'Gospel of Matthew' Tagged Posts
Windows Into Our Heart – What Our Words Reveal About Us: Matthew 12:34
For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” – Matthew 12:34. When Jesus spoke these words, He told us something simple but powerful: what’s inside us comes out in our words. Listening to the Heart: Embracing Godly Speech. Think about your favorite coffee mug. What spills if it’s filled with coffee, and someone bumps your elbow? Coffee, of course! In the same way, when life “bumps” into us – through stress, anger, or hurt – whatever fills our hearts…
Woven Together: Nurturing Connections in Your Spiritual Journey
In today’s whirlwind of activity and distractions, many of us find ourselves drifting apart from the anchors of our faith, the warmth of our community, and even the core of who we are. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to a life of deep connection. This is more than just showing up on Sundays or occasionally opening our Bibles. It’s about weaving our faith into the very fabric of our daily lives. In part two of our post on…
The Choices We Face: Decisions Every Christian Must Make
As a long-time United Methodist pastor, I’ve witnessed countless moments where faith intersects with the complex realities of our world. Today, the choices we face as Christians in an ever-changing society affect all of us. We live in a time of change and challenge. Our world is increasingly diverse, interconnected, and complex. But as Christians, we’re often called to make decisions that test our faith, challenge our understanding, and push us out of our comfort zones. These could be decisions…
Transforming Your Communication Style
Communication is not just a tool for daily interactions but a powerful force that can transform our relationships and overall well-being. In a world often overshadowed by challenges and negativity, the transformative power of positive speech is not just a choice but a declaration of empowerment and hope. This shift in communication style doesn’t just foster a more encouraging and supportive environment; it sets off a chain reaction of inspiration and motivation. It empowers you to convey your thoughts and…
Avoiding Misinterpretations: Tools for Sound Biblical Interpretation
Understanding biblical texts accurately is essential for a vibrant and authentic Christian faith. It strengthens personal belief and fosters a harmonious and supportive community. Biblical misinterpretations, on the other hand, can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and great harm. Understand How Culture Shapes Biblical Interpretation One key aspect of biblical interpretation is recognizing the influence of cultural context. When approaching challenging passages such as 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, where Paul states, “Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed…
From Law to Grace: How Jesus’ Sacrifice Changes Everything
The book of Leviticus in the Old Testament is a detailed account of laws and commandments given to the Israelites, known as the Levitical law. These laws ranged from dietary restrictions to ceremonial practices intended to set them apart as God’s chosen people. However, with the coming of Jesus Christ, a fundamental shift occurred. Jesus ushered in a new covenant, marked by grace and centered on love, freeing believers from the stringent legalities of Levitical law. This transition is essential…
The Beatitudes as a Blueprint for Optimism: Part 1
In His introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus communicates the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), offering a heartfelt blueprint for Christian optimism. These teachings, rich in spiritual promise, guide believers towards a life of joy, peace, and fulfillment, even amidst trials. Part 1 of this post will explore four core messages, illustrating how these ancient principles remain vibrant and deeply relevant today. Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit (verse 3) – Humility in Success In today’s achievement-oriented culture, success is…
Giving Your All to Your Call
Commonly, success is perceived as amassing wealth, occupying prestigious roles, or garnering numerous accolades. However, from a Christian perspective, a “calling” offers a refreshingly deep and purposeful narrative. It transcends the idea of a mere job or career, pointing us toward God’s unique purpose for our lives. This mission inspires our daily existence with meaning, direction, and fulfillment. But what exactly is a calling? At its core, a calling is an invitation from God to engage in the work He…
Building A Positive Legacy
Christians are called to a purpose greater than mere existence in our faith journey. They are invited to weave threads of goodness into the tapestry of humanity, building a rich legacy that glorifies God, encompassing the echoes of one’s values and actions and a love that spreads through generations. It’s about living so that your life tells a story about faith and love, showing others what it means to be a Christian. We should live in a way that plants…
Count Your Blessings: The Abundance of God’s Love
The Bible contains numerous accounts of how God blesses His followers. Understanding these blessings is pivotal to deepening one’s faith and relationship with our Creator. Here are six ways the Bible describes these blessings and why they remain connected to Christians today. God’s provision is a central promise in Christianity, asserting that God compassionately meets His children’s needs in every aspect of their lives. This divine assurance applies to physical sustenance and spiritual support, including guidance, wisdom, and strength. We…
As Was His Custom: The Habits of Jesus
Walking on this earth over two thousand years ago, Jesus lived in such a way that His life lessons continue to impact the lives and hearts of millions of Christians worldwide. His habits, often mentioned in the Bible “as was His custom,” provide us with a living example of how we can lead lives that are fulfilling, compassionate, and close to God. Let’s explore some of Jesus’ remarkable habits and their relevance to Christians today. Regular Prayer. Jesus often retreated into…
Thanksgiving as a Cornerstone to Hospitality
The foundation of Christian hospitality lies in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the biblical principle of loving one’s neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31). This principle is not simply a moral guideline but rather a command to open our hearts and homes, displaying love, kindness, and generosity to everyone. Christian hospitality is more than just providing food and shelter; it is about creating an environment of acceptance and warmth that reflects God’s unconditional love for us. It is about embodying…
Jesus’ Timeless Teachings on Peace
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27, NLT). This powerful verse summarizes Jesus’ teachings on peace. In Jesus, we find a peace that transcends all understanding, not contingent on circumstances but anchored in the unwavering love of God. In our modern society, which is bombarded by challenges and adversities, embracing Jesus’ peace teachings…
The Courage to Step Out in Faith
In the seemingly disarray of our world today, where uncertainty is a constant, the challenge to act courageously in faith can be intense. However, as we look at the life of Peter, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, we can draw inspiration from his audacious act of faith and courage. The story unfolds in Matthew 14:27-31. Jesus had just spent the day teaching thousands of people, and as the day was coming to a close, He miraculously fed them…
Giving Your Best Effort
The Admiral asked the young officer if he had given his best effort in his studies at the Naval Academy. Though he graduated fifty-ninth in a class of eight hundred and twenty, he instinctively knew he could have done better. “No, sir, I didn’t always do my best.” The Admiral followed up with this question: “Why not?” Silence, conversation over. Those two words became a game changer in the young man’s life. The young naval officer? Our thirty-ninth president, Jimmy…
A Face in the Crowd
In 1957, a motion picture was released called “A Face in the Crowd.” Andy Griffith starred as a drifter who became famous on a national television show. The phrase “a face in the crowd” typically means a person who is not noticeable among a large group. They just blend in with the crowd. The movie follows the struggles of this drifter, known fittingly as “Lonesome” Rhodes. He is suddenly thrust into the spotlight and has to learn how to…
Finding Peace of Mind
Though we all seek to have peace of mind, finding it can often be difficult, especially in times of uncertainty. Fortunately, the Bible provides comfort and security, reminding us that the foundation of having peace comes from a trusting relationship with our Creator. It is a sense of security and the calm assurance that He is always with us. Drawing on the wisdom of scripture is an excellent source of comfort, providing us with a sense of calmness and understanding…
The Power of Compassion
The saying goes, “If you want to understand someone, walk a mile in their shoes.” In other words, this is a call to practice empathy. Empathy is not only a crucial part of being a good Christian, but it is also a powerful tool for deepening our relationships with others. It’s about being understanding, compassionate, and willing to go out of our way to show kindness to those around us. So, let’s explore what biblical empathy is, the importance of…