Podcasts about pure in heart

Marshall Segal | We live in a world where impurity comes easily. But if we understand the staggering promise God makes to the pure in heart, we'll pursue purity with all our might.

Connecting people to a life-changing relationship with Jesus.

Scripture Reading— Matthew 5: 1-12The BeatitudesWhen Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he began to speak and taught them, saying:“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.“Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely[b] on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Brandon Steele | 03.08.26 | ethoschurch.org

Gentry Wigginton | 03.08.26 | ethoschurch.org

Pastor Bill continues with our Beatitudes sermon series. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Listen today to God's response to Job's challenge, demanding an answer.We will hear God asking Job these questions three:Where were you when I created the universe? Job 38How do I sustain the universe? Job 39If you cannot contend with my creation, how will you contend with me? Job 41Job's humility.:"Then Job answered the LORD, and said, 2 "I know that Thou canst do all things, And that no purpose of Thine can be thwarted. 3 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' "Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know." 4 'Hear, now, and I will speak; I will ask Thee, and do Thou instruct me.' 5 "I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees Thee; 6 Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes."Job 42:1-6Job did not storm in like a prince, and his being humbled in the presence of Almighty God reminds us, as God's treasured people, why our Savior began His ministry with these words:"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.5 "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."Matthew 5:3-9Brethren, let's pray for one another."What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more." Robert Murray M'Cheynee Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard.www.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008Episode 009

Patrick Boatwright, Ryan Diaz, Raul Sandoval

In this episode of Faith Fondue, Anne and Haley share personal stories and and lessons of life and faith of the legendary late Notre Dame Head Football coach, Lou Holtz. To know him was to love him, and to have met him was to learn from him. And we all have lessons we learn from Lou. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Perhaps you can see how being poor in spirit, pure in heart, or hungering and thirsting for righteousness can be a blessing. But persecution? How can someone hating you, hurting you, and seeking to destroy you be a blessing?  Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more.Scripture Used in Today's MessageMatthew 5:10-12Luke 6:262 Timothy 3:121 John 3:13Revelation 2:10To find Tom on Instagram, Facebook, TiKTok, and elsewhere, go to linktr.ee/tomthepreacher

