Climbing the Mountain: Recent Episodes
Matt Brownell
Climbing the Mountain is a weekly podcast devoted to the Word of God and its application in the lives of believers today. Grounded in the Sermon of the Mount, we dive into connecting scriptures to explore themes and implications.
We finally come to a close on our journey through the Sermon on the Mount with some final questions of reflection for Matt, Tim, Jim and Van.
In Matthew 5:11-16, Jesus expounds upon our outward ministry as partners with God, our role in the world. Where the beatitudes described the blessings of those who see their need for God and choose to identify with Him through repentance, Jesus now makes the general specific: blessed are “you.” We may face persecution on account of our identification with God; but, we serve a vital role in the world. Jesus describes this role through two examples: salt and light. Here, we discuss the richness of His examples in their historical context to shed light on their meaning for us today.
In Matthew 5:11-16, Jesus expounds upon our outward ministry as partners with God, our role in the world. Where the beatitudes described the blessings of those who see their need for God and choose to identify with Him through repentance, Jesus now makes the general specific: blessed are “you.” We may face persecution on account of our identification with God; but, we serve a vital role in the world. Jesus describes this role through two examples: salt and light. Here, we discuss the richness of His examples in their historical context to shed light on their meaning for us today.
In Matthew 5:11-16, Jesus expounds upon our outward ministry as partners with God, our role in the world. Where the beatitudes described the blessings of those who see their need for God and choose to identify with Him through repentance, Jesus now makes the general specific: blessed are “you.” We may face persecution on account of our identification with God; but, we serve a vital role in the world. Jesus describes this role through two examples: salt and light. Here, we discuss the richness of His examples in their historical context to shed light on their meaning for us today.
In chapter 4 we see Jesus beginning to preach His message of repentance and good news concerning the Kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount is this teaching in all of its glory and the Beatitudes set the frame by which everything else is recognized. With the Beatitudes we see the heart of Jesus’ teaching. They are both the realization of and the fulfillment of the 10 commandments, which began God’s word from Sinai.
These compact 8 verses illuminate what God considers good for us: poverty of spirit, mourning, meekness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, mercy, purity, peacemaking, and experiencing persecution for righteousness. These are not what most would consider “blessings.” So, first off, the Beatitudes reorder our conception of what God values versus what the kingdoms of this world value. In our trust in these seemingly inscrutable sayings, and more importantly faith in the sayer, we experience healing for our souls: both a filling and repairing effect.
At this mountain top, we see Jesus both as a teacher with His close disciples and as a new Moses giving us God’s word. Not only does Jesus summarize the upward and outward thrust of the 10 commandments, but He expounds upon the spirit by which God’s word is fulfilled through us: utter dependence upon Him and unabashed joy in His love overflowing to others through us. His words continue to resonate, eternally profound. At this mountain, we all strain to hear what the ultimate teacher taught His disciples.
In chapter 4 we see Jesus beginning to preach His message of repentance and good news concerning the Kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount is this teaching in all of its glory and the Beatitudes set the frame by which everything else is recognized. With the Beatitudes we see the heart of Jesus’ teaching. They are both the realization of and the fulfillment of the 10 commandments, which began God’s word from Sinai.
These compact 8 verses illuminate what God considers good for us: poverty of spirit, mourning, meekness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, mercy, purity, peacemaking, and experiencing persecution for righteousness. These are not what most would consider “blessings.” So, first off, the Beatitudes reorder our conception of what God values versus what the kingdoms of this world value. In our trust in these seemingly inscrutable sayings, and more importantly faith in the sayer, we experience healing for our souls: both a filling and repairing effect.
At this mountain top, we see Jesus both as a teacher with His close disciples and as a new Moses giving us God’s word. Not only does Jesus summarize the upward and outward thrust of the 10 commandments, but He expounds upon the spirit by which God’s word is fulfilled through us: utter dependence upon Him and unabashed joy in His love overflowing to others through us. His words continue to resonate, eternally profound. At this mountain, we all strain to hear what the ultimate teacher taught His disciples.
In chapter 4 we see Jesus beginning to preach His message of repentance and good news concerning the Kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount is this teaching in all of its glory and the Beatitudes set the frame by which everything else is recognized. With the Beatitudes we see the heart of Jesus’ teaching. They are both the realization of and the fulfillment of the 10 commandments, which began God’s word from Sinai.
These compact 8 verses illuminate what God considers good for us: poverty of spirit, mourning, meekness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, mercy, purity, peacemaking, and experiencing persecution for righteousness. These are not what most would consider “blessings.” So, first off, the Beatitudes reorder our conception of what God values versus what the kingdoms of this world value. In our trust in these seemingly inscrutable sayings, and more importantly faith in the sayer, we experience healing for our souls: both a filling and repairing effect.
At this mountain top, we see Jesus both as a teacher with His close disciples and as a new Moses giving us God’s word. Not only does Jesus summarize the upward and outward thrust of the 10 commandments, but He expounds upon the spirit by which God’s word is fulfilled through us: utter dependence upon Him and unabashed joy in His love overflowing to others through us. His words continue to resonate, eternally profound. At this mountain, we all strain to hear what the ultimate teacher taught His disciples.
