Beattitude 7 Series

So we do not build our self worth on our successes or failures. We do not build our self worth on how many children we have, how much money we make. What kind or car we drive. We don’t build our self worth on what church we attend or how many community events we are active in.

One song writer puts it this way

In Christ Alone

I place my trust

And find my glory

In the power of the cross

In very victory

Let it be said of me

My source strength

My source of hope

Is Christ alone

Our self worth comes from understanding that you have value to God. That He wants to mold you and shape you and use you.

I talk to people all the time who can’t stand something about themselves

If you are in this boat this morning you need to give yourself permission to accept yourself by looking through the eyes of Christ

3. Making Peace with SOCIETY

True peacemakers bring others to peace with God

a. Show Courage

Be strong and courageous Joshua

b. Show Compassion

Cry with those who need it

c. Show Competence

Do what you do with excellence

d. Show Commitment

Make Christ a priority in your life

e. Show Christ

Telemachus was a monk who lived in the 4th century. He felt God saying to him, "Go to Rome." He was in a cloistered monastery. He put his possessions in a sack and set out for Rome. When he arrived in the city, people were thronging in the streets. He asked why all the excitement and was told that this was the day that the gladiators would be fighting and killing each other in the coliseum, the day of the games, the circus. He thought to himself, "Four centuries after Christ and they are still killing each other, for enjoyment?" He ran to the coliseum and heard the gladiators saying, "Hail to Caesar, we die for Caesar" and he thought, "this isn’t right." He jumped over the railing and went out into the middle of the field, got between two gladiators, held up his hands and said "In the name of Christ, forbear." The crowd protested and began to shout, "Run him through, Run him through." A gladiator came over and hit him in the stomach with the back of his sword. It sent him sprawling in the sand. He got up and ran back and again said, "In the name of Christ, forbear." The crowd continued to chant, "Run him through." One gladiator came over and plunged his sword through the little monk’s stomach and he fell into the sand, which began to turn crimson with his blood. One last time he gasped out, "In the name of Christ forbear." A hush came over the 80,000 people in the coliseum. Soon a man stood and left, then another and more, and within minutes all 80,000 had emptied out of the arena. It was the last known gladiatorial contest in the history of Rome.

Called (Greek) means “to give a name to…to bear the title of…sons of God.”

When Alexander the Great ruled nearly the entire known world, it was his policy to allow anyone charged with a crime, to appeal to him. When the appeal was made, his judgment was final. He was known as fair but ruthless, so appeals were not often made to him. However, one young soldier was brought before him on appeal. The young man wore the tunic of Alexander’s army. " With what is he charged?" asked Alexander. " He is charged with cowardice in battle," answered the prosecutor.