Christ City Church Podcast - Christ City Church

Matthew 5:38-48

"I don't like to mix politics and church." If that is a thought you've had before, you may be surprised with what Jesus has to say. Somehow, the follower of Jesus is called to oppose the systems of the world, yet compel the "enemies" who promote them. Join us as we explore what it means to be involved in changing the politics of our times, while inspiring those who set the politics of our times. 

Matthew 5:33-37

Of all the things Jesus seems to have a problem with, his dismissal of making oaths is the most unrelatable as 21 century people. But of all the things he has to say, nothing is more necessary for us to consider than Jesus' push for our "yes" to be "yes" and "no" to be "no." Listen in as we unpack what it means to live with utter honesty and how that shapes us as a people and community. 

Matthew 5:31-32

The topic of divorce was a big topic in Jesus's day. With divorce rates going up, and more couples decided to skip the "til death do us part" bit and marriage all together -- it's fair to say marriage and divorce is a pertinent for us today, as well. Join us as we unpack the meaning of marriage and the impulse we all have to "look for the back door."

Matthew 5:27-30

Jesus is calling humanity to a higher standard of living by insisting that until a person deals with matters of the heart (the cause), you'll always deal with your character defects with extreme measures (the symptom). And when Christians try to deal with matters of the heart with sheer force it leaves us looking ridiculous to the world and offers a bottom shelf ethic that is neither compelling or helpful. 

Listen in as we continue our journey through the Sermon on the Mount and seek for a higher ethic and inspiration through Jesus's teachings.

Matthew 5:21-26

"It's not like I killed somebody!" If you’ve ever said a phrase like this in order to justify your actions Jesus might disagree with you. He says anger, rage and contempt are as dangerous as murder. How do we deal with this revelation? Is there such a thing as righteous anger? When and how much responsibility should I take for being at peace with others? Instead of appeasing our self-righteousness with more rules to follow Jesus takes us to the heart of the matter.

Matthew 5:17-20

A giant portion of the Bible is filled with rules, and we find more rules in the Sermon on the Mount. How do we interact with the Law in light of Jesus? Are these laws merely arbitrary, antiquated rules? Or is their purpose simply to show us how bad we are and how much we need Jesus? What if there's something more? And what if there's something more that can inspire the imagination of the entire world? 

We live in a world driven by power: power over our circumstances, power over our inadequacies, power over each other. Jesus shows up 2,000 years ago and instead is driven by love. This is what makes Jesus so compelling: his willingness to give up power and chose to love, even when he was the most deserving to have power. Listen in as we unpack what it means to live a powerless life, and how that changes everything.

Matthew 5:13-16

When you really listen to Jesus and unpack what he has to say you can't help but be inspired, yet so many people who claim him as Lord have an uninspiring faith. Listen in as we discover what being "salt and light" means, and how it can inspire a world to follow Jesus.

Matthew 5:11-12

No one likes to be hurt. Everyone tries to avoid it at all costs. But Jesus tells us that following him will be painful...and it will be worth it. This begs the questions, "what does it mean to follow Jesus?" and "what do we get out of following him?" Listen in as we unpack these questions and discover both the cost and reward of walking the path of Jesus.

Matthew 5:1-12

While persecution is something most people avoid at all costs Christ arrives on the stage of history and claims it is nothing less than an essential part of following him. He says that, in a mysterious way, those who are persecuted for righteousness sake are blessed and in that blessing will possess the Kingdom of Heaven. In this message hear how Jesus' teachings and life show us that a life lived righteously over a period of time brings persecution as the Kingdom of Heaven crashes into the kingdom of men.