For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. -Matthew 6:32 Sometimes a thing is so visible we do not give it a second thought. Such is often the case with calling God “the Father.” It seems so natural that many of us...
The Transformational Gospel of Jesus #19: Imitating God, Who is a Perfect 10 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. -Matthew 5:48 Of all the controversial things that are contained in Jesus’ proclamation of the good news of the kingdom, perhaps...
The Transformational Gospel of Jesus #18: How come the beatitudes end with persecution? Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. -Matthew 5:10 Jesus’ concluding beatitude feels out of step with the others....
The Transformational Gospel of Jesus #17: Where is this spiritual journey taking us? Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. -Matthew 5:9 Ferguson. Tulsa. Dallas. Immigration. Gun laws. Injustice. Personal civil rights. Toss out any of...
The Transformational Gospel of Jesus #16: Are you seeing God more clearly now? Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. -Matthew 5:8 If Jesus had said, “Blessed are they that are working hard to be good—are morally straight—are aware of their failings,”...
The Transformational Gospel of Jesus #15: The Mercy of Forgiveness Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. -Matthew 5:7 Two complementary ideas can be found in Jesus’ teaching. The merciful are shown mercy. The forgivers are forgiven. These are not...
