Judging, Reconciliation and Prayer

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 7:1-12

Still dealing with the self-righteous Pharisees, Jesus continues to teach on how our interpersonal relationships should look. He says that we should avoid the self-righteous judgment of the Pharisees, who's ultimate judgment is coming. In addition, Jesus tells his audience to perceive a humble view of self in light of seeing sin in others lives, as well as learning boundaries within relationships and extending forgiveness to others. Lastly, Jesus gives insight into seeking after God through prayer and that our lifestyle should be characterized by a commitment to others.

The Law and Christian Ethics

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 5:23-48

Jesus teaches on the relationship between the Law and understanding what is morally right and wrong. The overarching principles of God's Law are rooted in His character and show where the priority of focus should be in the lives of Christians. This was particularly meaningful because the audience of Jesus included Pharisees that were more focused on following the law versus living out the prioritized principles of God seen through His Law. Through Jesus' teaching, we see that God cares about a lifestyle of sacrificial love, as opposed to selfishly taking from others.

Jesus and the Law

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 5:17-48

Jesus continues to oppose the self-righteous standard set from the Pharisees. Jesus discusses that his purpose was to fulfill the Law and discusses the weighty expectations of the law, including topics like murder, adultery and more. The sermon ends with a call to be perfect as God is perfect, exposing the problem of humans trying to meet God's righteous requirements. Jesus gave his audience two options: obey the law of God and enter into his eternal award or give up the self-sufficient attitude and receive the forgiveness of Jesus for eternal life. Jesus became the law giver and the fulfillment of the law so that we wouldn't have to.

The Sermon on the Mount (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 5:9-16

Jesus continues to speak on happiness as he opposes the self-righteous Pharisees of his time. He explains to his audience that attitudes of: enduring persecution, being peaceable, and living in a way that is attractive to those who do not know God are what can ultimately lead to a blessed or fulfilling life. When Christians forsake selfish interest and focus on living lives that are centered around loving others and reflecting God's Truth in their words and action, our relationships with one another, and more importantly with God, will be very fulfilling.

Ananias and Sapphira

Scott Risley

Matthew 23:25

Ananias and Sapphira were members of the early church who said they were sharing all of their money but were holding back some for themselves. They were judged not for withholding earnings but for lying about it. The dangers of hypocrisy in the ancient church is outlined as well as how those dangers continue with the modern church today.

The Most Deadly Bacillus

Dennis McCallum

Acts 5:1-11

Ananias and Sapphira fall guilty of hypocrisy when they hold back money and place the rest at the apostles feet, and God strikes both of them dead. This account is particularly important concerning the damaging effects hypocrisy can have on the church if left unchecked. When not corrected, self-righteous hypocrisy can: quench the power of the Holy Spirit, inhibit spiritual growth and interpersonal closeness with others, and become more about self-improvement and quick fixes rather than telling others about Jesus. The key to avoiding hypocrisy is having a grace-oriented attitude, where we rest on God's security and are freed up to admit our faults before others.

Jephthah: Bargaining with God

Scott Risley

Judges 10-11

Jepthath's interactions with both his enemies, the Ammonites, and with God, reflect a repeated flaw in thinking during the time of the Judges: religious bargaining. By operating out of a man-made system of relating to God, Jepthath misses the point of real devotion to Yahweh and pays the consequence by having to sacrifice his daughter after a foolish vow.

Gideon and God's Strength

Scott Risley

Judges 7:1-8:27

Gideon's conquest against the Midianites continues as his weakness in the face of his enemies allows God's power to be fully demonstrated. Gideon's understanding of his weakness allows him to discern God's will and direction for him easier. However, after God strengthens him and leads him to victory, Gideon takes credit for himself and his arrogance results in religious hypocrisy for him and the nation of Israel. Christians can learn through this passage the importance of day to day reliance on God's strength rather than our own.

Being a "Doer": Inclusiveness and Compassion

Dennis McCallum

1 Corinthians 1:26-29

When we are not taking our identity from God we create an arbitrary identity through distinctions and setting our identity based on that. James implores us to love others as ourselves, and not show partiality based on distinctions we make in our minds. Being a doer of the Word means going out of our way to love those different than ourselves.