Podcasts about Beatitudes

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The Beatitudes. The beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. We ask Sarah Stenson and Lars Olson: What is Jesus conveying in this sermon and how can preachers build on that in their own sermons? How do Christians misconstrue this text to be an instruction manual for being a good person?And how are you actually blessed when people revile you, persecute you, and utter all kinds of evil against you? CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel.Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls - AddictionCONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

Mary is the best known, least known woman in history. Billions recognize her name, yet the actual Jewish woman behind the icons has been almost completely erased. In this powerful conversation, Dr. James Tabor, Distinguished Fellow at Hebrew University and two-time New York Times bestselling author, reveals what 20 years of research, archaeology, and critical scholarship have uncovered about the real Mary. What emerges is not the passive, silent figure of tradition, but a revolutionary Jewish matriarch who shaped the teachings of Jesus, ran the headquarters of the early movement from Mount Zion, and whose voice we still hear in the Beatitudes.Dr. Tabor takes us into the violent, politically charged world Mary lived through: mass crucifixions in the Galilee, Herod murdering his own family, and the constant threat facing anyone with Davidic lineage. He reveals the urban setting most people miss (Sepphoris, a major city just four miles from Nazareth), makes the case that Luke's genealogy is actually Mary's lineage showing she was "doubly royal" (descended from both King David and the priestly line of Aaron), and addresses the question most scholars avoid: the mysterious name Pantera that appears in early Jewish sources. This is history that will reshape how you understand Christianity's origins.In this episode you will learn:- Why Mary is the "most erased" woman in history and how it happened deliberately- The shocking urban context of Jesus's upbringing (Sepphoris was a major city of 30,000 people just 4 miles from Nazareth)- How Mary likely witnessed the mass crucifixions and burning of Sepphoris when Jesus was an infant- The case for James (not John) being the "beloved disciple" at the cross- Why the brothers and sisters of Jesus are real biological siblings, not stepchildren or cousins- The evidence that Luke's genealogy is actually Mary's lineage, making her "doubly royal"- What early Jewish sources in Sepphoris actually say about "Yeshua ben Pantera" (and why it's not an insult)- How Mary functioned as the matriarch who shaped Jesus's nonviolent, revolutionary teachings- The connection between Isaiah 11, Mary's vision, and Jesus's Beatitudes- Why three of Mary's sons (Jesus, James, and Simon) were murdered because of their lineageGet Dr. Tabor's new book "The Lost Mary: Rediscovering the Mother of Jesus"More from Dr. James Tabor:Blog: https://jamestabor.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamesTaborVideosPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/jamesdtaborAlso check out Dr. Tabor's bestsellers:"The Jesus Dynasty""Paul and Jesus: How the Apostle Transformed Christianity"Subscribe to The Dig In Podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejohnnyovaFollow Johnny Ova:https://linktr.ee/johnnyovaGet Johnny's book- The Revelation Reset

Notes Matthew 5:1-12 Micah 6:1-8 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Robb McCoy explore the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew, Micah 6's call for justice and humility, and the message of the cross in 1 Corinthians. They discuss the importance of community relationships in ministry, the depth of the Beatitudes, and the implications of Micah's message for contemporary faith practice. The conversation emphasizes the need for justice, mercy, and humility in the Christian life, while also addressing the foolishness of worldly wisdom in light of God's truth. Takeaways The Beatitudes highlight the values of the Kingdom of God. Building relationships with other Christian communities is essential for support during crises. Micah 6 emphasizes justice, mercy, and humility as core requirements from God. The message of the cross challenges worldly wisdom and power structures. Preachers should focus on the heart of the Beatitudes rather than just the text. Community support is vital for those mourning or in need. The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom. God chooses the lowly and foolish to confound the wise. The Beatitudes can be explored in depth, offering rich material for sermons. Understanding the context of scripture enhances its application in today's world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Beatitudes and Context 08:36 Exploring the Beatitudes: A Deeper Look 19:01 The Nature of Happiness and Blessings 25:22 Mourning and Community Support 29:56 The Meek and Their Inheritance 30:25 Understanding Meekness and Its Misinterpretations 32:43 Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness 34:34 The Beatitudes: Persecution and Righteousness 36:29 Micah 6: A Call to Justice and Humility 49:47 The Foolishness of the Cross 52:05 Reversals of Wisdom in the Kingdom of God 59:53 Outro-.mp4

Join us as Pastor Ben Ortize continues in the The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:7.

In this lecture titled "The First Gospel," Sam elaborates on the teachings from Matthew's Gospel, specifically focusing on Chapter 5, which includes the well-known Sermon on the Mount, also referred to as the Beatitudes. The session is framed within a larger sermon series that spans from January to Easter, inviting participants to engage with the text personally over the upcoming months. Sam emphasizes the importance of exploring Matthew in its entirety, encouraging attendees to read passages not covered in the discussions and to pose any questions they may have to Ian, the lead teacher.The lecture begins with Sam referencing the Bible Project, an organization that produces engaging educational videos to simplify biblical concepts. He highlights a particular video summarizing Matthew's Gospel, which is presented in an accessible format that captures the audience's attention. Moving on, Sam emphasizes that Matthew's Gospel strategically links Jesus to Moses, particularly illustrating how Jesus, like Moses, imparts important teachings from a mountainside. This connection is crucial for the Jewish audience, who would recognize the parallels between Jesus' teachings and the traditional narratives of their faith.As Sam dives deeper into the Beatitudes, he outlines the blessings Jesus pronounces. He references Psalm 1, illustrating how the notion of being "blessed" resonates throughout the scriptures and prepares the audience to juxtapose these biblical ideals against contemporary societal values that often promote pride, entitlement, and cruelty. He presents an insightful interpretation of the Beatitudes by contrasting them with a set of “Bizarro Beatitudes,” which represent worldly values that stand in stark opposition to the blessings Jesus describes.The Bizarro Beatitudes serve as a powerful rhetorical device to challenge attendees. Sam articulates that in our current world, selfishness and indifference often lead to societal sentiments that contradict Jesus' teachings of humility, mercy, and justice. He reflects on how this disconnect manifests in daily experiences, questioning whether they reflect the divine calling towards righteousness or illustrate a descent into what he describes as "the bizarro attitudes." As he does so, Sam invites attendees to confront the uncomfortable realities of evil, injustice, and neglect present in their lives and communities.Bridging the text with personal anecdotes, Sam shares his journey of faith and service, specifically through his involvement with an organization called InterVarsity. He illustrates how this organization fosters leadership grounded in Christ-like principles and highlights the transformative experiences of students serving in Chicago neighborhoods. Through concrete examples from a service trip, he emphasizes the reciprocal nature of serving—whereby those who serve often find themselves blessed beyond what they give.Sam concludes by explaining what he refers to as "the economy of God," a concept suggesting that when individuals meet the needs of others using God's resources, it creates a cycle of blessing and glorification of God. He describes how serving should be life-giving, encouraging participants to view service as a path to experience God's love and grace. His insistence that true blessing transcends human understanding prompts a reflective moment for the audience, urging them to consider how they are called to live out these teachings.To wrap up the session, Sam invites participants to engage in prayer and reflection, acknowledging the Holy Spirit's role in guiding their next steps. He emphasizes that the mission of service should direct their focus outward, encouraging them to be instruments of change in their communities while fostering an understanding that their actions contribute to the greater narrative of God's kingdom.