The time has come for a new apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Clark G. Gilbert; time for your podcast hosts to rise to the occasion with another Apostolic Profile episode. He escaped the religious persecution Mormons often suffer growing up in Scottsdale, AZ, to go to BYU. Then off to Harvard for business, to acquire more useful skills for his forthcoming career in the Church Education System (CES). Before CES, however, Gilbert was responsible for trimming all the fat at Deseret News, which amounted to firing 40% of the workforce and shifting it to an unabashedly apologetic mission statement defending the church. Once appointed to CES, Gilbert instituted a series of Orwellian surveillance systems at BYU to punish thought crime; Ernest Wilkinson would be proud and Jeffrey Holland finally has a man to fire some muskets. Now Gilbert joins as the youngest apostle, securing his future position as prophet circa 2050s-70s. This "disruptive innovator" has a lot of new ideas to keep the church as extremist-conservative as is legally permissible heading into the 22nd century. This call to the Apostleship by Dallin Oaks ensures Oaks' legacy remains long after he's become a shepherd of worms. Patrons get a bonus segment comparing Gilbert's interviews at Deseret News and SL Tribune immediately after his ordination, which tangentially serves as a case study for the deterioration of journalism at Deseret Media, due to Gilbert himself. After that, it's our next installment of Oaks' book, Pure in Heart, where he discusses the importance of mindset and intentionality when rendering service, especially for the church. We end with happy news about a potential future cure for Type 1 Diabetes.    Show Notes:  Clark Gilbert https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_G._Gilbert Gilbert's likely tenure as future prophet https://www.reddit.com/r/mormon/comments/1r8c74x/on_his_first_day_in_the_q15_clark_g_gilbert/ Official press release https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/clark-gilbert-called-quorum-of-the-twelve-apostles Gilbert Op-ed for ChurchNewsroom https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/how-education-family-and-testimony-are-fundamental-in-the-life-of-elder-clark-g-gilbert The Parable of the Slope https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/16gilbert?lang=eng Disruptive Technologies: Catching the Wave https://hbr.org/1995/01/disruptive-technologies-catching-the-wave The Disruption Machine by Jill Lepore https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/06/23/the-disruption-machine Gilbert's profile on BYU Law and Wheatley Institute with law-focused talks https://www.religiousfreedomlibrary.org/authors/clark-g-gilbert Gilbert: Stewardship of Our First Freedom https://www.religiousfreedomlibrary.org/documents/the-stewardship-of-our-first-freedom#note-30 Gilbert: The Courage of Our Convictions https://www.religiousfreedomlibrary.org/documents/the-courage-of-our-convictions-how-religious-expression-goes-beyond-religious-liberty Gilbert: Dare to be Different https://www.deseret.com/2022/9/14/23319209/elder-clark-gilbert-religious-universities-should-dare-to-be-different/ American Disestablishment: The Conclusion by Miles Smith https://davenantinstitute.org/american-disestablishment-the-conclusion/ Disestablishmentarianism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disestablishmentarianism Governance and the Religion Question: Voluntaryism, Disestablishment, and America's Church-State Proposition by Carl H. Esbeck https://scholarship.law.missouri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1156&context=facpubs Becket Foundation "Religious Liberty" SCOTUS victories https://becketfund.org/cases/?fwp_case_court=us-supreme-court&fwp_case_status=past Hosanna-Tabor https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/565/171/ Trinity Lutheran https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/582/15-577/ Our Lady of Guadalupe https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/591/19-267/ Carson v. Makin https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/596/20-1088/ How SCOTUS is Dismantling the Separation of Church and State https://www.americanprogress.org/article/how-the-supreme-court-is-dismantling-the-separation-of-church-and-state/ American Council of Education https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/american-council-on-education/ Becoming BYU https://aims.byu.edu/becoming-byu LDS Education Boss Touts BYU's Commitment to Religious Freedom by Peggy Fletcher Stack https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/01/24/byu-will-never-back-away-its/ Spiritual Crackdown at BYU? By RadioWest https://radiowest.kuer.org/podcast/radiowest/2025-01-16/a-spiritual-crackdown-at-brigham-young-university BYU New Employment Policy https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2022/03/10/new-employment-policy/ BYU employment questionnaire https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/ecclesiastical-leader-questions-new-ces-hires Fine Print: The Deseret News Spins its Circulation Numbers by Rachel Piper https://www.cityweekly.net/news/fine-print-the-deseret-news-spins-its-circulation-numbers-2207487 Dallin Oaks and Clark Gilbert: Stand Fast with Love in Proclaiming Truth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6IXLufuAAQ Gilbert Deseret News interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORUY06HPmfM Gilbert SL Trib interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FPwhJhBJ-A Ben Park video on Gilbert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTXXNeydptg Gordon Monson: Clark Gilbert has been called as an LDS apostle. Now, we'll see if he's chosen. https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/02/13/maybe-clark-gilbert-will-be/  Gordon Monson: LDS Church education boss should put down the hammer at BYU and pick up an olive branch: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/01/06/byu-there-is-too-much-fear-too/  Dark days: New rules have BYU professors running scared https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/01/05/byu-blue-why-these-are-dark-days/    Sword of Laman: Pure In Heart, by Dallin H. Oaks  The Mansion, by Henry Van Dyke: https://americanliterature.com/author/henry-van-dyke/short-story/the-mansion    Happy News:  A bold new plan could finally cure Type 1 diabetes: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260302030648.htm    Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything by Lydia Kang and Nate Pedersen   Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. Our most recent discussion was on The Unpaid Army of God: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de543-d9tME  He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look!  Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g   Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod  Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social  Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/  Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop Or find the merch store by clicking on "Store" here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com  Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10 We

Jesus' promise, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God,” challenges our assumptions about what it means to truly know God. In this message, we explore how Jesus shifts the focus from religious performance to an honest, undivided heart that brings our whole selves before him. Even in seasons when God feels distant, this beatitude invites us to discover the surprising gift of seeing God in the ordinary moments of life. Recorded March 1, 2026.