In chapter 4 we see Jesus beginning to preach His message of repentance and good news concerning the Kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount is this teaching in all of its glory and the Beatitudes set the frame by which everything else is recognized. With the Beatitudes we see the heart of Jesus’ teaching. They are both the realization of and the fulfillment of the 10 commandments, which began God’s word from Sinai.
These compact 8 verses illuminate what God considers good for us: poverty of spirit, mourning, meekness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, mercy, purity, peacemaking, and experiencing persecution for righteousness. These are not what most would consider “blessings.” So, first off, the Beatitudes reorder our conception of what God values versus what the kingdoms of this world value. In our trust in these seemingly inscrutable sayings, and more importantly faith in the sayer, we experience healing for our souls: both a filling and repairing effect.
At this mountain top, we see Jesus both as a teacher with His close disciples and as a new Moses giving us God’s word. Not only does Jesus summarize the upward and outward thrust of the 10 commandments, but He expounds upon the spirit by which God’s word is fulfilled through us: utter dependence upon Him and unabashed joy in His love overflowing to others through us. His words continue to resonate, eternally profound. At this mountain, we all strain to hear what the ultimate teacher taught His disciples.
In chapter 4 we see Jesus beginning to preach His message of repentance and good news concerning the Kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount is this teaching in all of its glory and the Beatitudes set the frame by which everything else is recognized. With the Beatitudes we see the heart of Jesus’ teaching. They are both the realization of and the fulfillment of the 10 commandments, which began God’s word from Sinai.
These compact 8 verses illuminate what God considers good for us: poverty of spirit, mourning, meekness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, mercy, purity, peacemaking, and experiencing persecution for righteousness. These are not what most would consider “blessings.” So, first off, the Beatitudes reorder our conception of what God values versus what the kingdoms of this world value. In our trust in these seemingly inscrutable sayings, and more importantly faith in the sayer, we experience healing for our souls: both a filling and repairing effect.
At this mountain top, we see Jesus both as a teacher with His close disciples and as a new Moses giving us God’s word. Not only does Jesus summarize the upward and outward thrust of the 10 commandments, but He expounds upon the spirit by which God’s word is fulfilled through us: utter dependence upon Him and unabashed joy in His love overflowing to others through us. His words continue to resonate, eternally profound. At this mountain, we all strain to hear what the ultimate teacher taught His disciples.
In chapter 4 we see Jesus beginning to preach His message of repentance and good news concerning the Kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount is this teaching in all of its glory and the Beatitudes set the frame by which everything else is recognized. With the Beatitudes we see the heart of Jesus’ teaching. They are both the realization of and the fulfillment of the 10 commandments, which began God’s word from Sinai.
These compact 8 verses illuminate what God considers good for us: poverty of spirit, mourning, meekness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, mercy, purity, peacemaking, and experiencing persecution for righteousness. These are not what most would consider “blessings.” So, first off, the Beatitudes reorder our conception of what God values versus what the kingdoms of this world value. In our trust in these seemingly inscrutable sayings, and more importantly faith in the sayer, we experience healing for our souls: both a filling and repairing effect.
At this mountain top, we see Jesus both as a teacher with His close disciples and as a new Moses giving us God’s word. Not only does Jesus summarize the upward and outward thrust of the 10 commandments, but He expounds upon the spirit by which God’s word is fulfilled through us: utter dependence upon Him and unabashed joy in His love overflowing to others through us. His words continue to resonate, eternally profound. At this mountain, we all strain to hear what the ultimate teacher taught His disciples.
We’re closing in on the end of the Sermon on the Mount now, and it’s all coming together here. Like any good sermon, we have a closing and a call to action; but, it’s such a different ending than you and I may be accustomed to and it was certainly different for His hearers. He’s calling them to listen to Him. He’s not like any other teacher in the way He points so squarely to Himself as the ultimate authority.
What makes Jesus our best judge and hope?
We’re going to explore this question; but, as we do, I believe we will see it is inexorably linked with how difficult His call to action is. And we’ll start here. We’re going to do a few different things in these next episodes. First, we’re going to read the rest of the chapter for context. We want you to hear how each part is connected. Then, we’re going to focus, as we’ve been doing, on the various pieces that make the whole.
Wadi/desert flood — https://www.timesofisrael.com/negev-rivers-rebirth-caught-on-film/
Scripture Referenced:
Matthew 7:13-29
We’re closing in on the end of the Sermon on the Mount now, and it’s all coming together here. Like any good sermon, we have a closing and a call to action; but, it’s such a different ending than you and I may be accustomed to and it was certainly different for His hearers. He’s calling them to listen to Him. He’s not like any other teacher in the way He points so squarely to Himself as the ultimate authority.
What makes Jesus our best judge and hope?
