The verse where Jesus talks about faith that can move mountains is really Jesus speaking judgment against the Judaism of his day. We need to understand the story because it's a warning about what Jesus is probably saying about American Christianity today!
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It just might be the most important video on Jesus cleansing the temple you'll ever see.
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The story of Jesus cleansing the temple is one of the most dangerous to get wrong.
It's not an argument for violence.
It's not a rationale for violating Christian morals.
It's the reason to reject Christian Nationalism.
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Jesus isn't fair. His kingdom isn't fair. That's the whole point of the parable of the workers in the vineyard.
... and I, for one, am grateful for this unfair kingdom.
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The Kingdom of Jesus operates on principles exactly the opposite of what we would expect, the opposite of what we would want. In the Kingdom of Jesus, you gain by giving. You profit from loss. In this kingdom, you get ahead by serving. The last will be first.
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Matthew 18 isn't about spiritual warfare or about how many people it takes to have a good prayer group. It's about something more powerful than either: Forgiveness.
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What's the point of the transfiguration?
We have all experienced great moments of the sublime, and we long for them to last longer, but you don’t need to manufacture a moment or maximize your moment if you are willing to trust the maker of the moment.
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For centuries, people have been using religious traditions to get them something of personal benefit. Religion can empower selfishness. Jesus, however, calls that evil.
Have you been tempted to use a religious rule to mask your own selfishness?
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Is Jesus trying to confuse people? Is he telling cryptic stories and because he's hiding something from us?
Yes, yes he is. But he doesn't want you to stay confused. He wants to give you the answers, but he wants you to stick with him through the confusion.
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This week, I’m taking a small break from Matthew to bring you a quick sermon out of Hebrews 7. Matthew tells us that Jesus is the King, but the writer of Hebrews takes that conclusion so much further. The Kingship of Jesus means that EVERYTHING has changed.
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Matthew 11 - The King of Disappointment
Why did Jesus let John die in prison? What if I told you that Jesus is the kind of king who will disappoint you today because he has something bigger in mind for the future. Would you still follow a king like that?
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When Jesus sent his disciples out as workers in his harvest field, he gave them a clear message and a clear method. And neither had anything to do with salesmanship or culture-warring.
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Jesus went through all the towns and villages... proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
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Don't build your house on the sandy sand. Don't build your house on the shore. Well, it might be kinda nice, but you'll have to build it twice. Oh, you'll have to build your house once more.
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There was a memorial service today, and my heart was broken for the lack of proper judgment in the difference between good fruit and the abundance of fruit demonstrated by false prophets.
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Let me take this moment to add my voice to the many people reflecting on Charlie Kirk's murder. It comes down to this. If you are a Christian, you are not allowed the freedom to rejoice or retaliate at this moment. Your King told you to love your enemies.
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Jesus promises that our Heavenly Father will meet our needs. Have I ever believed that? What would my life be like if I did really trust that? Would I be more generous? Would you?
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But in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus repeatedly tells us to take action... let them see your good deeds, give them your cloak also, whoever hears and obeys is like a wise man. Following Jesus involves the effort of obedience in addition to the acceptance of his grace.
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The Lord's Prayer reveals a secret that supports everything else Jesus asks us to do. As citizens of the kingdom, we can bless others even to the point of our own loss, because someone else is promising to fill us back up.
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People read Matthew 5 and think Jesus is condemning lust, swearing and divorce, but they are missing the bigger picture. What he's really saying is that in your heart, you need to view others as a target for your blessing not a tool for your benefit.
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If you think of Jesus primarily as your Savior, then you will see him as someone who gets you out of things you don’t want to do. But if you think of Jesus primarily as your King, you will expect him to demand something of you.
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Why does the world understand "Salt of the Earth" better than Christians do? Is it because we have lost the plotline? Is it because we have forgotten the first command of the new kingdom given us by our True and Final King?
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A new episode of my podcast is live now. You are a conduit of blessing! You receive the blessings of God so the world around you can be blessed. That's the way the Kingdom of God works, and that's what you can participate in!
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It hasn't made much of a splash. For progressives, it doesn't go far enough, and for conservatives, it's too far left, and since I'm an unknown, it just hasn't had much traction yet. I'm just hoping some pastors find it and are challenged to change their preaching.
Another insightful review of my book. Super honored to be in the same article as @mikecosper.bsky.social ! Thanks for the review @jonmathieu.bsky.social
@jonmathieu.bsky.social wrote an insightful review of my book. Thanks for the clear, honest, and supportive criticism! You are right that we don't fully agree on many things, but I'm glad to be in the conversation with you.
Had another review of my book!