Raul Sandoval

Within the larger vision of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declares, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” This teaching flows from His “yoke.” It's a rabbi's way of life, rooted not in behavior management or shame, but in surrendered apprenticeship. The purity Jesus speaks of is not moral perfectionism […]

The sermon centers on the sixth and seventh Beatitudes—blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God, and blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God—presenting a radical, counter-cultural vision of true happiness rooted in spiritual purity and divine reconciliation. Drawing from Scripture, it underscores the inherent corruption of the human heart, as revealed in both the Old and New Testaments, yet affirms that through faith, repentance, and the work of the Holy Spirit, purity of heart is attainable and leads to profound joy and intimate communion with God. The preacher emphasizes that a pure heart, cleansed of impurity and aligned with God's will, enables believers to see God by faith, much like Moses who endured trials by focusing on the invisible reward. Furthermore, peacemaking is portrayed not as passive compromise but as active participation in God's redemptive mission, reflecting His nature as the ultimate reconciler, and calling believers to pursue peace in personal relationships, society, and even in geopolitical realities, trusting that true peace comes through justice, strength, and divine sovereignty.

The sermon centers on the sixth and seventh Beatitudes—blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God, and blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God—presenting a radical, counter-cultural vision of true happiness rooted in spiritual purity and divine reconciliation. Drawing from Scripture, it underscores the inherent corruption of the human heart, as revealed in both the Old and New Testaments, yet affirms that through faith, repentance, and the work of the Holy Spirit, purity of heart is attainable and leads to profound joy and intimate communion with God. The preacher emphasizes that a pure heart, cleansed of impurity and aligned with God's will, enables believers to see God by faith, much like Moses who endured trials by focusing on the invisible reward. Furthermore, peacemaking is portrayed not as passive compromise but as active participation in God's redemptive mission, reflecting His nature as the ultimate reconciler, and calling believers to pursue peace in personal relationships, society, and even in geopolitical realities, trusting that true peace comes through justice, strength, and divine sovereignty.

In this message on the final four Beatitudes from Gospel of Matthew 5:1–12, we explore mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and persecution for righteousness. Jesus teaches that the merciful receive mercy, reflecting God’s compassionate nature. The pure in heart—those marked by integrity and love—will see God. Peacemakers, transformed by Christ, carry His peace and embody reconciliation. Even persecution becomes a blessing, promising eternal reward in the Kingdom of Heaven. True Kingdom living isn’t striving to imitate Christ outwardly, but allowing Him to live through us daily. For more information go to c3tuggerah.org.au

Presented by Julie Busteed I've been reflecting on some of Jesus' sayings—his proverbs—and I've noticed how often they return to the posture of the heart. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God (Matthew 5:8). That raises an important question: what does it mean to have a pure heart? We often assume a pure heart means doing everything right—appearing polished and put together on the outside. But that kind of purity is rooted in our own striving, and it doesn't work. It doesn't last. It isn't sustainable. Scripture tells us the truth about our condition: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick (Jeremiah 17:9). Have you ever surprised yourself with your own reaction—something you said, thought, or felt—and wondered, where did that come from? It wasn't how you wanted to respond, yet it was real. The human heart is complex, deceptive, and difficult to understand. But when our hearts are turned toward purity, this posture gives the Holy Spirit room to work in us and through us. What difference does a pure heart make in the workplace? It shows up in genuine joy when a coworker receives a promotion or praise. It looks like helping others even when it doesn't advance your own position. It means refusing to gossip, choosing authenticity, and living with integrity when no one is watching. The right heart begins with humility. Scripture often speaks of a broken or crushed heart as a picture of humility. This kind of brokenness is essential, because a hard or stony heart will not submit to God's will. We pray with the psalmist, create in me a clean heart, O God (Psalm 51:10). Jesus promises it is the pure in heart who will see God. And when we invite Christ to dwell in our hearts, everything changes. This is why Paul's prayer for the Ephesians is such a powerful one to pray: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:16–19). Oh, that you and I would know this love—love that surpasses everything else—and be filled with it. Press on. Don't be discouraged. The work God is doing in the heart is often slow and unseen, but it is never wasted.

