The Kingdom in Our Midst, part 2: There for the Asking

We have become accustomed to instant information. Google (and Siri, etc.) provides the answer to any question that might float into our minds. Amazon and other online retailers provide what we need with a quick search and a few clicks (or just by asking "Alexa").

Jesus promises that the Kingdom of God is not too far removed from this idea. The resources of the kingdom are "at hand," there for anyone who will ask, seek, and knock. And we can be sure that our Father will not trick us but rather care for us. And in conclusion, Jesus makes a surprising (but familiar) statement about what this means for our responsibilities to one another as citizens of the kingdom.

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Kingdom in Our Midst, part 1: Three Warnings About Judging Others

"Judge not."

These might be the most famous words of Jesus in our current society. People use this phrase as if Jesus was really saying, "Anything goes. Do what you think is right and keep to yourself." There's a whole other blog post that is needed to dismantle this interpretation, but most of us know that's not what Jesus meant.

So what does Jesus mean here? What is Jesus' warning here about judging others?

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The Worry-Free Life, part 4: Living the Worry-Free Life

What keeps you up at night? What occupies your mind or churns your stomach? Worry is a burden that we all deal with. Jesus speaks with compassion toward us when as he tells us how to be free of the burden of worry and rest in the care of our Father.

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The Worry-Free Life, part 3: The Misery of Mammon

In story after story--whether it's the story of individuals, of churches, or of nations--Jesus' words have proven to be true: You cannot serve both God and Mammon. What does it mean to serve "Mammon"? How do we escape the misery of serving Mammon instead of the Lord?

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The Worry-Free Life, part 2: The Eye Test

How are your eyes? Need glasses? For those of us who need help, we know what it's like to have bad eyes. As Jesus was teaching about money, he made a comment about good and bad eyes. What does it mean to have good or bad spiritual eyes? What does that have to do with our possessions?

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(Note: The recording started a little late)

Prayer in the Kingdom of Heaven, part 6: The Battle

Prayer awakens us to the reality that we are in the midst of an unseen battle that is just as real as the world we can see and touch. Jesus warns us to be alert to the battle and to trust God to shepherd us and deliver us from the enemies that threaten us.

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Prayer in the Kingdom of Heaven, part 5: What (Forgiveness)

Confession is an essential part of prayer. Jesus teaches us in the Lord's Prayer how to ask God for forgiveness. It is the only part of the prayer on which he comments later. What does God expect of us in our confession of sin and request for forgiveness?

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