The Beatitudes is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, perhaps the most famous, most inciteful sermon ever spoken. Jesus lays out the characteristics of a person who follows Him. I have heard it said that the Beatitudes do not describe who Jesus is looking for but the kind of person He wants to make you. The word ‘blessed” does not just mean happiness. Happiness is based on circumstance. It is closer to joy, which is being content regardless, or despite circumstances. But the word blessed is more like having favor from God. It is being fully satisfied. True fulfillment can only be found through a relationship with Jesus Christ (see Romans 5:1-8) and there is nothing greater than that fulfillment. That is the true blessing that Jesus offers each one of us. Let’s take a look at each blessing from the Beatitudes the next few weeks.
Continue reading “Blessed: Poor in Spirit”Tag: poor
Lazarus and the Rich Man: Doing What’s Right
Jesus told a story of Lazarus and the Rich Man. Some think this was not just a parable but something that may have actually happened, because no other parable uses someone’s name. Whichever is the case, what Jesus was teaching is what is important. This is a story of a man who had much but did not use it to help others and only cared about His own desires. But when they died, he went to hell, a place of eternal torment, but Lazarus was righteous, and went to heaven. In Part 1 we will discuss doing what’s right and how to treat those in need. Part 2 we will talk about heaven and hell.
Continue reading “Lazarus and the Rich Man: Doing What’s Right”What Kind of Steward Are You?
Jesus mentions stewardship a few times during His ministry, as do the apostles in their letters to the churches. In this parable, he talks about an unjust steward who is applauded by his rich employer for his shrewdness. This is a hard one to understand the lesson behind the story. What do you think?
Continue reading “What Kind of Steward Are You?”Come to Dinner
Jesus told a few different parables about someone inviting his friends to dinner. One was about those you would expect to go, but they made excuses, so others are invited. One was about a person’s pride who finds the best seats in the house until being humbled. One is about people making light of the wedding and even some being hostile towards those inviting them, and not being prepared for the wedding. So what is Jesus talking about in these three parables? Let’s discuss them.
Continue reading “Come to Dinner”Amos: Greed and Justice
Idols and justice are common themes in the Bible. It is in our society as well, but idolatry comes more in the form of pride and greed. Who or what do we put first in our lives? And, how do we treat others? These are two questions that God was addressing through Amos.
Continue reading “Amos: Greed and Justice”
