What is a Christian made of? n It can rightly be said that the beatitudes describe the component parts of the Christian's heart. (Mt 5:1-12)

What is a Christian made of?What is a Christian made of?

It can rightly be said that the beatitudes It can rightly be said that the beatitudes describe the component parts of the describe the component parts of the Christian's heart. Christian's heart. (Mt 5:1-12)(Mt 5:1-12)


(Matthew 5:1-12 NKJV)(Matthew 5:1-12 NKJV) “And seeing the “And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to when He was seated His disciples came to Him.Him. {2} {2} Then He opened His mouth and Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:taught them, saying: {3} {3} “Blessed “Blessed are are the the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.heaven. {4} {4} Blessed Blessed are are those who mourn, those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.For they shall be comforted.


{5} {5} Blessed Blessed are are the meek, For they shall the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.inherit the earth. {6} {6} Blessed Blessed are are those who those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.shall be filled. {7} {7} Blessed Blessed are are the merciful, the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.For they shall obtain mercy. {8} {8} Blessed Blessed are are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.the pure in heart, For they shall see God. {9} {9} Blessed Blessed are are the peacemakers, For they the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.shall be called sons of God.


{10} {10} Blessed are those who are persecuted for Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.of heaven. {11} {11} “Blessed are you when they “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.evil against you falsely for My sake. {12} {12} “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”the prophets who were before you.”


These are not independent proverbs These are not independent proverbs describing eight different people.describing eight different people.


These are not independent proverbs These are not independent proverbs describing eight different people.describing eight different people.

"The beatitudes speak exclusively of "The beatitudes speak exclusively of spiritual qualities. The historic concerns of spiritual qualities. The historic concerns of men - material wealth, social status and men - material wealth, social status and worldly wisdom - do not simply receive worldly wisdom - do not simply receive little attention, they receive none at all." - little attention, they receive none at all." - Paul EarnhartPaul Earnhart


These are not independent proverbs describing These are not independent proverbs describing eight different people.eight different people.

"The beatitudes speak exclusively of spiritual "The beatitudes speak exclusively of spiritual qualities. The historic concerns of men - qualities. The historic concerns of men - material wealth, social status and worldly material wealth, social status and worldly wisdom - do not simply receive little attention, wisdom - do not simply receive little attention, they receive none at all." - Paul Earnhartthey receive none at all." - Paul Earnhart

Where does happiness come from?Where does happiness come from?


The word "blessed" is from Madarios and The word "blessed" is from Madarios and means happy. It has to do with one's state of means happy. It has to do with one's state of mind. It is the state of wellbeing; mind. It is the state of wellbeing; contentment with joy; peace and tranquility.contentment with joy; peace and tranquility.


The word "blessed" is from Madarios and The word "blessed" is from Madarios and means happy. It has to do with one's state of means happy. It has to do with one's state of mind. It is the state of wellbeing; mind. It is the state of wellbeing; contentment with joy; peace and tranquility.contentment with joy; peace and tranquility.

How can I be happy? All seek an answer. How can I be happy? All seek an answer. Most seek it in wrong way. Most seek it in wrong way.


The word "blessed" is from Madarios and means The word "blessed" is from Madarios and means happy. It has to do with one's state of mind. It is happy. It has to do with one's state of mind. It is the state of wellbeing; contentment with joy; the state of wellbeing; contentment with joy; peace and tranquility.peace and tranquility.

How can I be happy? All seek an answer. Most How can I be happy? All seek an answer. Most seek it in wrong way. seek it in wrong way.

Many are under the delusion that happiness Many are under the delusion that happiness depends upon what one has. This is not true. depends upon what one has. This is not true. (Lk. 12:15)(Lk. 12:15)


(Luke 12:15 NKJV)(Luke 12:15 NKJV) “And He said to “And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he in the abundance of the things he possesses.””possesses.””


In the beatitudes Jesus teaches that In the beatitudes Jesus teaches that happiness depends upon one's attitude.happiness depends upon one's attitude.


In the beatitudes Jesus teaches that In the beatitudes Jesus teaches that happiness depends upon one's attitude.happiness depends upon one's attitude.

Will you test your heart and consider the Will you test your heart and consider the meaning of real Christianity?meaning of real Christianity?

