Disciple (n./v.): The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 6:19-34 Jesus challenges our self-perceptions of pride and control. God’s people function differently in this world, not treasuring money and what it can buy. We put all things in to God’s hands, even as we desperately want to grasp it for ourselves. Seek first the kingdom of God … Read more
Sunday, April 28, 2012 What is prayer and why do we do it? Does prayer do anything? What about the Lord’s Prayer? Readings: Psalm 5:1-12, Ephesians 6:10-20, Matthew 6:5-13 GodSpeak Readings for Disciple (n./v.): Matthew 6:1-18 Watch
Disciple (n./v.): The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 6:1-18 What is our motivation to do good? Is it so that others will praise us, or is it because there is good to be done in our broken world? What is our motivation to pray? Is it a show, or a conversation? Monday, April 22 Read Matthew … Read more
Sunday, April 21, 2012 Jesus calls for those in his Kingdom to love their enemies. Think for a moment about who your enemies are. Then think about what is best for them and how you can be a part of making that happen. It’s hard. It seems impossible. Jesus wants us to do it anyway. … Read more
Disciple (n./v.): The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 5:38-48 Jesus calls us to be radically humble and relationship oriented, even if it means we suffer damage to our bodies or possessions. It’s hard, but it’s also true. Monday, April 15 Read Matthew 5:38-42. It is shocking to have Jesus say we shouldn’t defend ourselves. Why does … Read more
Sunday, April 14, 2012 What does it mean to have integrity? We all know people we consider to have integrity, but what is at the heart of it? Jesus calls for us to live the integrated life, one of integrity. Readings: Genesis 1:26-31, Titus 2, Matthew 5:31-37 GodSpeak Readings for Disciple (n./v.): Matthew 5:31-37 [one_half] Watch [/one_half][one_half_last] … Read more
Disciple (n./v.): The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 5:31-37 Jesus continues to expose the hypocrisy of the people’s general understanding of righteousness. The loopholes they thought existed weren’t really there. What loopholes do we make in God’s law? Monday, April 8 Read Matthew 5:31-32. It’s obvious Jesus is no fan of divorce! What point is Jesus … Read more
Sunday, April 7, 2012 Everything in moderation! Everything? How about God’s perfect creation? How about salvation from sin? When God saves us, he does so to the extreme! So should it surprise us that Jesus comes and instructs us to live the extreme life? Readings: Exodus 20:1-17, James 1:16-27, Matthew 5:21-30 GodSpeak Readings for Disciple (n./v.): … Read more
Disciple (n./v.): The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 5:21-30 Jesus wants to get to the core of the issue. The issue isn’t just murder, it’s anger. The issue isn’t just adultery, it’s lust. What’s going on in the heart? Jesus challenges us to get beyond the letter of the law and look to the intent of … Read more
Resurrection Sunday, March 31, 2012 He is risen! What’s the big deal? Why all the pomp and music and nice clothes? What makes Jesus’ resurrection such an item of celebration? Well, our GodSpeak reading for the week actually helps us with that answer. It’s fulfilled. Readings: Isaiah 42:1-10, Revelation 21:1-7, Matthew 28:1-15 GodSpeak Readings for … Read more