We’re going to explore this question; but, as we do, I believe we will see it is inexorably linked with how difficult His call to action is. And we’ll start here. We’re going to do a few different things in these next episodes. First, we’re going to read the rest of the chapter for context. We want you to hear how each part is connected. Then, we’re going to focus, as we’ve been doing, on the various pieces that make the whole.
Scripture Referenced:
Matthew 7:13-29
We’re closing in on the end of the Sermon on the Mount now, and it’s all coming together here. Like any good sermon, we have a closing and a call to action; but, it’s such a different ending than you and I may be accustomed to and it was certainly different for His hearers. He’s calling them to listen to Him. He’s not like any other teacher in the way He points so squarely to Himself as the ultimate authority.
What makes Jesus our best judge and hope?
We’re going to explore this question; but, as we do, I believe we will see it is inexorably linked with how difficult His call to action is. And we’ll start here. We’re going to do a few different things in these next episodes. First, we’re going to read the rest of the chapter for context. We want you to hear how each part is connected. Then, we’re going to focus, as we’ve been doing, on the various pieces that make the whole.
Scripture Referenced:
Matthew 7:13-29
We’re closing in on the end of the Sermon on the Mount now, and it’s all coming together here. Like any good sermon, we have a closing and a call to action; but, it’s such a different ending than you and I may be accustomed to and it was certainly different for His hearers. He’s calling them to listen to Him. He’s not like any other teacher in the way He points so squarely to Himself as the ultimate authority.
What makes Jesus our best judge and hope?
We’re going to explore this question; but, as we do, I believe we will see it is inexorably linked with how difficult His call to action is. And we’ll start here. We’re going to do a few different things in these next episodes. First, we’re going to read the rest of the chapter for context. We want you to hear how each part is connected. Then, we’re going to focus, as we’ve been doing, on the various pieces that make the whole.
Scripture Referenced:
Matthew 7:13-29
We’re closing in on the end of the Sermon on the Mount now, and it’s all coming together here. Like any good sermon, we have a closing and a call to action; but, it’s such a different ending than you and I may be accustomed to and it was certainly different for His hearers. He’s calling them to listen to Him. He’s not like any other teacher in the way He points so squarely to Himself as the ultimate authority.
What makes Jesus our best judge and hope?
We’re going to explore this question; but, as we do, I believe we will see it is inexorably linked with how difficult His call to action is. And we’ll start here. We’re going to do a few different things in these next episodes. First, we’re going to read the rest of the chapter for context. We want you to hear how each part is connected. Then, we’re going to focus, as we’ve been doing, on the various pieces that make the whole.
Scripture Referenced:
Matthew 7:13-29
In this episode, we continue discussing Jesus’ “ask, seek, knock” teaching in Matthew 7:7-12.
In this episode, we continue discussing Jesus’ “ask, seek, knock” teaching in Matthew 7:7-12.
In this episode, we continue discussing Jesus’ “ask, seek, knock” teaching in Matthew 7:7-12.
In this episode, we continue discussing Jesus’ “ask, seek, knock” teaching in Matthew 7:7-12.
In this episode, we start discussing Jesus’ “ask, seek, knock” teaching in Matthew 7:7-12. We ask why Jesus repeats and even escalates his call to prayer, and why he places no provisions or conditions on the promise to receive what we ask. Along the way, we unpack the role of persistence in prayer and how God uses prayer to teach us about what is good.
Scriptures referenced:
- Matthew 7:7-12
- Luke 11:5-13
- Daniel 10:12-14
- Luke 18:1-8
- Genesis 4:6-7
- Rev 3:20
- Luke 15:1-7
- Luke 18:9-14
- Romans 8:26-27
In this episode, we discuss the troubling-to-many “dogs and pigs” passage. Is Jesus being too harsh here? Who does Jesus mean by “dogs and pigs,” and how are we supposed to interpret this in light of the immediate context that speaks so sternly against judging others’ value and worth?
We live in a simultaneously nonjudgmental totally judgy society. We’re told that it’s wrong to judge others. But, it’s not that anyone has the freedom to live however they want. We are also told what is good, often through virtue signaling, and then, ironically, we judge anyone who crosses the line in the least amount.I think we’ve lost the distinction between judging and tolerating and are now compelled to affirm even if we don’t agree or we will be judged. As Christians, how do we interact in a world that judges the very Word by which it will be judged?
