Tuning the Bow

The Bible is clear: there is one way to God. There is no work we can do to earn our way to Heaven, so God made that way possible through Jesus. In this episode, Matt and Tim talk about how there are many things that will try and take believers' eyes away from God, but those evil works are evident. Taking the narrow path of life is difficult, it goes against what most people do, and it does not always seem like the best way. However, when we follow Jesus with all of our hearts, He gives peace and life everlasting.

Passage – Matthew 7:13-23

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What does it mean to ask God for things? A lot of people think it is focused on improving yourself or gaining certain things, but Matt and Tim want to bring a different perspective. God blesses believers so that they may be a blessing to others. In fact, when we treat others the way we want to be treated, Jesus said that this is the main focus of the Law and the Prophets! Listen to how God's blessings are not meant for us to hold on to but pass along for His glory and the good of others.

Passage – Matthew 7:7-12

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Preconceived notions and bias are difficult to avoid, but Jesus does not beat around the bush. In this episode, Matt and Tim talk about judging and how the application is right in the first verse. Confrontation about sin is different because of the desire for repentance and reconciliation. Judgment negatively assumes guilt with no chance of making the situation better, so don't do it.

Passage – Matthew 7:1-6

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"Do not worry about anything" is a difficult command to follow. There are so many uncertain parts of life that cause many parents to constantly be afraid about the future, but Jesus is pretty clear. In this episode, Tim and Matt encourage parents to consider how great and good God is in light of anxiety. God is in control of all things, meaning that nothing happens without Him knowing about it. If this is true, then trust that He is doing what is best for you, your family, and all who believe.

Passage – Matthew 6:25-34

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This world is very materialistic. People want things and live their lives trying to get the most things, but ultimately, there is no joy or satisfaction in the things of this world. In this episode, Matt and Tim talk about what believers should treasure (after an eight minute breakdown of a depressing weekend of football). If your whole heart is set on Christ, then your parenting and other actions will reflect that. Depend on God because He made us to desire Him.

Passage – Matthew 6:19-24

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There's a lot that is going on for Matt and Tim this time of the year. Football season is upon them, but that will not detract the whole episode (up until around the nine minute mark) because they will talk about the difference between doing good and being a do-gooder. Our actions reflect our hearts, and if our hearts are not right with the Lord, then our actions will fall short of God's standard set in the Bible. Let goodness flow from a heart changed by the Holy Spirit for the benefit of your children and so many others.

Passage – Matthew 6:1-4

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There are a lot of challenging things that Jesus talks about on the Sermon on the Mount, and His talks on love really show how far believers need to go in order to love like God does. In this episode, Matt and Tim want to press parents to love better and show that love to their kids. We have not been given ordinary love from God because His love is extraordinary, so take that extraordinary love and give to everyone (even though it's really hard to do).

Passage – Matthew 5:38-48

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"Let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'no' be 'no.'" This phrase is spoken frequently when parents talk to their kids, but what are the implications? In this episode, Tim and Matt break down this phrase and other similar phrases to show that God takes delight when we do what we say we will do or do not do what we say we will not do. Simply put, parents must teach and model the fact that our words carry meaning. Listen to how this plays out practically and what parents should do when they break their promises.

Passage – Matthew 5:33-37

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Honestly, this is a topic few people like to talk about. Not only is divorce a rampant problem in the world today, but adultery can be committed in a lot of different ways. It is easier to just avoid the issue and move on, but if Jesus felt the need to teach on it, then we should not hide this issue from our kids. In this episode, Matt and Tim talk about how adultery plays itself out in our lives and how parents should respond to protect themselves and their kids.

Passages – Proverbs 5:15-22; Matthew 5:27-32

Resources – God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation by Andreas J. Köstenberger
Finally Free: Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace by Heath Lambert

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We're back at it in Matthew 5 talking about anger. Now, Matt and Tim have talked about anger before, but they surprisingly did not use this passage. So in this episode, they break down the implications of anger and parenting. There is a lot of baggage when someone mentions anger, but Jesus is very cut and dry about how sinful anger should be dealt with. Live a life of repentance in front of your family and see how your example can change the lives of your kids.

Passage – Matthew 5:21-26

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