Podcasts about beatitude

Scott Carter is our guest on this episode. He is the coordinator of the office for the Beatification of Venerable Fr. Emil Kapaun. Fr. Kapaun is one of the newest deceased persons to be declared Venerable by the late Pope Francis in February 2025, which is a step closer to being declared a saint in the Catholic Church. Fr. Kapaun is best known for his faith-filled and heroic participation in the Korean war. Scott tells us about the young Emil's penchant for being an outdoorsman at a young age and his love for sports while he was in the seminary. Fr. Kapaun was ordained on June 9, 1949, and was assigned to a parish in Kansas. Fr. Kapaun's real calling was to minister to and serve soldiers in the war. He served as a chaplain in World War II and returned to the States when the war ended. In 1949 the Army put out a letter requesting chaplains for the Korean War and Fr. Kapaun told his bishop that he wanted to go. Scott says that Fr. Kapaun had a missionary spirit. There is an iconic picture of Fr. Kapaun celebrating Mass on the hood of a jeep. While in the Korean War, Fr. Kapaun was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor and the Medal of Honor for saving a soldier about to be shot. Eventually Fr. Kapaun was captured and sent to a prison camp. While in the prison camp, Fr. Kapaun did everything he could to help his fellow prisoners maintain their dignity while encouraging those that wanted to give up. While his captors took Fr. Kapaun to his death, he asked forgiveness for any wrong he might have done to any one of them. Throughout his life and at the hour of his death, Fr. Kapaun put his faith into action. Miraculously, Fr. Kapaun's remains were found many years after his death in Korea and were returned to Kansas where he is buried at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita. Scott ends the podcast by recalling a reflection given by Fr. Kapaun on the radio in Tokyo in April of 1950 on the Beatitude found in Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers…” Scott asks anyone who is praying for the intercession of Fr. Kapaun to contact him at the website listed below. For more information about Fr. Kapaun and/or to contact Scott: Venerable Emil J. Kapaun | Official Home Page For information about the process of sainthood in the Catholic Church: Saints | USCCB #catholicsports, #frkaupaun, #frkapaunkoreanwar

What do you truly hunger for? In this study of Matthew 5:6, we uncover the powerful distinction between worldly happiness and divine satisfaction. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” isn't just a religious sentiment—it's a revolutionary approach to fulfillment that directly contradicts our culture's relentless pursuit of happiness through acquisition and self-gratification.The world constantly tells us that happiness comes through possessions, status, and doing whatever feels good regardless of consequences. But Jesus offers a radically different perspective. When He uses “blessed” in these Beatitudes, He's describing a true, lasting joy that only comes as a byproduct of pursuing something greater—righteousness itself. This isn't about rule-following or religious perfectionism; it's about hungering for right relationship with God with the same intensity we feel when physically starving.Think about this: most of us would never consider feeding our physical bodies just once a week, yet many believers attempt to sustain their spiritual lives on nothing more than a weekly church service. We meticulously plan three meals daily for our bodies while allowing our spirits to starve. As the teaching reminds us, “What you feed grows, and what you starve dies.” Which appetite are you feeding—your flesh or your spirit?Pursuing righteousness means actively making time to engage with Scripture until it transforms you from within, surrounding yourself with others who share your spiritual hunger, and specifically asking God to reveal unhealthy appetites while increasing your desire for Him. The beautiful promise attached to this Beatitude isn't that you'll get everything you want—it's that your deepest soul hunger will finally be satisfied through right relationship with God. Will you join us in this countercultural pursuit of hungering for what truly satisfies?We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!Find us on Facebook & Instagram

Hosts: Fr. Steve & Rich Budd In today's episode, we talk about being a cheerful giver. We hear a reflection on the Beatitude, "Blessed are the Persecuted." And we hear a poem by Gerard Manely Hopkins, “Pied Beauty,” read by Chris Veneklase.

What if everything the world teaches about power, strength, and victory is completely backward? In this illuminating study of Matthew 5:5, we explore Jesus's counterintuitive words: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”Our culture prizes self-assertion, conquest, and control. The philosophy of the world could be summed up in the oft-quoted (though misattributed) line: “When Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept, for there were no more worlds to conquer.” This mindset—take until nothing is left to take, conquer until there is no one left to conquer—is deeply ingrained in human nature. But in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus flips this value system on its head.The original audience would have found His words shocking. The Jewish people had lived under centuries of oppression—first by Babylon, then Assyria, Greece, and Rome. They knew firsthand the brutality of a dog-eat-dog world. To hear “blessed are the meek” would have sounded nonsensical. Meekness wasn't strength in their eyes; it seemed like surrender. Yet Jesus calls His followers to embrace a radically different posture.So what does meekness actually mean? Contrary to modern assumptions, it is not weakness, passivity, or being a pushover. Biblical meekness—praus in Greek—is strength under God's control, a quiet and gentle confidence born from deep trust in the Lord. It is not self-assertiveness or self-interest but a Spirit-led disposition that accepts God's dealings as good, without disputing or resisting. Meekness requires removing ourselves from the throne of our lives and yielding to God's kingship.We see this illustrated in Moses, who was described as “very meek, more than all the people who were on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). When his leadership was challenged, Moses didn't defend himself or fight for his position. Instead, he trusted God to act on his behalf and even interceded for his sister when she was struck with leprosy. Abraham showed similar meekness in allowing Lot to choose the best land first, and David displayed it when he turned to the Lord for strength instead of defending himself against his own men.But the ultimate example of meekness is Jesus Himself. During His wilderness temptation, He refused shortcuts to glory and submitted fully to the Father's plan. On Palm Sunday, riding humbly into Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus revealed both humility and authority. In Gethsemane, He prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” willingly surrendering to the Father's will even though it meant the agony of the cross. Meekness doesn't mean weakness—it means incredible strength restrained in perfect trust.This third Beatitude reveals a beautiful spiritual progression: first, we recognize our spiritual poverty (poor in spirit); then, we mourn over our sin and find comfort in Christ; now, as we submit to God's sovereign will, we embrace meekness and receive the promise that we will inherit the earth.Inheritance is key here. Unlike the world's way—where you take, fight, and grab for power—this is something given, not earned. Inheriting the earth means receiving what belongs to Christ as co-heirs with Him. It points both to a present reality and a future hope. Even now, as citizens of God's kingdom, we can rest in His provision. One day, in the “not yet,” we will fully receive our portion in the new heavens and new earth, where all things aWe are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!Find us on Facebook & Instagram

What does it truly mean to mourn in a way that brings blessing? In this profound exploration of the second Beatitude, we discover that godly grief reaches far beyond merely feeling sad about circumstances—it's about recognizing sin for what it truly is and experiencing the transformative comfort that only God can provide.Through the contrasting stories of King Saul and King David, we witness two fundamentally different responses to confrontation about sin. Saul's desperate grasping at Samuel's cloak represents worldly grief focused on consequences rather than true repentance. David's straightforward confession—“I have sinned against the Lord”—shows us genuine godly sorrow that leads to restoration.The spiritual posture of mourning invites us to stop whitewashing our sin like the Pharisees' “whitewashed tombs” and instead to acknowledge our brokenness before a holy God. This vulnerability opens the door to experiencing God's comfort—not as mere emotional soothing but as profound peace through reconciliation.Just as Jesus restored Peter after his denial and healed the woman who touched his garment in faith, God extends comfort to those who mourn with honest hearts. Through Christ's sacrifice, the veil has been torn, granting us direct access to God's comforting presence even in our darkest moments.The ultimate hope for mourners lies in Revelation's promise of a new creation where God “will wipe away every tear” and where “mourning, crying, and pain” will be no more. This is our destination—a place where godly grief completes its transformative work and gives way to eternal comfort.Have you allowed yourself to truly mourn your sin rather than merely its consequences? How might embracing godly grief lead you to experience God's comfort in ways that superficial happiness never could?We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!Find us on Facebook & Instagram

As we near the end of our series in the Beatitudes, we turn to Jesus' blessing on those who make peace. They shall be called “sons of God,” the Son of God assures us. In a world filled with war and turmoil, the prospect of peace seems like a distant dream. In a church that has recently undergone conflict, the pursuit of peace may seem hopeless. So, how do we live into this Beatitude? What must be true of us to be peacemakers? And how do we live, as far as it is possible, at peace with all men? This Sunday will be a personal and vulnerable exploration of a Beatitude that may seem out of reach for many of us today but is a blessing Jesus has bestowed on his church.