What if resistance is proof that you're living out your faith correctly? In the final Beatitude, Jesus reframes persecution as a pathway to joy, authority, and spiritual maturity. This episode explores why obedience invites opposition, how subtle attacks test conviction, and what faithful leaders must be prepared for. Press play to discover why persecution isn't failure, it's formation. Key Takeaways To Listen ForHow persecution can actually signal obedience rather than failureThe subtle ways spiritual resistance shows up through doubt, exclusion, and dismissalWhy joy grounded in Christ remains steady even when circumstances changeWhat faithfulness reveals in others when it challenges comfort or compromiseHow enduring opposition shapes resilient, long-term Christian leadershipResources Mentioned In This EpisodeEP280: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit EP284: Blessed are Those Who Mourn EP289: Blessed are the Meek EP292: Blessed are those who HungerEP297: Blessed are the Merciful with Joe Thompson and Travis RevelleEP309: Blessed are the Pure In Heart with Joe Thompson and Travis RevelleEP310: Blessed are the Peacemakers with Joe Thompson and Travis RevelleConnect With UsMaster your context with real results leadership training!To learn more, visit our website at www.greatsummit.com.For tax, bookkeeping, or accounting help, contact Dr. Nate's team at www.theincometaxcenter.com or send an email to info@theincometaxcenter.com.Follow Dr. Nate on His Social MediaLinkedIn: Nate Salah, Ph.DInstagram: @natesalah Facebook: Nate SalahTikTok: @drnatesalahClubhouse: @natesalah

Matthew 5-7 Many of Jesus' most familiar teachings come from the Sermon on the Mount, the aim here is not to treat it as a list of moral instructions, but to understand the new day Jesus was announcing. Set against a deeply divided and oppressed Israel, Jesus' announcement that “the kingdom of heaven has come near” was not a threat of judgment, but a declaration that the long wait for God's action was over. The Sermon re-centers the Law, not as a path to salvation, but as a vision of life under God's reign—and Jesus' rhetoric shows it was never meant to be achievable through human effort. From the opening line of the Beatitudes onward, He makes clear that the kingdom is available to all who can admit they can't do this on their own (spoiler - that's all of us - that's the whole point!) Rather than driving us to despair over our shortcomings, the Sermon on the Mount trains us to live within a reality Jesus opened up to every one of us, through God's presence and the power of His Spirit. By Hannah Flint Books referenced: The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God by Dallas Willard The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls by Rich Villodas

Blessed Are — Part 1: Blessed Are Those Who Mourn Description: In Part 1 of Blessed Are, Pastor Eric opens the Beatitudes by slowing down on one of Jesus' most counterintuitive promises: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). This message clarifies that mourning isn't only about grief after loss—though Jesus absolutely meets us there. It is also, and most importantly, about mourning over sin: seeing our fallenness clearly, becoming broken before God, and running to the only Savior who can forgive, cleanse, and comfort. From James 4, John 6, John 10, Psalm 42, and Lamentations, Eric shows that the path to comfort is not denial, self-justification, or religious performance. Comfort comes through surrender—submitting to God, resisting the devil, drawing near to the Lord, and letting repentance become honest sorrow rather than shallow regret. Eric also addresses why sin is tempting “for a season,” why it always damages the soul, and why God's heart toward the repentant is not condemnation but restoration. The message then widens to the other “layers” of mourning: death, broken relationships, dashed dreams, wounds no one sees, and the long ache of grief that can feel like waves and billows rolling over the soul. In those places, believers are called to expect Jesus in their grief—to lament, to hope, to wait quietly, and to receive God's lovingkindness that holds steady in the dark. Finally, Eric calls the church to live as Christ's body: God comforts by His Spirit, and He comforts through His people. We are meant to carry comfort to one another—praying, showing up, and becoming tangible reminders that mourners are not alone. Key Scriptures (NKJV): Matthew 5:4; James 4:7–10; Hebrews 11:24–27; John 6:35–40; Matthew 11:28–30; John 10:27–30; Psalm 42:1–7; Lamentations 3:22–26; 2 Corinthians 1:3–4; Romans 10:13. Highlights: “Blessed are those who mourn” has layers, but it begins with mourning over sin. Repentance isn't humiliation—it's the doorway to comfort, cleansing, and freedom. Sin is pleasurable “for a season,” but it always wounds the soul and harms others. God does not discipline to demean; He draws sinners in to restore them. Jesus' comfort is not an empty offer—He keeps His promises: “I will by no means cast out.” Salvation is receiving a gift, not earning a reward—religion says “perform,” Christ says “receive.” Assurance for believers: Jesus holds His sheep, and no one can pluck them from His hand. Grief is real and biblical: Psalm 42 gives language for sorrow, tears, questions, and hope. Lament is not unbelief—it is faith speaking honestly in pain. God's mercies are new every morning; the call is to get up again and hope in Him. The church is called to comfort one another with the comfort we've received from God. Next Steps: Ask God to show you which kind of mourning you need right now—and respond with one concrete act of faith. If you're mourning over sin: confess it plainly, turn from it, and come to Jesus for cleansing. If you're mourning loss: lament honestly, bring your questions to God, and ask Him to meet you in the waves. If you're stuck in cycles: thank God you got up again, then take one next step toward freedom. If someone near you is mourning: obey the nudge—pray, reach out, and offer comfort in Jesus' name.

