University Passage

Each year, our community selects Scripture to guide us forward, bring us together, and center our hearts on Christ. For this academic year we will turn our attention to Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount) as our guiding passage. The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus' longest continuous sermon recorded in Scripture and represents an introduction to Kingdom values that radically challenges social and spiritual norms, inviting disciples to pursue a deeper level of faithfulness. We hope you commit time to engaging with this passage for personal and communal growth and we look forward to studying together in chapels this year.

Excerpts from Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount)

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10, NIV)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16, NIV)

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13, NIV)

“This, then, is how you should pray:

‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’”

Recent University Passages

  • 2021-22 Exodus 16 and Matthew 4
  • 2020-21 Romans 12
  • 2019-20 John 14
  • 2018-19: Isaiah 53 and Philippians 2:1-11
  • 2017-18: Micah 6:8 and Acts 2:42-47
  • 2016-17: Romans 12
  • 2015-16: Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and Mark 12:28-34
  • 2014-15: I AM Statements from the Gospel of John
  • 2013-14: Ephesians 4
  • 2012-13: James 2
Full Menu