Jesus challenges every checklist we've ever used to grade ourselves. In Matthew 5:17-48 He insists that real righteousness reaches far beneath behavior to the motives that fuel it. Pastor Mark Medley unpacks this mind-bending section of the Sermon on the Mount by comparing it to international travel: you won't get far in Ireland if you drive on the American side of the road, and you'll overpay in France if you keep thinking in dollars instead of euros.Likewise, God's kingdom operates on its own measurements. Mark walks through five areas where Jesus resets the scale:Anger & Murder – Hatred incubates homicide. Deal with the heart first.Lust & Adultery – Imagination steers action; protect the inner life.Oaths & Integrity – Let “yes” mean “yes” without legal loopholes.Retaliation & Mercy – Drop the scoreboard and absorb the hit.Enemies & Love – Pray blessing on the very people who wound you.Each raises the standard beyond human reach (“Be perfect as your Father is perfect”) and sends us back to the opening Beatitude—poverty of spirit. That honest acknowledgment opens the door for a miracle Ezekiel predicted: God replaces stone hearts with living ones and powers obedience from the inside out.Mark also exposes the trap of religious rule-keeping. Sadducees, Pharisees, and Zealots all had lists, but none could convert God's currency of love. Rules alone breed division (“my list versus yours”) and miss the Law's true intent. Jesus fulfills the Law, then writes it on our hearts through the Holy Spirit so we can carry kingdom culture into everyday life—marriage, parenting, offices, and neighborhoods.Ready to rethink success? Hit play and let the red letters re-measure everything. Then share the message so friends can discover the freedom of living by heaven's standards instead of earth's scorecards.We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!Find us on Facebook & Instagram

In this video, JC Schroeder looks at the Greek text of the first Beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3 and Luke 6:20).Works Cited:Rebekah Eklund, The Beatitudes through the Ages (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2021).Wesley G. Olmstead, Matthew 1-14: A Handbook on the Greek Text, Baylor Handbook on the Greek New Testament (Waco: Baylor University Press, 2019).Jonathan T. Pennington, The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing: A Theological Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2017).Charles L. Quarles, Matthew, Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2017).Time Stamps:0:00 Introduction0:38 "Blessed"5:21 "the poor in spirit"7:41 "for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"10:56 "theirs"12:46 "kingdom of heaven"17:03 Comparison with Luke 6:20---------------

This is the ninth lesson in Dr. Lane G. Tipton's Reformed Academy course, Calvinistic Trinitarianism: A Reformed Federalist Alternative to Thomistic Sacerdotalism. Register for this free on-demand course on our website to download supplemental materials, track your progress, and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to twenty-three additional five-hour video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/cal... Your donations enable us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you all across the world: https://reformedforum.org/donate/ #johncalvin #trinity #reformedtheology

If you were ever lucky enough to catch one of the late Dave Van Ronk's shows, you almost certainly heard “Green Rocky Road,” which became sort of his theme song over the years.He'd perform it in a variety of ways, sometimes at a lively clip, a tribute to its roots as a children's play party tune. Other times it would be slow and meditative, making you wonder if you were missing some secret tucked away in those seemingly simple lyrics.Dave's tune inspired an eclectic slew of followers, ranging from Peter, Paul and Mary (as “Rocky Road” in 1963), Tim Hardin (1966) and Fred Neil (1967) to Ricky Nelson (as “Promenade in Green” in 1967), Wendy Waldman (1975) and Van Morrison (2023).The Song's StoryVan Ronk remembered first hearing the song from beat poet Bob Kaufman who was hanging out in Greenwich Village's Gaslight Cafe in the early 1960s. Kaufman learned it as a child when he was growing up in New Orleans. It was a popular African American children's game song throughout the South, Kaufman said. In fact, the song is among those featured on a 1950 Folkways album called Ring Games: Line Games and Play Party Songs of Alabama, collected from the children of Lilly's Chapel School in York, Alabama, recorded by Harold Courlander.Of the game associated with the song, the album notes said, “The children form a circle with the leader in the center. The group sings ‘Green, green' and the leader answers, ‘Rocky road,' skipping around the ring. As the chorus is sung the leader is deciding which person to choose. As he picks one, the group sings the first line of the verse, naming the child selected. The leader brings his choice to the center and kisses her…” (Hence, “Tell me who you love, tell me who you love.”)Enter Len ChandlerBut the song as we know it today was largely composed by Len Chandler, who was, as writer Elijah Wald notes, “one of the most musically sophisticated writers on the Village folk scene. Chandler had been a classical oboe player in Akron, Ohio, and Dave recalled Variety referring to him as ‘musician turned folksinger.'”As Chandler always told it, Van Ronk was the first person to bring him down to Washington Square and introduce him around, and he shortly became the house musician at the Gaslight Cafe. Chandler came up with a new melody for the tune, Dave learned it from him, recorded it in 1963 and, for the rest of his life, it became one of the most enduring and requested songs in Dave's repertoire.Remembering KaufmanBut the real hero of this tale is Bob Kaufman, the poet who played a key role in preserving the song.As composer/singer Richard A. Séguin recently commented in an online article, “Bob (Robert Garnell) Kaufman (1925-1986) once famously said ‘I want to be anonymous. My ambition is to be completely forgotten.' I hope he will forgive me for disregarding his wishes, but he is too important an artist to forget.”Choosing San Francisco for his home, Kaufman founded and edited Beatitude poetry magazine and many argue that it was he — rather than the often-credited newspaper columnist Herb Caen — who actually coined the term “beatnik.”Wikipedia quotes writer Raymond Foye (from an introduction to a Kaufman poetry volume) as observing that Kaufman's life was filled with a great deal of suffering. In San Francisco, for instance, he was the target of beatings and harassment by the city police, while his years living in New York were filled with poverty, addiction and imprisonment. Kaufman often incurred the wrath of police simply for reciting his poetry aloud in public; it is said that in 1959 alone, he was arrested 39 times by the San Francisco cops on disorderly charges.In 1963, he was arrested for walking on the grass of Washington Square Park. He was incarcerated on Rikers Island, then sent as a “behavioral problem” to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital.At Bellevue, Séguin notes, he “underwent electro-shock treatments that greatly affected his already bleak outlook on society.” After John F. Kennedy's assassination, Kaufman, a Buddhist, took a vow of silence that lasted 10 years.“Even though Bob Kaufman's life was filled with a great deal of suffering,” Séguin concludes, “many will remember him for his wonderful idea that became the musical butterfly we know as ‘Green Rocky Road.'” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 1937flood.substack.com

Send us a textAs we continue our discussion on the Beatitudes, we're chatting about the next Beatitude in our series - Blessed are the Meek. Tabitha sat down with a couple of friends to discuss the common misconceptions of meekness and how practicing it leads to God's blessing in our lives. Spoiler alert: it has nothing to do with weakness! 00:00 Last Episode Recap03:30 The misconceptions & truth of "meekness"17:50 What meekness means Biblically & how it makes us feel20:00 It's not about me24:50 Learning to be content with how God made you27:00 The why behind the what39:00 The promise of meekness50:00 The power of the pause ___________________________________________If you're new to the Bible or want to take your study further, consider these free resources we use ourselves:Bible.com - A free, digital Bible with many translations from YouVersion that also provides hundreds of devotionalsBibleProject.com - A free resource from The Bible Project that provides in-depth overviews and studies of Scripture as well as key concepts and themes within the Bible.What Matters Most is a podcast from Faith Community Church. Connect on socials:FacebookInstagramYouTube channelNo matter where you're at on your journey, you are welcome here.Faith Community Churchinfo@faithcommunity.co636.671.4190

Bankruptcy is not a fun place to be, but can offer protections for a new start. Jesus offers the spiritually bankrupt something even better: the Kingdom. The first Beatitude about the poor in spirit is the beginning to unlocking the resources of Heaven. From Matthew 5:3.

