In the much-quoted Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Brothers and sisters, you don’t actually believe beliefs that don’t change how you live. Notes: … Continue reading Beliefs that change how you live
sermon on the mount
Jim Carrey’s wish
Recently my wife Laura came across a quote by actor Jim Carrey: “I think everyone should get rich and famous and do everything they dreamed of so they can see that it is not the answer.” Imagine that scenario playing out. Everyone gets rich. Then they get famous. They do whatever they want. They assume … Continue reading Jim Carrey’s wish
The narrow gate
Life contains a baffling number of choices. But Jesus said: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). This is the word of … Continue reading The narrow gate
Great is your reward… in heaven
Jesus said: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…” (Matthew 5:11-12). I’d like to share a comforting thought. You might not think it’s very comforting at first, but hear me … Continue reading Great is your reward… in heaven
A few of our favourite things?
My friend and colleague Jeff Loach told a story about Ray Stedman, a pastor from the 20th century. It’s one of those stories that helps us gain some perspective about priorities. Stedman flew to a town for a speaking engagement but the airline lost his luggage. Those were the days when preachers didn’t speak without … Continue reading A few of our favourite things?
Doing unto others—together
There’s a story about two brothers. They farmed together, split the work, and split the profits. Each had their own granary. One of the brothers had a family—he was married with some children. The other brother was single. One day the brother who was single and lived by himself thought: ‘If is not fair that … Continue reading Doing unto others—together
The plank in your own eye
The fundamental no-no in contemporary society is “being judgmental.” Unfortunately some people accuse others of “being judgmental” as a way of silencing what they have to say (no matter what they have to say), or as a way of shaming them into submission about what is happening. It can be a way of saying, ‘You’re … Continue reading The plank in your own eye
The measure you use will be measured to you
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” That’s what Jesus says in Matthew 7:1. If you judge, then you will also be judged by God. He goes on to explain further in verse 2: “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it … Continue reading The measure you use will be measured to you
You can’t stand on quicksand
Yesterday I said that wisdom is hearing Jesus’ words and putting them into practice. Sounds good, right? But it also sounds STABILIZING. Here’s why.
What does it mean to be wise, anyway? [Plus, new book announcement!]
Yesterday I said that when you gorge on information, you’re too full for wisdom. But what does it mean to be wise, anyway? Fear not. We don’t have to guess. Jesus tells us.