Ryan and Brian are back and picking up their study of the Beatitudes, focusing on the second half of Jesus' opening words in the Sermon on the Mount. This episode explores what it looks like to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven—not just in belief, but in everyday relationships and public life.The conversation moves through mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and persecution, showing how these Beatitudes reveal Jesus' vision for how Kingdom people treat others. Peace is not passive, mercy is not optional, and faithfulness often comes at a cost. Drawing from Jeremiah, Peter, and the prophets, Ryan and Brian ask what it means to seek shalom in a divided, often hostile world.In a culture quick to react, withdraw, or escalate conflict, this episode challenges listeners to pursue peace, speak truth with humility, and trust God when faithfulness leads to opposition—remembering that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who endure.

Send us a text In this episode of BuddyWalk with Jesus, we slow down over Matthew 5:5: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” In a tribalized world shaped by algorithms, outrage, and echo chambers, Jesus calls His disciples into a strength that doesn't need to dominate. We unpack what “meek” (praeis) really means—gentleness with backbone, power under control—and why Jesus links it to the promise of inheritance rather than conquest. You'll hear how this Beatitude echoes Psalm 37, why meekness is a form of resistance against online manipulation, and what it looks like to live with conviction without contempt. We'll end with simple practices to help you train meekness in your speech, your reactions, and your digital life. Support the show If you have any questions about the subjects covered in today's episode you can find us on Facebook at the links below or you can shoot me an email at joe@buddywalkwithjesus.com One Stop Shop for all the links Linktr.ee/happydeamedia

Title: The Upside Down HeartSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this teaching from the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Nate Holdridge continues through the Beatitudes by examining Matthew 5:6-8. Jesus describes an "upside down heart" that contradicts the world's values: while the world says to hunger for success, Jesus blesses those who hunger for righteousness; while the world says to get what you deserve, Jesus blesses those who give mercy to others; while the world says to manage your image, Jesus blesses those who purify their hearts. Pastor Nate unpacks each beatitude by exploring what it is, what it isn't, what it looked like in Jesus, and the promised result for those who embody it. This sermon emphasizes that the Beatitudes are not moralistic commands to try harder but descriptions of the fruit Jesus produces in those who follow him—transformation from the inside out.Link to Sermon Notes

TED Talks are 18-minute videos of influential speakers. So, here's a question: What would Jesus say if he gave a Ted Talk? Turns out, He already did some two-thousand years ago, and it's probably one of the most, if not the most, influential and profound speeches of all time. It's called the Sermon on the Mount, found in the book of Matthew. Many people may not know its name, but they know many of the golden nuggets of Jesus's core teachings that come from it, like The Lord's Prayer, "Our Father who art in heaven..." and the Beatitudes like "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." Lauren revisits a conversation with Dr. Robert Jeffress, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Dallas, on the philosophies and Divine guidance of the Sermon on the Mount in his book, "Eighteen Minutes with Jesus: Straight Talk from the Savior about the Things that Matter Most."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us as Pastor Ben Ortize continues in the The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-6.

BeatitudesGary VillaJanuary 18th, 2025

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As Jesus begins His Sermon on the Mount, He gives focus to the virtues of the Kingdom, sometimes called the Beatitudes.

Good morning. There is deep sadness in Tehran and other Iranian cities today as more that 2,500 dead are mourned and it appears that the regime is in control of the streets again. It looks as though the brave attempt of the protestors to bring about change has ended in nothing but more cruel repression. It must be easy to lose heart, not just here but in so many places of the world, and to think that things will always go on in much the same way. So it is good to remind ourselves that things can change. I did not think Apartheid would end without civil war but in 1994 a democratic government was elected in South Africa. I did not think the cold war would end in my lifetime but in 1989 the Berlin wall came tumbling down, whilst in 1979 in Iran the Shah was toppled suddenly and surprisingly. But for those suffering it always seems so long. In the last book of the Bible, written when Christians were being killed for their faith, the author pictures them sheltering under the altar, crying out ‘How long O Lord?' – how long before justice is established. A cry that goes up every day. In response to this cry Jesus told one of his surprising stories. A woman who had a legal case against someone kept pestering a hard hearted judge. The judge had no sympathy for the woman and kept sending her away. Eventually he could stand it no longer and granted what she wanted. Jesus told the story to urge us not to give up. However hopeless things appear we are not to cease to pray and work for a world which is just. We are not simply to resign ourselves to things always being as they are now. I love the words of the American playwright Tennessee Williams. He said: I've met many people that seemed well-adjusted, but …I'm not sure I would want to be well-adjusted to things as they are. I would prefer to be racked by desire for things better than what they are, even for things which are unattainable, than to be satisfied with things as they are. Those words always bring to my mind one of the Beatitudes of Jesus ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst that right might prevail'. Hunger and thirst are strong words but they reflect the longing of those not only in Iran but in so many places of the world where people are suffering - and the longing of those who stand in solidarity with them.

In this episode, the guys unpack the guys unpack the first four Beatitudes, which primarily deal with the Christian's vertical relationship to God. The Beatitudes give us a picture of the ideal disciple and show us the kind of character that Christ wants to cultivate in each of His followers.

