Dear Hot Metallers,

After two weeks of hearing the nice parts of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, we get to the part that makes even preachers scratch their heads and say, "What on earth is going on here?" Matthew 5:21-37 is where Jesus attacks some really hard and uncomfortable topics, and he definitely doesn't seem very gracious or generous in his analysis, especially when he advocates cutting off body parts!

What does it mean when Jesus says things we disagree with? How do we find the courage to grapple with the hard parts of scripture? Where can we pull back the layers of meaning and still find grace and hope?

And still, even in the midst of our questions and disagreements, we'll come together around the table to receive the gifts of grace that God give freely and unconditionally.

God's peace,
Pastor Erin