The Beatitudes
A New Way to Live (January - February 2024)
Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus set the tone early in His ministry. He wasn’t interested in mindless obedience to the law simply to earn favor. His intent was to change the hearts of those who follow Him. The Beatitudes offer a new way to live that both fulfills Old Testament expectations and radically changes us to reflect the heart and life of Christ in our relationship with Him and each other.
Bookmarks are available at the Welcome Center with the focus of each week and a reading guide. Feel free to pick up an extra bookmark and invite a friend!
Bookmarks are available at the Welcome Center with the focus of each week and a reading guide. Feel free to pick up an extra bookmark and invite a friend!
A New Bible Reading Plan starts on Monday, January 6 and goes through the end of February as part of our The Beatitudes sermon series. This reading plan will be Monday - Friday and cover the passages used in Sundays' messages and related Bible texts.
You can have accountability and connect with others in our congregation by signing up for a texting group. The groups will consist of approximately 5 people texting each other their thoughts and impressions of the passage that was read. Sign up below or let April Beaver know you would like to be part of the plan.
You can have accountability and connect with others in our congregation by signing up for a texting group. The groups will consist of approximately 5 people texting each other their thoughts and impressions of the passage that was read. Sign up below or let April Beaver know you would like to be part of the plan.
The Beatitudes Message Schedule
January 5: Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
(Matthew 5:3)
We experience God’s blessing of approval when we admit the seriousness of our spiritual condition and fully lean on Jesus for forgiveness and a secure position in God’s kingdom community.
January 12: Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
(Matthew 5:4)
We mourn about life losses and, especially, the effect of our sinfulness. However, we are not without hope because joy (blessings) comes to those who mourn.
January 19: Blessed Are the Meek
(Matthew 5:5)
We experience God’s favor when we respond with gentleness, which requires great strength of character. Responding with poise under pressure draws God’s blessing of (relative) peace in our relationships on earth.
January 26: Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
(Matthew 5:6)
We experience God’s favor when we develop the appetite to do right, and act on that desire. God blesses us with a satisfaction of the soul.
February 2: Blessed Are the Merciful
(Matthew 5:7)
God blesses the heart of the person who gives unwarranted kindness and compassion to the person who has wronged them. He gives mercy that enables us to be merciful, and more mercy as we respond with mercy to others.
February 9: Blessed Are the Pure in Heart
(Matthew 5:8)
Those with a pure heart, free from malice and deceit, are considered blessed and will be able to have the spiritual experience of knowing and connecting with God deeply.
February 16: Blessed Are the Peacemakers
(Matthew 5:9)
We experience God’s blessing when we pursue meaningful harmony (“make” peace), receiving affirmation of our security as children in God’s forever family.
February 23: Blessed Are the Persecuted
(Matthew 5:10-12)
God blesses the person with a heart to do right and the willingness to suffer for it. They are gifted with an eternal reign with Christ (since they prioritized the values of heaven).
(Matthew 5:3)
We experience God’s blessing of approval when we admit the seriousness of our spiritual condition and fully lean on Jesus for forgiveness and a secure position in God’s kingdom community.
January 12: Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
(Matthew 5:4)
We mourn about life losses and, especially, the effect of our sinfulness. However, we are not without hope because joy (blessings) comes to those who mourn.
January 19: Blessed Are the Meek
(Matthew 5:5)
We experience God’s favor when we respond with gentleness, which requires great strength of character. Responding with poise under pressure draws God’s blessing of (relative) peace in our relationships on earth.
January 26: Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
(Matthew 5:6)
We experience God’s favor when we develop the appetite to do right, and act on that desire. God blesses us with a satisfaction of the soul.
February 2: Blessed Are the Merciful
(Matthew 5:7)
God blesses the heart of the person who gives unwarranted kindness and compassion to the person who has wronged them. He gives mercy that enables us to be merciful, and more mercy as we respond with mercy to others.
February 9: Blessed Are the Pure in Heart
(Matthew 5:8)
Those with a pure heart, free from malice and deceit, are considered blessed and will be able to have the spiritual experience of knowing and connecting with God deeply.
February 16: Blessed Are the Peacemakers
(Matthew 5:9)
We experience God’s blessing when we pursue meaningful harmony (“make” peace), receiving affirmation of our security as children in God’s forever family.
February 23: Blessed Are the Persecuted
(Matthew 5:10-12)
God blesses the person with a heart to do right and the willingness to suffer for it. They are gifted with an eternal reign with Christ (since they prioritized the values of heaven).