to preserve our future home with Him.

In October we will look at Matthew 6:25-34 as Jesus teaches that You are Kingdom Citizens. God’s Kingdom provides safety and security for its Citizens instead of fear and anxiety. Is your life dominated by worry or a sense of security?

In November we will look at Matthew 7:7-20 as Jesus teaches that You are Fruit Bearing. Kingdom Citizens are very productive because they are actively asking, seeking, knocking and entering. We cannot be fruit bearing if we are not active, but we also have to be careful what kind of activity and fruit we produce.

In December we will look at Matthew 7:21-27 as Jesus teaches that You are Built on the Rock. Jesus is the foundation and corner stone of the Kingdom Citizens’ life. Only those who build their lives on Him and His word will stand when the storms of life come. Will you stand when they come?

Have you recently asked yourself the question “Who am I?” If so spend the next twelve months with us as we look at the Mountain Message for Kingdom Citizens. Jesus will give the answer as He explains who You Are. Come along as we learn from the Great “I Am.”

James McClenny