Worry-Free Living, Part 2

Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:33–34 Do you really want to live a worry-free life? I mean, are you serious about getting […]

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Worry-Free Living, Part 1

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life— whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. […]

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Fasting

“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.” Matthew 6:16 Just as Jesus dealt with giving and praying, He now deals […]

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Prayer Made Simple

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 […]

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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 […]

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Love 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 […]

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Take 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 […]

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The 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 […]

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Simplicity 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? […]

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Jesus 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 […]

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