This is part 5 in our Easter series called Emboldened. You can watch the digital service on YouTube: *coming soon... If you had questions during the message, text them to 567-246-0807 and we will contact you to discuss your thoughts. *Closing Song is "Clean" - Hillsong - Lyrics: Benjamin Hastings, Hannah Hobbs, Joel Houston, Michael Fatkin, Taya Gaukrodger - © 2022 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia Performed by the WCC band with permission under CCS License #4935

In this - a little bit longer episode - I share the story behind writing my interpretation of The Beatitudes - eight ancient teachings -  for those of us who dare to create.  My wish is to support us in creating with our singular vision and voice.  Then, I share each of the eight Beatitudes.It's a combination of three consecutive journal entries, the first of which I called Supremely Blessed.  https://www.lifeinfullcolor.com/journal/art-life-stories/april-26-2017-supreme-blessings/.  You can see the painting I called Beatitude here too.The teachings themselves start at minute 7:50, if you'd like to jump right there.Cara Brown - Watercolorist - Teacher - www.lifeinfullcolor.com...is where you can find all my paintings, workshop offerings and the entire archive of my writing.

Following Jesus and living the Beatitudes leads to divine life but it also leads to persecution. The final Beatitude is not limited to those who suffer violent persecution; to be rejected and ridiculed and misunderstood is part of living the Jesus way. This final beatitude comes with the same blessing as the first.

In this bible study, we cover Matthew 5.1-12 looking at the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are a list of 8 statements from Jesus, each with a promise. “Blessed” - happy, joyful, on the right path- is the person who follows each of Jesus' calls. This includes a call to be poor in spirit, to mourn our sinful state, to be meek, to thirst for righteousness, to show mercy, to be pure of heart, to be a peacemaker, and to rejoice in persecution.The Beatitudes are a progressive ladder, with each separate step being critical to understand before attempting the next step. Some of the steps are easier for some than others, and that's ok, but we need to take these one at a time, and do our best to follow Jesus' call. Keeping in mind that on our own, without the help of the Holy Spirit, we are not capable of any of them. Outline:00:24 - Introduction to Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount02:10 - What is sanctification? 02:58 - Prayer03:43 - Reading Matthew 5.1-1204:54 - What are the Beatitudes?The name “Beatitude” comes from the LATIN: BEATUS - bā-ˈä-təs (“Bay a tues”) The Greek is μακάριος makarios mak-ar'-ee-osEnglish - “Blessed,” “Bless-ed” or “happy” 1 Peter 1.8Think of the Beatitudes as a road map, better yet, think of it as a ladder. A step ladder of the sanctification process. 07:53 - Matthew 5.3 - Blessed are the POOR IN SPIRIT 08:05 - What does it mean to be poor in spirit?STEP 1 - Be humble. Realize you are nothing without God. John 15.5Php 2.3-4Read Luke 18.9-14.Pro 16.1813:51 - Matthew 5.4 - Blessed are THOSE WHO MOURN14:06 - What does it mean to mourn in the Bible?Gen 23.2 - Abraham mourned the loss of his wife SarahRom 3.23Rom 6.23READ Rom 7.24-25 - 8:1-2Prov. 28:13STEP 2 - Mourn your sin.20:01 - Matthew 5.5 - BLESSED ARE THE MEEK20:14 - what does it mean to be meek? What is meekness?Meekness is not weaknessMeekness is power under controlMatt 11:28-30READ John 18:1-6. Jesus gives us an example of meekness under control in the Garden of Gethsemane.STEP 3 - Be meek, Power under control.Matthew 5.6 - BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS. 25:55 - What is Righteousness? How is Righteousness defined in the Bible?Isa 64.6Rom 3.22Titus 3.4-7God is the ultimate source of all righteousness. So to hunger and thirst for Righteousness is to hunger and thirst for people to have a right relationship with their creator. STEP 4 - Have a hunger to see people with a right relationship with God. Hunger for people to be saved. 32:27 - Matthew 5.7. BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL 32:32 - What does it mean to be merciful? What is Mercy? What is the difference between Grace and Mercy?What does it look like to be Merciful? Forgiving someone even when they do not deserve to be forgiven. Forgive someone even if they don't even seek your forgiveness.Mat 6.14-15Rom 12.18STEP 5 - Show mercy. Let go and let God!37:56 - Matthew 5.8. BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART.What does the world say about your heart, and what does the Bible say?Jer 17.9Article: https://www.gotquestions.org/pure-in-heart.htmlPsalm 51:10, STEP 6 - Pray and plead for the Lord to create a pure heart in you.43:19 - Matthew 5.9 - BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS 43:26 - What is a peacemaker?What is peace? שָׁלוֹם šālômPro 18.21Isa 9.6Rom 10.17STEP 7 - be a peacemaker - not a mayhem manifestor48:43 - BLESSED ARE THE PERSECUTED2 tim 3.12Luke 6.22https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1-300/whatever-happened-to-the-twelve-apostles-11629558.htmlJohn 16.33Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donateListen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheepContact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.orgBe notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

If Jesus didn't confuse them with the first Beatitude about being the happiness found in being poor in spirit, he really catches them off guard by telling them happiness is found in mourning! What does Jesus mean here? And what are we supposed to mourn about? Listen to find out more.

The Beatitudes reveal the personality and the heart of Jesus. This 5th Beatitude “Blessed are the Merciful” tells us that blessed are the ones who show loyal love and grace”Unique to this Beatitude is the fact that it is the only Beatitude where the blessing and the promise match. When we extend mercy to others this positions our being to be in a place of receiving God's mercy and healing in our lives.

Click here to read the episode highlights.   The "Living with Heart" Podcast is brought to you by Chip Dodd Resources (www.chipdodd.com) and The Voice of the Heart Center (vothcenter.com). Contact Bryan Barley for coaching at bryan@vothcenter.com.    A man will step into the future, often armed with nothing more than his own vision, because he trusts that the future is where God lives. He steps into the mystery of the future with hope, fear, and faith.   Hope is the inextinguishable flame of life in all of us.   Fear is the feeling that lets us seek out and ask for help with life's struggles and questions.   Faith is the connection to God; and trust that our hope is not foolish, and our fear will be heard. Faith is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)   Movement #1, “The Order of Love,” is the foundation for the other 11 movements. Episode 50    Movement #1 places the man in need of God, who created him and loves him. He is second, and he draws his strength, courage, and caregiving from God. One cannot give what he/she does not have. A man is created to deliver love to others, starting with his spouse and children (if he has them).   A man who trusts God will step into the future with hope, fear, and faith because he trusts that God wants to “grow” or develop him into all that he is created to become. He has also witnessed the experiences of God's presence in his life.   Movement 12 can take us in many directions; however, we will focus only on two: The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10) show us the growth process of God. A process called Johari's Window show us what we need in order to grow.   The Beatitudes present us with a series of growth processes. Each “step” evolves into the next growth experience.    I wrote the book The Perfect Loss: A Different Kind of Happiness about the growth processes given to us in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5:3-10.   Two remarkable things about the paradox of the Beatitudes:   Jesus says that “Blessed” are those who surrender to and submit to a painful growth process.  The gift of the first Beatitude and the gift of the last one is the same gift, implying that a person has grown, much like an acorn grows into an oak tree.   Click here to continue reading the episode highlights.

Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount by telling his disciples that those who are poor in spirit are blessed. What does it mean to be poor in spirit? What even does it mean to be blessed? Jesus then goes on to tell them that for those folks, "theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." Okay, but what does that mean. Keith Pond explains what the Beatitudes are and how this opening Beatitude is significant for believers today.

Introduction: The Heart of the Disciple: Congratulations to the Hated! (Matthew 5:10-12) Who Are “Those Who Are Persecuted”? 1 Peter 4:3-4 – For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you... Luke 9:23 – And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 2 Timothy 3:12 – Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted… Why Are We Congratulating Those Who Are Persecuted? Acts 5:40-41 – And when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. How Do I Respond to Being Persecuted? Three Reasons to Rejoice in Persecution: Persecution Proves I Belong to Jesus! 1 Peter 1:6-7 – In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. I Have a Reward in Heaven! 2 Corinthians 5:10 – For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. I'm in Good Company! John 15:20 – Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Audio Transcript Open up your Bibles with me, please, to Matthew chapter 5.Matthew chapter 5, as we are coming at the end of an eight-week-long congratulationsparty as we look at the Beatitudes.This is the introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached.And every Beatitude begins with the word "blessed."And the word "blessed" means congratulations.If I asked you, "What is a Christian?"We could probably go around the room and get dozens and dozens and dozens of differentresponses to that.What is a Christian?What does a Christian do?What does a Christian look like?How does a Christian act?As we go through the Beatitudes, understand from the mouth of our Lord, this is whata Christian is.So it really doesn't matter what I think a Christian is or what you think a followerof Jesus is.This is what Jesus said a follower of Him looks like.This is what Christians are meant to be.And as we've said through this whole series, there's a spiritually logical flow in theBeatitudes.Jesus wasn't just pulling out these random sayings.There's a flow here.It's like a staircase.It's like steps on a ladder.Let's look at them again.Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.Blessed are the pure in hearts, for they shall see God.Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdomof heaven."Look at this flow here.What I want you to see here, the first three Beatitudes address our need.We're poor in spirit, and we should mourn over that.And we need to stop thinking of ourselves first and live a life of complete unselfishness.That's meekness.That's the need that we have.And then the need is satisfied as we hunger and thirst for righteousness.And then the next three Beatitudes show the result.We become merciful.We become pure in heart.We become peacemakers.Today, this last one, this is the outcome.If you are sincerely following Jesus Christ, if Christ is alive in you and He is changingyou, I've got to tell you, this is kind of a shocking statement that Jesus says, "Youknow you made it."When people hate you.Wow.Before we dive into this, let's just pause for a moment.I'm going to ask that you would please pray for me to be faithful to communicate God'sWord, and at the same time I will pray for you to receive what it is the Lord wants totell us in His Word today.All right?Let's just take a moment.Please pray for me.Father in heaven, as we come to Your Word, this is a hard one.But we're not cherry picking.Just trying to cover the parts of Your Word that might be easier on our ears, Father.We want to hear everything that You had to say.This is a hard one.I pray, Father, for all of us, You would open our hearts for a time of self-examinationand also a time of maybe a change of perspective.To Your glory and honor, Father, let Your Word take root in our hearts.To make us the people that You've called us to be, to make us the people that Jesus described,as followers would be.I pray these things in Jesus' name.All of God's people said, Amen.All right, we're in week 8 of the party.Anybody else have like party fatigue?You're like, "All right, you know what?In any other party I would have gone home long before this."But look, we've got one more week of party, all right?So are you ready?Today, we want to wish a hearty congratulations to the hated.You ready?Let's do it!I get to tell you, it feels strange.You're hated.Congratulations!I'm so happy for you.You're hated?Wow, that's awesome!Like, man, you're going to have to explain that one.Well, let's look at what our Lord says."Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness's sake, for theirs is the kingdomof heaven."So the first question we have to ask is, "Who are we congratulating here?Who are the persecuted?"Well the Greek word persecuted means pursue.The word we would use in our day is harass.This verb tense talks about somebody who continually allows themselves to be put in this position,the persecuted.You're like, "Well, persecuted like how?"Well, Jesus tells us.Look at verse 11."Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evilagainst you falsely on my accounts."So you see this persecution, there's two sides of the coin here.There's reviling.That's face to face.That's, I'm assaulting you with words in your face, or we would just call that insultingyou.Right?But then He says, "Uter evil falsely."That's not in your face.That's behind your back.That's slandering you.That's, I want to ruin your reputation.I want people to think lesser of you.So I'm going to say things about you behind your back.And what I don't know, I'm just going to make up because I want people to think of you ina negative light.But you have to notice here, Jesus says persecuted.Look, you've got to get this because if you miss this, there's somebody going to be walkingout of here strutting like a rooster because you missed it.Jesus says it's for righteousness sake.Verse 11, He says it's on account of Him.And that's so important when we talk about persecution.It's not persecution because you're obnoxious.Okay?It's not persecution because you're a jerk to everyone.And you wear your religion like some kind of an honor badge that you think it's yourjob to slap everybody in place.People treat you negatively because you're a jerk.That's called consequences.That's called you're reaping what you're sowing there.So He's not talking about that.He's also not talking about putting on a show.Right?It's not trying to be as over the top, self-righteous as you can be so that you get people's attentionso that they say something about you so you can be like, "Oh, I'm so persecuted."He's not talking about that either.Look at Daniel.Daniel quietly softed the Lord and He was persecuted.Right?Jesus isn't talking about getting a rise out of people on social media by trolling them.You know exactly what to post, exactly what to comment, and you know it's going to geta rise out of people and people are going to say things and you're going to be like,"Oh, I'm so persecuted."No, you're not.You're being a jerk.Okay?That's not what Jesus is talking about at all.He clarifies that twice here.It's being hated, being persecuted because of Jesus.It's because of His righteousness.It's because you strive to be like Jesus.Or in the context of this sermon, you're just striving to live out these Beatitudes thatHe laid out.You're just striving to be that kind of person.And you're hated.Isn't it sort of ironic?What did Pastor Taylor preach about last week?The previous Beatitude.What was that one?Okay, two of you were here.There were more of you here than that.What was the previous Beatitude?Peacemakers.Isn't that interesting?Blessed are the peacemakers and then...Blessed are the persecuted.What's going on there?Well, it is very simply this.Christians strive for peace with all men, but all men don't return the favor.And you're like, "Wait, hang on a second, man.Why all the hatred, man?Why the hatred?Why can't we just live and let live, man?You know what I'm saying?Why do they hate?Well, Peter tells us that.Peter answers that very question.Why do people hate you for trying to follow Jesus?Look at 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 3 through 4.He says, "For the time that has passed to feces for doing what the Gentiles want to do."And in this context, Gentiles is sort of a figure of speech for unbelievers.He says, "Living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, andlawless idolatry."Do you see that Peter says, "Listen, Christians, we're done living life like it's one longbeer commercial."All right?He says, "With respect to this, they are surprised..."The unbelievers are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debaucheryand they malign you.Do you see that?He's saying that people are going to slander you, malign you, because you're different.You live as a citizen of heaven.You don't live a sinful lifestyle and lost people view that somehow as you condemningtheir sin.Lost people feel like when you try to follow Jesus.And even if you don't say a word, they feel like you're calling them out."Oh, oh, oh, you think you're better than me?""Oh, you don't do that stuff, oh, oh, Mr. Holier than thou, huh?Whatever happens to thou shall not judge, huh?"And you're like, "Well, I'm not judging.I just don't live that way because of my faith in Jesus Christ.They're going to hate you for that."And maybe you're like, "Well, you know what, though, Pastor Jeff, I wouldn't say anythingto anyone because I believe.I believe in keep your religion to yourself."And I would say, "I ain't good either."According to Jesus.In Luke 9.23, Jesus said, "For whoever is ashamed of me, oh, oh, look at the end of my words.Of him will the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in his glory, in the glory of theFather and of the holy angels."Do you see that?End of my words.It's not just ashamed of Jesus.It's also being ashamed of what He said.It's being ashamed of what He taught.So what do we do?We try to avoid persecution by making the gospel tolerable.And we say things like, "Well, there's not just one way to heaven.You know, we're all kind of on our path.And as long as you're sincere, I think God sees that.And there's not just one way to heaven.I don't really think there's a hell.You know, I know there's some Christians that believe that.But I don't really think that's - I don't really think a loving God would send somebody tohell.And you know what, man?Love is love, right?And we're ashamed of what Jesus said when we talk like that.When you're with your family, your unsafe family members specifically, when you're with yourunsafe friends, when you're at the workplace, the sort of just kind of hides your faith.We're ashamed of Jesus' words.It's a problem.Try this.Try saying things like, "I believe that marriage is for a man and a woman because that's whatGod said."Say things like, "I believe that the unborn are people who deserve to live."Try that one.Try, "I believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven because He's the only one who diedfor my sin and rose from the dead to promise eternal life."He's the only one who did that.So I believe He's the only way to heaven.Say that.People will hate you.And you're going to be persecuted for righteousness' sake.And you're like, "You know what, Pastor Jeff, the world is rough, man.The world's rough.It's rough out there.It's not just the world.Some of the worst persecution of Christians happens in the church.Think about this.Jesus' ministry.Who gave Jesus the most problems?Was it the unsaved pagans?It was the hardcore religious people, wasn't it?And what about the book of Acts?The book of Acts, the first four chapters, it's attacks from the outside, still from religiouspeople, but it was attacks outside the church.And the church was standing strong.And then what happened in Acts chapter 5 and chapter 6?All the problems came from within the church.And things really got hard then.And church, I've got to tell you, the worst insults that I've ever received, the worstslander about me that's ever been spoken, the worst accusations that I've ever experiencedhave come from church people.It shouldn't be that way.That's how it is.And maybe there are some people sitting here.And if we're being honest, some of the ways that you're talking about people and the leadershipof the church, you're being divisive.And maybe you're not the persecuted.Maybe you're the persecutors.You're like, well, why would church people do that?Same reason.You take a stand on what the Bible says.You stand for righteousness.Blushly, worldly-minded people in the church are going to attack you.By the way, look at verse 11 again.Jesus says, "Blessed are you when others revile you."Notice He didn't say "if."Like this is going to apply to some of my followers.No, He didn't say that.Listen, if you're a true follower of Jesus, it's when it's going to happen to you.You are going to be persecuted in some way, shape, or form to some degree for your faith.This is for all true disciples.And if you're not getting any kind of backlash because of your faith in Jesus Christ, that'sactually a bigger problem than if you're facing persecution.This is for all true followers.Paul says this in 2 Timothy 3.12, in case it's unclear."Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."So you think you're going to stand for Jesus and Satan's kids aren't going to hate you?Let's not be so naive.That's who the persecuted are.You're like, "Wow, so why are we congratulating them?"Well, let's look at the text.First time, why would we congratulate people that are hated, persecuted for righteousness'sake?Well, look what Jesus says, "For theirs is the kingdom of heaven."The kingdom of heaven.We talked about this, didn't we?It's the place where Jesus is ruling.Like, where is the kingdom of heaven?Right now, it's in the heart of every believer.Hers is the kingdom of heaven.The first and last Beatitudes are bookended by this statement.That was the very first thing Jesus said."Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."What Jesus is saying is the first thing, and the last thing you need to know is when youreceive Him, you get His kingdom.Oh, and by the way, with all these Beatitudes, all of these results, all of these thingswe've been congratulating people for, you realize every single promise, every congratulationof every Beatitude are all facets of a diamond called salvation.These are all just figures of speech describing salvation.Receiving the kingdom of heaven, that's salvation.Being comforted by God, that's from salvation.Inheriting the earth, salvation.Being satisfied, only in salvation.Receiving mercy, that's salvation.Being able to see God, that's salvation.Being called a Son of God, that's adoption, which is, tell me, salvation, right?Receiving the kingdom of God is salvation.So why are we congratulating those hated because of Jesus?Because it proves that Christ is in you.Wait, wait, you mean people who would hate Jesus if He were here, hate you instead becauseyou remind them of Jesus?That.That is a high honor.That is a really high honor.And somebody right now is like, "Oh, you know what, Pastor Jeff, I don't think we shouldthink that way."And I would say, why not?The early disciples did.Acts chapter 5 says, "When the counsel had called in the apostles, they beat them andcharged them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go."Now I would think the next statement would be, and the apostles left cursing them undertheir breath, the apostles left crying, "Why God, why did this happen to me?"That's what I would think the next line would be.But you see what the next line is?It says, "Then they left a presence of the counsel rejoicing that they were counted worthyto suffer dishonor for the name."See that the early apostles, they weren't waiting for Harvest Bible Chapel to have ourlittle congratulations party before they started celebrating.They were congratulating themselves.What an honor to so act like Jesus that sinners treat you like Jesus.That's an honor.And that is why we're congratulating those who are persecuted.So there's one more question that we have to answer today.The third question on your outline.How do I respond to being persecuted?How do I respond to being persecuted?You know, this beatitude is obviously very different than the rest.The other beatitudes are about what happens in me.But this beatitude is about what happens to me.But you know another difference is this is the only beatitude that Jesus elaborates onright here.And you're like, "Wait a minute.Is this the part of the sermon where you tell me how to be persecuted?"No.I don't need to tell you how to be persecuted.You follow Jesus Christ, you will be.That's the point.You strive to live this kind of a life.You will be.The question that we need to answer is how do I respond to that?That's the question.And the answer is not retaliate."I'll get you for this."It's not that.It's not resenting people like, "I hate you for this."It's not that.And it's not even becoming depressed or sorrowful.Like, "I hate this."It's not that either.Look at verse 12.Because Jesus actually tells us how to react.Look at this."Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven.For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."Jesus says, "Here's how you react.People hate you because you follow Him?"Jesus says, "Rejoice."And you're like, "Really?Yeah.Jesus actually doubles down on that, doesn't He?He says, "Rejoice and be glad."Why should I rejoice and be glad when people are against me because of Jesus?Why would I do that?How in the world is that an occasion for happiness?Well Jesus tells us that too.We don't have to guess.But He tells us right here.So the three reasons to rejoice in persecution, jot these down.I'm going to go through these quickly.These are the three reasons Jesus gives right here.Number one, persecution proves, "I belong to Jesus."We already touched on this briefly already.But like the rest of the Beatitudes, there's a congratulations on what results.He says, "Yours is the kingdom of heaven," meaning you belong to Jesus.Do you want to know if your faith is real?Or would you just rather stumble through life wondering, "Do I really believe?"I mean, do I really believe in Jesus Christ?Is my faith a real thing or is it just kind of in my head or have I deceived myself?Is my faith real?Well, your faith needs tested and there's only one way that happens.See what Peter says again.First Peter 1, he says, "In this year rejoice."Oh, there's rejoice again.For what Peter?"Now for a little while, if necessary, you've been grieved by various trials, persecutionbeing a big one, so that the tested genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold, thatperishes though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory andhonor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."Well, here's the point.Anyone can say that they believe in Jesus Christ at a prayer meeting.Or go to a small group and say, "I just want you to know I believe in Jesus Christ.Do you think there's going to be any pushback there?"No, there's not.It's easy to say it there.But do you still believe when it's not so popular?Do you still believe when you're insulted for it?When you're rejected for it?When you're falsely accused because of it?Do you still believe when your faith costs you something?You see, when following Jesus is painful, but you refuse to walk away because His promisesare so glorious and His ways are so right?When Jesus Himself is so worthy, you don't really prove to Jesus what your faith is madeout of.As much as you've proven to yourself what your faith is made out of, because I've gota feeling Jesus already knows.That's reason to rejoice.Resurrection proves I belong to Jesus.Number two, I rejoice.I have a reward in heaven.Look at verse 12 again."Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven."Be like, "Well, what's your reward?What's your reward?"Well, there's all kinds of rewards in heaven.Actually, you could kind of look at heaven as one big reward, right?And I mean, you've got this, "There's no sickness, and there's no war, there's no unhappiness."Oh, how about the best thing in heaven?Jesus Himself.All of that's true.And at the same time, the Bible says that each individual gets special individual rewards.And how much of these you get is based on how you live now, including facing persecutionbecause of Jesus.Saint Corinthians 5:10, Paul says, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat ofChrist so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whethergood or evil, there's different levels of rewards based on your faithfulness now, basedon your faithfulness in the face of persecution."Like, "All right, well, what are those rewards then?"I don't know.But here's something I do know.Jesus says they're great.And if Jesus says something is great, that's what I was thinking.If Jesus says it's great, then it must be pretty great.If God Himself refers to something as being great, then it must be spectacular.So church, can we just believe Jesus and wait 15 minutes and find out what it is?I'm going to tell you all the stupid insults and slander are going to look pretty pettyin light of whatever Jesus has for you.And that's a reason to rejoice.I have a reward in heaven.Number three, third reason to rejoice.And the face of persecution is, "I'm in good company.I'm in good company."Look again, verse 12.Jesus says, "Your reward is great in heaven."But then he taxed on this statement too.He says, "For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."Are you being persecuted for your faith to some degree in some way?And if you follow Christ, you should be.Well Jesus reminds us here, "You're in good company."I mean, man, think of the people in the Old Testament.Abel, Moses, David, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel.You're in some pretty good company.Oh, how about Jesus himself?You know, Jesus spoke of this in John 15 when he said, "Remember the word that I said toyou, a servant is not greater than his master.If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.If they kept my word, they will also keep yours."Okay, hang on.How is this a motivation to rejoice?How?Okay, so you're saying I should be motivated by the fact that other people were persecutedtoo?Like, how is that a motivation?You know, we love the name drop, don't we?Oh, you say you don't.You say you don't.You run into somebody famous at the airport and keep your mouth shut.You won't.I ran into Jerome Bettis at the airport one time, literally ran into him.Like physically, ran into him.I knocked him back about five yards.Okay, I made that part up.I did make that part up.We love the name drop.I felt good telling that story.Why do we do that?Why do we name drop?Because there's something in us that we're kind of proud of our associations.You know what I mean?There's something in us that we like that.Four years ago, Aaron and I were at a church conference in Orlando.And we were having breakfast.It was this big dining room.Aaron and I were having breakfast.And this stranger comes and sits at our table.He just sits there literally right beside me.And dude was so weird.Now listen, I am not criticizing.I'm weird.My wife married weird.All right?I'm not criticizing.The dude was just strange.He just sat down with us.He had these giant like plastic rimmed glasses like really big.And he had this enormous mustache.He looked like a cartoon character.And if you know me, I was like so fascinated by him.I think people were so fascinating.But when like this cartoon character sits down, he was so strange.And he was going on and on and on about some exercise bike that he bought.I'm like, they're still making exercise bikes?Like people are still doing that?You can buy a bike with two wheels and take it on the road.Like he was so strange.But he sat there and talked to Aaron and I the whole breakfast about his exercise bike.And then he gets up and leaves.And Aaron and I are like, who was that?Well then we go into the auditorium for the conference.And Aaron and I take our seats.And there's a time of worship.And then somebody gets up and announces.They're like, we'd like to introduce our main speaker for the event.Paul Tripp.He came out on the stage and Aaron and I are like, that's him.That's the guy we had breakfast with.I walked around the rest of the conference like, I don't want to brag or anything.But I had breakfast with Paul Tripp.You know, it was just kind of a thing we do once.Yeah.Oh, it was great.We were talking mustaches and exercise bikes.Are you being persecuted because of your faith?Do you realize that's the occasion for the ultimate name draw?You're like, I get to be hated because of Jesus.Do you realize what that means?I'm in company with the Lord of the universe.They can't get him so they come after me.Isn't that awesome?I'm with Jesus.Way cooler than Paul Tripp, by the way.When you feel like your faith has made you an outcast, hey, hey, that's just for now.Someday you're going to be walking around heaven with the prophets who came before uswho were persecuted for their faith and you're going to look around these people in heavenand say, you know what?It was rough at times being insulted, being slandered, but now I see that I'm in good company.That is a reason to rejoice.So as our worship team makes their way back up to the platform here, I have to ask you,has being a Christian resulted in people reviling you?Has being a Christian resulted in people insulting you and lying about you?Do people hate you just because you follow Jesus?Well then, on behalf of the elders, the ministry team, and all of the nursery workers at HarvestBible Chapel, we would like to wish you a truly heartfelt congratulations.Yours, yours is the kingdom of heaven. Small Group DiscussionRead Matthew 5:10-12What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What are different ways persecution is carried out? Have you ever personally been persecuted because of your faith, on some level? If not, why not?Read 1 Peter 4:3-4. What exactly motivates nonbelievers to slander Christians who refuse to live a sinful lifestyle?Why do you think Christians aren't persecuted in America the way Christians are persecuted in other countries?In your opinion, which of Jesus' reasons for rejoicing in persecution is the most compelling / motivating? Proof of salvation, reward in heaven, or being in good company? BreakoutPray for one another.

