Where is Your Trust?Joe WilsonI have an important question to which we all need to truthfully examine ourselves and answer. Take a moment and ask yourself, “Do I really trust God?” Now, most of us, if we are being honest will say, “Absolutely, without a doubt.” Okay, keep that thought. Think about that person who just gets under your skin, that person who takes the contradictory point of view to e...  Read More

Loving Enemies Through PrayerJoanna MontgomeryIn Matthew 5:44, Christ states we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Our human reaction to enemies is much different than what Christ requires. The flesh is much easier to follow, but as always, Christ’s way proves to be much better for us.I am thankful I have not had many true enemies. I have had people who may not have liked...  Read More

The ParadoxJeannie Yates“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.” - Thumper (from the movie “Bambi”)Do you remember hearing this from your parents? Or maybe you were the one saying it! It sounds like really good advice; “If you cannot respond with kindness, keep your mouth shut!” That has to be in the Bible somewhere, right?We know we are supposed to love our neighbors. That was...  Read More

FlippedPastor Ryan StoryThe entire focal point of the Sermon on the Mount is meant to show those who are wishing to follow Jesus how to live. I am excited that we, as a church, are spending so much time reading the words of our Savior’s sermon. The reality is nothing Jesus ever taught was “culturally normal.” Everything Jesus ever taught was meant to push to that counter-cultural aspect of living....  Read More

Speaking Well of OthersPastor Chuck Lindsey“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rai...  Read More

The Ultimate ExampleMitchell HolmesThe concept of enemies is such an interesting one in our culture; I am hard-pressed to come up with someone that I truly, vehemently despise to the point that I would classify them as my enemy. The term “enemy,” to me, seems like something that might refer to your opponent in a war or large conflict of some kind. This is the type of person that the mere sight of ...  Read More

Unwritten RulesPhilip PiaseckiBaseball is one of my favorite sports. There is just something special about getting down to the ballpark on a warm spring day to watch a game. One of the interesting things about baseball is the “unwritten rules” of the game. There are all these things that are not actually rules but are expectations for teams and players to follow. One common “rule” is how you are s...  Read More

God's Grace and GenerosityKeaton Washburn“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to t...  Read More

Legion of AngelsAdam Moore“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs...  Read More

ConsequencesJeremy SmithIn psychology, they teach about consequences. I always thought of a consequence as a negative or a punishment to replace my own actions. In reality, the consequence can be a negative or positive reaction. Similarly, retaliation has the same attribute. Jesus lays out in Matthew 5:38, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’” He says we a...  Read More

FairnessGary Wright“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from y...  Read More

Retaliatory AggressionJoe Wilson“Ye have heard that it hath been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Gi...  Read More