by Wade Berry | Sep 18, 2018 | Carroll Community, Scripture, Theology
Last week, we talked about the challenge of being “perfect” in our relations with those who hate us. Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:38-48 form a fitting climax to his exposition of, and expansion of, the Mosaic Law’s requirements. They challenge us to be more righteous...
by Wade Berry | Sep 11, 2018 | Carroll Community
I do not think that there is any portion of Scripture that gives me more intellectual and emotional difficulties than Matthew 5:38-48. There are so many ways that we could go in this discussion because there are so many difficult, and even controversial, things that...
by Wade Berry | Aug 14, 2018 | Carroll Community
In Matthew 5:31-37, Jesus shares his thoughts on what, at first glance, seems to be two different issues—divorce and the taking of oaths. But as I reflect upon these seemingly discrete pieces of Jesus tradition, I come to recognize that, at their heart, they express...
by Wade Berry | Aug 7, 2018 | Carroll Community
“You heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that anyone who looks at a woman for the purpose of desiring her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your right eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it...
by Wade Berry | Jul 31, 2018 | Carroll Community
Last week, we talked about the challenging standard that Jesus sets for those who wish to follow him. They have to be more righteous than those men who were considered experts in the instructions that God gave to Moses. As we continue to work our way through this...