We live in a simultaneously nonjudgmental totally judgy society. We’re told that it’s wrong to judge others. But, it’s not that anyone has the freedom to live however they want. We are also told what is good, often through virtue signaling, and then, ironically, we judge anyone who crosses the line in the least amount.I think we’ve lost the distinction between judging and tolerating and are now compelled to affirm even if we don’t agree or we will be judged. As Christians, how do we interact in a world that judges the very Word by which it will be judged?Scriptures Referenced:Matthew 7:1-6James 4:11-12Galatians 6:1-2Romans 14
We live in a simultaneously nonjudgmental totally judgy society. We’re told that it’s wrong to judge others. But, it’s not that anyone has the freedom to live however they want. We are also told what is good, often through virtue signaling, and then, ironically, we judge anyone who crosses the line in the least amount.I think we’ve lost the distinction between judging and tolerating and are now compelled to affirm even if we don’t agree or we will be judged. As Christians, how do we interact in a world that judges the very Word by which it will be judged?Scriptures Referenced:Matthew 7:1-6James 4:11-12Galatians 6:1-2Romans 14
We live in a simultaneously nonjudgmental totally judgy society. We’re told that it’s wrong to judge others. But, it’s not that anyone has the freedom to live however they want. We are also told what is good, often through virtue signaling, and then, ironically, we judge anyone who crosses the line in the least amount.I think we’ve lost the distinction between judging and tolerating and are now compelled to affirm even if we don’t agree or we will be judged. As Christians, how do we interact in a world that judges the very Word by which it will be judged?
Matthew 7:1-6
James 4:11-12
Galatians 6:1-2
Romans 14
Anxiety is something we’ve all tasted and probably on more than one occasion. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 may sound really odd to us because what He says is so opposite of how we typically react. Instead of dealing with such a strong emotion as anxiety emotionally, He uses logic. He doesn’t focus on the feeling itself directly. He focuses on something else and expects a list of thoughts or arguments to help us feel differently. Jesus makes arguments and expects us to wrestle with His assertions, to love God with our mind and struggle to understand what He teaches us. That’s what we’re doing with Matthew 6:25-34
Anxiety is something we’ve all tasted and probably on more than one occasion. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 may sound really odd to us because what He says is so opposite of how we typically react. Instead of dealing with such a strong emotion as anxiety emotionally, He uses logic. He doesn’t focus on the feeling itself directly. He focuses on something else and expects a list of thoughts or arguments to help us feel differently. Jesus makes arguments and expects us to wrestle with His assertions, to love God with our mind and struggle to understand what He teaches us. That’s what we’re doing with Matthew 6:25-34
Anxiety is something we’ve all tasted and probably on more than one occasion. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 may sound really odd to us because what He says is so opposite of how we typically react. Instead of dealing with such a strong emotion as anxiety emotionally, He uses logic. He doesn’t focus on the feeling itself directly. He focuses on something else and expects a list of thoughts or arguments to help us feel differently. Jesus makes arguments and expects us to wrestle with His assertions, to love God with our mind and struggle to understand what He teaches us. That’s what we’re doing with Matthew 6:25-34
Anxiety is something we’ve all tasted and probably on more than one occasion. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 may sound really odd to us because what He says is so opposite of how we typically react. Instead of dealing with such a strong emotion as anxiety emotionally, He uses logic. He doesn’t focus on the feeling itself directly. He focuses on something else and expects a list of thoughts or arguments to help us feel differently. Jesus makes arguments and expects us to wrestle with His assertions, to love God with our mind and struggle to understand what He teaches us. That’s what we’re doing with Matthew 6:25-34
In this episode we dig into Matthew 6:25-34, the "Do Not Worry" passage. Matt, Tim, Van, and Jim will discuss how to navigate Christian life in a world that is obsessed with money while trusting that God will provide.
It’s my great pleasure to introduce Jim Garten to our listeners. First and foremost, Jim is one of our good friends. Jim is a teacher in our church and loves the Sermon on the Mount. However, what excites me most about him joining this discussion is what he brings to it. One of Jim’s areas of passion is ancient societies. As we’ve observed, it’s important to consider how Jesus’ hearers took His words. Jim is also a great questioner. Jim will lead a discussion on perhaps the most pressing issue of our day: God and money. Contrary to what you may have heard, greed is not good.
It’s my great pleasure to introduce Jim Garten to our listeners. First and foremost, Jim is one of our good friends. Jim is a teacher in our church and loves the Sermon on the Mount. However, what excites me most about him joining this discussion is what he brings to it. One of Jim’s areas of passion is ancient societies. As we’ve observed, it’s important to consider how Jesus’ hearers took His words. Jim is also a great questioner. Jim will lead a discussion on perhaps the most pressing issue of our day: God and money. Contrary to what you may have heard, greed is not good.
It’s my great pleasure to introduce Jim Garten to our listeners. First and foremost, Jim is one of our good friends. Jim is a teacher in our church and loves the Sermon on the Mount. However, what excites me most about him joining this discussion is what he brings to it. One of Jim’s areas of passion is ancient societies. As we’ve observed, it’s important to consider how Jesus’ hearers took His words. Jim is also a great questioner. Jim will lead a discussion on perhaps the most pressing issue of our day: God and money. Contrary to what you may have heard, greed is not good.
It’s my great pleasure to introduce Jim Garten to our listeners. First and foremost, Jim is one of our good friends. Jim is a teacher in our church and loves the Sermon on the Mount. However, what excites me most about him joining this discussion is what he brings to it. One of Jim’s areas of passion is ancient societies. As we’ve observed, it’s important to consider how Jesus’ hearers took His words. Jim is also a great questioner. Jim will lead a discussion on perhaps the most pressing issue of our day: God and money. Contrary to what you may have heard, greed is not good.