Contrary to man's traditional interpretations of the Beatitudes, they are not a list of works we can strive to do to make it into heaven: they are what God does in us. Christ methodically outlines the mindset and personality of the citizens of heaven who will inherit the future earth. They are those whose lifelong buffetings have emptied them of their pride and ego so they can be filled by God. These are the ones who will see God. VF-2224 Matthew 5:3-10 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2026 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved

Today's reading is full of the teachings of Jesus, and Luke begins with accounts highlighting the manner in which Jesus approached the Sabbath. While the Pharisees viewed it as a means of performance and merit, Jesus views it as an opportunity to please God through restoration, whether that be through rest, replenishment or miraculous healing. We'll also encounter the Beatitudes in today's text, followed by some parables, all of which point the hearer to humility of heart and dependence on God to sustain and provide. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

What if the happiest marriages aren't lucky but intentional—built on choices Jesus promised God would bless? We unpack the Beatitudes in plain, practical language and show how humility, mourning over sin, meekness, and hunger for righteousness can transform the culture of your home from quiet resentment to resilient joy.We start with the hard reset of being poor in spirit, where honest humility disarms defensiveness and invites the kingdom into everyday conflict. Mourning sin becomes a doorway to comfort, not a spiral into shame. Then we reframe meekness as strength under control, the posture of a spouse who chooses service over scorekeeping. As we shift what we feed our hearts, hunger and thirst for righteousness recalibrate what we watch, say, and seek—so Christ's life begins to shape our habits, apologies, and affections.From there, mercy stops weaponized hurt and opens space for accountability that heals. Purity of heart sharpens our sight to notice God's slow, steady work in each other. Real peacemaking confronts sin rather than avoiding it, building trust through truth told with tears and hope. And when pushback comes, we anchor in Jesus' promise that those who pursue righteousness receive the kingdom's resources. Along the way we share stories, Scripture, and simple starting points so you can practice one Beatitude this week and watch the temperature of your home change.If this encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a couple who needs hope, and leave a review with the Beatitude you're choosing to practice first. Your words help more marriages find a path to blessing.Support the showFor episode transcripts, click HERE.For more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FBApple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

Send us a text In this episode of BuddyWalk with Jesus, we slow down and sit with one of the tenderest lines Jesus ever spoke: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). We explore what “mourning” really means in the Beatitudes—personal grief, the ache of a broken world, and sorrow that awakens the heart instead of hardening it. This isn't a call to pretend pain is good or to rush past sorrow with clichés. It's Jesus' promise that tears don't disqualify you—they become a meeting place with God's presence, strength, and hope. Together, we'll learn how to mourn as disciples through biblical lament, honest naming of loss, and trusting that the Kingdom is coming even in the valley. Support the show If you have any questions about the subjects covered in today's episode you can find us on Facebook at the links below or you can shoot me an email at joe@buddywalkwithjesus.com One Stop Shop for all the links Linktr.ee/happydeamedia

Title: The Upside Down SpiritSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this episode, we dive into Chapter 9: The Upside Down Spirit, a fresh look at Jesus' opening words in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-5). Pastor Nate Holdridge guides us through the first three Beatitudes—poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the meek—and shows how Jesus turns the world's values completely upside down. Rather than celebrating self-sufficiency, power, and confidence, Jesus invites his followers into a kingdom where blessing is found in spiritual need, brokenhearted dependence on God, and humble strength. Listeners will be challenged to rethink what it means to be “blessed” in Christ and discover how the upside-down spirit of God's kingdom reshapes the way we see ourselves, others, and our world.Link to Sermon Notes

In this episode, we dive into Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount and uncover how the Beatitudes are not a checklist of virtues, but a portrait of a life transformed by grace. We explore how true spiritual fruit flows from surrender, not striving, and how the Kingdom of God belongs to the humble, the broken, and the spiritually hungry. Through historical context and Scripture, this message challenges cultural ideas of power, status, and performance, and calls us back to the inner work of the Spirit that forms us to look more like Jesus. ______________________________________________________________________________________ NEW HERE? We'd love to connect with you. Text "NEW" to 323-405-3232 SERMON NOTES: www.bible.com/organizations/f223…-a8fc-3297da42c26a - Or Text: "SERMON" To: 323-405-3232 CONNECT WITH US: Hopeland Website: www.hopelandla.com Hopeland Podcast: @steinbot-519314947 Hopeland YouTube: www.youtube.com/@hopelandchurch Hopeland Facebook: @hopelandla Hopeland Instagram: @hopeland.church To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people with the gospel click here: hopelandla.com/give Or, choose a giving option here: - Venmo: @Hopeland-Church - CashApp: $HopelandChurch - Zelle: shawn@hopelandla.com - Text "Hopeland" to 833-767-5698

Thank you for joining us today for worship! In our second week of our Follow Me series, we begin chapter 5 as Pastor Bobby walks us through the Beatitudes given during the sermon on the mount.

Join us for the kickoff of our new 8-week series, "Living the Way of Jesus," as we dive into the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5-7 (ESV). In this first message, "The Beatitudes: A Kingdom Manifesto" (Matthew 5:1-12), we explore Jesus' upside-down blessings that shatter worldly expectations and call us to humble dependence on Christ. In a culture obsessed with self-sufficiency and success, Jesus declares true blessing for the spiritually bankrupt, the mourning, the meek, and more—marks of kingdom citizens transformed by grace. Drawing from the grand biblical story—from Adam's fall to Christ's cross—we see how these Beatitudes confront our illusions, build prophetic urgency, and demand a verdict: Will you surrender your brokenness to the King, or cling to pride?