Pastor Ken confronts the pervasive danger of lust in a sexually saturated culture, grounding its urgency in Jesus' radical teaching in Matthew 5 that even lustful desire constitutes spiritual adultery, demanding radical commitment to purity. emphasizes that lust is not a minor moral failing but a spiritual battle that warps the soul and threatens eternal destiny, citing Scripture to show that unrepentant sin excludes one from God's kingdom. The central truth is that saving faith is inseparable from sanctification—justifying faith is a lust-fighting faith that transforms the heart, empowering believers to pursue purity through the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and a deep satisfaction in Christ. The sermon calls for radical, proactive measures: rejecting excuses, resisting temptation by yielding to the Spirit, cultivating spiritual taste through Scripture, and relying on God's promises rather than worldly pleasures. Ultimately, it affirms that victory is possible through faith in Christ, who alone satisfies, and that the goal is not merely abstinence but the pursuit of holiness, so that, as Matthew 5:8 promises, the pure in heart will see God.

Text: Matthew 5:8; variousTheme: In a complicated and often perverse world, being pure in heart seems impossible. However, it's not only possible, it's part of our journey with Jesus and the benefits are incredible.Memory Verse: Matthew 5:8 (NIV) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49566193

Blessed are the pure in heart: those who have a devoted, undivided heart towards the Lord. Pastor Lance continues explaining the characteristics of all who belong to Christ, according to Christ Himself. Text: Matthew 5:8. For more messages and resources, visit us at www.ccc-online.org.

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart (Practice the Presence of God) Description: In Matthew 5:8, Jesus promises something staggering: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” In this message, Pastor Eric explains that “pure” means without mixture — an unmixed heart and a single devotion. We look at the difference between positional purity (what God does for us in salvation) and progressive purity (how grace teaches us to live and how confession restores fellowship). Jesus doesn't call us to perfection of performance, but purity of pursuit — a life where our treasure, attention, and affection are steadily re-centered on Him. As devotion becomes unmixed, vision becomes clear: the pure in heart “see God” at work in daily life. Key Scriptures: Matthew 5:8 John 15:3–5 Titus 2:11–14 Titus 3:4–7 Romans 3:10, 23 Matthew 6:19–24 Colossians 3:1–2 James 1:5–8 John 10:27–30 In This Sermon: What “pure” means in Scripture: without mixture Positional purity vs. progressive purity (relationship vs. fellowship) Why salvation is not earned: Christ alone, grace alone How mixed devotion clouds discernment and creates instability “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” The single eye, the unmixed life, and learning to “see God” daily A practical call to “Practice the Presence of God” (Brother Lawrence) Next Step: Ask honestly: What has my heart this week? Then re-aim your treasure toward Christ — because where you invest is where your heart will follow.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Many of us have mistaken pure in heart to mean perfection, or sinlessness. But to be pure in heart means something quite different. How do we see God? This week, we continue our study of the Beatitudes as we learn about what it means to be pure in heart.

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

Send a text“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” What does “pure” (katharos) really mean—and why does Jesus locate purity in the heart (kardia) rather than just external behavior? We explore the Old Testament background (clean hands/pure heart), the difference between purity and perfectionism, and how purity is best understood as single-heartedness—an undivided inner life that's honest before God. We also talk about what it means to “see God” now and ultimately, and how distraction, secrecy, and the attention economy can fragment our hearts and blur our spiritual vision. You'll leave with practical BuddyWalk practices to retrain your attention, bring hidden places into the light, and pursue a clean, integrated heart that can actually recognize God's presence in everyday 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

What hardens a heart? This week the Rabbi Blum Pastor Kahlil Carmichael shows us the causes of a hardened heart and how to be pure in heart. We begin in Exodus and Proverbs 4 with the message, “A Unified Service with Rabbi Blum and Pastor Khalil Carmichael.”Live Well, your spiritual family, gathers every Sunday at 11 a.m. at 51 Church Street, Robbinsville, Windsor, NJ. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this faith journey with you.Thank you for givingpushpay.com/g/itiswellchurchVisit our website at livewellchurch.orgFollow us on Facebook @pastorkahlilFind us on Instagram @livewellwithpastorkahlil

Tuesday – Matthew 5:6-8Jesus began to teach them saying:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart,    for they will see God.

