Scripture and Sermon Slides February 2, 2014

Gospel Reading Matthew 5:1-12

1. Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,

2 and he began to teach them, saying:

3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

What About Me? Matthew 5:1-12 February 2, 2014 Communion Sunday Immanuel Baptist Church Rev. John W. Landis, DMin

How many of you see yourself as one of those mentioned?

I Don’t!

Does that mean I am not or can’t be blessed?

I don’t think so!

First of all, it is for the future, not now

Secondly, it does not say those who are not these things are cursed!

It is a passage of HOPE!

Also I think we do find ourselves in these, more than we think!

Poor in Spirit Means to not be “spirited” – Not all full of yourself – Not driven Here if you have a big ego – rich in spirit, you have a tendency to be in charge – You also have a tendency to run people over – You also have a tendency to not be satisfied But if you are willing to accept your place without ambition to overwhelm you are poor in spirit And if you are poor in spirit in the Kingdom of Heaven, the Kingdom is yours

Those who Mourn We all have things for which to mourn – People – Things – The way things used to be In the Kingdom of Heaven, there will be no more tears

The Meek Humble Modest Willing to be a servant Not weak They get the earth as their own – They are willing to work it – They are not insulted by not getting heaven

Those that hunger and thirst for Righteousness Decency Honesty Justice They will get what they are looking for in the Kingdom of Heaven

The Merciful Compassionate Kindhearted Forgiving All given graciously! They will get what they have given

Pure in Heart Innocent Without malice Blameless Without guile

Pure in Heart None of us qualify! Without Jesus, None of us will see God (except very small children)

Peacemakers Not ones who ignore conflict Not those who appease Ones who help those in conflict come to a workable, agreeable, sustainable solution Helps both sides get All of what they need Some of what they want

Those persecuted for being Righteous If you are going to be aggressive be aggressive in seeing that what is right and what is just is done Don’t expect to be loved In fact expect to be persecuted and/or killed – Martin Luther King – Mandela – Ghandi

Those who are persecuted because they are identified as active Christians We have not experienced this until recently We are becoming the minority The rest of the world understands this... Because they are persecuted The Church has always thrived in persecution

Things we can do here Not be egotistical and aggressive Comfort those who mourn Be humble and willing to do whatever comes our way – No small parts “Clean Up Our Act” – Repent and accept the gracious gift of forgiveness

Things we can do here (cont.) Mediate and broker peace – Don’t take sides – mediate – Learn how to manage conflict There will always be some! Be obvious (not pushy) Christians – No matter what anyone says – Be willing to pay the price for being one Don’t worry what others say about you because you are Christian – Even if they lie and cause you problems because of it

THE BEST IS YET TO COME! Have faith THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

Even for You and Me!