Foundation
Foundation: The Words of Jesus
This section contains the core teachings of Jesus—his words as recorded in the Gospels. Our movement is built on these red-letter teachings, not on later interpretations, traditions, or doctrines.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.” - John 14:6
Why the Foundation Matters
Jesus’ words are our ethical compass. Every action, every policy position, every community initiative must be measured against what Jesus actually said. We focus on the red letters—the words of Jesus himself—because they are the source of our authority and the guide for our lives.
“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock.” - Matthew 7:24
Core Teachings
The Sermon on the Mount
The complete guide to Jesus’ foundational teaching. This is where he laid out the Beatitudes, taught about salt and light, explained the law, and gave practical guidance for living.
“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.” - Matthew 5:13-14
The Beatitudes
The Beatitudes are the opening of the Sermon on the Mount—eight statements about who is blessed and why. Each one contains profound wisdom for how to live.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” - Matthew 5:3-9
Red-Letter Teachings
Key teachings of Jesus organized by theme. These are the words Jesus actually spoke, drawn directly from the Gospels.
On compassion:
“For I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in.” - Matthew 25:35
On wealth:
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.” - Matthew 6:24
On forgiveness:
“Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.” - Matthew 6:12
On power:
“Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.” - Matthew 20:26
On loving enemies:
“Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you.” - Matthew 5:44
Jesus as Savior
Understanding Jesus as the central figure—his humanity, his divine mission, and why his words matter.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.” - John 14:6
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” - John 3:16
Scripture Study
How to study and apply Jesus’ words. Practical methods for reading the Gospels, understanding context, and applying teachings to your life.
“You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me.” - John 5:39
Specific Teachings
Matthew 25
Jesus identifies with the poor, sick, and imprisoned. How we treat them is how we treat him.
“Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” - Matthew 25:40
Jesus on Wealth
Jesus’ warnings about the dangers of wealth and his call to simplicity and generosity.
“It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.” - Matthew 19:24
Jesus on Forgiveness
Forgiveness of sins and forgiveness of debts—both are central to Jesus’ teaching.
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” - Matthew 6:14
Jesus and Power
Servant leadership and rejecting domination.
“The rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you.” - Matthew 20:25-26
Enemy Love
Loving those who oppose us—Jesus’ most radical teaching.
“Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you.” - Matthew 5:44
Active Faith
Faith that acts, not just believes.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 7:21
How to Use This Section
- Start with the Sermon on the Mount - This is Jesus’ most comprehensive teaching
- Study the Beatitudes - These are the foundational principles
- Explore Red-Letter Teachings - Find specific guidance on topics that matter to you
- Apply to Action - Every teaching connects to practical action in the Action section
Connection to Action
Understanding Jesus’ words is only the beginning:
- Action - Practical guides for living out these teachings
- Policy - How these teachings inform policy positions
- Community - How to build community around these principles