OTKC 22: Beware False Prophets

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognise them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?… Thus you will recognise them by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-20 (ESVUK) What Did Jesus Mean? It’s intriguing that, as far as Jesus and […]

OTKC 21: Enter the Narrow Gate

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:13-14 (ESVUK) What Did Jesus Mean? […]

OTKC 20: Do Unto Others

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 (ESVUK) What Did Jesus Mean? This is widely known as the Golden Rule. Unlike similar ethical teachings found in other traditions, which often state the principle negatively (“Do not do to […]

OTKC 19: Ask, Seek, Knock

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will […]

OTKC 18: Judge Not Hypocritically

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how […]

OTKC 17: Seek First The Kingdom

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (ESVUK) What are the essentials of life? What can you not live without? Although some would consider things like mobile devices and other electronic appliances essential, there is much to state clearly that we […]

OTKC 13: Give In Secret

When you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your […]

OTKC 12: Be Perfect, Like Your Heavenly Father

You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48 (ESVUK) Listeners to Jesus’ teaching on the mount at the time and now should be amazed. The outline of what the blessed person is would have been breathtaking. The call to return to God’s standards in dealing with anger, lust, divorce and […]

OTKC 11: Love Your Enemy

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:43-45 (ESVUK) People relate to the word love as a matter of feelings that work themselves […]

OTKC 10: Go The Extra Mile

Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give […]