Somebody accused me of twisting scripture to fit my political perspective. I didn't know that wanting to stop the bullying, beating, imprisonment, and killing was a political perspective. I didn't know that wanting to feed the hungry, attend to the sick and poor was a political perspective. In this Sermon Short I will twist some more biblical scripture at you.Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Matthew 5:8 . “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 12:34. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 15:18-20. But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. Matthew 5:8. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. https://dr731.substack.com/p/twisted-biblicap-scripture

Join Senior Pastor Josh Pardee and Executive Pastor Nate Murray as they explore the message from week 6 of our current series titled Kingdom Manifesto.

In Kingdom Manifesto: The Revolution of the Blessed, Jesus launches a movement that challenges the world's idea of success. His Beatitudes are a manifesto for a new kind of revolution—one built on mercy, meekness, and grace. Together, we'll discover what it means to live beautifully and courageously in a world desperate for something different.

Most of us know what it feels like to live split—pulled between what we want, what people expect, and what we know God is asking of us. In Matthew 5:8, Jesus names a better way: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Not perfect hearts—whole hearts. We're talking about how the good life is an undivided life, and how a pure heart doesn't just “behave better,” it sees better—God in full, not in part. We'll look […] The post Pure in Heart appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.

Ready for more Dallin Oaks stuff? First we talk about a letter Joseph Smith wrote to W.W. Phelps. Then we discuss the law review article  "Ethics, Mortality, and Professional Responsibility", by Dallin Oaks published October 1975 in the BYU Law Review. For the Sword of Laman, we take a look at the first two chapters of Oaks' book Pure In Heart.  We finish it off with some happy news about a judge overturning Trump's block of an off-shore wind project that could power 600,000 homes. Enjoy!    Show Notes:  Letter to W. W. Phelps Jan 11, 1833 https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letter-to-william-w-phelps-11-january-1833/2#historical-intro Modern D&C 52 https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/revelation-6-june-1831-dc-52/2 Ethics, Morality, and Professional Responsibility by Dallin Oaks http://digitalcommons.law.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1039&context=lawreview Wickersham Commission https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/law/wickersham-commission Criminal Justice in U.S. History https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/criminal-justice-us-history   Sword of Laman: Pure In Heart, by Dallin H. Oaks  Woes of the Pharisees: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woes_of_the_Pharisees  Cleansing the Inner Vessel by Ezra Taft Benson (April 1986 GenCon): https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1986/04/cleansing-the-inner-vessel?lang=eng  Inspiring Music, Worthy Thoughts by Boyd K Packer (GenCon 1973): https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1973/10/inspiring-music-worthy-thoughts?lang=eng  Worthy Music, Worthy Thoughts (1976 filmstrip): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ5Z6AoEKuY  Richard G Scott in April  GenCon 1992: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1992/04/healing-the-tragic-scars-of-abuse?lang=eng     Happy News: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/02/trump-halted-offshore-wind-project-to-proceed   Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. Our most recent discussion was on The Unpaid Army of God: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de543-d9tME  He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look!  Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g   Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod  Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social  Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/  Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop Or find the merch store by clicking on "Store" here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com  Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10  

We're dealing with the second half of the Beatitudes today. First a brief recap of where we were last week, and then jumping right into the rest of it. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. This is not at all how the world works. But when mercy is shown, it has the power to transform. Not only the one being shown mercy, but the one who is merciful. This is how we start making a better world. Instead of retribution, we show mercy and grace. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. This one is a hard one, and lots of people have weighed in and I'm really not sure, but let's take a crack at it. This one makes me uncomfortable to begin with. Pure of heart sounds like, spotless, untainted, perfect. We immediately connect it to some kind of moral perfection. But what if it's something different? What if pure heart refers to an undivided heart? A fearful heart sees a threatening God. A shameful heart sees a condemning God. A controlling heart sees a micromanaging God. What if we dwelled on the divine and the things of the divine? Things that are true, noble, right, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. When we desire those things - desire the divine and the things of God suddenly the whole world becomes charged with the presence of God. Blessed are the pure in heart. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Let's talk about a whole lot of other blesseds. Blessed are those who are brave enough to shake up the status quo. Blessed are those who are courageous enough to speak truth to power. Blessed are those who are willing to jump into the fray and speak words of grace and peace. This is tough stuff. If we actually start living this way, we should expect pushback. But Jesus says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of me, for theirs is the kingdom." God is on our side - with us - near. Speaker: Aaron Vis Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12 http://bible.com/events/49559249

The post Blessed Are The Pure In Heart – Matthew 5:8 – February 2, 2026 first appeared on Enduring Word.

