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Sermon on the Mount
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Existing A Deeper Reads and Instagram posts, placed in passage order.
In passage order
68 posts- A Deeper ReadPost 4047Bill Perkins
The Sea and Sky Opened
Since March 2012 I've read the gospels monthly. Plus, I've compiled two blended gospels, The Jesus Story and The One . Editing those two chronological accounts of the life of Christ involved many more readings. I'm unable to put into…
Collected EssaysGodJesusPersonal Growth - A Deeper ReadPost 1277Bill Perkins
A Leadership Mistake You Don’t Want to Make
If you're a leader it may surprise you to hear that many of the people you lead think you know exactly what the future looks like. The problem is they don't think you're telling them because you're afraid they won't like the future you…
- A Deeper ReadPost 1586Bill Perkins
What Happened to "Normal?"
In the past change was a slow process, like the gradual eroding of the shoreline. When a cycle of change was completed, things settled down to “normal.” The world is different now, as author and educator Jeanenne LaMarsh has observed…
- A Deeper ReadPost 455Bill Perkins
How to Change Things without Alienating
In the past change was a relatively slow process, like the gradual eroding of the shoreline. When a cycle of change was completed, things settled down to "normal." The world is different now, as author and educator Jeanenne LaMarsh has…
- A Deeper ReadPost 563Bill Perkins
Replace Taboos with Openness and Love
Have you ever noticed that Jesus never responded to a question by saying, "Now that was the dumbest question I ever heard?" In fact, Jesus invited questions and open discussion. On one occasion for example, James and John asked if they…
FamilyJesusTough Questions - Instagram PostPost 163Bill Perkins
The Blessing of Poverty
Devotional "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3) The Blessing of Poverty "Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven."Matthew 5:3 He sat down-the posture of a…
JesusScriptureBlessed - Instagram PostPost 164Bill Perkins
The Comfort of God
Commentary "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4) The Beatitudes The Comfort of God "Blessed are those who mourn,for they shall be comforted."Matthew 5:4 There is a mourningevery human heart knows-the…
JesusScriptureBlessed - Instagram PostPost 165Bill Perkins
Finders Losers, Losers Keepers
Devotional "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5) The Beatitudes Finders Losers, Losers Keepers "Blessed are the meek,for they shall inherit the earth."Matthew 5:5 The world grabs.Yet God blesses us…
JesusScriptureBlessed - Instagram PostPost 166Bill Perkins
Blessed Are the Hungry
Commentary "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6) The Beatitudes Blessed Are The Hungry "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be…
JesusScriptureBlessed - Instagram PostPost 167Bill Perkins
Blessed Are The Merciful
Devotional "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." (Matthew 5:7) Blessed Are The Merciful "Blessed are the merciful,for they shall receive mercy."Matthew 5:7 Mercy is more than feeling someone's pain.It removes the…
JesusScriptureBlessed - Instagram PostPost 168Bill Perkins
How to See God
Commentary "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8) How to See God "Blessed are the pure in heart,for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8 There is a longing we all know-the longing to see God clearly.We…
JesusScriptureBlessed - Instagram PostPost 169Bill Perkins
Seek the Peacemaker, Not the Peace
Commentary "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9) Seek the Peacemaker, Not the Peace "Blessed are the peacemakers,for they shall be called children of God." Matthew 5:9 Peace isn't…
JesusScriptureBlessed - Instagram PostPost 171Bill Perkins
How to find joy in suffering
How to find joy in suffering "Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven." (Matthew 5:12a) Jesus never asks us to celebrate pain. He asks us to look past it. He endured the cross not by focusing on the agony, but by fixing His
JesusScriptureBlessed - Instagram PostPost 172Bill Perkins
The doorway to heaven
The doorway to heaven "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10) Every Beatitude is a picture of Jesus. And this one shows Him suffering persecution for doing what is
JesusScriptureBlessed - Instagram PostPost 173Bill Perkins
What suffering for Jesus reveals about you
What suffering for Jesus reveals about you "For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:12b) You may not know this about Jesus, but He never hides the cost of following Him. He tells you the truth— because He knows
JesusScriptureBlessed - A Deeper ReadPost 2339Bill Perkins
Avoid Distractions
Time and again, Jesus reminded his disciples about his and their mission. The day he called his first disciples, they were casting a net into a lake. He told them, “Come, follow me. I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). After…
EvangelismLeadershipPersonal GrowthCollected Essays - A Deeper ReadPost 340Bill Perkins
A Leader's Most Difficult Task
It surprised me when I discovered leaders consider their most difficult task the casting of a compelling vision. A vision is important because it has the power to attract and energize people who want to see it realized. Time and again…
- A Deeper ReadPost 519Bill Perkins
How to Communicate a Vision
Time and again Jesus reminded his disciples that his driving purpose was to seek and save lost people. On the day he called his first disciples he said, "I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). When he recruited Levi he said…
JesusLeadership - A Deeper ReadPost 529Bill Perkins
The IRS Scandal and You
I've had the privilege of being audited by the IRS on three separate occasions. In each instance the auditor found a legitimate mistake an accountant had made and a payment had to be made. No big deal. Right? Well, not exactly. It was…
JesusPersonal GrowthSin - A Deeper ReadPost 1990Bill Perkins
A justifiable sin?
