Stuart Presbyterian’s Podcast

Love My Enemies? - Matthew 5:43-48 - October 26, 2025

Traditional teaching of religious leaders had missed what the Old Testament actually taught about loving neighbors and the implications of texts like Proverbs 25:21 for our interaction with "enemies." Jesus teaching is radical; Jesus is calling us to a love that is far beyond what is common.  Therefore, we cannot demonstrate such love apart from the reliance upon the Holy Spirit and prayer.

Matthew 5:38-42 - Turn the Other Cheek? - October 19 2025

Jesus shares the traditional teaching of "The Law of Retaliation" but then adds his shocking teaching, telling us "Do not resist the one who is evil." Is Jesus teaching absolute pacifism or is he teaching something else? Looking at the four illustrations Jesus gives, this message seeks to understand the context of Jesus' day and how the principle Jesus teaches applies today.

I Swear or Do I? - Matthew 5:33-37 - October 12, 2025

Jesus gives another illustration of how his followers' righteousness should exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. In this segment he reminds us to be radical truth tellers and truth keepers! Oaths really are not necessary for Christ followers for our "yes" should be yes and our "no" should be no.

Purity of the Heart - Matthew 5:27-32 - October 5, 2025

God is serious about His holiness; therefore, God is serious about our holiness. But regardless of our sin, God does not hate us.  God hates what our sin does to us, but God does not hate us. Jesus teaches us the great importance of guarding our lives and protecting ourselves from sin. But no one is righteous, not even one; therefore, no one should be self-righteous. We are all in need of God's great grace!

Unrighteous Anger - Matthew 5:21-26 - September 21, 2025

Jesus makes it clear that murder is not just an external action. The sin begins in our hearts as unrighteous anger and harsh words and insults. Our calling is to be reconciled to our brothers and sisters.  Reconciliation is both necessary and urgent!