Matthew 05:06-12 The Beatitudes–Part 2

This Bible study is concludes a study of the Beatitudes that began in the previous podcast.

What it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness.  If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world” (C.S. Lewis)

How we can learn to be merciful. How the religion of the Pharisees (and possibly our own religion) kept them (and can keep us) from being merciful. The importance of being merciful with a long-range view as opposed to merely seeking to remove the immediate discomfort.

The importance of heart-purity. The danger of depending on external appearance instead of heart purity. How politics and money and legislation cannot solve America’s problems without a change in the hearts of individual Americans. Example: 72% of all American Black babies are born out of wedlock.

How we can be peacemakers.  The limits of peacemaking.

The reality of Christian persecution. Why nonbelievers will persecute Christ-followers in spite of our commitment to love others (even our enemies), our commitment to peace, our commitment to joy, patience, gentleness, goodness, kindness,  faithfulness, and self-control. How erotic/sexual freedom has become the highest freedom in the U.S. Why many people of the younger generation are so willing to get rid of freedom of speech. How we can learn from people in the Bible and from believers who have gone before us who have already given their lives for their commitment to Jesus.

Stay in the Battle!

Steve

To find and subscribe to Steve’s podcasts on ITunes (all subscriptions are free):
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/grow-strong-in-christ-steve/id563175497

To subscribe to Steve’s podcasts on other podcast apps (e.g. Beyond Pod for Android phones) enter the following RSS feed (all subscriptions are free): https://aboundingjoy.com/blog/?feed=podcast

To receive email notifications when new posts and podcasts are uploaded, please send me an email requesting to have your email address added to the list. (Send Steve email)

Also: Check out our YouTube Veritas Series!

Author

Steve serves as chaplain and teacher at Cross Creek Christian School in Sweetwater, TN. He previously taught math, physics, and ACT prep in public high schools in Tennessee and Texas. He has served churches in Tennessee, Florida, and Texas as minister of education, associate pastor, and senior pastor.