Jesus continues to reestablish the law in all its clarity. In these verses, He addresses sexual immorality. What is the real problem? What are places in our lives that are ruling us, and affecting our relationships with God and others? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=17620235
Podcast: Matthew 5:23-26
In these verses, Jesus guides us to reset our thinking about our relationship with God and others, on the basis of how we see ourselves under the law. Are we self-righteous, or honest about our condition under the law? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=17589704
Redemption from the inside out
What does it mean when we are more afraid of what is outside of us than what is inside? Look at Mark 7. The terrifying catalog of evil that Jesus describes here comes from our own corrupt hearts. The magnitude of God’s love and power to save me is not realized until I see that … Continue reading Redemption from the inside out
Podcast: Matthew 5:21-22
Jesus starts on a refrain that He continues for the rest of the chapter: “You have heard that it was said to those of old … but I say to you…”. What is His point with these statements, and how can it transform our thinking, both about ourselves and others? How can we be ambassadors … Continue reading Podcast: Matthew 5:21-22
Podcast: Matthew 5:17-20
What do we do with the Law? How are we to understand it? Jesus articulates this in these verses from the Sermon on the Mount. That's what we'll discuss in this episode. https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=17515322
Podcast: Matthew 5:11-16
At the end of the beatitudes, the tone shifts to being persecuted. How are to be encouraged by Jesus' promises in these verses? Where else is “salt” mentioned in the Bible? What uses does salt have, and how can we can apply that idea to our lives? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=17479166
What do I do when I’m afraid?
When you listen to the news, or get a disturbing update from family or friends, do you ever become really afraid? God’s response is the same every time. Remember what is true: God loves me; the Son of God took human nature to Himself and lived for me, even to the point of crucifixion and … Continue reading What do I do when I’m afraid?
Podcast: Matthew 5:1-12
This passage is the beginning of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, the beatitudes. How can we understand these? What do "blessed" and "happy" mean in the Greek text? And "poor in spirit"?? How can we understand the first beatitude? It's important to consider these with a biblical worldview. Listen to more about this worldview from … Continue reading Podcast: Matthew 5:1-12
Podcast: Matthew 4:18-25
Jesus begins to call His disciples. What is notable about this passage and these men? How will God will use their experiences and background for extending His kingdom? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=17428511
Thoughts for the New Year
Has 2020 improved our vision? Will our lives be that much different at 12:01 on January 1, 2021? Everyone (except Amazon, mask makers, and Plexiglas makers) is looking forward to vaccinations and a return to life as usual. But will relief and joy for a recovery from 2020 quickly be overshadowed by fear, worry, or … Continue reading Thoughts for the New Year