Tag Archives: sermon on the mount

187- Power will NOT like this

“Are you free enough to speak truth to power?”

That’s a loaded question. Most people, if they are honest, will have to admit they are not. We are free enough to “like” a meme posted on social media. We are free enough voice our opinion when it’s safe to do so, but we are not free to “rock the boat” within our places of employment, our family dynamics, our social structures, our religious frameworks, or our government.

In today’s podcast and post, we continue our look at the sermon on the mount and we examine the punchline statement of the whole thing. Join me now as we see beyond what we thought was persecution, and into the disappointing reality that exposes our lives being lived in captivity.

186- Happy Suffering

“What is your solution to the suffering in the world?”

Most people recognize the enormity of suffering and feel as though they are too small to make a difference. Thus we look to governments, religions or scientific fixes that might be big enough to eliminate suffering. 

What if suffering has a purpose? What if there was a way to deal with suffering that didn’t avoid it, but transformed it into something beautiful?  Join me now as we see beyond the beatitudes into exactly what it means to experience happy suffering.

185-Blessing evokes gag reflex…

“What is your response when someone says they are “blessed?”

For many modern people, we are triggered by this phrase. I think it’s because our culture has made blessed synonymous with material gain or prosperous living. It’s actually the sub-plot that says, “God is on my side, not yours.” that makes us so disturbed.

In today’s podcast and post I examine what it really means to be blessed and expose how far off the trail we’ve gone. The beatitudes are not eight tips for living better than everyone else, but the required lens through which we can discover not only the paradox of wisdom, but the humility to see our self in the lives of everyone else.

184- Awesome Beige Minivan said no one ever…

“What can words do for the state of our world now?” Aren’t we beyond rhetoric and “Thoughts and prayers?”

Our world’s attention span is shortening. We have less interest and tolerance for big transforming ideas. Sound bites and instantaneous answers have eroded that part of us where big questions were once carried deep within our hearts. It’s the automotive equivalent of car makers producing beige minivans. Our thirst for practicality has displaced the drive that once inspired us.

In today’s podcast and post, I begin a series that for many is so played out and tired that few may even have the resolve to look deeper. Join me now as we begin to see beyond the sermon on the mount and recapture just how disruptive a big idea can be.