Jesus went up on a mountainside and taught them saying ...

  • Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven.

    

In this longest recorded sermon, Jesus began by explaining the characteristics He expected from His followers. He called those who lived in these ways "blessed" because God had something special in store for them. Each description is an almost complete opposite of the typical way of life in our society. The best example of each way of living can be seen in Jesus Himself. If your goal is to be like Him, these ways of living will challenge the way you live every day

    
Blessed are ... OT reference What is the worldly view God's reward How to develop

the poor in spirit

Isaiah 57 verse 15

You must have pride and personal independence

Kingdom of heaven

James 4 verses 7 to 10

those who mourn

Isaiah 61 verses 1,2

Seek happiness at any cost

You will be comforted

(2 Corinthians 1 verse 4)

Psalm 51

James 1 verse 7 to 10

the meek (and gentle)

Psalm 37 verses 

5 to 11

Having POWER is what is important

You will inherit the earth

Matthew 11 verses 

27 to 30

those who hunger for righteousness

Isaiah 11 verses 

4 and 5

Pursue personal needs at all costs

You will be filled (satisfied)

John 16 verses 5 to 11

Phil 3 verses 7 to 11

the merciful

Psalm 41 verse 1

Be strong without having feelings

You will receive mercy

Ephesians 5 verses 1,2

the pure in heart

Psalm 24 verses 3,4

Deception is acceptable. Why tell the whole truth?

You will see God

1 John 3 verses 1 to 3

the peacemakers

Isaiah 57 verses

18,19

Personal peace is all that matters - no concern for the wider world

You will be called sons of God

Romans 12 verses 9 to 21

those who are persecuted 

Isaiah 52 verse 13

Only make weak commitments 

You will inherit the kingdom of heaven

2 Timothy 3 verse 12

    

This description is taken from the New American Standard Bible by the Lockman Foundation. Included here by permission 

       

Pastor: Robert Templey Tel: 01430 860997       EMail robert@holmechristianfellowship.co.uk

Prayer Requests either to the Pastor or to prayerline@holmechristianfellowship.co.uk 

Holme Christian Fellowship is an independent church but is a member of the Evangelical Alliance.  We are a registered charity Ref: 1109666