The wellspring of all Christian The wellspring of all Christian character - the poor in spiritcharacter - the poor in spirit

What is the Christian's attitude toward What is the Christian's attitude toward himself in the presence of God? himself in the presence of God? (Mt 5:3)(Mt 5:3)


(Matthew 5:3 NKJV)(Matthew 5:3 NKJV) “”Blessed “”Blessed are are the the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”heaven.”


The word used here (ptochos), may be The word used here (ptochos), may be translated "abject poverty." It reflects one translated "abject poverty." It reflects one who is virtually destitute, or in "imminent who is virtually destitute, or in "imminent danger of real starvation.”danger of real starvation.”


The word is used to describe the widow The word is used to describe the widow with the two mites. with the two mites. (Mk 12:42-44)(Mk 12:42-44)


(Mark 12:42-44 NKJV)(Mark 12:42-44 NKJV) “Then one poor “Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.make a quadrans. {43} {43} So He called His So He called His disciples to disciples to Himself Himself and said to them, and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury;to the treasury; {44} {44} “for they all put in out of “for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.””in all that she had, her whole livelihood.””


It described Lazarus who had to beg. It described Lazarus who had to beg. (Lk 16:20-21)(Lk 16:20-21)


(Luke 16:20-21 NKJV)(Luke 16:20-21 NKJV) “”But there was a “”But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate,who was laid at his gate, {21} {21} “desiring to “desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.”and licked his sores.”


It described Jesus in his earthly state as It described Jesus in his earthly state as compared to heaven! compared to heaven! (2 Cor 8:9)(2 Cor 8:9)


(2 Corinthians 8:9 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 8:9 NKJV) “For you know “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”might become rich.”


Here Jesus is describing poverty of Here Jesus is describing poverty of spirit.spirit.


Here Jesus is describing poverty of Here Jesus is describing poverty of spirit.spirit. We must see our need of and dependence We must see our need of and dependence

upon God. upon God. (Jn 15:5)(Jn 15:5)


Here Jesus is describing poverty of Here Jesus is describing poverty of spirit.spirit. We must see our need of and dependence We must see our need of and dependence

upon God. upon God. (Jn 15:5)(Jn 15:5) (John 15:5 NKJV) “”I am(John 15:5 NKJV) “”I am


(John 15:5 NKJV)(John 15:5 NKJV) “”I am the vine, you “”I am the vine, you are are the branches. He who abides in Me, and the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”you can do nothing.”


Only when we see our deep poverty and Only when we see our deep poverty and believe it will God be able to guide us. believe it will God be able to guide us. (Jer 10:23)(Jer 10:23)


(Jeremiah 10:23 NKJV)(Jeremiah 10:23 NKJV) “O LORD, I “O LORD, I know the way of man know the way of man is is not in himself; not in himself; It is It is not in man who walks to direct his own not in man who walks to direct his own steps.”steps.”


This is the first step in pleasing God! This is the first step in pleasing God! (Psa 51:17)(Psa 51:17)


(Psalms 51:17 NKJV)(Psalms 51:17 NKJV) “The sacrifices of “The sacrifices of God God are are a broken spirit, A broken and a a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart; These, O God, You will not contrite heart; These, O God, You will not despise.”despise.”


When we have this kind of spirit we will When we have this kind of spirit we will realize that we cannot impress God! This realize that we cannot impress God! This will keep us from the sin of pride. will keep us from the sin of pride. (Isa 64:6)(Isa 64:6)


(Isaiah 64:6 NKJV)(Isaiah 64:6 NKJV) “But we are all like “But we are all like an unclean an unclean thing, thing, And all our And all our righteousnesses righteousnesses are are like filthy rags; We all like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.”wind, Have taken us away.”


Consider the example of the Canaanite Consider the example of the Canaanite woman! woman! (Mt 15:21-28)(Mt 15:21-28)


(Matthew 15:21-28 NKJV)(Matthew 15:21-28 NKJV) “Then Jesus “Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon.region of Tyre and Sidon. {22} {22} And behold, And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”is severely demon-possessed.”


{23} {23} But He answered her not a word. And But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”“Send her away, for she cries out after us.” {24} {24} But He answered and said, “I was not But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”Israel.”


{25} {25} Then she came and worshiped Him, Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”saying, “Lord, help me!” {26} {26} But He But He answered and said, “It is not good to take answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw the children’s bread and throw it it to the little to the little dogs.”dogs.” {27} {27} And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”fall from their masters’ table.”


