Matthew 5:23-24, “seek reconciliation NOW!” [Listen]

When Jesus shows us God’s heart for his people I am often amazed at how I fall short. Just when I think I’m making real progress, I see that I’m far from where I should be and, as is so often the case, Jesus would move my heart to a place I would never go on my own. Read the rest of this entry »

Tullian Tchividjian shares his thoughts on books to read for those who want to grow. These are books that all should read.

Christian Basics by John Stott

Do I Know God? by (I’m almost ashamed to say it but here it goes) Tullian Tchividjian

The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges

The Contemporary Christian by John Stott

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Designed for Dignity by Richard Pratt

Living the Cross-Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney

Engaging God’s World by Cornelius Plantinga

Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey

Desiring God by John Piper

As I was thinking about last Sunday’s sermon (Matthew 5:21-26), I started pondering the reality of God knowing our deepest thoughts, inclinations, motives, emotions, etc. If this was real me how could I not be undone? I think we would be more Jesus-like if I cared that God sees and knows EVERYTHING. Read the rest of this entry »

Matthew 5:21-26, “murder/hate: God sees the heart” [Listen]

As Jesus continues to speak to his disciples and the gathered crowd, he now shows them how he breaths life into the Scriptures (vs 17-20). And while he does this he will also help his listeners understand if they fit into his kingdom paradigm. Read the rest of this entry »

Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus: the fulfillment of scripture [Listen]

All of human history points to an event that happened 2,000 years ago when Jesus secured God’s vision for all those he would rescue. Jesus made this plain to all who attended the gathering that Matthew referenced in his gospel. Read the rest of this entry »

I’m convinced that if left to ourselves, we would order our lives around comfort, routine, and self-sufficiency – this is who we are – this is how we’re wired – this is the “pull” of the world – THIS IS WHO I AM – this is sin. Read the rest of this entry »

Matthew 5:13-16, “salt and light” [Listen]

Jesus said that those who align with him are, “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”. While many may be accustom to these words, their meaning is truly profound. Read the rest of this entry »