What do the Beatitudes have to do with Israel's exile? Why does the Septuagint matter? Does Paul Sloan deny the Atonement?? Here is part 2 of our discussion with Dr. Paul Sloan about his new book "Jesus and the Law of Moses" from Baker Academic, which is available at: https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Law-Moses-Restoration-First-Century/dp/1540966380/ Other resources: * Jesus and Jewish Law podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jesus-and-jewish-law/id1791111864 * Paul's OnScript episode with Matthew Bates and Jason Staples - https://onscript.study/podcast/paul-sloan-jesus-and-the-law-of-moses/ * DiscipleDojo's Top 4 Books on Old Testament Law - https://youtu.be/8ixSCH1uhJI * “Rethinking the Atonement” by David Moffitt - https://www.amazon.com/Rethinking-Atonement-Moffitt/dp/1540966232/ ***Disciple Dojo shirts and other gifts are available over in our online store! - https://www.zazzle.com/DiscipleDojo ***Become a monthly Dojo Donor and help keep us going! - https://www.discipledojo.org/donate ***Dojo Donor Patches: If you are a monthly donor and would like an iron-on DiscipleDojo patch, supplies are limited so message JM directly via the contact page at https://www.discipledojo.org/contact ***If you are an unmarried Christian looking for community, check out our Facebook group “The Grownup's Table” over at www.facebook.com/groups/grownupstable ------ Go deeper at www.discipledojo.org

Of all the teachings, parables and sermons our Lord presented during his time on earth, there's probably none better known than the beatitudes. But while it's one of the most well-known passages of Scripture, it's often the most misunderstood. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he seeks to reveal Jesus' motives and meaning behind the well-known blessings we know as the beatitudes. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/581/29?v=20251111

Strong Christian leadership is rooted in clarity, not control. In this episode, we will unpack the Beatitude “pure in heart” and explain how internal clarity fuels faith-driven leadership, wiser decisions, and lasting personal growth. Listen now to learn why aligned motives create stronger leaders and healthier lives.Key Takeaways To Listen ForHow the Beatitudes shape leadership at home, not just in faithTeaching “pure in heart” through clarity, not perfectionRecognizing mixed motives in parenting decisionsWhy internal clarity brings peace to family leadershipHow surrender strengthens you as a parent and guideResources Mentioned In This EpisodeEP280: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit EP284: Blessed are Those Who Mourn EP289: Blessed are the Meek EP292: Blessed are those who HungerEP297: Blessed are the Merciful with Joe Thompson and Travis RevelleConnect With UsMaster your context with real results leadership training!To learn more, visit our website at www.greatsummit.com.For tax, bookkeeping, or accounting help, contact Dr. Nate's team at www.theincometaxcenter.com or send an email to info@theincometaxcenter.com.Follow Dr. Nate on His Social MediaLinkedIn: Nate Salah, Ph.DInstagram: @natesalah Facebook: Nate SalahTikTok: @drnatesalahClubhouse: @natesalah

The Faith to Go Team is joined by the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers to discuss this week's Gospel from Matthew. Together, they explore how the Beatitudes apply in today's difficult world. Don't miss Canon Stephanie's thoughtful reflection and God sighting!To learn more about the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers and her new book, Church Tomorrow?: What the Nones and Dones tell us about the Future of Faith, click here: https://stephaniespellers.com/church-tomorrowFaith to Go is a ministry of The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. Click here to learn more about EDSD's great work in our region and how you can support this ministry.Remember to get in contact with us!Email: faithtogo@edsd.orgInstagram: @faithtogo

While most Christians strive to actively pursue all of the characteristics we have discussed for living in the second mile from Jesus's teachings on the Beatitudes, there is one that we actively avoid - persecution for being a follower of Jesus. Around the world today in places like Nigeria and Syria, Christians are not only facing terror and persecution for following Jesus, many are facing death. While here in America, persecution seems rare for Christians as we have been protected by our Constitution and our foundation on Judaeo/Christian values, that might not always be the case. In our passage, Jesus makes clear that for his followers, persecution is as much a reality as meekness or mercy - it is something that should be expected. Join us as we discover why Christians face persecution, how we can prepare for it and why Jesus would say that it is actually a gift. From Matthew 5:10-12. Thank you for listening to our podcast and we would love for you to subscribe to our page and share with others. Join us for our weekly worship online at www.firstbaptistblowingrock.com or our Youtube page. Contact us at office@firstbaptistblowingrock.com or by phone @ 828-295-7715

Of all the teachings, parables and sermons our Lord presented during his time on earth, there's probably none better known than the beatitudes. But while it's one of the most well-known passages of Scripture, it's often the most misunderstood. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he seeks to reveal Jesus' motives and meaning behind the well-known blessings we know as the beatitudes. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

When Jesus opened the Sermon on the Mount with the words “Blessed are…,” He wasn't just offering inspirational quotes for wall art. These powerful statements, known as the Beatitudes, were spoken to people living under Roman occupation—people whose lives looked anything but “blessed” by worldly standards. Yet, through these words, Jesus extended a bold invitation to a radically different way of life: one that honors the values of God's Kingdom, not the world's. In this message, Pastor Shawn Williams unpacks the meaning behind Jesus' Beatitudes and explores how this call to countercultural, Kingdom-centered living still challenges and shapes the Church today.

In this sermon, Pastor Rick teaches that spiritual growth begins with honest self-assessment, not outward behavior. Using Matthew 5 and the life of Saul, he reveals how refusing to confront our attitude quietly undermines leadership, clarity, and long-term purpose.

