NW Valley Times

New City Church Pastor Brian Kruckenberg delivered a message centered on the Sermon on the Mount at Monday's Chapel service. He emphasized the importance of faith and action in following Jesus' teachings, particularly as the fall semester approaches its conclusion.

Kruckenberg drew parallels between Jesus' advice to build one's house on rock instead of sand, quoting Matthew 7:24-27: “And everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man or wise woman who built his or her house on the rock." He stressed that merely hearing is insufficient without action.

He connected this principle to everyday scenarios, such as adhering to parental guidance or managing finances responsibly. "Hearing is important, but hearing does no good if you don’t do,” Kruckenberg stated.

The pastor also referenced the Golden Rule, encouraging attendees to treat others with kindness and respect. "To really build your house on the rock, you have to do it by faith," he said.

Kruckenberg warned against judgmental attitudes and highlighted self-examination: “If you want to build your life on the rock, you will first examine yourself.” He addressed anxiety, likening it to building a house on sand and encouraged students to seek stability through faith.

Citing Matthew 5, Kruckenberg reiterated key teachings such as maintaining integrity and loving one's enemies. He urged sincerity in spiritual practices like prayer and Bible study: “But those are words, if we’re not careful, we’re going to use those out of our own power and not through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

In closing, Kruckenberg reminded attendees that genuine faith requires reliance on divine strength during challenging times. “To really build your house on the rock, you have to do it by faith,” he concluded.

The next Chapel service is scheduled for November 25th online.