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Pirate Christians Matthew 18:7-9 Romans 14:13-19 Jesus did not come in order that we could sin slightly less. Jesus’ point is that even the most extreme human strategies simply don’t work. Jesus is deeply concerned that we create a community of humble children who stop tripping and hurting each other. We discipline ourselves out of love for our brothers and sisters. Let us pursue what makes for peace and edification.

Be the GOAT Matthew 18:1-6 Jesus holds a child up as the model of greatness in the Kingdom. In our child-worshipping culture, it is difficult to imagine how surprising this would be. Children are unproven, ephemeral, unproductive drains on society. Their entire wordly purpose is to become contributing and productive adults as quickly as possible. They are humble (even if they don't act like it) and dependent... and intrinsically infinitely valuable. We are human beings, not human doings. Our value to God is intrinsic, because He loves me, and we can rest and play (and sometimes work) like His child.

Lunatic Faith Matthew 19:14-20; Mark 9:24 Jesus heals an epileptic lunatic demon-possessed boy that the disciples had too little faith to cast out. The tiniest mustard-seed faith is sufficient to accomplish miracles because it is plugging into the infinite power of God. Faith is built in prayer and fasting, echoing the prayer of the boy’s father: “I believe; help my unbelief.”