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Week 03

Red Couch Theology Podcast

Sermon Conversations with Alex and Aaron

There’s only so much we can cover in a Sunday morning gathering!
Each week, you’re invited to tune into our podcast at 11 am on Thursdays – recorded (and sometimes prerecorded) for later, online viewing.

What can you expect? Pastors Alex, Aaron and the occasional guest, having a casual conversation diving deeper into ideas related to last Sunday’s teaching.

Ask questions about the sermon series, Sermon on the Mount,
“What Should Our Attitude Be (Part 2)?”
at https://redcouchtheology.com/ or
by texting 720-316-3893 prior to, or during the “LIVE” podcast.

Blog sites:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCWnNSTN-6XA7oYy6TBfS0LAxqxPvxVjH

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guys-drinking-tea/id1616539767

Red Couch Theology Podcast2023-09-23T13:22:22-06:00

Jesus Warns About Persecution

From that time Jesus began to preach and say,
“Repent [change your inner self — our old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 AMP

“Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].”

“Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness] are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of [your association with] Me. Be glad and exceedingly joyful, for your reward in heaven is great [absolutely inexhaustible]; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12 AMP

I chose the Amplified Bible because verse 4:17 describes what is meant by repentance. Also the verses in 5:10-12 appear to be a recapitulation of the seven other beatitudes. In Jesus’ description of “Blessed”, there is encouragement for his followers even though he tells them the reality about how they will be treated, as they live differently from the world, as they grow in their relationship with Him.

Dictionary definitions of “persecute” include: harassment, opposition, ill treatment, insults, gossip: behaviors that epitomize what Exodus 20:16 denounces of those who “testify falsely [lie, withhold, or manipulate the truth] against [their] neighbor or (any person)”.

I experienced some of this treatment when, as an orphaned child, I was living with an aunt and uncle here in Denver. My aunt had a lifelong bitter resentment toward her father for a variety of reasons, which included his “churchiness”. I was allowed to go to church, because the neighbors took me, and because my aunt didn’t want to look bad to them. However, she sneered at my “church going” when anything I did didn’t measure up to her idea of what I should be.

She really ramped it up when I, at 13, came home from a summer camp and said that I had given my life to Jesus. In addition to name calling, saying, “you call yourself a Christian,” and picking a fight whenever I was in something special at church (so that she wouldn’t have to go see such a “hypocrite”), she would tell her friends how bad and ungrateful I was. Then, some of them would call me and “rag down on me” about it. That continued until I was an adult and moved away. I don’t pretend that I was a great example of a Christian, but my aunt’s main criticism was that I continued to go to church despite her harassment.

Something Jesus has taught me over the years is that we have a tendency to become like who we love or who we hate — because they control our thinking. The resemblance to them may not look the same, especially if we hate someone, but it still shows.

If we love Jesus and grow in his love and grace by the power of the Holy Spirit, He will make the resemblance to Him show.

I am using the Amplified Bible for the Lord’s prayer, because it has an expanded view of what forgiveness entails.

“Pray, then, in this way:
‘Our Father, who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment].
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’
For if you forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others [nurturing your hurt and anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God], then your Father will not forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:9-15 AMP

Note. To access scripture links that don’t appear in the email version, read the web version in your browser.

Jesus Warns About Persecution2023-09-23T13:14:45-06:00

Prince of Peace

As we continue our study of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, let’s contemplate the seventh Beatitude:

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:9 NIV

Several famous world leaders have included this observation in important speeches: “Peace is not just the absence of conflict.” This rings especially true when we discover that the biblical word for peace ”שָׁלוֹם” (Shalom) means “to make something whole”.

However, conflict and disorder are woven into this life. Even the most successful human relationships are marked with trouble. Conflicts can be sudden, can open or fester under the surface and later break out in unpleasant, dangerous, even life-ending manifestations. On the other hand, seemingly peaceful relationships can suddenly and mysteriously end when conflict remains unaddressed. Here are some words of Jesus to stimulate thoughts about our peacemaking role:

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 ESV

So, it is no surprise that Jesus commends the peacemaker. The Apostle Paul encourages us:

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18, NIV.

I think Jesus also aims at something deeper in this beatitude. In Isaiah 9:6 NIV the prophet identified Jesus in this way centuries before his arrival.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

What is Jesus’ role as Prince of Peace? Briefly, he is the only one who can bring true, lasting peace, restoration, redemption, and reconciliation between you and God and others.

