Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the […]
Read MoreTag Archives: Matthew
Love in Three Circles
But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48 Most of us have three major realms of relationship in which we live: an immediate realm of family, an intermediate realm of friends, and a broad general realm that certainly would include some enemies. Thinking in terms of three […]
Read MoreLove Your Enemies
But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those […]
Read MoreTake Your Marital Vows Seriously
But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery. Matthew 5:32 I am fully aware of the unhappiness in many marriages. Having served in the pastorate for many years and having spent untold hours […]
Read MoreThe Origin of the Problem
“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart” Matthew 5:27–28 I find it nothing short of amazing that the subjects Christ addressed in His century-one sermon are as relevant today […]
Read MoreSimplicity Starts Within
“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.” Matthew 5:25 You’ve done wrong? You’ve been offensive? Your actions or words have caused hurt? […]
Read MoreJesus Is the Authority on Life
“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.” Matthew 5:17 Were we able today to witness Jesus’ message in person, I have no doubt that it would stab us awake. Why do I say […]
Read MoreShake and Shine
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp […]
Read MoreDaily Beatitudes
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be […]
Read MoreJesus Brings Blessing
The crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught them with real authority— quite unlike their teachers of religious law. Matthew 7:28–29 Read Matthew 5, 6, and 7. Four observations come to mind while reading these Scriptures, each quite a striking contrast to standard sermons preached today. First: He spoke these words outside rather […]
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