It’s my great pleasure to introduce Jim Garten to our listeners. First and foremost, Jim is one of our good friends. Jim is a teacher in our church and loves the Sermon on the Mount. However, what excites me most about him joining this discussion is what he brings to it. One of Jim’s areas of passion is ancient societies. As we’ve observed, it’s important to consider how Jesus’ hearers took His words. Jim is also a great questioner. Jim will lead a discussion on perhaps the most pressing issue of our day: God and money. Contrary to what you may have heard, greed is not good.
Maybe you grew up Catholic or you’ve at least watched a movie where one of the characters is in confessional. The priest hears the confessions and then tells the character to say a certain number of “Our Fathers.” Many church services pray that prayer at some point. It’s the Lord’s Prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13. That’s what we’re going to dive into today. It’s just another one of the ways that this sermon is the GOAT (Greatest of All Time, not a sheep and goats kind of thing). It’s even got the GOAT of prayers in it. I’m going to tip the scales of the discussion from the outset though and say that there is nothing wrong with praying it word for word. You can do that. I do that sometimes and I think about every word I’m saying and what it means. I’ve been to many services where the audience just recites the prayer though, completely dead and devoid of meaning, just performance, which in the immediate context of what Jesus was preaching, not doing your acts of worship to be seen by others, is the picture of irony. There is so much more to this prayer than rote expression.
Maybe you grew up Catholic or you’ve at least watched a movie where one of the characters is in confessional. The priest hears the confessions and then tells the character to say a certain number of “Our Fathers.” Many church services pray that prayer at some point. It’s the Lord’s Prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13. That’s what we’re going to dive into today. It’s just another one of the ways that this sermon is the GOAT (Greatest of All Time, not a sheep and goats kind of thing). It’s even got the GOAT of prayers in it. I’m going to tip the scales of the discussion from the outset though and say that there is nothing wrong with praying it word for word. You can do that. I do that sometimes and I think about every word I’m saying and what it means. I’ve been to many services where the audience just recites the prayer though, completely dead and devoid of meaning, just performance, which in the immediate context of what Jesus was preaching, not doing your acts of worship to be seen by others, is the picture of irony. There is so much more to this prayer than rote expression.
Maybe you grew up Catholic or you’ve at least watched a movie where one of the characters is in confessional. The priest hears the confessions and then tells the character to say a certain number of “Our Fathers.” Many church services pray that prayer at some point. It’s the Lord’s Prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13. That’s what we’re going to dive into today. It’s just another one of the ways that this sermon is the GOAT (Greatest of All Time, not a sheep and goats kind of thing). It’s even got the GOAT of prayers in it. I’m going to tip the scales of the discussion from the outset though and say that there is nothing wrong with praying it word for word. You can do that. I do that sometimes and I think about every word I’m saying and what it means. I’ve been to many services where the audience just recites the prayer though, completely dead and devoid of meaning, just performance, which in the immediate context of what Jesus was preaching, not doing your acts of worship to be seen by others, is the picture of irony. There is so much more to this prayer than rote expression.
In Chapter 6 of Matthew, Jesus begins a new section. Sometimes the chapter divisions in the Bible aren’t great. This one, however, is. We’ve been studying the passage that began in 5:17, how Jesus tells us He has come to fulfill the Law. Then, He warns His hearers how their teachers were not correctly teaching the Law. They had false teaching. Now, Jesus turns to our lives, how we live out our faith. He warns us not to be hypocrites, possessing merely a superficial righteousness or doing your religion for show, essentially for yourself. We’re going to read a longer section of scripture that includes three bad examples of how we should not practice our faith. In the middle of it is this wonderful aside, the Lord’s Prayer. We’re going to read all of the scripture so you can hear it in context; but, we’re just going to focus on the three examples. We’ll save the Lord’s Prayer for another episode.
In Chapter 6 of Matthew, Jesus begins a new section. Sometimes the chapter divisions in the Bible aren’t great. This one, however, is. We’ve been studying the passage that began in 5:17, how Jesus tells us He has come to fulfill the Law. Then, He warns His hearers how their teachers were not correctly teaching the Law. They had false teaching. Now, Jesus turns to our lives, how we live out our faith. He warns us not to be hypocrites, possessing merely a superficial righteousness or doing your religion for show, essentially for yourself. We’re going to read a longer section of scripture that includes three bad examples of how we should not practice our faith. In the middle of it is this wonderful aside, the Lord’s Prayer. We’re going to read all of the scripture so you can hear it in context; but, we’re just going to focus on the three examples. We’ll save the Lord’s Prayer for another episode.
In this episode, we conclude Matthew 5 and share thoughts and reflections from the the first section of the sermon on the mount.
We continue our dive into Matthew 5:43-48 43 to look at what it means to really love others.
We continue our dive into Matthew 5:43-48 43 to look at what it means to really love others.