Salvation comes no other way; no other name [than Jesus] has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one. Acts 4:12 MSG

For this reason, when the Holy Spirit leads us in a peacemaking role, it’s valuable to remind ourselves that true reconciliation is found in the person of Jesus. Lasting peace reflects his Way and his heart.

How can the ordinary follower of Jesus be a peacemaker? A myriad of roles and professions come to mind. All these benefit from relying on the highest authority, Jesus; and some are even bolstered by worldly authority. Here are just a few roles and professions that qualify: parent, teacher, medical professional, therapist, pastor, law enforcement, athlete, legal counselor, tradesman, caretaker, military service – in short, just about any profession or role that doesn’t involve sinful or criminal activity.

As we steadily renew our minds, immersing ourselves in God’s word, and submit ourselves to his ways, we will find the Holy Spirit enabling us to be peacemaking sons of God in our own circle of influence.

Ask God if he wants to bring an unresolved personal issue to mind. (If nothing comes to mind, that’s OK.) The personal issue could be one of your own or that of someone in your realm of influence. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you prepare for your peacemaking role.

You may find the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-15 ESV) helpful:

…“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.”
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Note. To access scripture links that don’t appear in the email version, read the web version in your browser.

Prince of Peace2023-09-23T10:17:12-06:00

The Perfectionists Are Invited

I was the good kid in my family, and I’m not proud of it. See, unlike my siblings, who both had their rebellious stages in life, I pretty much did what I was supposed to do. When My parents told me to do my best in school, I did. When it was apparent that going to youth group and reading my Bible was the “right” thing to do, I did that as well. I went to Bible college, and I went into ministry. It took me years to learn that pride and self-righteousness also marked my obsession with being good. I also had no idea how I often made others feel by appearing to be put together on the outside. Let me tell you, a perfectionist is no one’s favorite person, because they are hard on everyone, including themselves.

When Jesus said Blessed are the pure in heart, he spoke to the perfectionists among us: it’s the folks who expect everyone to be perfect, including themselves. They are often lonely because they are hard to be around. They are harder on themselves than anyone else could be. It turns out that striving for perfection can be a recipe for misery. In fairness, striving to be pure is not bad in and of itself, but if the motive behind it is recognition or pride, it is a flawed pursuit anyway. The beauty of what Jesus is saying to the pure in heart is that they can experience perfection in a relationship with a perfect God. Not only that, but purity of heart can then become a virtue, because it is motivated by worship rather than by pride.

What makes you try to do well in life? Is the driving force behind your actions for you to be praised? What if the driving force shifted to be a joyful reflection of a perfect God?

Take a moment to Pray the Lord’s prayer. Remember as you pray that Jesus is inviting us into his kingdom now and forever.

The Perfectionists Are Invited2023-09-22T23:06:09-06:00

MERCY!

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Matthew 4:17 NIV

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:… Matthew 5:1-2 NIV

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7 NIV

Let’s remember the context of the verses above. Jesus was seated; He was teaching his disciples; the crowd was listening. In the beatitudes, Jesus was describing what a disciple is, what he or she does and what he or she looks like following such injunctions.  “[He] has put together a profile of kingdom-people, twice born people, Spirit-filled people. Jesus is describing a humanity transformed by Him and His good news.” The Beatitudes, p.16, Darrell W. Johnson.

Keeping this in mind, let’s think about what Jesus meant by being merciful and showing mercy to others. There are two excellent parables Jesus taught that clearly describe mercy. The first is about the good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. As you reread this familiar parable, think about the risks the Samaritan took, the fact he didn’t need to know why the man was hurt and in need, but he simply acted. The Samaritan showed kindness and compassion – he displayed mercy to a stranger in need.

In another parable, Jesus taught a different aspect of mercy – the forgiveness of a debt. This parable is in Matthew 18:21-35. As you reread this parable, think about how you feel when someone has forgiven you for an offense you caused. Then, think about the question Peter asked at the beginning, how often should I forgive my brother? Consider – mercy cancels debts.

Let us remember – Jesus came to this earth to extend mercy to all who will accept His gift of grace that is offered because of the sacrifice He made on the cross, because of our sin. We deserve to die for our own sin, but instead, Jesus paid that price, canceled our debt and extended mercy to each of us who choose to accept it.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. II Corinthians 5:21 NIV

So, if we are unwilling to forgive, nor to extend mercy to others, while at the same time asking God to give us mercy, then we are not really asking for mercy, instead we are in fact not in right relationship with God.

Pray the Lord’s prayer and think about how the mercy God has extended to you enables you to extend mercy to others around you.

`Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. *For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13

* Note. This benediction is quoted in many other versions of verse 13, translations based upon the Textus Receptus.

