THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 5:31-32 “Makes her the victim of adultery.” (Matthew 5:31) In Jesus’ day, divorce was a one-sided matter, only men divorced their wives. Jesus is not denouncing the wives here, they were the victims. It is the men who legally could take and drop wives easily, for any excuse. This still happens today,…
Take sin seriously!!!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 5:27-30 “Already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28) Sin is not just bad actions, it is an attitude or inclination of the heart/mind. We have a sin-twisted, self-centered nature that poisons how we operate in the world. It starts in the heart, and moves from there to our words…
How will He work today?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 5 “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3) According to Ben Franklin, only death and taxes are certain in this life. I would add one more thing… God. And this one certainty opens up a whole new…
He will provide my every kingdom need!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 21:1-25:18 “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” (Genesis 22:3) God promised a great family through Isaac, and Abraham believed it. When asked him to sacrifice Isaac, he knows its a test – God will keep Isaac alive. This test sounds disturbing to us, but Abraham took…
Twisted, yet chosen!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 18:1-20:18 “Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.” (Genesis 18:18) Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘how odd of God to choose the Jews?’ I find all these stories ‘odd’ or ‘twisted’… Lot’s town wanting to rape the visitors, Lot…
Break the cycle of hate!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 5:21-26 “Anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” (Matthew 5:22) The Pharisees focused on the details of the Law of Moses, to obey its words. Jesus is focusing on the heart – or point – of the Laws… love. We shouldn’t read these words like…
Surpassing grace!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 5:17-20 “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees… you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20) The Pharisees were the most righteous Jews of their day. We cannot surpass their scrupulous religiosity! But Jesus is NOT calling for the same kind of righteousness, only stronger. He is speaking…
His light through me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) This is BOTH something I am, and something I ought to be. It is a great honor to be God’s ambassador, to reflect His light in the world. It is also a great responsibility, with important consequences. Look at Adam and Eve,…
This is THE life!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 5:1-12 “Blessed… for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) Jesus is describing the kind of person that God honors. A meek, merciful, pure in heart peacemaker who longs to do the right thing! Often poverty, grief and persecution will be the result for this person. But also blessing, comfort, satisfaction, mercy,…
Finding strength in the Lord!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 4 “In peace I lie down and sleep, for you alone make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8) In vv.1,6-7 David is wrestling with God, honestly sharing his struggle. In vv.2-5 he is challenging his tormentors, boldly sharing his faith. Personally he is wrestling, but publicly he is standing firm. This reminds…