Disclaimer:
As you know this podcast covers a wide variety of topics, including some intense ones. In particular, in this one, we discuss suicidal ideation and police officers. If this is something that is not helpful for you to listen to, feel free to skip this one.
As we dive into Matthew 5:43-48 43 and look at what it means to really love others, we will be joined by a special guest, Darryl Owens, who is an elder in the Boston Church of Christ and a police officer who specializes in training other officers in the use of force. I can think of no one better to help us bridge the gap between retaliation and loving your enemy and all the thorny questions that usually arise when we study these passages.
As we dive into Matthew 5:43-48 43 and look at what it means to really love others, we will be joined by a special guest, Darryl Owens, who is an elder in the Boston Church of Christ and a police officer who specializes in training other officers in the use of force. I can think of no one better to help us bridge the gap between retaliation and loving your enemy and all the thorny questions that usually arise when we study these passages.
As we dive into Matthew 5:43-48 43 and look at what it means to really love others, we will be joined by a special guest, Darryl Owens, who is an elder in the Boston Church of Christ and a police officer who specializes in training other officers in the use of force. I can think of no one better to help us bridge the gap between retaliation and loving your enemy and all the thorny questions that usually arise when we study these passages.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us God’s heart. The religious rulers and teachers of His day had perverted the Law, creating loopholes to get out of following it. As a result, they effectively became law breakers. Jesus chose six examples of their false teaching and dismantled each.
That’s the backdrop to the following passage, another false teaching of His day:
Matthew 5:38-42
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
The topic Jesus is addressing is retaliation, our urge to get even; but, it’s more too. It’s about the quality and aim of our hearts. How we should think and feel in a positive sense.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us God’s heart. The religious rulers and teachers of His day had perverted the Law, creating loopholes to get out of following it. As a result, they effectively became law breakers. Jesus chose six examples of their false teaching and dismantled each.
That’s the backdrop to the following passage, another false teaching of His day:
Matthew 5:38-42
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
The topic Jesus is addressing is retaliation, our urge to get even; but, it’s more too. It’s about the quality and aim of our hearts. How we should think and feel in a positive sense.
In this episode, we dive into talking about the topics of oaths and vows. We'll examine Matthew 5:33-37 and look at how Jesus' teaching applies to us as believers today.
In this episode, we dive into talking about the topics of oaths and vows. We'll examine Matthew 5:33-37 and look at how Jesus' teaching applies to us as believers today.
This episode is about the sanctity of marriage. We don’t all agree on what the Bible teaches concerning divorce and remarriage. It is a very difficult subject and perhaps another time we will cover it. But, what we all do agree about is how sacred marriage is. We live in a society where almost everyone has been touched in some way by divorce. This is a very painful subject for many people. My parents divorced. It was shocking and wrenching. It was one of the only times I can recall seeing my dad cry. It was like a death had occurred; but, there was no finality to it, no time for fond remembrances, only a living death, a constant dying. Divorce was like an open sore that took years to heal. It left fears in me that took a long time to face. So, if you hear something hard in this episode, please know that we empathize.
At the same time, we must look at it. We need to talk about what’s painful. It helps bring healing. Or, maybe you’re about to get married. Hear what Jesus is saying here.
So far in our study of the Sermon on the Mount, we’ve been examining how our righteousness should surpass that of the Pharisees. It’s been challenging, in a good way; but, none of us has had a wildly differing view about what Jesus is saying. We each bring our own perspective; but, we all agree about what we are looking at. And so, while these discussions have been challenging, they have been very encouraging as well. However, we are approaching a few topics now that will be challenging for different reasons: we don’t see things exactly the same or we draw different opinions about how we should act as a result of Jesus’ teaching. At this point, some of our hearers might be freaking out. Wait, what?!?! You don’t all agree? What does that mean about scripture? Is it still reliable? Yes, scripture is the only solid foundation and no, it isn’t the end of the world that we don’t see eye to eye. Some things in the bible might be hard to understand; but, this is an opportunity for us to exhibit the type of love Christ calls us to have and it is an opportunity for each of us to learn.
So far in our study of the Sermon on the Mount, we’ve been examining how our righteousness should surpass that of the Pharisees. It’s been challenging, in a good way; but, none of us has had a wildly differing view about what Jesus is saying. We each bring our own perspective; but, we all agree about what we are looking at. And so, while these discussions have been challenging, they have been very encouraging as well. However, we are approaching a few topics now that will be challenging for different reasons: we don’t see things exactly the same or we draw different opinions about how we should act as a result of Jesus’ teaching. At this point, some of our hearers might be freaking out. Wait, what?!?! You don’t all agree? What does that mean about scripture? Is it still reliable? Yes, scripture is the only solid foundation and no, it isn’t the end of the world that we don’t see eye to eye. Some things in the bible might be hard to understand; but, this is an opportunity for us to exhibit the type of love Christ calls us to have and it is an opportunity for each of us to learn.