There’s nothing wrong with eating bread when you’re hungry. And after fasting for forty days it wouldn’t have been wrong for Jesus to turn stones into bread and eat them—unless in doing so he acted independent of his Father. That’s…
- Instagram PostPost 231Bill Perkins
Divorce and Remarriage
Divorce and Remarriage “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard.” (Matthew 19:8) Many believe Jesus allowed one condition for divorce that permitted remarriage—adultery.
JesusMarriageScripture - Instagram PostPost 232Bill Perkins
How Jesus Lived His Teaching
How Jesus Lived His Teaching “Neither do I condemn you.” (John 8:11) When Jesus addressed divorce in the Sermon on the Mount, many believe He offered a single standard for ending a marriage and remarrying.
JesusMercyScripture - Instagram PostPost 233Bill Perkins
Let Your Yes be Yes
Let Your Yes be Yes “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ Anything beyond that comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37) When placed under oath, a witness swears to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
JesusTruthScripture - A Deeper ReadPost 2052Bill Perkins
When getting even feels right
One of Jesus' more controversial and misunderstood teachings dealt with forgiveness. In the Old Testament the Hebrew people were commanded to seek equal recompense for a wrong suffered. They were told to take "Eye for eye, and tooth…
AngerCollected Essays - A Deeper ReadPost 3992Bill Perkins
How to See Jesus
Several years ago, Cindy and I vacationed on the tiny island of Bonaire. Situated fifty miles from Venezuela it’s known as the scuba shore diving capitol of the world. One evening we sat at a table on a restaurant pier. As the sun set…
FaithGodJesusPersonal Growth - Instagram PostPost 234Bill Perkins
Don’t Resist an Aggressor
Don’t Resist an Aggressor “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an aggressor.” (Matthew 5:38–39) For everyone listening to Jesus, these words belonged to the familiar language of justice.
JesusPeacemakingScripture - Instagram PostPost 235Bill Perkins
Turn the Other Cheek?
Turn the Other Cheek? “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him your other cheek.” (Matthew 5:39) In this antithesis, Jesus isn’t just telling us what to do after someone strikes us.
JesusDignityScripture - Instagram PostPost 236Bill Perkins
Naked Generosity
Naked Generosity “If anyone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak also.” (Matthew 5:40) I’ve known people who lost lawsuits—some losses small, others devastating.
JesusGenerosityScripture - Instagram PostPost 237Bill Perkins
One Mile for the King
One Mile for the King “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two.” (Matthew 5:41) Being forced to carry what you never chose is humiliating.
JesusKingdomScripture - Instagram PostPost 238Bill Perkins
Give to All Who Ask
Give to All Who Ask “Give to the one who asks you for something.” (Matthew 5:42) The crowd on the hillside heard a call that reached deeper than possessions.
JesusMercyScripture - Instagram PostPost 239Bill Perkins
The King’s Law of Lending
The King’s Law of Lending “And don’t refuse the person who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:42) A request to borrow money is never a small moment.
JesusGenerosityScripture - Instagram PostPost 240Bill Perkins
When a Small Loss Presses the Heart
When a Small Loss Presses the Heart “If someone takes something that’s yours, don’t demand he return it.” (Luke 6:30) Someone takes something small. You notice it later—and a quiet pull toward fairness begins.
JesusMercyScripture - A Deeper ReadPost 3675Bill Perkins
Hard . . . But Not Impossible
As God has forgiven you, so must you forgive others. “But I can’t,” you might say. “You don’t understand what they did to me.” You’re right. I don’t. Ultimately, only your heavenly Father understands because he watched as the Romans…
- Instagram PostPost 75Bill Perkins
Jesus Revealed Why The Father Loves The Unlovable
Jesus Revealed Why The Father Loves The Unlovable "He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45) "He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good,and sends…
JesusGraceLife of Jesus - Instagram PostPost 176Bill Perkins
Forgiveness flows from the Father through us
Forgiveness flows from the Father through us "Love your enemies… and you will be children of your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:44–45) Jesus roots forgiveness in identity before He ever commands it. We forgive because of who we are—
JesusForgiveness - Instagram PostPost 3571Bill Perkins
What Did Jesus Mean? Don’t Let Your Left Hand Know What Your Right Hand Is Doing
When you give to the needy, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Jesus exposes the hidden hunger for applause and invites us to give in secret, for the Father’s eyes alone.
