Welcome to Episode #208 of the Way of the Bible podcast. This is our eighth of eight episodes in our Twenty-Sixth mini-series entitled Return to the Sermon on the Mount. On today’s episode, we’re going to take a break and catch up with where we’ve been in this mini-series during a Walk on the Beach with DrZ. This morning’s walk is like perfection. Water is crystal clear and glistening atop the swales, silently moving ashore. There’s a slight north wind that will keep this morning’s temperature in the mid-60’s till at least 1 PM. And finally, all the Spring breaks for area schools and colleges are over, so we have a tranquil, deserted beach all morning.
We did things a little differently this week: a large group of walkers arrived well before sunrise to share a quiet time of prayer and journaling as we sat at individual lap desks with lamps out on the beach. We saw a setting moon and a rising sun on opposite horizons while listening to the rush of waters along the surf line and hearing the word of God speak into our hearts. We’ve gone in and had a cup of coffee, mingled with the new arrivals, and are back on the beach ready for a walk. So glad you’ve joined us, we’ve got a lot to cover.
All right, looks like everyone’s here and alert. We’ll head west with the sun at our back. You can look toward the sunrise now, and appreciate the wonder of a morning on the beach, it never gets old, and be glad not to be walking into that constant low sun angle glare. We’ll turn when the Navy arrives. More on that later.
We’ve just completed seven episodes on Jesus’ closing instructions to his disciples for his Sermon on the Mount. These instructions are found in Matthew 7, following the meat of his message found in Chapters 5 and 6, which we covered in mini-series 19, 20, and 21. I’ve spent the last three months meditating on Matthew 7:1-23, preparing the episodes for this mini-series. There is one small section of Matthew 7 left that we’ll cover in mini-series 27.
This particular chapter of Matthew may be the most important Chapter for a Christian who desires to live out the life in the Spirit, Jesus promised and provided for those who would believe in him. This is not about a religion, a denomination, or da body of individuals gathered in a building or auditorium for what is called church. Jesus provided very specific instructions, encouragement, and warnings in this chapter, found in both the Old and New Testament passages. If we aren’t careful, we may continue to do as I’ve done most of my believing life thinking, there’s not much here for me. I admit and confess right now, I could not have been more wrong.
Which reminds me to note to all you listening, to confirm everything I say by the scripture. Just because I say something does not supercede the authority of the scriptures. Be good stewards of your faith as were the Bereans in Acts 17:11 – Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
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