In this episode, we enter Matthew 7 with a defense of the most unfairly judged disciple in history: "Doubting" Thomas. (Spoiler: He was actually the first one willing to die for Jesus).

Using Thomas as a backdrop for how easily we misjudge others, we dive into one of the most quoted—and misunderstood—verses in the Bible: "Judge not, lest ye be judged." We present a unique perspective: these verses aren't about ignoring sin (which we are commanded to address), but about being Judgmental (forming opinions on character) and Critical (nitpicking details like appearance or habits). Finally, we tackle the confusing warning about "giving holy things to dogs" and "pearls to pigs." The takeaway? Stop offering the blessings of the Kingdom to those who don't know the King—offer them Jesus instead.

Key Topics Covered:

Justice for Thomas: Why "Doubting Thomas" should actually be known as "Brave Thomas."

Judge Not: Why Matthew 7:1-5 is about being judgmental and critical, not about ignoring sin.

The Cloud of Blessing: You will only receive from God the grace you extend to others.

Speck vs. Log: The difference between helpful correction and hypocritical criticism.

Dogs & Attack Pigs: Why you shouldn't offer "sacred blessings" (like marriage covenants or deep spiritual peace) to those who reject God. They need Jesus, not His benefits.

Scripture References:

John 11:14-16, John 14:5, John 20:25 (The story of Thomas)

Matthew 7:1-6 (Judging, Specks/Logs, Pearls before Swine)

Matthew 15:21-28

Video Link: The Sermon for the Mounted: Part 8 - Unfair Judgment & Attack Pigs

In this episode, we wrap up Matthew 6 with a message that might just save your life—literally. We look at the deadly effects of stress (which is really just worry) and how Jesus combats it with 7 Warnings.

We explore why we often get life backward—keeping the things we should give away (money/stuff) and giving away the things we should keep (integrity/peace). We discuss the impossibility of serving two masters, why worry results in a "net loss" every time, and the ultimate cure found in Matthew 6:33. If you’re ready to stop worrying about tomorrow and start trusting God for today, this episode is for you.

Key Topics Covered:

Stress Kills: The physical toll of worry and why Jesus addresses it so strongly.

Treasure: We are "rich" by the world's standards, but are we rich toward God?

The Backward Life: Why we guard our stuff but give away our integrity.

God vs. Mammon: You cannot serve God and Money; not choosing is still a choice.

Birds & Lilies: If God keeps the universe spinning, He can clothe you.

The Solution: Seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).

Scripture References:

Matthew 6:19-34 (Treasures in Heaven, Do Not Worry)

Video Link: The Sermon for the Mounted - Part Seven: 7 Warnings About Worry

In this episode, we continue through Matthew 6 as Jesus moves from giving to praying. We uncover the "3 Keys to Answered Prayers"—and why trying to sound like a "Shakespearean Monk" isn't one of them.

We break down the Lord's Prayer not just as a recitation, but as a model of boldness: asking the King to fulfill His promises. We also tackle the hard truth about a "Dead Heart" using the Dead Sea analogy (if you have no outlet for forgiveness, you become stagnant), and why keeping some parts of your walk with God—like fasting—completely private is essential for a healthy faith.

Key Topics Covered:

Authenticity: Your heartfelt private prayers weigh more than flowery public speeches.

3 Keys to Answered Prayers:

Focus on God’s approval, not man’s applause.

Just ask—He already knows what you need!

Ask for what the Father wants, and you’ll always get it.

The Dead Heart: Why refusing to forgive proves a lack of spiritual life (The Dead Sea effect).

Private Faith: There is a fine line between asking for prayer and asking for attention. Keep some things holy between you and God.

Scripture References:

Matthew 6:5-18 (Prayer and Fasting)

Video Link: The Sermon for the Mounted: Part 6 - 3 Keys to Answered Prayers

In this episode, we move into Matthew 6, where Jesus issues a sharp warning: "Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly."

We open with a story about a man who wouldn't stop interrupting Bible study to make himself look good, and the "spiritual throat punch" it took to silence him. This leads us into a discussion on why doing the right thing for the wrong reason (like "religi-selfies" or the 1,000-penny droppers) costs you your heavenly reward. We also explore a fresh perspective on the command to "not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing"—interpreting the Left Hand as your Logical Side (which makes excuses) and the Right Hand as your Faithful Side (which obeys God).

Key Topics Covered:

The Spiritual Throat Punch: How to deal with people seeking glory in the church.

Watch Out: Why Jesus warns that hypocrisy isn't always obvious.

Trumpets & Selfies: The danger of seeking public applause for your generosity.

Left Hand vs. Right Hand:

Left Hand (Logic): "I have too many bills," "It's too expensive." Logic never sees a miracle.