FaithJesusLeadershipMarriage - Instagram PostPost 193Bill Perkins
Pray for the Applause of God
Commentary "When you pray, don't pray to be seen." (Matthew 6:5) Pray for the Applause of God “When you pray, don’t pray to be seen.” — Matthew 6:5 My first public prayer wasn’t to God. It was to a girl. In eighth…
JesusPrayerScripture - Instagram PostPost 19Bill Perkins
He Prayed to Lean In, Not to Be Seen
Jesus didn’t pray for show. He prayed to…
JesusFaithPrayer - Instagram PostPost 194Bill Perkins
The Most Recited Words in the Bible
Devotional "When you pray, say: 'Our Father in heaven.'" (Luke 11:2) The Most Recited Words in the Bible “When you pray, say: ‘Our Father in heaven.’” Luke 11:2, Matthew 6:9 The opening six words of the Lord’s…
JesusPrayerScripture - Instagram PostPost 195Bill Perkins
Who is the God of Heaven?
Commentary "Pray then like this, 'Our Father in heaven.'" (Matthew 6:9) Who is the God of Heaven? “Pray then like this, ‘Our Father in heaven.’” Matthew 6:9 To understand what Jesus means by “Our Father in heaven,”…
JesusPrayerScripture - Instagram PostPost 196Bill Perkins
On Earth as in Heaven
Devotional "Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) On Earth as in Heaven “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 Before Jesus teaches us to pray these words, He lives them.
JesusPrayerScripture - Instagram PostPost 202Bill Perkins
Your Kingdom Come
Commentary "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) Your Kingdom Come “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as in heaven.” Mt 6:10 Jesus isn’t explaining everything…
JesusPrayerScripture - Instagram PostPost 203Bill Perkins
Bread for the Body, Bread for the Soul
Devotional "Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11) Bread for the Body, Bread for the Soul “Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11 Israel woke to manna. Fresh. Enough for today. Never for tomorrow.
JesusPrayerScripture - A Deeper ReadPost 3350Bill Perkins
How to See The Unseen
Much in the world denies your identity in Christ. Hardship fights it. Your history denies it. Skeptics question it. Yet, lies form the basis of these fights, denials, and questions. And you can learn to identify and reject them all.…
FaithGodJesusResurrection Bias - A Deeper ReadPost 3391Bill Perkins
Fight For Your True Identity
Much in the world denies your identity in Christ. Hardship fights it. Your history denies it. Skeptics question it. Yet, lies form the basis of these fights, denials, and questions. And you can learn to identify and reject them all.…
FaithPersonal GrowthResurrection BiasSpiritual Warfare - Instagram PostPost 204Bill Perkins
Forgive Us Our Debts
Commentary "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." (Matthew 6:12) Forgive Us Our Debts “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12 Jesus teaches us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as…
JesusPrayerForgivenessScripture - A Deeper ReadPost 591Bill Perkins
Break. Smash. Shatter the Cycle.
Jesus told us to ask God to "Lead us not into temptation" (Matthew 6:13). The Lord didn't mean that unless we asked him not to do so, God would tempt us. God cannot sin nor could he tempt anyone to sin. Instead, we should continually…
MarriagePersonal GrowthSin - A Deeper ReadPost 2386Bill Perkins
How to Win the Fight for Your Heart
A real fight isn’t Tae Bo. It’s not like hitting one of those four-foot-tall inflatable punching bags that looks like a clown and makes a weak punch look like a hay-maker. Stepping into a ring and fighting for three minutes turns…
Personal GrowthPornographySpiritual Warfare - Instagram PostPost 205Bill Perkins
Lead Us Not Into Temptation
Devotional "Lead us not into temptation." (Matthew 6:13) Lead Us Not Into Temptation “Lead us not into temptation.” Matthew 6:13 Jesus teaches us to pray these words because He knows temptation begins long before…
JesusPrayerSpiritual WarfareScripture - Instagram PostPost 206Bill Perkins
Deliver Us From the Evil One
Devotional "Deliver us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:13) Deliver Us From the Evil One “Deliver us from the evil one.” — Mt 6:13 Many use “deliverance” to mean casting out demons. And it can mean that. But here…
JesusPrayerSpiritual WarfareScripture - Instagram PostPost 209Bill Perkins
Yours Is the Kingdom
Commentary "Yours is the kingdom . . . forever." (Matthew 6:13) Yours Is the Kingdom “Yours is the kingdom . . . forever.” Matthew 6:13 You may not know this about Jesus but He spoke of the Kingdom of God more than…
JesusPrayerScripture - Instagram PostPost 210Bill Perkins
Yours Is the Power
Devotional "For Yours is the power . . . forever." (Matthew 6:13) Yours Is the Power “For Yours is the power . . . forever.” Matthew 6:13 Power (dunamis) is God’s ability— to act, to create, to command, to sustain…
JesusPrayerScripture - A Deeper ReadPost 2712Bill Perkins
Are You a Lie Detector?
