Tree of Life

What is the difference between a church that flourishes with the power of God and a church that seems to lack it? The answer may lie in how the earliest church writings interpreted Matthew 5:23-24. This has important consequences for us right now!

Following our message on Matthew 5:17-48, we look at a brief overview of the law from Eden to Christ, examples of how the law of Christ fulfills and exceeds Judaism, an alternative interpretation on turning the other cheek, and Jesus' "Law of Prayer" as practiced by some of the earliest church writings we have outside the New Testament.

What is our relationship to the Law? And does Jesus actually mean our righteousness must exceed the scribes and Pharisees?

Some resources and additional thoughts on persecution.

How does persecution belong to the good, flourishing life? How do the Beatitudes save the world?

Purity of heart is necessary if we want to see God.

More looks at the way mercy is actually used in the Bible and in ancient prayers of the church.

Mercy is the most beautiful word in Christianity. But it it calls to mind images of judges giving you a lighter sentence than you deserve, then you really need to hear how the Bible defines mercy.

Michael Beavers shares the fourth Beatitude, challenging us to pursue a righteous life and illustrating an image of what that looks like.

Meekness does not have a favorable impression in the world. What does it mean to be meek? And why would Jesus require such a disposition from us?

Further reflections and insights based on the sermon "Joyful Mourning."

How can one find joy and comfort in the midst of mourning? While this sounds backward to the world's priorities, Jesus tells us that the good life is experienced by mourning our sin.

What does it mean to be poor in spirit? Why is this considered "blessed?" Does it matter that this is listed first? Poverty of spirit is the first of all the virtues. We all need to acquire this.

What is the good life? How do we gain and sustain it? The world offers many answers. Even Christians have vague notion. But not Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount, He invites us into the good life.

The church did not spring up suddenly and enjoy some romantic and spontaneous season. The church was prepared for centuries through the worship patterns of both temple and synagogue. What does this mean for us and our identity as Christians in Christ's church?

The ascension of Christ to the right hand of the throne of the Father is one of the most overlooked parts of the gospel message. Here is how this truth affects our lives.

Why did Jesus give us bread to remember Him by? As look at the Old Testament and Jewish custom reveals that bread had been a long-standing symbol of God's love and presence to His people.

As we search the Bible for the meaning of Holy Communion, we look at the bread from heaven God gave Israel and how Jesus calls Himself the New Manna from heaven.

Jesus called the Last Supper a Passover meal. But why was there no lamb at the meal? How does Holy Communion stem from Passover? What does this mean for us when we partake in the Bread and the Cup?

What does Holy Communion do for the Christian? Why did Jesus command us to eat bread and drink the cup? This four-part series will explore the biblical meaning and source of the Last Supper. Our concern is not what the Bread and Cup are, but why they are important to Christians.

Why don't we believe in church? Could it be our earthly desires have made heavenly desires boring? It's time we doubted our doubts about the power of participating in Christ's body--both the congregation and Communion.

Why don't we believe in church? Could it be our earthly desires have made heavenly desires boring? It's time we doubted our doubts about the power of participating in Christ's body--both the congregation and Communion.

When Jesus came out of the tomb on Easter morning, He had already been raised from the dead. So what happened before He came out of the tomb? What did the resurrection look like? What did it actually accomplish? This is the story of Easter underground.

Jesus calls Lazarus from the dead. But He also commands us to unbind him. Have we responded to the same call?

Christ enters the arena to show us how to participate in His victory over the devil.