{28} {28} Then Jesus answered and said to her, Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great “O woman, great is is your faith! Let it be to your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.”healed from that very hour.”


Things that do not constitute "poor in Things that do not constitute "poor in spirit.”spirit.”


Things that do not constitute "poor in Things that do not constitute "poor in spirit.“spirit.“

Poor in professionPoor in profession - Glorying in one's - Glorying in one's poverty does not demonstrate humility!poverty does not demonstrate humility!


Poor spiritedPoor spirited - "The weak, the nervous, the - "The weak, the nervous, the non-courageous, or simply moral cowards non-courageous, or simply moral cowards who succumb to temptation and who succumb to temptation and compromise with evil." - Jimmy Tutencompromise with evil." - Jimmy Tuten



The recluseThe recluse - Those who withdraw or quit - Those who withdraw or quit in difficult times are self consumed.in difficult times are self consumed.



The recluseThe recluse - Those who withdraw or quit - Those who withdraw or quit in difficult times are self consumed.in difficult times are self consumed.

The poor in circumstanceThe poor in circumstance - This is not - This is not what the Lord described!what the Lord described!


Consider the differences between pride and Consider the differences between pride and humility.humility.



In relation to knowledge:In relation to knowledge:



In relation to knowledge:In relation to knowledge: Pride causes a know-it-all attitude with Pride causes a know-it-all attitude with

arrogance and prejudice.arrogance and prejudice.



In relation to knowledge:In relation to knowledge: Pride causes a know-it-all attitude with Pride causes a know-it-all attitude with

arrogance and prejudice.arrogance and prejudice. Humility recognizes how little one knows Humility recognizes how little one knows

and sees the need of continually seeking and sees the need of continually seeking truth and learning. truth and learning. (1 Cor 8:1-2)(1 Cor 8:1-2)


(1 Corinthians 8:1-2 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 8:1-2 NKJV) “Now “Now concerning things offered to idols: We concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. {2} {2} And if anyone thinks that he knows And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.”to know.”


What made king Solomon great? What made king Solomon great? (1 Kgs 3:5-9)(1 Kgs 3:5-9)


(1 Kings 3:5-9 NKJV)(1 Kings 3:5-9 NKJV) “At Gibeon the LORD “At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” {6} {6} And And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as him a son to sit on his throne, as it is it is this day.this day.


{7} {7} “Now, O LORD my God, You have “Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I father David, but I am am a little child; I do not a little child; I do not know know how how to go out or come in.to go out or come in. {8} {8} “And “And Your servant Your servant is is in the midst of Your people in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.numerous to be numbered or counted.


{9} {9} “Therefore give to Your servant an “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?””Yours?””


In relation to self and others:In relation to self and others:


In relation to self and others:In relation to self and others: Pride causes self-inflation, the desire to be Pride causes self-inflation, the desire to be

the center of attention.the center of attention.


In relation to self and others:In relation to self and others: Pride causes self-inflation, the desire to be Pride causes self-inflation, the desire to be

the center of attention.the center of attention. Humility learns to be content in poverty Humility learns to be content in poverty

without feelings of humiliation.without feelings of humiliation.


Pride wants to serve rather than to serve. Pride wants to serve rather than to serve. (Lk 22:24-26; 1 Pt 5:5)(Lk 22:24-26; 1 Pt 5:5)


(Luke 22:24-26 NKJV)(Luke 22:24-26 NKJV) “Now there was “Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest.them should be considered the greatest. {25} {25} And He said to them, “The kings of And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’are called ‘benefactors.’


{26} {26} “But not so “But not so among among you; on the you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.”as he who serves.”


(1 Peter 5:5 NKJV)(1 Peter 5:5 NKJV) “Likewise you “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to younger people, submit yourselves to your your elders. Yes, all of elders. Yes, all of you you be submissive to one be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.””the humble.””


In relation to God:In relation to God:


In relation to God:In relation to God: Pride feels self-sufficient. He does not need Pride feels self-sufficient. He does not need

God.God.



God.God. Pride feels no gratitude to God and is thus Pride feels no gratitude to God and is thus

weak on prayer.weak on prayer.



