Matthew 7:23 used to scare me.

In it, Jesus says, “I NEVER knew you,” and I always heard that as a scary warning.

Like... Christians could be surprised to find out in the end that Jesus didn’t know us well enough, and we wouldn’t get into heaven.

But what if “NEVER” is a clue?

If Jesus knows me, even once, even briefly, he can’t lie and say, “NEVER.”

So, what is this scripture trying to tell me?

Topics:

• Buckle up, here we go
• The words that fooled me
• The twist
• Will Christians hear “I never knew you”?

This episode is part of the “Scary Verses or Grace?” discussion of passages that sound scary at first, but surprisingly lead us toward grace as we grapple with them and seek the heart of Christ.

Can sin time travel?

I know that sounds bizarre, but it’s a question I’ve wrestled with for a long time. If Jesus died once for all, and I sin today, how is that sin covered by his sacrifice long ago?

I don’t think the Bible gives us a detailed explanation of how the cross works across time. But it does tell us that Jesus’ sacrifice happened once, that it was enough, and that God still takes every sin seriously.

As I try to process all that, I sometimes imagine my sin traveling back through time, landing squarely on Jesus while he was on the cross. I watch as it adds weight to the price he had to pay.

That mental image has changed the way I think about sin. Instead of viewing it as merely breaking a rule, I see it as something more personal.

If Jesus really is my friend... then I don’t want to add to the suffering he endured for me.

Topics:

• Setting the stage
• How do you view the cross?
• One sacrifice, once for all
• The scapegoat
• Jesus intercedes for you
• Dying and rising with Christ
• Made holy in the moment
• Is grace a blank check?
• What’s one more sin?
• Would I do that to a friend?

John 15 can sound terrifying: branches that don’t bear fruit are taken away, wither, and are eventually burned.

But what if Jesus is not saying, “One mistake and you’re gone”?

What if the Vine and branches picture that Jesus paints is actually an invitation to grace, friendship, and the opportunity to bear fruit that comes from Him?

Topics:

• One mistake and you’re gone?
• Jesus is the true vine. Who are the branches?
• What kind of fruit?
• Bearing fruit, not producing it
• Abide does not mean “stay attached”
• If you abide, you will bear much fruit
• Abiding in His love
• The Greek does not say “cut”
• You are becoming more like Jesus
• If you’re in doubt, love

This episode is part of the “Scary Verses or Grace?” discussion of passages that sound scary at first, but surprisingly lead us toward grace as we grapple with them and seek the heart of Christ.