MERCY!2023-09-22T22:13:36-06:00

Red Couch Theology

Sermon Conversations with Alex and Aaron

There’s only so much we can cover in a Sunday morning gathering!
Each week, you’re invited to tune into our podcast at 11 am on Thursdays – recorded (and sometimes prerecorded) for later, online viewing.

What can you expect? Pastors Alex, Aaron, and the occasional guest having a casual conversation, diving deeper into ideas related to last Sunday’s teaching.

 

Ask Questions about the Sermon Series,  yes . . . if – “Inward vs Outward Church”
by texting 720-316-3893 prior to, or during the “LIVE” Thursday podcast.

Blog sites:

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCWnNSTN-6XA7oYy6TBfS0LAxqxPvxVjH

Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guys-drinking-tea/id1616539767 

Red Couch Theology2023-08-31T22:59:58-06:00

Red Couch Theology

Sermon Conversations with Alex and Aaron

There’s only so much we can cover in a Sunday morning gathering!
Each week, you’re invited to tune into our podcast at 11 am on Thursdays – recorded (and sometimes prerecorded) for later, online viewing.

What can you expect? Pastors Alex, Aaron, and the occasional guest having a casual conversation, diving deeper into ideas related to last Sunday’s teaching.

Ask Questions about the Sermon Series, Out of the Ordinary – “Called to Not So Ordinary Tasks ”
by texting 720-316-3893 prior to, or during the “LIVE” Thursday podcast.

Blog sites:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCWnNSTN-6XA7oYy6TBfS0LAxqxPvxVjH

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guys-drinking-tea/id1616539767

Red Couch Theology2023-07-18T13:54:47-06:00

The Lectionary for Ordinary Times, July 13

Introduction: For hundreds of years many Christian traditions have read passages of scripture using a tool called a lectionary. During this ordinary season, our devotional team decided to resource you with selections from the Revised Common Lectionary.

Source: the Revised Common Lectionary Year A

(Note. If you desire to read these passages in a different version of the Bible, this link will provide all the readings for week 3 in ESV in Bible Gateway where you may also choose other versions of these passages.)

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
11:16 “But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,

11:17 ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’

11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’;

11:19 the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

11:25 At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants;

11:26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

11:27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

11:28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

In 2005 I had the privilege of being the main speaker for our South Fellowship women’s retreat, and I spoke on this passage. I researched yokes and found that each yoke was custom made for the animal that wore it. The animal’s body was measured so that the craftsman could cut the wood correctly, and then it was carefully smoothed so that nothing would cause chafing and pain.

The purpose of the yoke was to enable the animal to draw a heavier load safely without pain. Some yoke’s were intended for one animal and others
were for a pair yoked together with each side made to fit specifically for that animal. Two animals working together could do more than one alone.

It seems to me in verses 29 and 30, Jesus is saying that he desires us to work with him rather than for him, and he has a custom made yoke for each of us
to share with him.

The Lectionary for Ordinary Times, July 132023-06-16T14:14:50-06:00

The Lectionary for Ordinary Times, July 12

Introduction: For hundreds of years many Christian traditions have read passages of scripture using a tool called a lectionary. During this ordinary season, our devotional team decided to resource you with selections from the Revised Common Lectionary.

Source: the Revised Common Lectionary Year A

(Note. If you desire to read these passages in a different version of the Bible, this link will provide all the readings for week 3 in ESV in Bible Gateway where you may also choose other versions of these passages.)

 

Romans 7:15-25a
7:15 I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.

7:16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good.

7:17 But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.

7:18 For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it.

7:19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.

7:20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.

7:21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand.

7:22 For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self,

7:23 but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.

7:24 Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?

7:25a Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

 

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:13-18

The Lectionary for Ordinary Times, July 122023-06-16T13:49:07-06:00

The Lectionary for Ordinary Times, July 12

Introduction: For hundreds of years many Christian traditions have read passages of scripture using a tool called a lectionary. During this ordinary season, our devotional team decided to resource you with selections from the Revised Common Lectionary.

Source: the Revised Common Lectionary Year A

(Note. If you desire to read these passages in a different version of the Bible, this link will provide all the readings for week 3 in ESV in Bible Gateway where you may also choose other versions of these passages.)

 

Romans 7:15-25a
7:15 I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.

7:16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good.

7:17 But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.

7:18 For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it.

7:19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.

7:20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.

7:21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand.

7:22 For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self,

7:23 but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.

7:24 Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?

7:25a Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

 

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:13-18

The Lectionary for Ordinary Times, July 122023-06-16T14:02:54-06:00
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