John 13:12–17,When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.In the year 1521, an artist named Lucas Cranach published a pamphlet of several woodcut images he had made of the pope. The printing press had been around almost a hundred years, but only a small fraction of the population could read, and so pictures were an important way to get a message across. And in these woodcuts images, Cranach, who was a good friend of Martin Luther, had two panels side by side: on the right side was a depiction of Pope Leo, but on the first side was a depiction of Jesus. And one of his most famous woodcuts features the scene of Jesus in John 13. The text beneath the image is our passage today, John 13:14–17.In this image of Jesus, you can see he is basically doing what the passage says: his disciples, a ragtag looking bunch, are huddled together in line, and Jesus is stooped down on his knees, by a water basin, washing their feet. We're supposed to contrast that image with the image on the other side: it's the pope sitting on an elevated platform, and there's a room full of dignitaries, and they're all in line to kiss his feet. It's clear that the pope is doing the exact opposite of Christ, which is why the heading at the top, on the right side, says, “Antichrist.” Some of you may know, our Reformation forefathers thought the pope was the antichrist — and I just wanna say they were not crazy to think that because the pope literally did antichrist things … And nothing made that more obvious than how the pope treated people so differently from how Jesus did. See John 13 was (and is) a standard of authenticity for every true disciple of Jesus. We should read this passage and ask ourselves: Does anything in my life look anything close to what Jesus is doing here? If you could put a picture of yourself on that right side, what would it look like?I believe it's God's providence that John 13 is our text at the very beginning of 2026. And we're gonna look closely at this passage today, but here's my goal: I want this passage to shape a prayer for our church for this entire year. The prayer is this: that we would grow as joyful servants of one another like Jesus is of us.That's the prayer — and there's a lot we could say about this — but I wanna start with the most basic this morning. Following the words of Jesus in this passage, I want to tell you three reasons we should serve one another like Jesus serves us. Here's the first. We should serve one another like Jesus serves us …1. Because Jesus is our Teacher and Lord (vv. 12–13)Look at verse 12. This is after Jesus has washed his disciples' feet. John tells us that Jesus basically cleaned himself up, sat back at the table, and then he began to teach with his words. See, the whole thing has been teaching, but now it's formal. And the first thing Jesus says, the end of verse 12, is:“Do you understand what I have done to you?”He's implying here that they don't understand, which is what he already said in verse 7. In verse 7, Jesus told the disciples: Hey, you don't get what I'm doing now, but you will later. And now is that later: Jesus is about to explain the meaning of his washing their feet — and we're on the edge of our seats for this!What Jesus did was shocking enough, but now he's gonna tell us the deeper meaning. He starts in verse 13. Verse 13:“You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.”Notice the first thing Jesus does here is affirm the disciples. He starts by telling the disciples something they get right. And what they get right is who Jesus is. He is their “Teacher and Lord.”The word “Lord” here could be just a respectful way of talking to somebody with authority, but we know it's more than that in the New Testament. This is a confession of the deity of Jesus. Jesus is God the Son. He is the Lord Jesus. And we would expect this word to be front and center in what Jesus is called.But look at that word “teacher” in verse 13 — it's another way to say rabbi. And “rabbi” or “teacher” — that was something these early Jewish disciples called Jesus, but we don't really use that language today, at least not in our circles. I grew up in the church, and I've been a Christian for about three decades, and I don't know that I've ever heard anyone refer to Jesus as their “Lord and Teacher Jesus Christ.” But why don't we say that? That's a fair question to ask, isn't it? Because Jesus says it is right to call him Teacher, but we don't. So why not?It's actually a simple answer. It's because we combine Jesus as Teacher with his identity as Lord. This comes through in our third baptism vow: We affirm that, “with God's help, we will obey the teachings of Jesus and follow him as Lord, Savior, and Treasure.” “Learn from me”So we may not use the word “Teacher” but it is absolutely implied! This is the way we relate to Jesus as his disciples — we obey his teachings, we follow him. I think it's okay that we don't commonly call Jesus our “Teacher” — but it's okay only as long as we know he is that to us. He's certainly more to us than Teacher, but never less — Jesus teaches us how to live in this world!I think of Jesus's famous invitation in Matthew Chapter 11 to come to him and find rest. Remember he says: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me …” (Matthew 11:29). Learn from Jesus how to live!Or in the Book of Ephesians, Paul warns us not to live like the Gentiles — because their hearts are hardened and they're full of greed — and Paul says, “That is not the way you learned Christ!” (Ephesians 4:20). Hear that? We learn Christ. We learn from him! Jesus is our Teacher. It is right to call him that, but what matters most is that we know that's who he is. And when we know that, when that fact is established, then of course we're gonna do what he says. This is foundational: we should serve one another like Jesus serves us because Jesus is our Teacher and Lord, and he tells us to. And we could stop here, to be honest, because that's enough. But there's more. We should serve one another like Jesus serves us …2. Because Jesus has given us an example (vv. 14–16)This is verses 14–16, and it's really the central part of the passage. So let's read it again, and notice this whole unit is an argument. Verse 14: If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.The logic of what Jesus says is grounded in the disciples' relationship to him — the Teacher/disciple relationship is implied, but Jesus names two more relationships in verse 16: master/servant, and then sender/messenger. We see that in verse 16.Now, what's the same in all of these relationships is that there's a hierarchy, and in each one, Jesus is the superior and we are the inferior. This is vital to the argument. Jesus is saying plainly in verse 14: If I, your superior, have washed the feet on my inferiors, then my inferiors ought to wash one another's feet.And in case we get stuck on the feet-washing part, in verse 15 Jesus explains that what he did was an example bigger than feet. Jesus has given us a model for how we treat one another.He has given us a pattern for all of life — it's not about one specific act of washing feet, but this is about a way of being. This is how we live together as the body of Christ: we serve one another the way Christ served us — which included washing our feet.And so, get this: if our Teacher, our Master, if he went that low to serve us, what would we consider too low in serving one another? See what he did there? Jesus has opened up for us endless possibilities of good works. Because now, following his example, nothing can be too low. Nothing can be too inconvenient. The degree of our serving is not determined by our station, but by the needs