September 2020

Home Security

In Oklahoma many of our houses have tornado shelters, so most of us have thought about what we would grab to take into the shelter if a storm is on the way. Whether they are things with monetary value, sentimental value or both; they are stil just things. In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches us to […]



Inside the Walls

One of the most frequent criticism of Christians by non-believers today is that we are hypocritical. Jesus addresses this in Matthew 6 as he challenges us not to make our practices into a production but to live authentic lives.  



We Will. We Won’t. He does.

There is a pattern seen in the early days of Israel’s journey to the promised land that too often is ours as well. We say we will follow God but then we fail time and time again. More rules can’t fix it. Only the grace brought to us through Christ can give us hope.  



August 2020

Demolition Day 2

A few weeks ago we considered the thought that Matthew 5:17-20 is the most important passage in the Bible about how to read the Bible. Now we will look at how Jesus illustrates that by getting to the foundation of six rules that were familiar to His audience. We continue this week with rules about […]



Did They Ever Call Him Barney?

His real name was Joseph. They nicknamed him Barnabas, “Son of Encouragement.” He encouraged the poor, the powerful, the non-elite and those others gave up on. How could much could we change our slice of the world if we could be more like him?  



Demolition Day

Last week we considered the thought that Matthew 5:17-20 is the most important passage in the Bible about how to read the Bible. Now we will look at how Jesus illustrates that by getting to the foundation of six rules that were familiar to His audience. We begin this week with rules about anger, lust […]



House Plans

The Story of God Bible Commentary calls Matthew 5:17-20 the “most significant passage in the Bible on how to read the Bible.” Since Jesus fulfills the old law rather than abolishing it, we learn the importance of reading the entire Bible with Jesus in mind.  



Growing Up

As our high school graduates prepare to begin a new phase of life, we look at stories of the childhood of Jesus in Luke 2. We can learn from the example of Joseph, Mary and Jesus how to grow in our relationships with God and others.  



July 2020

Curb Appeal

Jesus tells His disciples to be salt and light. As salt and light, we can help the world around us to see Him better. Because of what Jesus does and promises, we are able to be salt and light in our world.  



Different Angle

This week we begin a new series about the Sermon on the Mount. Although the sermon teaches important ways to change our lives, it is most of all a sermon about what God is doing and how His presence changes us. Many will look at the beatitudes as another list of characteristics for Christians to […]