In this week’s message from Matthew 7:1–6, we explore what Jesus really meant when he said, “Do not judge.” Rather than abandoning all moral discernment, Jesus invites us to live free from comparison and judgmentalism by becoming people marked by generosity, curiosity, and holiness. When we step out of the judgment game, we make space for grace—both for others and for ourselves. 

In this episode from the Upside Down series on the Sermon on the Mount, we explore Jesus’ invitation to live free from worry in Matthew 6:25–34. Rather than a harsh command, Jesus offers a pastoral permission rooted in God’s deep care for us — a reminder that we are more valued than birds and lilies. Through personal stories and practical wisdom, this sermon encourages listeners to trust God's provision and seek peace in both body and spirit.

In Matthew 6:19–24, we confront Jesus’ stark warning that money behaves like a rival master, Mammon, shaping our loyalty, vision, and security. We expose three lies of Mammon (earthly treasure lasts, more means you’re better, and you can split allegiance) with practical counter-practices for everyday discipleship. The call is simple and freeing: renounce Mammon’s claims, re-aim your treasure toward God’s kingdom, and let generosity train your heart to serve the better Master, Jesus.

In this episode we return to the Lord’s Prayer and ask, “Does prayer really work?” We explore how prayer forms us—shaping intimacy with God, cultivating worship and dependence, making us forgiving people, and aligning us with God’s non-coercive kingdom of love. Listen in for a practical guide to praying the Lord’s Prayer this week so it shapes who you’re becoming, not just what you’re asking.

Matthew 6:1–18 warns against performative spirituality: if people are our audience, applause is our full reward; if the Father is our audience, the Father is our reward. We unpack how attention reshapes giving, praying, and fasting, why Jesus forbids vanity—not visibility—and why neighbor love is the true metric of devotion. Practices for the week: pray behind a closed door, give without expecting thanks, and fast without announcing it—an “Audience of One” way of life.

In this episode, we explore Jesus’ radical call to love our enemies from the Sermon on the Mount, asking what it really means to resist evil with grace. Drawing on stories from civil rights history, modern peacemaking, and personal experience, we uncover four compelling reasons to love those who oppose us. Enemy love isn’t weakness. It’s a powerful, Christ-shaped act of resistance that transforms hearts, communities, and even ourselves.

In this episode, we explore Jesus’ call to a “greater righteousness” in Matthew 5—not rooted in rule-following but in radical, protective love. We confront challenging topics like anger, lust, and divorce, not to shame but to uncover the heart of God's law: the care of others. The invitation is to become not just morally upright, but transformed people who protect and love those around us.

This week's sermon is from Matthew 5:13–20 and the tension between Jesus’ call to be salt and light and His high standard of righteousness. Rather than setting us up for failure, Jesus reveals our deep need for grace—the missing ingredient that empowers distinctiveness without demanding perfection. Grace, not rule-following, becomes the flavor and light that sets Christians apart in a broken world.

In this kickoff to the Upside Down series, we explore how Jesus’ Beatitudes flip our ideas of blessing on their head. Instead of tying blessing to possessions, comfort, or success, Jesus calls the truly blessed those who know their need, mourn, hunger for righteousness, and depend fully on Him. It’s a challenge to trade the world’s “#blessed” for the Kingdom’s blessing, where life with God is the reward.

This week we explore David's response to the death of Saul and the surprising absence of joy in his enemy’s downfall. We unpack the human tendency toward Schadenfreude and contrast it with God's call to grace, humility, and forgiveness. Through personal confession and biblical reflection, we're invited to become people of mercy—even when the world urges us to gloat.