of our brothers and sisters. That is not the way it is in the world! Seriously, don't try this at work! Stick to your job description.What About Spiritual Gifts?But the local church is different. And this is where, heads up, we need to be careful with the topic of spiritual gifts. Now we're gonna get there one day in First Corinthians, but let me just offer a word of caution here … There is a school of thought that says it's incumbent that every Christian find a church where they can use their spiritual gifts. But see, the problem with this thinking is that it can lead individual Christians to hop from church to church asking the questions, “Can I use my gift here? … Can I use my gift here? What about here? Here? Who wants this gift?” And look, it's not bad to want to use your gift, but, instead of looking for the church where you can use your gift, how about commit to a church and let the first thing you ask be: What are the needs? Where can I help? Show me the places where I can follow the example of my Teacher and wash some feet!Look, I'm not gonna mention names (because I don't wanna embarrass anybody), but I've seen that kind of needs-first serving in this church over and over again. And when the whole church serves one another this way — in the example Jesus has given us — it is one of the most beautiful, compelling realities on the planet. Because Jesus is the only reason it makes sense. He is our Teacher and Lord, and he gave us an example.Here's the third reason. We serve one another the way Jesus served us …3. Because there is a blessing that comes through doing (v. 17)This is verse 17, and it's a verse that I want everybody to see. There are few keywords in this verse that we're gonna focus on, but first, everybody find verse 17. Chapter 13, verse 17, Jesus says:“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”First word to see here is “blesséd.” This is a wonderful word. It's used 50 times in the whole New Testament, and 40 of those times are by Jesus himself. I think that counts as one of his favorite words! And the most famous place Jesus used this word was during his Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew Chapter 5, Jesus starts that sermon with what's called the Beatitudes. You've heard these before …“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.” …Jesus goes on to mention nine different blesséds, and none of them are what you'd expect. They turn the way of the world upside down — which tells us that Jesus's idea of “blessedness” is probably different too. To be blessed, according to Jesus, does not mean to be comfortable or to have things easy — it does not mean more power, money, and fame (that's the world's idea). But to be blessed according to Jesus means to be truly happy in relation to God — it's about the ‘good life' under the kingdom of God, which is the only ‘good life' that is true and lasting. To be blessed according to Jesus is not cheap fun, but it's a deep joy in God, given by God.Don't we want that? I'll take some of that in the New Year! The Way to BlessingWell, good news! Jesus is gonna tell us how we can get it. Everybody track with me — Look back at verse 17: Jesus starts, “If you know these things” — what things? He's talking about what he has just said. He's talking about the explanation he just gave in verses 14–15 for what he was doing in washing their feet. Jesus is saying: If you know I've given you an example! Or: now that you know I've given you an example! — Hey, it's good to know things isn't it? I'm so thankful that we can read the Word of God and know things about God and about life. It is a gift to know, amen. And we wanna grow in our knowledge! (2 Peter 3:18).But in verse 17, where does Jesus saying the blessing is?Verse 17: “If you know these things — or, now that you know I've given you an example … Blessed are you if you [have a Bible study and talk more about it] …Blessed are you if you [listen to a sermon and take good notes] …All goods things. But what does Jesus say in verse 17?“If you now know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”Do them. Like in real life, actually do the thing. Do what Jesus did!But Your Neighbor DoesYou know, thanks be to God, the heart of the gospel is that we are saved by grace, not by works. Romans 4:4, Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.Amen! We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. It's like Martin Luther said:“God does not need your good works … but your neighbor does.” Your brother does. Your sister does.Listen: there is a blessing from Jesus that you can only have when you serve others the way he serves us. That's why we're joyful servants!And again, the blessing is not comfort. It's not ease. It's not convenience. It's not power, money, and fame. In fact, in the serving it's pretty much the opposite of all those things. There are at least moments of discomfort, difficulty, and inconvenience. You stoop low, at a cost, with no fanfare. But Jesus says, in doing that you will be blessed.And we all raised our hands and said we want that blessing. All that's left is the doing. How Does That Look?What does that look like for you? (Come back at 5 tonight to hear more about this), but I want to ask you now: in this New Year, in what ways are you gonna follow the example of Jesus, and do what he did? Where are the needs in our church, the needs around you, that God would call you to meet?Hey, let me just say: for those of us who are worried about our church growing this year, if we just do this, we're gonna be okay. The question is not: Am I going to be cared for with all these people here? The question is: How can I serve all these people the way Jesus served me?And when we're all asking that … it's beautiful.And look: it starts here. It starts with me; it starts with the pastors. All of us are in the same boat in that we all want to be more like Jesus. I'll tell you a story I thought of last week, and this is kinda crazy, because I haven't thought of this in 22 years, but it popped in my head a few days ago. When I was a freshman in college and trying to figure out God's calling on my life, I went to an FCA event to hear this guest preacher who was talking about calling. And I don't remember his message other than this one story he told, about a dream he had. This guy has preached to people all over the country, and seen a lot of fruit, and he had this dream where he was sitting on a white horse … He is sitting on this horse, looking out over all the people he had preached the gospel to. And then he sees Jesus walking up to him, through this crowd of people, and when Jesus finally gets to him, Jesus looks up and says, “Hey, would you get off my horse?”The guy said: Hey, whatever Jesus is calling you to in life, it's never to be on his horse.We've actually seen in John 13, Jesus calls us to serve like he serves. And I want you to know: your pastors are in this for that. That's my heart for you. And what I'm about to say — I don't mean this as anything different from the past, but I just wanna tell you: with God's help, I'm gonna serve you the best I can this year. With all the grace that God supplies.And that's our prayer together, for all of us. It's that God would grow us as joyful servants of one another like Jesus is of us.That's what leads us to the Table.The TableI want us to sense in a new way the wonder that we are children of God. We are brothers and sisters of Jesus, and one another, and we live by him and for him. It's all grace! All gift! And at this Table we rest in that.We come here to thank Jesus for his cross and resurrection, and to receive afresh all that he is for us — Lord, Savior, Treasure, and Teacher.

