Prosperity Gospel?

A few comments on Matthew 8:18-20 “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go”: After witnessing the miracles of Jesus, many folks thought  following Him might be more “glamorous” than it really was. I imagine that Jesus may have received many spontaneous offers like this. We, too, tend to buy in to the prosperity gospel … More Prosperity Gospel?

God’s goal is not to bribe us into obedience

Today we read Genesis 34-35. “Does obedience lead to reward?” asks Coty Pinckney in a sermon, “Obedience and Tragedy” Last week we saw the dangers of putting off obedience. When Jacob returned to the land of Canaan after 20 years away, he should have returned to Bethel, the place where God had first met him. … More God’s goal is not to bribe us into obedience

Lord’s Prayer: more deliverance, more healing, more joy

Today in our reading of Matthew, we come to the Lord’s prayer. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead … More Lord’s Prayer: more deliverance, more healing, more joy

Treasuring the reward of heaven empowers you to love your enemy.

Today we read Matthew 5:33–48. Here are verses 43-48: You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for … More Treasuring the reward of heaven empowers you to love your enemy.