Matthew 11:2-6: We are blessed when we trust Jesus as He is, even when His ways differ from ours.

Guest speaker Pastor Dave Nelson of K2 walks us through the Beatitude's found in Luke 6:17-34. What is a blessing? What is a woe? and how does this teaching of Jesus impacts how his followers live in relationship to God and our neighbor.

Today I'm covering the eighth and final Beatitude which reads, “Blessed are the those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10 (NRSVUE) I'm going to be honest here and say that I was not looking forward to doing this particular Beatitude. Persecution is a touchy subject. I honestly think that most western Christians have not suffered persecution. When we look at persecution in the Bible, we think of the Apostles who were stoned; people tried to kill them and they were even run out of town. We see people dying for their faith. I don't know anyone who has died for their faith, but Jesus promises a reward for them. So if you're in a part of the world where Christians are persecuted and you're listening to this, I just want to say to you while I cannot relate to what you're going through, there is hope in Jesus. How Can We Apply This to Pickleball? So how do we relate this to pickleball? There's not really a direct analogy, but what came to mind was targeting in a doubles match. If you're the person being targeted, it's usually because you're the weaker player in a doubles team. So what do you do? How do you overcome that feeling of pressure and how do you deal with that situation of having nearly every single ball come to you until you make a mistake? Well, I think once you're aware it's happening you need to accept it. Take a time out, talk with your partner and see if there are ways that you two can be creative to get more balls to your partner. Ask your partner for advice. Ask what you can do to switch things up for your opponent so they hit the ball to your partner. And hopefully you and your partner can workshop a solution to get more points, and maybe even win the game. Pickleball News This week's news is about this podcast. This is the last episode in this series on the Beatitudes. The next series will be on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. We'll look at the attributes of love and see how they can be applied to pickleball. Pickleball Tip This week's tip comes from Kieren Ricci and he suggests using a progressive approach to practicing your serve. Closing Remarks Next week we'll cover the seventh Beatitude that deals with being a peacemaker so make sure you're following the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you liked this podcast share it with a friend and don't forget to stay out of the kitchen! Music: "Electrodoodle" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Looking for a new paddle? I use and recommend Vatic Pro paddles. Use code GENXDINKS to get $10 off a new Vatic Pro paddle.

