In this text, Jesus helps us see that anger -- no matter to whom it's directed or why -- isn't something to be nursed. It's something to be evicted in the strongest of terms.

What does it mean that Jesus didn't come to abolish the law but to fulfill it? And what does it mean that our righteousness has to exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees if we're to enter the Kingdom? Have a listen!

We're told not to "try to be" salt and light, but rather that we ARE, in fact, salt and light as Christians. That is our identity. Have a listen!

As we wrap up the Beatitudes, we take a look at what it means to be persecuted as well as zooming out and looking at the beatitudes as a whole...and seeing Jesus there.

In this episode, I discuss whether or not pacifism is Biblically tenable, and -- if so -- whether it is the way of Christ or simply an option.

What does the rich young ruler have to do with the beatitudes? In short, I think he helps us understand the inverse of the people whom Jesus was welcoming into his Kingdom in today's blessings: the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers. Have a listen!

What does it mean to "hunger and thirst after righteousness?" And what does it mean to "mourn" or be "meek?" Is it possible that we've quite possibly misunderstood what Jesus meant? I think we largely have in the modern West. Have a listen!

What does it mean to be "poor in spirit?" Further, what does it mean that Jesus blessed them? Have a listen!

In this brief introduction to Matthew 5 and the Sermon on the Mount, we'll ask a couple of questions of the text and pursue balance. Also, please forgive my voice and poor microphone performance!

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Is it some optional "add-on" for super-Christians? Or does it mean something else entirely? Have a listen!