1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The following are taken from notes from the sermon "Homecoming Bliss" by Randy Pope, Pastor of Perimeter Church in Duluth, GA:
Verses 3-6--> How to get into the arms of the Father (How to come home- Prodigal son)
Verses 7-10--> What happens during life in the Father's arms (Once you're home)
"Blessed" = True Happiness
Verse 7: Merciful
What is mercy? An expression of love prompted by misery, helplessness, and/or need
When should I expect to receive God's mercy? When I no longer think I deserve mercy
Forgiving: True evidence of a believer
How do I become merciful? 1) Come to that place to believe that man can love enough when he realizes he cannot love enough; 2) Life-changing encounter with the Good Samaritan (God)
Does mercy take preference over justice? Yes and no. Enabler- Giving mercy when justice is needed. Vengeful- Giving justice when mercy is needed.
How do I know which to demonstrate? Ask: "What is best for him/her/them and ask other parties involved (considering myself last)?" I will do what they need, regardless of the cost to me.
Verse 9: Peacemakers
Kingdom of heaven- Realm of life; where you find life- Heavenly Father whose arms are wide open
To get Peace, eliminate sin, conflict, and pain
God is passionate about making peace in a world of conflict
Resolve conflicts we have with others- Reconcile
Christians make peace by being reconcilers with others
Gossip, bad reports, slander- Conflict we cause between others
Proverbs 17:9- "He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."
Are you eliminating or creating conflict by what you say or don't say?
I've been given the answer to life, how could I not at least TRY to share it with others? (As a beggar showing other beggars where they found food)
We carry God's own character when we seek to make peace--> We get to be happy
How to relate to The Table (Communion) in light of happiness:
1. True happiness is a by-product of a Covenant friendship with God and can be experienced only in the Realm of Life within God's kingdom.
God "marries" his people (The Israelites) in the Old Testament with a covenant. They responded how we should respond, "Whatsoever you say, Lord, that we will do." Happiness comes from marriage/Covenant with God.
2. True happiness can ONLY be sustained by God's grace supplying an already existing God-given faith.
Everyone of us should be going headstrong after grace
3. Communion is a primary means of grace designed to enhance our faith.
"Means of Grace" - The means by which grace comes to us: 1) Preaching, 2) Communion, 3) Baptism. Faith and Trust are made stronger by Grace.
Communion--> Faith--> Grace
3. Communion tells the story of God's side of the Covenant friendship, compelling us to keep our side.
Communion is a snapshot of God's promise to us. Take it out and stare at it as often as you will. God back and remember the cross. Recommit your vows to God.
Lifelong coffee increase pleasure whenever we got to the bottom of the Cup
ReplyDeleteYou should read "Studies from the Sermon on the Mount" by M. Loyd Jones. He explains the beautiful of this passage in a way that makes me long to be more like Christ. Really, as far as I can tell, this passage says so much about the life of a Christian and what it ought to be.
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