Right Hand (Faith): "God gave it to me first." Faith lives in the miracle.

Private Rewards: Why no recognition is actually the best recognition you can get.

Scripture References:

Matthew 6:1-4

Video Link: The Sermon for the Mounted: Part 5 - The Spiritual Throat Punch

In this episode, we wrap up Matthew 5 with a lesson on "Chicken Bowling"—a personal story about a rooster, a thrown chicken, and the excuses we make to justify our anger.

Jesus moves from the Beatitudes and the Law into six practical illustrations, using the powerful formula: "You have heard it said... But I say..." We explore the difference between Human Effort (technically following the rules) and Complete Submission (giving your heart to God). Whether it's anger, lust, divorce, vows, or revenge, Jesus isn't looking for you to "try harder"—He's looking for a heart change that makes the rules obsolete.

Key Topics Covered:

Chicken Bowling: Why we use words like "frustrated" or "irritated" to cover up sinful anger.

The "But I Say" Formula: Moving from the letter of the Law to the spirit of submission.

Anger vs. Murder: Why holding onto anger is just as dangerous as the act itself.

Lust & Adultery: Why fighting sin with willpower leaves you crippled, but submission leads to glory.

Turning the Cheek: It’s not pacifism; it’s the power of being unoffendable.

Loving Enemies: Loving others not because they are good, but because God loved us first.

Scripture References:

Matthew 5:21-48

Matthew 5:48 (The call to be perfect)

Video Link: The Sermon for the Mounted: Part 4 - Chicken Bowling & True Submission

In this third installment of "The Sermon for the Mounted," we tackle one of the most misunderstood sections of Matthew 5: Jesus and the Law.

Jesus didn't come to abolish the Old Testament; He came to finish what it started. In this episode, we break down what the Law and Prophets were actually for—proving we can't be perfect on our own and separating God's people from the "pigs" of the world. We discuss why the Old Testament still matters, why you should stop getting your theology from TikTok, and the one condition Jesus sets for entering heaven that seems impossible... until you understand the power of simple belief.

Key Topics Covered:

Abolish vs. Accomplish: Jesus didn't scrap the rules; He fulfilled the mission.

The Purpose of the Law: To show us we can't earn righteousness and to set us apart from the world.

Least vs. Great: Why ignoring the "small" commands (and getting theology from social media) makes you "least" in the Kingdom.

The "But": Jesus’ warning that our righteousness must exceed the Pharisees'.

The Solution: How Abraham’s faith (and yours) counts as the righteousness required to enter heaven.

Scripture References:

Matthew 5:17-20

Mark 9:7-8

James 2:23

Video Link: The Sermon for the Mounted: Part 3 - Fulfilling the Law

In the second installment of "The Sermon for the Mounted," we continue through Matthew 5 to uncover what Jesus really meant when He called His followers the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world."

We live in a "lazy-boy world" where salt is just a cheap condiment, but in Jesus' day, it was essential for survival. This episode challenges us to check our own "flavor"—are you truly salty, or are you a "stud horse" that turned out to be a 2x4? We discuss the non-negotiable nature of identity in Christ, why "hiding your light" under a basket is not an option for the believer, and how your good deeds are actually just about making God look good to the people in your own house.

Key Topics Covered:

Salt in a Lazy-Boy World: Rediscovering the immense value and preserving power of the believer.

The Authenticity Test: You are either salt or you aren't—you can't buy a stud horse and accept a 2x4.

Sheep vs. Goats: The gravity of Jesus' separation of the "salty" from the "unsalty."

Light of the World: Why your light is meant for your "house" (family, work, friends) first.

Good Deeds: It's not about saving yourself; it's about showing God's glory.

Scripture References:

Matthew 5:13-16 (Salt and Light)

Matthew 25:32-46

John 8:12

The Sermon for the Mounted: Part 1

In this series opener, we dive into Matthew 5, 6, and 7—The Sermon on the Mount. We look at these famous chapters not just as a list of blessings, but as a map for the journey every Christ-follower must take.

Drawing from personal stories of branding calves and learning the hard way, we explore what it truly means to "mount up" and ride for the Lord. This episode breaks down the Beatitudes through a cowboy’s lens—redefining meekness as "strength under control" (like a warhorse), understanding repentance as moving past the "hitching rail," and realizing that the greatest battle you'll face isn't against the world, but against the "old you."

Key Topics:

The Ground Crew vs. The Mounted: Moving from the crowd to the mountainside.

Poor in Spirit: Realizing your need for God is the first step to mounting up.

Meekness: It’s not weakness; it’s power under control.

Purity & Peace: Guarding your heart and standing firm.

Scripture References: Matthew 5:1-12, Psalm 37:29, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Ephesians 6:12.