pure in heart

Reverend Matt Busby presents the homily for Sunday, 11/12/23: Blessed Are the Pure in Heart.

NT Reading:  Ephesians 2:11-22

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-11

Psalm: Psalm 24

Collect: O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life. Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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What does it look like to live on earth as a citizen of Heaven? The answer to that is illustrated from the words of Jesus Himself! Jacob Wirka shares important life perspectives from the Sermon on the Mount. 

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In this tactical guide to Christian warfare, Warren Wiersbe gives you practical instructions straight from the Bible to help you detect and defeat Satan on a daily basis. The Strategy of Satan is a must-read classic to help you win the day spiritually!

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Jesus taught the "Beatitudes," but what are some of the ME-attitudes that make us MEligious? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares about the worldly thinking that opposes Jesus' teaching on living in the Kingdom. 

Matthew chapters 5-7 contain Jesus' famous sermon often called "The Sermon on the Mount." The sermon starts in verses 3 through 10 with 8 statements that all begin with the phrase "blessed are ________."

Over time, these statements were called The Beatitudes from the Latin word for "blessed."

1. Beatitude: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The "poor in spirit" are those who recognize that their need for God. 

MEattitude: I am blessed when I don't need anyone else's help.

Galatians 5:25

God will be your crisis manager, but he would rather be your daily planner.

2. Beatitude: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

MEattitude: I am blessed when I never experience loss, grief, or mourning.

Acts 14:22 

John 16:33

The Kingdom of God is now and not yet—at the same time.

3. Beatitude: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Meekness is ability restrained by wisdom. 

MEatittiude: I'm blessed when I get to say and do what I want, because I am right.

James 3:13

2 Timothy 2:25

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

4. Beatitude: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Righteousness is the state of being in acceptable condition to God. 

MEattitude: I will feel fulfilled when I get everyone else's approval.

Galatians 1:10

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

MEattitude: People need to get it together and be more like me.

James 2:13

1 Corinthians 4:5

Judge actions, but don't judge people.  

6. Beatitude: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

MEattitude: How I live doesn't really matter.

Just because God loves us, doesn't mean He won't instruct us.

1 Cor. 9:27

Your purity will affect God's presence in your life.

 Your behavior doesn't earn you a relationship with Jesus, but a relationship with Jesus will affect your behavior. 

7: Beatitude: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Peace is not the absence of conflict or troubles, but the learned skill of remaining unaffected by them.

MEattitude: I am under no obligation to help the world around me.

Ephesians 2:10

1 Peter 4:10

The church has got to be more concerned with making a difference than making a point.

If you want to be recognized as a child of God, give what you've got.

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

MEattitiude: I am blessed when everyone agrees with my faith.

1 Peter 3:14 

If nobody ever disagrees with you, you're probably not standing for anything.

Are you living according to the MEattitudes?

This is a mini-series on The Beatitudes. The blessings that Jesus spoke to the crowds as he taught on the mountain. The Beatitudes are amazing and challenging for us as believers which makes us realize how much we need Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior. This series will go through each of the blessings, and we hope it will help you seek after Jesus in your life.

Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

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Matthew 5:8

This week, as we resume our series on the Beatitudes, Steve asks what it means to be pure in heart, and teaches us to recognize the Father’s presence. 

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