God.God. Pride feels no gratitude to God and is thus Pride feels no gratitude to God and is thus

weak on prayer.weak on prayer. Pride throws one off guard and leads to Pride throws one off guard and leads to

ruin. ruin. (Prov 16:18; 29:23)(Prov 16:18; 29:23)


(Proverbs 16:18 NKJV)(Proverbs 16:18 NKJV) “Pride “Pride goes goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.”before a fall.”


(Proverbs 29:23 NKJV)(Proverbs 29:23 NKJV) “A man’s pride “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”will retain honor.”


This humility leads to the kingdom of This humility leads to the kingdom of heaven! heaven! (Mt 5:3)(Mt 5:3)


(Micah 5:3 NKJV)(Micah 5:3 NKJV) “Therefore He shall “Therefore He shall give them up, Until the time give them up, Until the time that that she who is she who is in labor has given birth; Then the remnant in labor has given birth; Then the remnant of His brethren Shall return to the children of His brethren Shall return to the children of Israel.”of Israel.”

The opportunity of grief - those that The opportunity of grief - those that mourn. (Mt 5:4)mourn. (Mt 5:4)

The beatitudes go against everything our The beatitudes go against everything our society thinks!society thinks!


The beatitudes go against everything our The beatitudes go against everything our society thinks!society thinks!

"These are largely paradoxical statements. "These are largely paradoxical statements. A more unlikely formula for success could A more unlikely formula for success could hardly be imagined. They assaulted every hardly be imagined. They assaulted every maximum of conventional wisdom and left maximum of conventional wisdom and left the hearer startled and perplexed." - Paul the hearer startled and perplexed." - Paul EarnhartEarnhart


The word mourn (pentheo) means "to The word mourn (pentheo) means "to bewail, lament, mourn for.”bewail, lament, mourn for.”


This word described the tears of righteous. This word described the tears of righteous. (Lk 6:21)(Lk 6:21)


(Luke 6:21 NKJV)(Luke 6:21 NKJV) - “Blessed - “Blessed are you are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed Blessed are you are you who weep now, For you who weep now, For you shall laugh.”shall laugh.”


How do we become happy through How do we become happy through mourning?mourning?


When we mourn over our sins. We know When we mourn over our sins. We know we have offended God! we have offended God! (2 Cor 7:10; Psa 51:2-4,17; Joel 2:12-13)(2 Cor 7:10; Psa 51:2-4,17; Joel 2:12-13)


(Psalms 51:2-4 NKJV)(Psalms 51:2-4 NKJV) - “Wash me - “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.me from my sin. {3} {3} For I acknowledge my For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin transgressions, And my sin is is always before always before me.me. {4} {4} Against You, You only, have I Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done sinned, And done this this evil in Your sight; evil in Your sight; That You may be found just when You That You may be found just when You speak, speak, And And blameless when You judge.”blameless when You judge.”


(Psalms 51:17 NKJV) - “The sacrifices of - “The sacrifices of God God are are a broken spirit, A broken and a a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart; These, O God, You will not contrite heart; These, O God, You will not despise.”despise.”


(Joel 2:12-13 NKJV)(Joel 2:12-13 NKJV) “”Now, therefore,” “”Now, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”mourning.” {13} {13} So rend your heart, and So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He your God, For He is is gracious and merciful, gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.”He relents from doing harm.”


(2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV) “For godly “For godly sorrow produces repentance sorrow produces repentance leading leading to to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”of the world produces death.”


When was the last time you grieved over When was the last time you grieved over your sins? Sadly pride has caused many to your sins? Sadly pride has caused many to become hard hearted. become hard hearted. (Jas 4:8-10)(Jas 4:8-10)


(James 4:8-10 NKJV)(James 4:8-10 NKJV) “Draw near to God “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your your hands, hands, you you sinners; and purify sinners; and purify your your hearts, hearts, you you double-minded.double-minded. {9} {9} Lament and mourn Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and mourning and your your joy to gloom.joy to gloom. {10} {10} Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”and He will lift you up.”


We should also mourn for and with others. We should also mourn for and with others. (Jn 11:33-35; Rom 12:15)(Jn 11:33-35; Rom 12:15)


(John 11:33-35 NKJV)(John 11:33-35 NKJV) “Therefore, when “Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.spirit and was troubled. {34} {34} And He said, And He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”Him, “Lord, come and see.” {35} {35} Jesus Jesus wept.”wept.”


(Romans 12:15 NKJV)(Romans 12:15 NKJV) “Rejoice with “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”weep.”


