The Beatitudes
In chapters 5-7, Matthew records a sermon that Jesus preached early in his ministry, and the first part of that sermon are statements called The Beatitudes. Each of these eight statements begin with the words “Blessed are…” or “Happy are those ….”
Some people feel Jesus’ teaching on the Beatitudes does not apply to us today because they are found to be all too striking, mind blowing, and hard. G. K. Chesterton wrote, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” Is that so?
I don’t think we are intended to live the Beatitude reality alone but in the presence of the Risen Christ Jesus and fellow siblings of Jesus Christ to experience God’s kingdom or kin-dom here and now. By living out ,“Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted because of righteousness…”, I believe we will experience the Risen Christ in our lives together where we experience God’s beloved community here in Oakland.
Would you join us? This Sunday, we will be reflecting on the “Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
Worship Music Links
I’m Goin’a Sing When the Spirit Says Sing
Surely the Presence of the Lord
Where the Spirit of the Lord Is
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ZOOM Link
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86824473010?pwd=Z29RUE9IanVyaC9YaUlRUEIzQm1hUT09
Meeting ID: 868 2447 3010
Passcode: 326043
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Meeting ID: 868 2447 3010
Passcode: 326043
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