Equipoise

In today's episode, we follow Jesus down the mountain and watch as he encounters a leper. Hint: There's a reason why Matthew included this story as the very first encounter Jesus had after the Sermon on the Mount. You'll love this.

Here's the "scary" passage where Jesus tells people who (some say) thought they had it made but weren't known by Jesus on Judgment Day. What does it mean, and should it scare us? Have a listen!

What sets Jesus' "Golden Rule" apart from Confucius or the Hippocratic Oath? And why is it so important?

Why does God seem to not answer prayers despite Jesus' apparent promise that he would, without fail? What's happening in this text? Have a listen.

Ah, the phrase "Judge Not," used in many more ways than Jesus ever meant it to be used! So what did Jesus mean? Have a listen!

What does Jesus say about worry? Why would he bother addressing this in the midst of talking about idols and serving God over mammon? Have a listen.

In this text, Matthew records Jesus' teaching about moths and thieves and...how the light of the body is the eye? Some of this is clear, and some of it is a little puzzling. Have a listen to hear what Jesus said, what it meant, and how it applies to you today.

Today, we finish up our study of Matthew's rendition of Jesus' model prayer. Have a listen!

The Lord's Prayer - one of the best-loved and well-known prayers of all time. But do we pray this prayer, like Jesus said to do? And why should we? What does it even mean? Have a listen!

Are humans capable of doing something good without being a Christian? Many say "no." Others say "yes." There's definitely a balance. Have a listen!

Yes, I finally did one on Israel. I hope this brief episode sheds some light on how we're to see Israel through a Biblical lens.

Jesus said a lot about how to give, pray, and fast. But what was the point? Have a listen.

In this final Kingdom Ethic, Jesus revolutionizes everything. No, seriously: everything.

I'm a Protestant, but I went to a Roman Catholic mass. Here's how it went.

Are there common denominators to poorly-held and indefensible theological positions? I think there are, and I talk about them here.

How does Jesus say his followers respond to violence, theft, slander, and injustice? Have a listen!

What does Jesus say about oaths, promises, and spin? Have a listen!

What does Jesus say about marriage and divorce? While we won't tackle particulars until we get to Matthew 19, here's a glimpse of Jesus' mind on the issue.

How does Jesus approach the issue of lust? Very, very seriously. And for good reason, too. Have a listen!

In this text, Jesus helps us see that anger -- no matter to whom it's directed or why -- isn't something to be nursed. It's something to be evicted in the strongest of terms.

What does it mean that Jesus didn't come to abolish the law but to fulfill it? And what does it mean that our righteousness has to exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees if we're to enter the Kingdom? Have a listen!

We're told not to "try to be" salt and light, but rather that we ARE, in fact, salt and light as Christians. That is our identity. Have a listen!

As we wrap up the Beatitudes, we take a look at what it means to be persecuted as well as zooming out and looking at the beatitudes as a whole...and seeing Jesus there.

In this episode, I discuss whether or not pacifism is Biblically tenable, and -- if so -- whether it is the way of Christ or simply an option.

What does the rich young ruler have to do with the beatitudes? In short, I think he helps us understand the inverse of the people whom Jesus was welcoming into his Kingdom in today's blessings: the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers. Have a listen!