In this episode of Roadmap to Heaven, Adam Wright discusses the significance of Lent as a time for reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth. He emphasizes the paradox of Lent, where suffering and joy coexist. Msgr. Timothy Cronin joins Adam to discuss the Beatitudes as a guide to living a holy life. Adam and Msgr. Cronin begin a series of each individual beatitude and delve into the first Beatitude, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit...' They explore its meaning and implications for our relationship with God. The episode concludes with a reminder of the transformative power of suffering and the hope that comes from embracing our faith during Lent. Takeaways: Lent is a time for reflection and spiritual growth. The Beatitudes guide us towards holiness. Suffering and joy coexist in the Christian life. Being poor in spirit means trusting in God. Our material possessions do not define our happiness. Suffering can lead to transformation and deeper love for God. Lent is a voluntary choice to embrace suffering. We are created for eternal union with God in heaven. The Beatitudes express the paradoxical promises of hope. Our suffering can bring us closer to the cross of Christ. Download the Covenant Network app today! Pray the Visual Rosary at VisualRosary.org For more information on Covenant Network, visit OurCatholicRadio.org

Enjoy Rev. Dr. Angie Barker-Jackson's teaching based on Jesus' Beatitude, "God blesses those who are merciful, of they will be shown mercy." So good!   "God has not called us to be warriors. God has called us to be wombs."

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef explains the key characteristics of the Beatitudes. If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series The Master's Manifesto: LISTEN NOWPRE-ORDER NOW FOR YOUR GIFT OF ANY AMOUNTOne out of every seven Christians around the globe suffers intense persecution. As hatred toward followers of Jesus increases, we will be forced to either take a stand for Christ or retreat into cowardice. We will be forced to either proclaim our love for Jesus or deny our Lord. That's why Dr. Michael Youssef has written his newest book God's Final Call. In this timely teaching from Revelation 2-3, Dr. Youssef leads you through important warnings and uplifting encouragements from Christ Himself delivered in His seven letters to the seven churches of Revelation—words just as relevant today as they were to the first century church. Jesus' letters teach His followers how to live victoriously in times of peril and hostile opposition, so may we heed them closely as the world grows darker and more evil. Request your copy today for your gift of any amount!*Offer valid in US, UK, and Canada through April 5, 2025.

This episode explores the final Beatitude, 'Blessed are those who are persecuted for the cause of right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' The discussion delves into the complexity and difficulty of this teaching, examining what Jesus might have meant by persecution leading to happiness and blessedness. The hosts discuss the difference between unjust persecution and persecution for righteous causes, highlighting examples from history and contemporary life. They emphasize the role of change, peacemaking, and striving for justice in a Christian's life, acknowledging that these pursuits often lead to societal resistance. The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to reflect on the changes in their lives and the importance of embracing them to fulfill the essence of the Beatitudes.00:00 Introduction to the Final Beatitude00:30 Understanding Persecution in Context01:02 The Deeper Meaning of Persecution02:44 Prophets and Persecution04:37 Modern Examples of Persecution06:32 The Role of Change in Persecution08:38 Embracing Change and Hope10:09 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCatch us on website: https://listeningforclues.com/© 2023 Listening for Clues

If you want to be healthy, you need to let go and let God, giving him control of your life. Join Pastor Rick as he looks at the third Beatitude in Matthew 5:5, God blesses those who are humble (NLT), and teaches the power of meekness. The road to recovery often has a few setbackstimes when you relapse into old patterns of living. Join Pastor Rick as he shares why you need to make Jesus your GPS for life. As you make him your unchanging point of focus, he'll keep you on track. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29

The Lost Beatitude // Bro. Winfred Baker by Central Baptist Church

If you want to be healthy, you need to let go and let God, giving him control of your life. Join Pastor Rick as he looks at the third Beatitude in Matthew 5:5, God blesses those who are humble (NLT), and teaches the power of meekness. The road to recovery often has a few setbackstimes when you relapse into old patterns of living. Join Pastor Rick as he shares why you need to make Jesus your GPS for life. As you make him your unchanging point of focus, he'll keep you on track. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29

In this broadcast series, Pastor Rick teaches through the Beatitudes and examines the choices that lead to the abundant life God has planned for each of us. If you want to be healthy, you need to let go and let God, giving him control of your life. Join Pastor Rick as he looks at the third Beatitude in Matthew 5:5, God blesses those who are humble (NLT), and teaches the power of meekness. When you choose to be the manager of your life, it often causes conflict, confusion, and stress. In this broadcast, Pastor Rick explains why letting Jesus become the manager of your life is the better choice that leads to more peace and less stress. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29

Join Pastor Rick as he looks at the second Beatitude in Matthew 5:4, God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted (NLT), and explains how you can make the choice for hope. Knowing that life on earth is just a temporary assignment will radically alter the way you live. Join Pastor Rick as he teaches how to fix your attention on the things that are eternally important. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29

Enjoy Rev. Dr. Angie Barker Jackson's teaching on Jesus' provocative Beatitude, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." See below for the resources she referenced. (YouTube audience – find hyperlinks from this teaching at CrossWalkNapa.org/Teachings). Check out the covenant Angie referenced from The Poor People's Campaign (PoorPeoplesCampaign.org/covenant-of-nonviolence) – and why not say yes to its invitation? Check out the following books Angie noted as well: Holy Ground: On Activism, Environmental Justice, and Finding Hope Racial Ecologies Becoming Rooted: 100 Days of Reconnecting with Sacred Earth Rooted in the Earth: Reclaiming the African American Environmental Heritage Check out these organizations: SoulFlowerFarm.org CanticleFarm.org TempleofEarthApothecary.com Check out these Voices: Rev. Dr. Ambrose Carroll Genesis Butler (2017 TEDxCSULB)

We can't talk enough about the importance of prayer, the priorityof prayer, the power of prayer, the purpose of prayer, the place of prayer andthe pattern of prayer. Volumes of books have been written on the subject ofprayer. For sure, preaching or teaching about prayer is one of my favorite topics.This is what we have been looking at here in Luke 11:1-13. The greatest teacherthat ever lived is teaching His disciples about prayer by giving them a patternto guide them in their praying. Especially, on how to pray and what to pray for. Jesus first teaches them, and us, to begin our prayers byremembering and meditating on the Father's purity. In the Old Testament theholiness and purity of God is revealed by His name. In the second of the TenCommandments we are warned not to “take the name of the LORD our God in vain”.Which means we are never to use His name in an empty way. James teaches us thatour hearts must be pure as we enter God's presence: “Draw near to God and Hewill draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts,you double-minded” (James 4:8).  After we occupy our hearts and minds with our Father'spurity, we then can focus on our Father's purposes. “Your kingdom come, Yourwill be done…”. It has always been God's purpose to establish a glorious,righteous kingdom here on earth. Our prayers to our Father are used by God toaccomplish this great purpose! Jesus made it very clear that He Himself wassent to only do the will of His Father (John 5:30). In John 6:38, Jesus said, “ForI have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him whosent Me.”  Just before Jesus ascended back into heaven after His resurrection,He told His disciples in John 20:21, “As the Father has sent Me, I also sendyou.”  We are included in thissending! We are here to do the Father's will on earth and fulfill the purposes ofHis kingdom rule on earth just as it is in heaven. Today we are looking at the first personal petition in thispattern of prayer that concerns our Father's provision for our daily needs! Oncewe are secure in our relationship with God and His will, then we can bring ourrequests to Him (Luke 11:3-4). We can ask Him to provide our needs (not ourgreeds!) for today, to forgive us for what we have done yesterday, and to leadus in the future. All of our needs may be included in these three requests:material and physical provision, moral and spiritual perfection, and divineprotection and direction. “Give us day by day our daily bread"(Luke 11:3). Three important truths are tucked in this part of the prayer aboutthe resources of God. First, our Father's favor. "Give." Ourblessings come from God, not by merit but by mercy. God must "give,"for we do not earn. The very nature of God is to give. Remember John 3:16, “ForGod so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son….”. Our FatherGod delights to give good gifts to His children. “Every good gift and everyperfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whomthere is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).  Second, our faith is involved because we are to ask, "dayby day." Our request is not for a week's, a month's, or a year's supply,but a daily supply. This requires faith each day. Jesus also taught this truthin His “Mount of Beatitude's” message in Matthew 6:30-34:  Third, our request involves food. “Bread”. Rememberthe manna in the wilderness that fell daily for the people of Israel in thewilderness? But we are not only to pray and trust the Lord for our dailyphysical needs but also for our daily spiritual food! We desperately need ourFather's Holy Spirit to feed our soul and our spirit with the “Bread of Life”,the Word of God, Jesus Christ, to be able to be strong for each day's journeyand all the challenges that come with it!  Are you trusting the Lord today for your physical and spiritualneeds? God bless!

