... like leaders. Contrast the success of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan as presidents of our country. No one would contend that Mr. Reagan was more intelligent or better intentioned than Mr. Carter. Yet, regardless of your politics, you ... wonder his own people had difficulty accepting him. In a Charlie Brown Christmas special, Charlie Brown just couldn't get into the Christmas spirit. Thus his little friend Linus observed: "Charlie Brown, you're the only person I know who can take a ... J.: Fleming H. Revell, 1986).
... how you deal with others, for they may be Jesus in disguise. Dr. Kenneth Carter tells about a member of his congregation. This man is involved in a ... you are helping others, they see Christ in you. Pastor and popular writer Barbara Brown Taylor tells an insightful story that comes from the Jewish community. It is ... you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” 1. Cited by Richard J. Fairchild, http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/b‑le04sm.php. 2. Rev. Roy T. Lloyd, http://www.day1.net ...
Big Idea: Jesus calls his disciples to discernment and loyal actions in their relationships as well as ongoing prayer that trusts in their gracious and good God. Understanding the Text This passage includes a number of topics that are picked up in other parts of Matthew. The prohibition of judging (7:1) is clarified in chapter 13, where disciples are to avoid judging the eschatological fate of others in the Christian community (13:27–30). Jesus’ disciples are also warned against hypocrisy, which has ...