Every thought is linked to an emotion. Every emotion to a thought. That's why you'll suffer if you believe and repeat lies about yourself. Lies like: "I'm no good." "I'm a failure." "I'm too weak to overcome." "Nobody loves me." "I…
FaithHealingHonestyPersonal Growth - A Deeper ReadPost 3169Bill Perkins
The DEATH PARADIGM
The Death Paradigm— the dark lens that hides truth and shades all we see Prior to the Lord’s resurrection, death ruled supreme. Death conquered everyone: young, old, rich, poor, strong, weak, kings, commoners, individuals and nations.…
FaithGodHealingJesus - A Deeper ReadPost 3191Bill Perkins
What did Jesus Mean? "The Eye is the Lamp of the Body"
I believe if God “opened our eyes” so we could witness a reality that goes beyond sight, we would see ourselves with Christ in the heavenlies surrounded by a host of angels (Colossians 3:1-3; Isaiah 6:1-3). This reality is as certain…
FaithPersonal GrowthResurrection BiasCollected Essays - A Deeper ReadPost 393Bill Perkins
Worry Buster
I've got a close friend who is a chronic worrier. I asked him once if he ever noticed that most of the things he worries about never happen. He smiled and said, "Yeah, I noticed. Just goes to prove worrying works." The truth is…
FaithJesusPersonal Growth - A Deeper ReadPost 3585Bill Perkins
I've Got the Boat. Who's Got the Gas?
Jesus often spoke in riddles. For instance, what did he mean when asked the following two questions intended to free us from worry: "Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25). The correct answer…
FaithGodPersonal GrowthCollected Essays - A Deeper ReadPost 4098Bill Perkins
Jesus Taught With Riddles
Jesus often spoke in riddles. For instance, what did He mean when He asked the following two questions intended to free us from worry: “Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25). Now remember, Jesus…
Collected EssaysFaithJesusLife and Death - Instagram PostPost 8Bill Perkins
He Redirects Worry with Wonder
He redirects worry not by reducing life's needs — but by magnifying its worth.
JesusFaith - Instagram PostPost 9Bill Perkins
He Points to Birds to Reframe Your Faith
He uses creation not just as metaphor — but as a mirror.
JesusFaith - A Deeper ReadPost 2114Bill Perkins
Jesus' six reasons to be thankful
I got the list from Jesus, really. One day the Lord told his followers why they should trust in God and not worry (Matthew 6:26-33). His simple insights give us power over fear and its little brother, worry. Number One: I thank God…
- A Deeper ReadPost 2116Bill Perkins
Jesus' six reasons to give thanks
I got the list from Jesus, really. One day the Lord told his followers why they should trust in God and not worry (Matthew 6:26-33). I realize Thanksgiving isn't a season of worry but gratitude. But I also know in order to give thanks…
- A Deeper ReadPost 1763Bill Perkins
Am I dying?
I’m not. That is, I’m not dying. But I can worry like a man waiting for a doc’s fatal diagnosis. And yet, I’m an amateur worrier compared to a friend. I asked him once if he ever noticed that most of the things he worries about never…
- Instagram PostPost 7Bill Perkins
He Provides the Greater, Then Promises the Lesser
He offers the greater gifts first — then guarantees the lesser. Don't panic about the gas. The boat is already in the water.
JesusFaith - Instagram PostPost 32Bill Perkins
He Offers an Alternative to Worry
He Offers an Alternative to Worry Passage "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33 Jesus knows our worries: food, clothing, tomorrow's needs. He doesn't dismiss them, but He exposes their…
- Instagram PostPost 10Bill Perkins
He Speaks to the Fear You Haven't Felt Yet
He names trouble — and draws a boundary…
JesusFaith - A Deeper ReadPost 3613Bill Perkins
Completely Ruined!
Did Jesus teach that people who build their life on the foundation of his teaching would be spiritually impregnable? I've taught that many times. And it makes sense. But as I've been examining these verses more closely I've changed my mind.
- Instagram PostPost 131Bill Perkins
We Are Excavators
Commentary We Are Excavators "As you go,make disciples."- Matthew 28:19 When Jesus said "make disciples,"He was inviting usinto the same kind of lifeHe had been forming in the men and womenwho walked with Him. A disciple is someonewho…
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