Summer on the Mount: Part 8 – Load-bearing Lumber

Summer on the Mount: Part 8 – Load-bearing Lumber

Jesus tells us, "Do not judge." But then, throughout the Gospels, he seems to do exactly that. So what did he actually mean? In this week's message from Matthew 7:1-6, we explore the difference between judgment rooted in contempt and judgment rooted in compassion — and discover what the 'plank' in our own eye actually is.

Summer on the Mount: Part 7 – Do Not Worry

In this week's message from Matthew 6:25-34, guest preacher – Lindsay Stevenson – explores Jesus' invitation to release our anxiety. Not by dismissing our real fears, but by grounding us in presence, belovedness, and the goodness of God. Drawing on birds, lilies, and the Greek word 'merimnaō', this homily offers a compassionate way through anxious thoughts toward deeper trust in God's care.

Summer on the Mount: Part 6 – Words God Would Never Say

On America's 250th birthday, what would God never say to us — but what have we quietly come to believe? In this Independence Day homily — using a device from author William Paul Young (Lies We Believe About God) — we examine three statements of Jesus from Matthew 6:19 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVEF4oIJG84&t=379s]-24 about our treasure, our eyes, and who we serve.

Summer on the Mount: Part 5 – The Little Way

As people of faith, it’s easy to get caught up in the lie that God expects big and grand things from us. But the simple and liberating truth is this: spiritual growth is a result of the little ways of discipleship. In this week’s sermon, we explore Jesus’s words in Matthew 6:1-18 to learn what it means to practice a spirituality that is small, simple, and sincere.

Summer on the Mount: Part 4 – Standing in the Rain

Jesus gave three brilliant examples of creative nonviolent resistance — and then demanded something even harder: love your enemies. In week four of Summer on the Mount, we explore why that command matters more than ever in a culture built on conflict.