In these verses, Matthew 5:13-16, we are presented with the responsibility of the citizens of the kingdom.

There are four things that Matthew writes that Jesus said the citizens of the kingdom are to be.

1. The first is to be the salt of the earth.
2. The second is to be the light of the world.
3. The third is being a city on a hill which cannot be hidden.
4. The fourth is to be the kind of light that can light up all who are in the house.

The purpose of being on display before the world is to display the glory of God thru Jesus Christ, which is the supreme purpose of the Christian.

On the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast here is Dr. John G. Mitchell, Matthew 5:13 thru 16.

Our study in Matthew chapter 5 continues with verses 10 thru 12 with Dr. Mitchell.

Continuing on from the Character of the citizens of the kingdom of heaven when Jesus reigns as King of Kings in Jerusalem during the millennium, we now read of the opposition to the kingdom citizens.

Matthew in quoting Jesus' words, for Matthew was with Him when He spoke these words to the people of Israel, Matthew writes of the response of the citizen of the kingdom while being persecuted.

Dr. Mitchell shares scripture that exhorts those who trust Christ in these days, those who are also being persecuted for their testimony to Christ and the Word of God.

Do you find yourself in this position where you are at this time? We can find encouragement from these verses here and now.

Here is Dr. Mitchell on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast, Matthew 5:10-12.

Our study continues in Matthew chapter 5.

The next three chapters, chapters 5 thru 7 are commonly known as the Sermon on the mount. Matthew presents Jesus as the Messiah, the King of Israel.

Dr. Mitchell calls these chapters, "The proclamation of the King". He likens these to the inaugural address of the president of the United States of America. Jesus is addressing His citizens, the Jewish people of the nation of Israel of His day.

Dr. Mitchell shares with us the character of the citizens of the kingdom of the King found in verses 3 thru 9. Dr. Mitchell takes us through these verses one by one.

Dr. Mitchell points out the distinct differences between Jesus' kingdom and rulers of this present age. What a contrast indeed.

Let's turn in our Bible to Matthew chapter 5 with Mr. Mitchell on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.

Matthew writes about Jesus leaving Nazareth to live in Capernaum. He began to preach the kingdom of heaven as at hand. His very presence was a light to that region.

Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, calls His first disciples--Simon Peter, Andrew his brother, and James and John.

Dr. Mitchell says, this is the call to service.

Jesus, then, teaches in their synagogues and heals all kinds of diseases so people from a wide region followed Him. The ministry of Jesus, now, begins in earnest as He preaches the gospel of the kingdom.

Matthew up to this point, has quoted 11 separate Old Testament passages.

The Lord Jesus is the Messiah of Israel. Jesus is ever the focus of Matthew's writing in this Gospel.

Is this Jesus the focus and center of our affection and devotion in these days?

Here is Dr. Mitchell on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast, Matthew 4:12.

In Matthew 4 verses 5 thru 11, Dr. Mitchell gives us insights into these last two temptations of Christ.

The second temptation seeks to entice Jesus as the Messiah to show Himself in a spectacular display and to act independently of God.

The devil even quotes a portion of scripture from Ps.91:11 to try to get Jesus to act apart from God's purpose for Him. But Jesus counters with another scripture from Dt.6:16, "You shall not to tempt the Lord your God."

The devil's third and last temptation was to tempt Jesus to worship him. But once again, Jesus uses scripture, Dt.6:13, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve".

Jesus won the battle and has overcome the devil and his schemes paving the way to Jesus' victory at the cross and the resurrection.

Jesus, What a Savior!.

On the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast, here is Dr. Mitchell, Matthew 4:5.

In Matthew 3:17 God consecrates His Son.

Here Dr. Mitchell says, Jesus is the ground of His Father's delight.

In Mt. 4:1-4, we see the temptation of the Son of God, the Messiah, Jesus. Our Savior was tested as a man, as the Messiah, and finally as God.

Dr. Mitchell says, Jesus successfully proved His moral right to the throne. He points out,-- these 3 temptations are the same temptations Adam and Eve faced in the Garden of Eden. Dr. Mitchell says, We are all tested by temptations as to the grace of God, the Word of God, and the Person of God.

Jesus' temptations show the Savior utilizing the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. After each temptation by the devil, Jesus quotes Scripture to deflect that temptation and to confront the devil with the truth.

Here on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast, is Dr. Mitchell, Matthew 3:17.

Dr. Mitchell continues with Mt.3:10-17 which heralds the coming of the King. John confronts the Pharisees and Sadducees as religious leaders needing to repent concerning their lack of relationship to the Savior and accept Him.

The phrase, 'the baptism of the Holy Spirit' is found in the NT only seven times. Dr. Mitchell makes mention of the three kinds of baptisms written about in the New Testament.

Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan river. At this baptism, Jesus identifies Himself with the nation of Israel, thus fulfilling all righteousness. Dr. Mitchell gives us three reasons why the sinless Jesus needed to be baptized.

At this baptism, we can hear the voice of God the Father to His Son, "This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." God both identifies & commends His Son for all to hear.

Here is Dr. Mitchell on the Unchanging Word Bible broadcast, Matthew 3:10.

Matthew chapter 3 verses 1 thru 10 will be looking at John the Baptist, as he is presented by Matthew.

This man came both preaching and baptizing. He preached repentance and the coming of the kingdom which was at hand. He was preparing the way for the coming of the King, who was Jesus.

Matthew makes note of the fact that this John the Baptist, in verse 3, is the one Isaiah prophesied about. So Matthew quotes Isaiah 40 verse 3. From a total of 62 quotes from the Old Testament, found in Matthew, this the 6th one so far.

Dr. Mitchell shares how John the Baptist confronts the religious leaders of his day. He wanted them to show real repentance, not mere empty profession.

Let's turn to Matthew chapter 3 verse one with Dr. Mitchell, here on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.