Sunday, January 4, 2026 - Matthew 5:1-12 | This sermon will focus on the Beatitudes as the basis and foundation of a Sermon-on-the-Mount life. At the core of this passage, we learn what it means to inherit the Kingdom of God.  

Matthew 5 Of all the teachings, parables and sermons our Lord presented during his time on earth, there's probably none better known than the beatitudes. But while it's one of the most well-known passages of Scripture, it's often the most misunderstood. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he seeks to reveal Jesus' motives and meaning behind the well-known blessings we know as the beatitudes.

In this episode, we look at the Beatitudes and realize that, rather than being a list of rules to follow, they are a statement about the nature of reality!

Here St. Isaac does not define virtues as behaviors but as states of being before God. He strips away external markers and leaves the soul alone with truth. What he offers is not a ladder of accomplishments but a geography of the heart. A stranger, he says, is not one who has left a place, but one whose mind has been estranged from all things of life. This is the quiet violence of the Gospel: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (Jn 17:16). Estrangement here is not contempt for creation but freedom from possession. Abba Arsenius fled Rome, but what he truly fled was the tyranny of relevance. To become a stranger is to consent to being unnecessary. It is to let the world continue without you and discover that God remains. The mourner is not a melancholic soul but a hungry one. He lives, Isaac says, in hunger and thirst for the sake of his hope in good things to come. This is the blessed mourning of the Beatitudes, the ache that refuses consolation because it has tasted something eternal. St. John Climacus calls mourning “a sorrow that is glad,” because it is oriented toward the Kingdom. It is grief baptized by hope. Such a soul does not despise joy; it waits for the only joy that cannot be taken away. Then Isaac dares to say what a monk truly is. Not one who has taken vows, not one who wears a habit, but one who remains outside the world and is ever supplicating God to receive future blessings. The monk stands at the edge of time and begs. His posture is eschatological. He lives as though the promises are real. This is why the monk's wealth is not visible. It is the comfort that comes of mourning and the joy that comes of faith, shining secretly in the mind's hidden chambers. Christ Himself names this hiddenness when He says, “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Mt 6:6). The true treasure does not announce itself. It warms quietly. Mercy, too, is redefined. A merciful man is not one who performs selective kindness but one who has lost the ability to divide the world mentally into worthy and unworthy. This is the mercy of God Himself, who “makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good” (Mt 5:45). St. Isaac elsewhere says that a merciful heart burns for all creation: for humans, animals, demons, even for the enemies of God. Such mercy is not sentimental. It is cruciform. It is the heart stretched until it resembles Christ's own. And then Isaac turns to chastity, and again he refuses reduction. Virginity is not merely bodily restraint but an interior reverence. One who feels shame before himself even when alone. This is a startling phrase. It speaks of a soul that lives before God even when no one is watching. Shame here is not self-loathing but awe. It is the trembling awareness that one's thoughts are already prayers, or blasphemies, before the face of God. Therefore Isaac is unsparing: chastity cannot survive without reading and prolonged prayer. Without immersion in the Word, the imagination becomes a wilderness of unguarded images. Without prayer, the heart has no shelter. Abba Evagrius taught that thoughts are not defeated by force but by replacement—by filling the mind with divine fire. The Jesus Prayer, Scripture read slowly, the psalms murmured in weakness, these do not merely resist impurity; they transfigure desire itself. What unites all these sayings is this: St. Isaac is describing a soul that has accepted vulnerability. God has permitted the soul to be susceptible to accidents: not as punishment, but as mercy. Weakness becomes the doorway. Hunger becomes the guide. Shame becomes watchfulness. Mourning becomes wealth. Nothing here is safe, and nothing here is superficial. This is not an ethic for the strong. It is a path for those who have consented to be poor before God. In the end, St. Isaac is teaching us how to stand unarmed in the presence of the Kingdom; estranged from the world, aching for God, clothed in quiet prayer, and guarded not by our strength but by grace that shines unseen in the depths of the heart. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:04:33 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 170 paragraph 7 Homily Six 00:04:45 Angela Bellamy: What is the book titled please? 00:04:56 Angela Bellamy: Reacted to "What is the book tit..." with

Episode 278 - The Blessed Mother Have you ever struggled to believe that God could really work through your weakness? In this episode, the friars turn their gaze to the Blessed Mother and the quiet, radical way she lived the Beatitudes. They reflect on Mary's poverty of spirit, her meekness, and her total availability to God, not as something distant or unattainable, but as a lived posture of trust, openness, and surrender. They explore how Mary's emptiness became the space where God did His greatest work, how her confidence came from knowing who she was before the Father, and how her motherhood continues to draw close to us in our own poverty and need. Join us as we entrust ourselves again to our Mother and learn how her "yes" teaches us how to receive God more fully in our own lives. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you!

Elyssa and Raffi sit down with Chase Durkin to unpack the words of Jesus in our beatitudes series. Hope it helps!

Episode 277 - Meekness: The Manger and the Storm Have you ever felt frustrated when Jesus seems quiet while everything around you is falling apart? In this episode, the friars continue reflecting on "Blessed are the meek," turning to two striking images: Jesus asleep in the manger and Jesus asleep in the boat during the storm. Both reveal a confidence rooted not in control, but in trust. Trust in the Father, trust in victory, even when chaos is loud and fear feels close. They talk honestly about the frustration we feel when Jesus seems distant or inactive while we're struggling. And they invite us to see that His silence isn't absence, it's the patience of love at work. Join us as we learn to trust Jesus in the storm and discover the peace that comes from knowing He is already with us. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you!

Episode 276 - Jesus, Meekness, and Fighting Satan What if meekness isn't weakness but the strongest way Jesus fights? In this episode, the friars turn to "Blessed are the meek" and uncover how meekness is not passivity or timidity, but the fruit of deep confidence and identity as sons of the Father. They explore how Jesus enters the ultimate battle, not with force or armor, but with humility, vulnerability, and unwavering trust in who He is. This is how He confronts temptation, resists Satan, and claims victory. They reflect on how our own battles are often fought in the same place: our identity. When we're rooted in the Father's love, insecurity loses its power, and we're free to stand firm without grasping, proving, or defending ourselves. Join us as we learn how meekness becomes strength, identity becomes armor, and Christ's victory becomes our own. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you!