So far in our study of the Sermon on the Mount, we’ve been examining how our righteousness should surpass that of the Pharisees. It’s been challenging, in a good way; but, none of us has had a wildly differing view about what Jesus is saying. We each bring our own perspective; but, we all agree about what we are looking at. And so, while these discussions have been challenging, they have been very encouraging as well. However, we are approaching a few topics now that will be challenging for different reasons: we don’t see things exactly the same or we draw different opinions about how we should act as a result of Jesus’ teaching. At this point, some of our hearers might be freaking out. Wait, what?!?! You don’t all agree? What does that mean about scripture? Is it still reliable? Yes, scripture is the only solid foundation and no, it isn’t the end of the world that we don’t see eye to eye. Some things in the bible might be hard to understand; but, this is an opportunity for us to exhibit the type of love Christ calls us to have and it is an opportunity for each of us to learn.
We are considering Jesus’ teaching concerning Lust found in Matthew 5:27-30. Maybe just below greed and love of money, Lust is one of the top sins of our society. Temptations to lust are all around us. Pornography is becoming more and more mainstream and reaching children at a younger and younger age. It is already one of the biggest industries in the United States, larger than the combined revenues of the major TV networks, more than the revenues of the big three sports (MLB, NFL and NBA) combined. It is more than a $13 billion industry in the U.S. and over $97 billion worldwide. An estimated 12% of all content on the internet is pornographic. $3,000 are spent on porn every second. A new porn movie is produced every 39 minutes. Any way you look at it (and I hope you don’t) lust is a huge industry in the U.S. and doesn’t show any signs of slowing. Millions are addicted to it.
We are considering Jesus’ teaching concerning Lust found in Matthew 5:27-30. Maybe just below greed and love of money, Lust is one of the top sins of our society. Temptations to lust are all around us. Pornography is becoming more and more mainstream and reaching children at a younger and younger age. It is already one of the biggest industries in the United States, larger than the combined revenues of the major TV networks, more than the revenues of the big three sports (MLB, NFL and NBA) combined. It is more than a $13 billion industry in the U.S. and over $97 billion worldwide. An estimated 12% of all content on the internet is pornographic. $3,000 are spent on porn every second. A new porn movie is produced every 39 minutes. Any way you look at it (and I hope you don’t) lust is a huge industry in the U.S. and doesn’t show any signs of slowing. Millions are addicted to it.
We are considering Jesus’ teaching concerning Lust found in Matthew 5:27-30. Maybe just below greed and love of money, Lust is one of the top sins of our society. Temptations to lust are all around us. Pornography is becoming more and more mainstream and reaching children at a younger and younger age. It is already one of the biggest industries in the United States, larger than the combined revenues of the major TV networks, more than the revenues of the big three sports (MLB, NFL and NBA) combined. It is more than a $13 billion industry in the U.S. and over $97 billion worldwide. An estimated 12% of all content on the internet is pornographic. $3,000 are spent on porn every second. A new porn movie is produced every 39 minutes. Any way you look at it (and I hope you don’t) lust is a huge industry in the U.S. and doesn’t show any signs of slowing. Millions are addicted to it.
Before we began preparing for this podcast, I foolishly thought, “Oh, this should be an easier one.” Anger is bad, I get it. It’s not easy though. Anger permeates our society, our political discourse and many, many, many people feel justified in their anger. If someone wrongs me, it’s okay to be angry. Anger, if not rooted out of one’s heart, will grow into a variety of horrible things: rage, violence, and bitterness. So, this is a big one for our society and for our fellowship. We should be welcoming each other and loving each other. Anger though is at the heart of one of the first great sins: Cain and Abel. And, if we are not careful to root it out of our hearts, can infect our fellowship too
Before we began preparing for this podcast, I foolishly thought, “Oh, this should be an easier one.” Anger is bad, I get it. It’s not easy though. Anger permeates our society, our political discourse and many, many, many people feel justified in their anger. If someone wrongs me, it’s okay to be angry. Anger, if not rooted out of one’s heart, will grow into a variety of horrible things: rage, violence, and bitterness. So, this is a big one for our society and for our fellowship. We should be welcoming each other and loving each other. Anger though is at the heart of one of the first great sins: Cain and Abel. And, if we are not careful to root it out of our hearts, can infect our fellowship too
Before we began preparing for this podcast, I foolishly thought, “Oh, this should be an easier one.” Anger is bad, I get it. It’s not easy though. Anger permeates our society, our political discourse and many, many, many people feel justified in their anger. If someone wrongs me, it’s okay to be angry. Anger, if not rooted out of one’s heart, will grow into a variety of horrible things: rage, violence, and bitterness. So, this is a big one for our society and for our fellowship. We should be welcoming each other and loving each other. Anger though is at the heart of one of the first great sins: Cain and Abel. And, if we are not careful to root it out of our hearts, can infect our fellowship too.
