Episodes
A comprehensive series exploring Jesus' revolutionary teaching on the character and conduct of those who belong to the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
A profound exploration of Matthew 5:3, examining what it means to be poor in spirit and how this blessed state leads to the kingdom of heaven. This foundational beatitude opens the door to all other spiritual graces.
Key Points:
- Understanding spiritual poverty vs. material poverty
- The contrast with pride and self-righteousness
- The example of the publican in prayer
- How poverty of spirit leads to the kingdom
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
An examination of the second beatitude, exploring godly sorrow and the comfort that comes from God. This beatitude teaches us about the proper response to sin and the promise of divine comfort.
Key Points:
- The difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow
- Mourning over personal sin and corporate sin
- The comfort that comes from God
- How mourning leads to repentance and renewal
Blessed Are the Meek
A study of meekness as strength under control, exploring how the meek shall inherit the earth. This beatitude reveals the true nature of power and authority in the kingdom of God.
Key Points:
- Meekness as strength under control
- The example of Moses and Jesus
- How the meek inherit the earth
- The contrast with worldly power and aggression
Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
An exploration of spiritual hunger and the promise that those who seek righteousness will be filled. This beatitude speaks to the deep longing for God and His righteousness.
Key Points:
- The nature of spiritual hunger and thirst
- Righteousness as both imputed and imparted
- The promise of being filled
- How this hunger drives us to God's Word and prayer
Blessed Are the Merciful
A deep theological examination of mercy and how the merciful shall obtain mercy. This beatitude reveals the reciprocal nature of God's mercy and our response to others.
Key Points:
- The nature of divine mercy
- How mercy flows from receiving God's mercy
- Practical expressions of mercy
- The promise of receiving mercy
Blessed Are the Pure in Heart
An exploration of heart purity and the promise that the pure in heart shall see God. This beatitude addresses the inner transformation that leads to vision of God.
Key Points:
- The meaning of heart purity
- The process of inner transformation
- The promise of seeing God
- How purity affects our relationship with God
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
A missionary perspective on peacemaking and how peacemakers shall be called sons of God. This beatitude reveals our calling to be agents of reconciliation in a broken world.
Key Points:
- The nature of true peacemaking
- Peacemaking vs. peacekeeping
- Being called sons of God
- The missionary call to reconciliation
Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake
A powerful sermon on persecution and the great reward that awaits those who suffer for Christ. This final beatitude prepares us for the cost of discipleship.
Key Points:
- The inevitability of persecution for righteousness
- The difference between persecution and consequences
- The great reward in heaven
- Rejoicing in persecution as the prophets did