Audio resources from New City Church in Dover, DE.
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In today's discussion we break down Matthew 7:12 where Jesus lays out the "Golden Rule". We talk through: some personal reflections, the topic of empathy, and some practices to help us grow in obedience to this rule.
In today's discussion we share some deeper reflections on Matthew 7:7-11.
In today's episode we discuss Matthew 7:1-6 where Jesus commands his followers to remove the log from their own eye before going after the speck in the eye of another. We talk about some general reflections, as well as some practices for self-evaluation and humility in relationships.
Forgiveness and the Way of JesusIn this episode of Sermon Plus, We explore the challenging yet essential Christian practice of forgiveness as taught in Matthew 6.Key ThemesForgiveness as Obedience -Forgiveness is an active, obedient response to God's command, not merely an emotional feeling. It is deeply tethered to one's relationship with Jesus and is necessary for maintaining healthy relationships ."Self-Forgiveness?" - We wrestle with the popular notion of "self-forgiveness," arguing that it lacks biblical support. Instead, believers are encouraged to receive the forgiveness already provided by God and to find their identity in Christ rather than their own efforts.The Role of Practices - Growing is a slow, progressive process. Believers are encouraged to "train for the moment" through spiritual practices like prayer and solitude, which help transform automatic, impulsive reactions into responses rooted in the Spirit.Releasing Vengeance - Forgiveness does not mean excusing sin or controlling the outcome. It involves releasing the desire for vengeance and trusting in God's perfect justice and timing, allowing space for genuine repentance.
** - Unfortunately the audio quality is low this week. We hope you can still hear the conversation well enough.In today's discussion we talk through the Lord's Prayer. How is it that we can address God as Father? Prayer involves dependency and partnership. We also consider the communal nature of this passage.
Sermon from New City Church.
The Significance of Ordinary Time- The podcast discusses the church calendar's "Ordinary Time," following Trinity Sunday, as a season for remembering and launching into new spiritual growth .- Ordinary Time is defined as a period for applying the gospel story and taking steps forward in faith, emphasizing growth rather than mere regularity.- The sermon on Ephesians aligns with Ordinary Time, encouraging believers to live as new creations and resist darkness through faithful and fruitful daily living .Embracing the Extraordinary in the Ordinary- The Holy Spirit manifests in ordinary aspects of life, such as joy, peace, patience, self-control, and daily tasks like washing dishes or parenting .- Everyday moments, including family interactions and community engagement, are identified as crucial for producing spiritual fruit and countering darkness .- Paul's metaphor of "putting off and putting on" in Ephesians 4 illustrates how consistent, daily actions shape a new creation life .- Ordinary acts of kindness, service, prayer, and forgiveness are presented as powerful expressions of God's presence, particularly in fostering unity among diverse people .- Family relationships, when infused with the Spirit through mutual submission in marriage and wise parenting, can yield extraordinary and beautiful outcomes.Cultivating a Rule of Life and Spiritual Habits- A "rule of life" involves intentionally structuring one's days for spiritual growth, considering personal narratives, relationships, and daily practices .- Practical habits suggested include starting the day by affirming one's identity in Christ, utilizing written prayers, and concluding the day with a gratitude session .- Discipline and consistency, even in small steps, are highlighted as essential for habit formation, with an emphasis on tailoring practices to individual strengths .- Creating space for new practices by reducing or eliminating existing activities is advised as a crucial step for effective spiritual development .- Regular reassessment of one's spiritual growth plan, ideally twice a year (e.g., during Ordinary Time and Advent/Easter cycles), is recommended for intentional development.
In today's discussion on Pentecost Sunday, we examined the biblical and theological significance of Pentecost by connecting New Testament events to Old Testament backgrounds. We highlighted Pentecost's timing with the Jewish Festival of Weeks, symbolizing liberation, rest, and firstfruits, and noted the diversity of Jews gathered in Jerusalem for the event. We noticed parallels between Pentecost and the Tower of Babel, emphasizing Pentecost as a divine reversal that unites people through the Spirit, fulfilling God's promise to bless all nations. The conversation explored how God's presence, once manifest in fire and the temple, now personally indwells each believer, making individuals temples of the Holy Spirit. Participants reflected on the personal and communal aspects of the Spirit's work, stressing the importance of practicing God's presence in daily life, both in extraordinary and ordinary moments. We concluded with thoughts on holiness, identity, and the Spirit's ongoing transformative work in individuals and the community.
In today's episode we discuss these three practices that Jesus talks about in Matthew 6 - Giving, Prayer, and Fasting. These three practices can be utilized as a means of cultivating our relationship with God as our Father. To give to those in need is to give to the Lord (01:12)The lifestyle of Jesus (04:34)Prayer, Talking to God (28:14)Prayer, Talking with God (35:06)Prayer, Listening to God (39:27)Fasting (49:08)Gathering for Pentecost Sunday (55:18)
In today's discussion we talk through Matthew 6:1-21 where Jesus teaches that we should not practice righteousness in order to be seen by others. Instead, we practice righteousness in secret because the Fathers sees and rewards his children. We talk through some ways we can avoid hypocrisy, as well as some strategies for pursuing pure rewards from God.
In today's discussion we consider Jesus' teaching in the sermon on the mount from Matthew 5:38-48. We go over some of our reflections regarding loving our enemies. We also talk through how this teaching reconciles with some of what we find in the Psalms about enemies. Lastly, we talk through how there is nuance needed in applying this teaching.
In today's discussion we look more deeply at Jesus' words in the sermon on the mount relating to divorce and oaths. What is the emphasis here? How can we better apply Jesus' teaching?
In today's discussion we consider Jesus' word against lust. How can we grow and move forward in confession and receiving the confessions of others.
In this episode of sermon plus we discuss how forgiveness and reconciliation work together. We discussed the challenge of addressing our anger consistently, and we examined root causes for our anger-Â all with the hope of Jesus's presence to help us
In today's episode we discuss:-Personal reflections of considering the resurrection-How the historical evidence for resurrection and faith complement one another-Should we pray for resurrections today?
In today's discussion we talk through the connection between faith and obedience. We go to Romans 8 to look at the agreement between Paul and what Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount.
Today we further explore these familiar metaphors of salt and light. We also talk about the tension between visible good works that lead to others glorifying God as opposed to practicing our righteousness before others.
In today's discussion we continue to consider the distinction between "peace-keeping" and peacemaking. We then turn our attention to the topic of persecution. How do we process this in a land of religious liberty?
In today's discussion we continue to meditate on the reality of the righteousness of God in terms of doing right by our neighbors. What does it mean to hunger and thirst? How can we assess what we're currently hungry and thirsty for? How can we begin to move forward in practicing righteousness?
In today's discussion we continue to break down what we're learning from the beatitudes. When Jesus says blessed, what does he mean? How should those who are rich respond to the news that the poor are those who are blessed? What are some of the ways that grief and mourning can shape our formation?
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