"A religion that is coldly ritualistic, that "A religion that is coldly ritualistic, that does not feel and mourn, is not the religion does not feel and mourn, is not the religion of Christ." - Joe Corleyof Christ." - Joe Corley



Mourners who do not find happiness.Mourners who do not find happiness.



Mourners who do not find happiness.Mourners who do not find happiness. Those who are pessimists who continually Those who are pessimists who continually

wine and murmur.wine and murmur.


"A religion that is coldly ritualistic, that does "A religion that is coldly ritualistic, that does not feel and mourn, is not the religion of not feel and mourn, is not the religion of Christ." - Joe CorleyChrist." - Joe Corley

Mourners who do not find happiness.Mourners who do not find happiness. Those who are pessimists who continually Those who are pessimists who continually

wine and murmur.wine and murmur. Those who in self-pity wear their feelings on Those who in self-pity wear their feelings on

their sleeves. their sleeves.


Those who have injured pride. The egotist Those who have injured pride. The egotist feels no sorrow for the wrong he does or the feels no sorrow for the wrong he does or the hurt of others. He always looks at himself.hurt of others. He always looks at himself.



Those who morn over material loss or Those who morn over material loss or frustrated ambition.frustrated ambition.




Those who morn only at the consequences Those who morn only at the consequences and effects of their sin. and effects of their sin. (2 Cor 7:10)(2 Cor 7:10)




Those who morn only at the consequences Those who morn only at the consequences and effects of their sin. and effects of their sin. (2 Cor 7:10)(2 Cor 7:10)

The blessings of God's comfort.The blessings of God's comfort.


"The right kind of mourning actually "The right kind of mourning actually enshrines our lives -- draws us closer to enshrines our lives -- draws us closer to God and thus brings us comfort." - Joe God and thus brings us comfort." - Joe CorleyCorley


"The right kind of mourning actually "The right kind of mourning actually enshrines our lives -- draws us closer to enshrines our lives -- draws us closer to God and thus brings us comfort." - Joe God and thus brings us comfort." - Joe CorleyCorley

Will you know the joy of forgiveness, the Will you know the joy of forgiveness, the joy of service and the comfort of heaven? joy of service and the comfort of heaven? (Ps 32:1-2; 30:5; Rev 21:3-4)(Ps 32:1-2; 30:5; Rev 21:3-4)


(Psalms 30:5 NKJV)(Psalms 30:5 NKJV) “For His anger “For His anger is but is but for for a moment, His favor a moment, His favor is for is for life; Weeping life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy may endure for a night, But joy comes comes in in the morning.”the morning.”


(Psalms 32:1-2 NKJV)(Psalms 32:1-2 NKJV) “Blessed “Blessed is he is he whose whose transgression transgression is is forgiven, forgiven, Whose Whose sin sin is is covered.covered. {2} {2} Blessed Blessed is is the man to whom the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit whose spirit there is there is no deceit.”no deceit.”


(Revelation 21:3-4 NKJV)(Revelation 21:3-4 NKJV) “And I heard a “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God tabernacle of God is is with men, and He will with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them God Himself will be with them and be and be their their God.God. {4} {4} “And God will wipe away every tear “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”pain, for the former things have passed away.”


Have you begun the Christian life?Have you begun the Christian life?


Have you begun the Christian life?Have you begun the Christian life? These two steps are the essential beginning These two steps are the essential beginning

of every Christian. of every Christian. (Acts 2:36-38)(Acts 2:36-38)


(Acts 2:36-38 NKJV)(Acts 2:36-38 NKJV) “”Therefore let all “”Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”both Lord and Christ.” {37} {37} Now when they Now when they heard heard this, this, they were cut to the heart, and they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men “Men and and brethren, what shall we do?”brethren, what shall we do?”


{38} {38} Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Spirit.”


We must see the bad news before we ever We must see the bad news before we ever could appreciate the good news. could appreciate the good news. (Rom 1:16, 18)(Rom 1:16, 18)


(Romans 1:16-18 NKJV)(Romans 1:16-18 NKJV) “For I am not “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.Greek. {17} {17} For in it the righteousness of For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”written, “The just shall live by faith.”


{18} {18} For the wrath of God is revealed from For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,”truth in unrighteousness,”

What is a Christian made of? n It can rightly be said that the beatitudes describe the component parts of the Christian's heart. (Mt 5:1-12)

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