Veritas

08/26/2026

Podcast for August 30-September 5

Jesus’ Vision for S*x and Desire

In Matthew 5:27-30, Jesus references the Torah’s command to not commit adultery (Exod. 20:14), going on to say that any man who lusts (or “goes on looking”) at a woman commits adultery with her in his heart. So what is his solution to avoid lust? Cut off a hand and gouge out an eye! Whoa—what is Jesus talking about? In this episode, Jon, Tim, and special guest Lucy Peppiatt discuss the meaning and impact of lust, the Bible’s original ideal for men and women, and Jesus’ countercultural vision for s*x and marriage in the Kingdom of the skies.

https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/jesus-vision-s*x-and-desire/

Spend some time next week listening to the Podcast (if you have kids, I would listen to this podcast while they aren’t around). And spend time reflecting on Jesus’ countercultural vision for s*x and marriage.

1. What most surprised you in this episode? Why did it surprise you?

2. What is one take away from the podcast that you can apply to you life this week?

08/21/2026

Podcast for August 23-29

Why Do the Beatitudes Matter for the Overworked and Hopeless?

Why do we not find the Sermon on the Mount in the gospels of Mark or John? Why is “blessed” not a good translation of the word makarios? And if Jesus says that mourning, powerlessness, and poverty are the key to the good life, should we pursue those things? In this episode, Tim and Jon respond to your questions from the first seven episodes of the Sermon on the Mount series. Thank you to our audience for your incredible questions!

https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/why-do-beatitudes-matter-overworked-and-hopeless/

Take time to listen and think through these questions. Please feel free to share your thoughts below.

1. What is the one thing that stands out to you in this Q&A episode of the Bible Projec Podcast?

2. Which beatitude captures your attention? Why? How might you actively seek to practice that beatitude, with the help of the Holy Spirit, this week?

08/20/2026

Ryan's sermon from the Northern Ohio District Conference last weekend. Sermon starts at right around the 30 minute mark...

Opening Worship for Northern Ohio District Conference 2026 August ...

08/15/2026

Podcast: August 16-22

How Is Anger the Same as Murder?

In Matthew 5:21-48, Jesus reveals the divine wisdom of Israel’s Old Testament laws through six case studies. In the first case study, he expounds on one of the Ten Commandments, “Do not murder” (Exod. 20:13). After acknowledging this command, Jesus takes it further by saying that anyone who is angry with his brother or publicly shames someone is also guilty of murder. What does he mean? In this episode, Jon and Tim discuss Matthew 5:21-32, exploring key concepts—such as murder, contempt, and divine justice—and what they tell us about the value of human beings.

https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/how-anger-same-murder/

As you listen to this podcast think through these questions.

1. How have you recently dehumanized someone? In word, thought or deed? Have you confessed this to the individual and to God?

2. What do you sense God saying to you because of this teaching and what are you going to do about it?

08/07/2026

Podcast- August 9-15

What Does Jesus Think of Old Testament Laws?

What did Jesus mean when he said he came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets? In Jesus’ day, the laws from the Torah were over a thousand years old. And the Jewish people under Roman occupation weren’t able to follow all of the laws perfectly, leading to countless interpretations of how the people could observe the Torah. So what made this rabbi from Nazareth’s approach to the law any different? In this episode, Jon and Tim discuss Matthew 5:17-20, unpacking its historical context, most perplexing phrases, and the greater righteousness that Jesus is introducing to his listeners.

https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/what-does-jesus-think-old-testament-laws/

Here are some questions to ponder as you listen to the podcast. And if you’d like you can comment below.

1. What stood out the most to you in this episode of the Bible Project Sermon on the Mount Podcast? Why?

2. How does knowing that Jesus came not to destroy the law but to fulfill it impact the way you live your everyday ordinary life?

08/01/2026

Veritas Prayer E-Mail- August 2026 -

07/30/2026

Podcast for August 2-8

The Salt of the Land and the Light of the World

Why does Jesus call his followers salt and light? In the Hebrew Bible, salt is a metaphor for God’s long-lasting covenant with Israel, connected to priestly sacrifices, ritual purity, and social bonds. And the Hebrew word for light, or, shares a wordplay with torah, meaning God’s wise instruction. God’s wisdom given in the Torah is a light for Israel that they are called to share with the nations. In this episode, Jon and Tim discuss the meanings of salt and light, showing how Jesus applies these covenant words to his new community of followers.

https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/salt-land-and-light-world/

Questions to process and feel free to share them with us.

1. What was a new learning for you in this podcast episode, and how does it apply, or how can it apply to our everyday embodied reality?

2. How have you been salt and light in the last week? How might your community of followers of Jesus be salt and light in your missional context(s)?

07/24/2026

Podcast for July 26- August 1

What Does It Mean to Make Peace? (The Beatitudes Pt. 4)

What will it cost us to live like Jesus in our world? In the third and final triad of the Beatitudes, Jesus declares that the good life belongs to the peacemakers. But making peace Jesus-style will mean conflict, pain, difficulty, and even persecution. In this episode, Tim, Jon, and others explore the cultural tensions surrounding Jesus, his audience, and the four ancient groups who tried to make peace and how Jesus’ teachings created conflict with all of these groups.

https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/what-does-it-mean-make-peace-beatitudes-pt-4/

Questions to reflect on and share below.

1. How have you sought to be a peacemaker in your relationships in the last week? What is one thing that you have done to make peace in the world?

2. Have you, as you sought to bring peace Jesus-style, ever experienced conflict, pain, difficulty, or persecution? Share a story about that.