In this message, Pastor Lewis breaks down the first Beatitude in Jesus' sermon on the mount and how it applies to us today. Support This Ministry

In this broadcast series, Pastor Rick teaches through the Beatitudes and examines the choices that lead to the abundant life God has planned for each of us. Join Pastor Rick as he looks at the second Beatitude in Matthew 5:4, God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted (NLT), and explains how you can make the choice for hope. To have hope, you need to understand that God doesn't come into your life to make you feel judged but to let you know he really cares. In this message, Pastor Rick explains why God's rod and staff (Psalm 23:4 GNT) are meant to comfort and not condemn you. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29

What's the first step toward getting rid of your hurts, habits, and hang-ups? Join Pastor Rick as he looks at the first Beatitude in Matthew 5:3, Blessed are the poor in spirit (NIV), and explains how understanding it will help you let go of the past. If God can raise Jesus from the dead, he can certainly raise a dead marriage, career, or dream when we ask for his help. In this broadcast, Pastor Rick talks about how God specializes in turning crucifixions into resurrections. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29

In this broadcast series, Pastor Rick teaches through the Beatitudes and examines the choices that lead to the abundant life God has planned for each of us. What's the first step toward getting rid of your hurts, habits, and hang-ups? Join Pastor Rick as he looks at the first Beatitude in Matthew 5:3, Blessed are the poor in spirit (NIV), and explains how understanding it will help you let go of the past. God can heal your hurts, hang-ups, and habitsbut it takes humility. In this message, Pastor Rick helps you discover what you need to confront in yourself so that God can bless your life. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29

Enjoy the short morning devotionals with Pastor Scott. If you find encouraging and edifying to your soul, please share with your circle. Check out our other resources: Discover CrossPoint podcast- ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...⁠⁠  Spotify- ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5cBA7wN...⁠⁠  Cappleman Leadership Podcast- ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...⁠Facebook⁠  Page- ⁠ facebook/crosspointstarkville  ⁠  CrossPoint Website- ⁠www.discovercrosspoint.org⁠  YouTube channel- ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DiscoverCrosspoint

The Ripple Effect of Kindness: Exploring the 5th BeatitudeJoin the Good News team, Lynn Shematek, Lauren Welch, and Jon Shematek, as they delve into the 5th Beatitude from Matthew's Gospel: 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall have mercy shown to them.' In this insightful conversation, they discuss the essence of mercy, sharing personal anecdotes and examples from the scriptures. They explore how small acts of kindness can create ripples of compassion, the difficulties of showing mercy to those we dislike or don't understand, and practical steps to cultivate a merciful heart. Tune in for a thought-provoking and inspirational discussion on how we can embody mercy in our daily lives.00:00 The Ripple Effect of Kindness00:14 Introducing the 5th Beatitude00:29 Personal Reflections on Mercy02:28 Challenges in Showing Mercy03:42 Cultivating Compassion and Understanding04:34 Jesus as the Ultimate Example of Mercy08:06 Practical Steps to Show Mercy10:25 Final Thoughts and Reflections10:51 Closing Remarks and ResourcesVisit us at our website at https://listeningforclues.com/

Thanks for joining Jill Baughan today on Finding Joy ...No Matter What.   Make a Joy Box for Someone You Care About: https://jillbaughan.com/joy-box/   Bolz Weber, Nadia. Blessed Are the Agnostics. The Corners, January 13, 2020. https://thecorners.substack.com/p/blessed-are-the-agnostics   McCabe, Melanie. I Was Bullied on Valentine's Day as a Kid. Here's How I Spread Kindness as a Teacher Now. Reader's Digest Canada, https://www.readersdigest.ca/culture/teacher-bullied-valentines-day/   Matt. 5, 6, 7 (Sermon on the Mount)   Connect with Jill: Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~  Website

In the week prior at Storyline's Gathering, we looked at the fourth Beatitude in Jesus's Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." This past week, we dove deeper into that promise and explored how the things modern life tempts us with hungering and thirsting for can influence the life of faith.The band performed songs by City & Colour, Jewel, Broken Bells, and Leanna Crawford.

Have you ever found yourself in trouble? Not just any trouble, but the kind of "good trouble" that drives change and justice in the world? This concept, famously championed by civil rights leaders like John Lewis, stems from a powerful notion that aligns with Jesus' Beatitude about those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. In this enlightening discussion featuring Lynn Shematek, Lauren Welch, and Jon Shematek, we explore what it means to seek justice and the transformative power of passion and perseverance.00:00 Introduction: The Concept of Good Trouble00:23 Exploring Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness01:37 The Passion for Justice and Change03:35 Historical Examples of Good Trouble04:57 The Hope in Hunger and Thirst for Justice07:38 The Call to Action: Getting into Good Trouble09:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts10:26 Closing Remarks and CreditsVisit us at our website at https://listeningforclues.com/

The Power of Meekness: Redefining Strength through HumilityIs meekness a weakness or a kind of superpower? Join the Good News team, Lynn Shematek, Lauren Welch, and Jon Shematek, as they delve into the third Beatitude, 'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.' The discussion redefines meekness, not as passivity or weakness but as a form of self-awareness and humility. The team explores how true meekness involves recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses and seeking God's help. They also ponder what inheriting the earth means in a modern context. This insightful conversation offers a new perspective on meekness, linking it to inner strength and the power to bring about peace and harmony.00:00 Introduction: Is Meekness a Weakness?00:29 Defining Meekness: Perspectives and Misconceptions01:45 Jesus' Example of Meekness03:19 Humility vs. Meekness05:27 Inheriting the Earth: What Does It Mean?08:34 Self-Awareness and Meekness09:51 Comfort in Meekness11:11 Conclusion and Reflection12:01 Closing Remarks and CreditsVisit us at our website at https://listeningforclues.com/© 2023 Listening for Clues

John is joined by Pete Wehner—veteran of the Reagan, Bush 41, and Bush 43 administrations turned eloquent Never Trumper—to discuss the once and future president's transformation of the GOP, his perplexing appeal to the Christian Right, and more. Wehner explains why the best summation of Trump's agenda comes from Michel Caine as Alfred in The Dark Knight (“Some men just want to watch the world burn”); Pete Hegseth's redemption narrative and invocations of his Lord and savior ring so hollow; and so many Evangelicals are so devoted to Trump in spite of his lack of godly virtues. Wehner and John also harken back to the magical duet of Tracy Chapman's Fast Car by Chapman and Luke Combs at this year's Grammy's, and riff on why the emotional outpouring it triggered was a hopeful sign for our politics and culture. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We enter a new chapter examining the dignity of the human person, and Article 1 shows us that we have dignity because we are made in the image and likeness of God. We preserve that dignity when we exercise virtue and charity, and we do violence to it when we commit sin and evil acts. Fr. Mike hones in on the bold statement that we as humans are “the only creature on earth that God has willed for its own sake.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1699-1715. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.