Higher

Pastor Michael Turner

November 2, 2025

Main Idea

Pastor Michael taught that the core of Jesus' teaching calls us to change our minds and embrace a higher way of thinking as followers of Christ. He revealed that the Beatitudes serve as a blueprint for us to elevate our thinking, helping us to maneuver through life’s challenges by aligning our thoughts with God’s truth. He pointed out that transformation starts with our thoughts, which then affects our being and our doing. As we repented and sought God's guidance, the pastor made it clear that living in alignment with God’s Word and actively applying it in our lives reflects the blessed life we desire. This transformation defined the pathway to experiencing a deeper relationship with God and a life enriched by His presence, urging us to climb higher in our thoughts and our practices.

Scripture References

Matthew 5:1,2, Isaiah 55:8,9, Romans 12:2, James 1:25

What does it mean to 'think like Jesus' in our daily lives?

How can we practically apply the Beatitudes in our relationships?

Discussion Questions:

In what areas do we find ourselves operating on 'worldly software' instead of Kingdom principles?

How does repentance play a role in our spiritual transformation?

What steps can we take to consistently 'climb higher' in our thinking and behaviors?

Summary

In his message, Pastor Michael emphasized the importance of updating our mindsets to align with God’s Kingdom. He addressed how like a phone requiring a software update, our thoughts need transformation through repentance. By changing our mindset, we can experience the blessings of living a Kingdom-focused life, which involves learning to think like Jesus. He cautioned us against deception that comes from worldly thinking, urging us to embrace the Beatitudes as a guide for our lives. As we explored Matthew 5 and recognized the significance of climbing higher spiritually, we reflected on how this not only affects our personal lives but also the way we connect with God's glory and presence. The message ultimately called us to a higher way of living through renewed thinking, reminding us that blessing comes through action as a result of belief and transformation.