Good Judgment

Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Who is teaching you? What voices are you listening to? We are constantly learning, whether we realize it or not. The voices we listen to, the people we admire, and even the algorithms that curate our social media feeds shape how we think, what we believe, and how we live. In Matthew 7, Jesus warns us to beware of false prophets who appear trustworthy but are revealed by their actions. The instruction is simple: look at the fruit. Don't be distracted by what someone says or how they present themselves; pay attention to the character of their lives and the fruit they produce. This teaching invites us to think twice about who we allow to influence us and who we are becoming as a result. It also raises a bigger question: Can we trust Jesus? Jesus invites us to examine the fruit of his own life, death, and resurrection. He is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep, offering not simply wisdom for how to live well, but the forgiveness, strength, and transformation we need to actually live that way. As disciples, we are called to make Jesus the central voice shaping our lives and to share what we learn from him with others.

Hannah Buchanan

Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Many a poet has reflected on the paths we choose and the directions our lives take. Long before those reflections, Jesus offered this teaching, “Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life.” His words remind us that there is a cost to discipleship. When we choose to follow Christ, we are not promised an easy road. The path of discipleship requires sacrifice, commitment, and a willingness to put God before ourselves. For some, that cost may seem relatively small. It may look like giving financially through tithes, dedicating time to missional service, or stepping into leadership to guide others in their faith. For others, the cost is far greater. Throughout history, countless people have faced persecution and even lost their lives because of their commitment to Christ. Yet, as great as the cost of discipleship may be, what we are asked to give up pales in comparison to what we receive in return. We serve a loving, forgiving, healing, and redeeming God who freely offers us grace, hope, and life through Him. Discipleship is not simply about what we sacrifice; it is also about the relationship we build with God and the life we discover through following Him. Part of that journey is continually seeking God, bringing Him the desires of our hearts, and trusting Him with the things we cannot accomplish on our own. Some of the greatest gifts in life are not things we can earn or achieve through our own efforts. We must turn to the Father, ask, seek, and trust in what He has already done and what He will continue to do in our lives.

Rev. Dr. Abe Smith

Rev. Dr. Abe Smith

Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.” This teaching of Jesus reminds us how easily we focus on the shortcomings of others while overlooking our own. Through the image of the speck in our neighbor’s eye and the log in our own, Jesus calls us to practice self-reflection before correcting or helping others. Rather than approaching people with judgment or condemnation, we are called to examine our hearts and extend the love and grace we have received from Christ. This does not mean we cannot hold opinions, disagree, or engage in difficult conversations. Rather, we must approach them with humility, kindness, honesty, and integrity. We can hold firm convictions while recognizing our own imperfections and remembering that we, too, need God’s grace. When we lead with grace instead of judgment, we create opportunities for understanding, growth, and meaningful connection. So, who are we, and what are we doing here? We are followers of Jesus who recognize our brokenness and depend on Christ’s grace and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. We seek to grow in faith not only for ourselves but also to help others grow in their knowledge and love of God. The church’s identity is not found simply in its denomination, traditions, or differences, but in its shared commitment to follow Jesus, love God and others, and share Christ’s love with the world. As we live out this calling, we must remain humble enough to recognize where we need to grow, gracious enough to love those with whom we disagree, and faithful enough to keep our focus on Jesus. By embracing humility, grace, and a willingness to learn from one another, we can navigate uncertainty with faith and purpose, becoming a stronger witness to Christ’s love and a source of unity, spiritual growth, and service in our community.

Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Jesus says not to worry. The apostle Paul doubles down on that. But why? Worry is such a part of so many of our lives that Jesus’ and Paul’s words seem like inspirational platitudes rather than achievable ideals. In a world wrought with reason for worry, why should we not worry? In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses worry by reminding us of God’s care for creation. He points to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field as examples of God’s provision, asking us to consider how much more God cares for us. Jesus is not suggesting that we have no legitimate concerns or that everything will always work out the way we want. Instead, he invites us to recognize that the Creator of the universe knows us and values us. Because we are known and loved by God, we do not have to face our fears as though everything depends on us alone. Jesus connects worry to faith, not simply as a belief that God exists but as a deep trust in God’s character and faithfulness. We may try to overcome worry by convincing ourselves that everything will be fine or by reminding ourselves that worrying accomplishes nothing. While those approaches may sometimes help, they often fall short when we face our deepest fears. Faith invites us to look honestly at even the worst-case scenario and remember that, whatever happens, we remain known, loved, and valued by God. This does not guarantee the outcomes we desire, but it gives us a foundation of trust that can sustain us through uncertainty.

Rev. Chip Robertson

Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. What wouldn’t Jesus do? These instructions about what Jesus wouldn’t do aren't meant to be finger-wagging. They are meant to be an invitation to a deeper relationship with God and to face the struggle together. One thing Jesus wouldn’t do is put his trust in his stuff. While this shouldn’t surprise you, the question is, why? Why is Jesus so insistent on this? The reason is both deeply practical and deeply spiritual. If you have ever struggled with the relentless desire to acquire, these words of Jesus will speak directly to you. We live in a society where we are constantly bombarded with the latest and greatest. We often put our trust in possessions and what is tangible. However, as followers of Jesus, we are called to not put our faith in temporary things.  The danger isn't in having things; it's in allowing those things to have us. Jesus challenges us to consider where we have placed our trust. Do we believe we will be OK because we know God is faithful or because we have enough money in the bank? Do we find our identity in being children of God or in the things that signal success to the world around us? Ultimately, Jesus invites us to enjoy the good things in life without allowing them to take God’s place in our hearts.

Rev. Dr. Abe Smith