In Matthew 5:17, Jesus claims that he has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but rather to fulfill them. If people were not worried about His ministry, that it seemed to subvert or abolish the Law and Prophets, Jesus probably wouldn’t have had to tell them otherwise. It kind of does sound like He is getting rid of it or replacing it. Remember the image Matthew evokes with Jesus going up a mountain and teaching the people who had come to Him from all over the place, people escaping the oppression of a cruel master (disease, pain, demons, and other health problems).
One could say all these afflictions were outward manifestations of our ultimate wound and spiritual sickness at the core of every human, our sinful nature, and just as Israel escaped from Egypt to Sinai and God, these people were escaping from oppression. Only, like Israel before them, they didn’t understand their ultimate need. Jesus is the new Moses in this picture and He starts with 8 Beatitudes that seem to echo the 10 commandments that preceded the rest of the Law.
Is the Law just about our behavior though? Is it to curb our impulse to sin? What does it mean that Jesus fulfills the Law and Prophets and what, if anything, does that have to do with us today? Has the Law and Prophets been fulfilled already or is Jesus still at work fulfilling it? That’s what we want to debate presently. Again, it’s something people don’t see eye to eye on. Some people say the covenant passed down to Israel at Sinai is eternal because God’s word is eternal. Others believe it fulfilled a purpose at a time and place and continues to serve a purpose, although differently now. Still others believe the old covenant is null and void, just as torn asunder as the temple curtain.
In Matthew 5:17, Jesus claims that he has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but rather to fulfill them. If people were not worried about His ministry, that it seemed to subvert or abolish the Law and Prophets, Jesus probably wouldn’t have had to tell them otherwise. It kind of does sound like He is getting rid of it or replacing it. Remember the image Matthew evokes with Jesus going up a mountain and teaching the people who had come to Him from all over the place, people escaping the oppression of a cruel master (disease, pain, demons, and other health problems).
One could say all these afflictions were outward manifestations of our ultimate wound and spiritual sickness at the core of every human, our sinful nature, and just as Israel escaped from Egypt to Sinai and God, these people were escaping from oppression. Only, like Israel before them, they didn’t understand their ultimate need. Jesus is the new Moses in this picture and He starts with 8 Beatitudes that seem to echo the 10 commandments that preceded the rest of the Law.
Is the Law just about our behavior though? Is it to curb our impulse to sin? What does it mean that Jesus fulfills the Law and Prophets and what, if anything, does that have to do with us today? Has the Law and Prophets been fulfilled already or is Jesus still at work fulfilling it? That’s what we want to debate presently. Again, it’s something people don’t see eye to eye on. Some people say the covenant passed down to Israel at Sinai is eternal because God’s word is eternal. Others believe it fulfilled a purpose at a time and place and continues to serve a purpose, although differently now. Still others believe the old covenant is null and void, just as torn asunder as the temple curtain.
In Matthew 5:17, Jesus claims that he has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but rather to fulfill them. If people were not worried about His ministry, that it seemed to subvert or abolish the Law and Prophets, Jesus probably wouldn’t have had to tell them otherwise. It kind of does sound like He is getting rid of it or replacing it. Remember the image Matthew evokes with Jesus going up a mountain and teaching the people who had come to Him from all over the place, people escaping the oppression of a cruel master (disease, pain, demons, and other health problems).
One could say all these afflictions were outward manifestations of our ultimate wound and spiritual sickness at the core of every human, our sinful nature, and just as Israel escaped from Egypt to Sinai and God, these people were escaping from oppression. Only, like Israel before them, they didn’t understand their ultimate need. Jesus is the new Moses in this picture and He starts with 8 Beatitudes that seem to echo the 10 commandments that preceded the rest of the Law.
Is the Law just about our behavior though? Is it to curb our impulse to sin? What does it mean that Jesus fulfills the Law and Prophets and what, if anything, does that have to do with us today? Has the Law and Prophets been fulfilled already or is Jesus still at work fulfilling it? That’s what we want to debate presently. Again, it’s something people don’t see eye to eye on. Some people say the covenant passed down to Israel at Sinai is eternal because God’s word is eternal. Others believe it fulfilled a purpose at a time and place and continues to serve a purpose, although differently now. Still others believe the old covenant is null and void, just as torn asunder as the temple curtain.
The title of this inaugural podcast on the Sermon on the Mount is “Laying Down the Law.” It’s intended as a sort of a provocative double entendre. Is Jesus’s sermon the Law of the New Covenant? Does it supersede the old contract with God? Is it just a new set of amendments? Alternatively, should we view it entirely different? In many ways, it seems a lot tougher than the first contract. If Israel failed with the first one, how can we follow a tougher one? Does God expect perfection?
The title of this inaugural podcast on the Sermon on the Mount is “Laying Down the Law.” It’s intended as a sort of a provocative double entendre. Is Jesus’s sermon the Law of the New Covenant? Does it supersede the old contract with God? Is it just a new set of amendments? Alternatively, should we view it entirely different? In many ways, it seems a lot tougher than the first contract. If Israel failed with the first one, how can we follow a tougher one? Does God expect perfection?