Matthew 23:3-28

"[Jesus continued talking to the crowds and his disciples about the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees:] "They crush people with unbearable..."

"[Jesus continued his condemnation of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees:] "Blind guides! What sorrow awaits you! For you say that it..."

Are you telling the truth ... the whole truth? Honesty is more than just relating facts, it's telling the whole truth.

"[Jesus said,] "What sorrow awaits* you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in..."

"[Jesus continued talking to the crowds and his disciples:] "The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled,...."

"[Jesus continued his condemnation:] "What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even..."

"[Jesus continued his condemnation:] "What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean....."

"[Jesus continued his condemnation:] "What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed..."

What lies behind the words we use to describe ourselves? The truth is often not found in the fancy words we use about ourselves; what matters is the heart.

Surely you want to do something a little deeper than just another coat of pain? External changes won't cut it, we need real spiritual transformation which comes from the Spirit of God.

"Dear Servant of God, I love the way Mark begins his good news story about Me:This is the beginning of the good news of Jesus, the Anointed One, the....."

Are we up to our talk? Phil Ware challenges us to leave behind intention and move out into the world of action as we seek care for our broken world and overcome the criticism that we are uncaring hypocrites who are not willing to help.

Why are we put into positions of opportunity and service? Being in positions of leadership and authority doesn't give us the right to be above the law, but instead should give us the opportunity to serve in love.

Are we willing to live up to our religious-sounding talk? Phil Ware challenges us to leave behind intention and move out into the world of action as we seek care for our broken world and overcome the criticism that we are uncaring hypocrites who are not willing to help

"Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, "The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of..."

What makes a man truly great? What can a husband do to bless his wife on Thanksgiving?

Does it matter who gets teh credit? It's amazing what happens when no one worries about who gets the credit.

How do you get out of your We have to act ourselves into a better way of feeling rather than think ourselves into a better way of acting!

Can we really start over? Ron Rose reminds us that influence and starting over and being a new creation is something God does all the time and we just need to begin.

What happens when process becomes more important than mission? Rubel Shelly uses General Motors before reorganization and the New York Times article to help remind us that we can be full of so many processes, procedures, rules, and traditions that we lose the main objective -- if everything is important, then nothing

So how do I get my name in this book? Rubel Shelly reminds us that God's book of Who's Who is only filled with those who are servants.

How do you know the difference? Paul Faulkner reminds us that most folks miss the point of life entirely because they don't know what is really important.

When is landing not good? Phil Ware talks about an airplane that landed on the wrong runway and compares it to some of the values we attach to people.

So why do we discount what the Lord does through us? Phil Ware reminds us that nothing we do in the Lord's name is insignificant, unimportant, or forgotten by God who loves us and remembers and rewards us for what we do.

Want to make sure nobody bothers you by coming back? Mark Frost continues a series on Becoming a Yes! Church being done by Interim Ministry Partners Phil Ware, Mark Frost, Greg Anderson, and Tim Woodroof

How do you honor a servant who is not trying to be noticed but simply trying to do good things for others? Phil Ware talks about a university honoring students for their acts of service and it leads him to wonder how we honor God's servants today.

Paul could not have made the importance of Phoebe's previous work in Cenchrae and her future work with the church in Rome more clear. Phil Ware continues his series of reflections on the importance of women in the Bible, the ministry of Jesus, and the early church.