The Upside-Down Kingdom is a three-part podcast series exploring Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. Together, we look at how Jesus redefines blessing, power, and righteousness—calling his followers into a way of life shaped not by success or control, but by mercy, integrity, trust, and love.

Head, Heart and Hands... by Dennis P Hollinger: https://shorturl.at/AlE2u
Disciplines of the Spirit by Howard Thurman: https://tinyurl.com/4r2zdpd8

Discussion Questions — Episode 2

1. Why do you think Jesus insists he fulfills the Law instead of replacing it?
2. Which of Jesus’ reinterpretations feels most challenging?
3. Where do you notice yourself defaulting to rule-keeping instead of heart change?
4. How does moving righteousness inward feel freeing — or frightening?
5. What might “enemy love” look like in everyday life, not ideal scenarios?

Guest Pastor Rich Perez preaches from Matthew 5 on how Jesus teaches us the true meaning of righteousness, calling us to live as salt and light through lives formed by God’s kingdom.

These monthly podcasts are spaces of prayer crafted around the themes and rhythms of Neighborhood Groups, but they are designed to be used individually or in groups. This month, we remember, reflect, and respond prayerfully with the text of The Beatitudes. 

The Upside-Down Kingdom is a three-part podcast series exploring Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. Together, we look at how Jesus redefines blessing, power, and righteousness—calling his followers into a way of life shaped not by success or control, but by mercy, integrity, trust, and love.

Show Notes
- David Roth Sermon: https://share.transistor.fm/s/1e0eb87f
- Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle: https://shorturl.at/T4J2Z

Discussion Questions
1. When you hear the word blessed, what images or assumptions come to mind?
2. Which Beatitude feels hardest to accept as truly “blessed”?
3. How does Jesus’ definition of blessing challenge cultural ideas of success?
4. Where in your life might God be closer than you expected — precisely because of weakness or loss?
5. What would change if you believed blessing was about nearness to God rather than comfort?

Associate Priest Ginny Seibel preaches on the Beatitudes, showing how Jesus stands inside the Old Testament story and gathers its deepest hopes into blessing.

Rector Amy Winkle preaches from John 1 on Jesus's invitation for us to come and see where he dwells while we invite him into our homes as well.

Associate Priest Ginny Seibel peaches on Jesus’ baptism and what it means for his identity and ours.

These monthly podcasts are spaces of prayer crafted around the themes and rhythms of Neighborhood Groups, but they are designed to be used individually or in groups. This month, Community Pastor Karen Guess leads an Epiphany Prayer of Examen with our Neighborhood Group pattern of remembering, reflecting, and responding.

Rector Amy Winkle leads a discussion of Matthew 2 about the Magi looking for and encountering Jesus.

Rector Amy Winkle preaches from Isaiah 7 on how the promise of Jesus' coming and of God with us broadens our imaginations and leads us out of fear.