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Blessings Of Beatitude Living
Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 23, 2004 (message contributor)
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1. Developing A Disciple's Attitude
Contributed on Mar 23, 2004
In the most famous sermon ever preached, Jesus sets forth eight statements that provide the best definition of a disciple ever delineated
Developing a Disciple’s Attitude In a classic comic, Calvin and Hobbes are talking about the New Year when Calvin says, “I’m getting disillusioned with these new years. They don’t seem very new at all. Each New Year is just like the old year. Here another year has gone by and everything’s ...read more
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2. The Poverty Of Self-Sufficiency
Contributed on Mar 24, 2004
As we look at the first Beatitude this morning, I wonder if those listening to Jesus wished they had a dictionary with them because it must have seemed like He was speaking a different language.
The Poverty of Self-Sufficiency I’ve received some wonderful green and gold gifts recently. This Packer headband keeps my ears warm, and this cap announces my allegiance for all to see. This Packer Christmas stocking came filled with Snicker bars; and I even received some “Lambeau loafers” as ...read more
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3. The Gladness Of Sadness
Contributed on Mar 24, 2004
In one of the most profound, and paradoxical texts in the Bible, Jesus declares in Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn; for they will be comforted.”
The Gladness of Sadness I like to begin my messages with something that makes us laugh when I can (though some of you probably wouldn’t necessarily call it humor). As we approach the second Beatitude however, I realize that frivolity isn’t called for today. In fact, this character quality is ...read more
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4. Meek Does Not Mean Weak
Contributed on Mar 24, 2004
I was struck with how “in control” Jesus was, even when events were transpiring around him and people were doing disturbing things to Him.
Meek Does Not Mean Weak This past Tuesday Pastor Jeff and I had had the opportunity to view a screening of the film called, “The Passion of the Christ” with about 4,000 other pastors. We should have known we were in for an unforgettable experience when we saw boxes of Kleenex arrayed on tables ...read more
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5. The Happiness Of A Hungry Heart
Contributed on Mar 24, 2004
Look at Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
The Happiness of a Hungry Heart As Jesus continues to communicate the blessings that come from beatitude living, let’s summarize what we’ve learned so far. Matthew 5:3: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The Almighty applauds us when we see our condition ...read more
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6. The Benefits Of Showing Mercy
Contributed on Mar 24, 2004
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
The Benefits of Showing Mercy One day, a woman who occasionally walked through the park after work, stopped to have her picture taken by a photographer. She was very excited to get the Polaroid print but when she looked at it, her face dropped. She turned to the photographer and stated rather ...read more
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7. Pursuing Purity In An Impure World
Contributed on Mar 24, 2004
We can con our coworkers, fool our friends and family, play charades with church members, and even deceive ourselves, but we can’t masquerade before the Lord because He sees right through our masks.
Pursuing Purity in an Impure World I remember seeing a cartoon that shows a pastor and his wife deep in conversation. The wife says, “Today let’s do something different. Why don’t you be charming at home and grouchy at church?” Ouch. That really doesn’t apply to me…because I’m often grouchy in ...read more
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8. Making Peace In The Midst Of Conflict
Contributed on Mar 24, 2004
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.”
Making Peace in the Midst of Conflict Conflict is everywhere, isn’t it? In a classic Winston Churchill comeback, Lady Astor once said, “If you were my husband, I’d put poison in your coffee.” Churchill responded with his cutting wit: “If you were my wife, I’d drink it.” We laugh at this sarcasm, ...read more
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9. The Blessing No One Wants
Contributed on Mar 24, 2004
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is y
The Blessing No One Wants How many of you have seen The Passion of the Christ movie? As the “national conversation” continues, I hope you’re taking advantage of the opportunity to tell people why Jesus died. I’ve had a number of discussions this week about the topic with people I don’t even ...read more