Can weakness really become strength? And can ordinary, imperfect people actually become Zion?

“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO to this reflectionMatthew 5: 1-12Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainsideand sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:1-12   When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Old Testament: Micah 6:1-8 1Hear what the Lord says: Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. 2Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the Lord has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel. 3"O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me! 4For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of slavery; and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. 5O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised, what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the saving acts of the Lord." 6"With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" 8He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Psalm: Psalm 15 1 Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? *        who may abide upon your holy hill? 2 Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right, *        who speaks the truth from his heart. 3 There is no guile upon his tongue;   he does no evil to his friend; *        he does not heap contempt upon his neighbor. 4 In his sight the wicked is rejected, *        but he honors those who fear the Lord. 5 He has sworn to do no wrong *        and does not take back his word. 6 He does not give his money in hope of gain, *        nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. 7 Whoever does these things *        shall never be overthrown. Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 18For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." 20Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength. 26Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, 29so that no one might boast in the presence of God. 30He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31in order that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12 1When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

  1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he began to speak and taught them, saying:   3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.   4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.   5 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.   6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.   7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.   8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.   9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.   10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.   11 "Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." 

Matthew 5:1-12When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. I like to be right. Just ask Katelyn. Or better yet, ask Pastor Mark when he points out a grammatical error in my writing. Yes—the Oxford comma should be there.What's worse than liking to be right is having a toddler who also likes to be right. I hold up an orange and he declares it an apple. I say it's too cold to go to the park and he responds, “No it's not—it's perfect!” You get the picture.I imagine I'm not alone in this. We all like to be right. And our certainty—our confidence that we are right—can be far more dangerous than we realize.In 2008, a woman went to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Harvard teaching hospital, one of the best in the world. She's taken back to the OR, put under, and the surgeon completes the surgery successfully. Everything went great…Until she woke up in recovery and realized the wrong side of her body had been stitched up. The surgeon had operated on her left leg instead of her right.When the hospital later explained how this happened, Kenneth Sands, a vice president, said this: “The surgeon began prepping without looking for the mark and, for whatever reason, he believed he was on the correct side.”We've all felt utterly right about something, only to discover later that the opposite was true. And more than we like being right, we hate realizing we're wrong. Now, an important clarification - Being wrong and realizing you're wrong are not the same thing. Kathryn Schulz uses an image from Looney Tunes to explain this. Wile E. Coyote chases the Road Runner straight off a cliff. He keeps running, completely confident, even though there's nothing beneath him. It's only when he looks down that he realizes he's in trouble.That's the difference. Being wrong is standing over thin air and thinking you're on solid ground. Realizing you're wrong is looking down and seeing there's nothing holding you up.This morning, I want to linger with just two of the Beatitudes. Not because the others don't matter—but because these two speak directly to the world we're living in right now. Our longing to be right, and our deep resistance to admitting we're wrong, sit at the heart of so much division: in our homes, our communities, our churches, our nation, and even within ourselves.And into that reality, Jesus speaks a word of blessing—a word that turns our fear, our hatred of being wrong into good news.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. We know what it means to be hungry and thirsty. Those longings are part of being human. We hunger not only for food, but for connection, purpose, community, beauty, and joy.But to hunger for righteousness? That's not a phrase we use or even hear outside of this space. In fact, it's a word many of us avoid. It can sound pious, self-righteous, or just plain uncomfortable.And that's unfortunate… Because our discomfort with the word comes from confusion about what it means. Righteousness simply means being made right: made right with God, made right with others, and made right with yourself. Blessed, then, are those who long to be made right.Like the other Beatitudes, this one surprises us. Standing there on the mountainside, we might expect Jesus to say, Blessed are the righteous. Blessed are the ones who get it right. Blessed are the ones who already are right.But that's not how it goes. When people come to Jesus assuming they are righteous, he has a way of setting the record straight. It is those who come knowing they are wrong—those who long to be made right—who receive grace and mercy.The truth of the matter is this: we cannot make ourselves right with God, no matter how hard we try.All the praying, Bible reading, worshiping, serving, and learning in the world do not make us righteous before God. Rather, the Holy Spirit works through these practices to make us aware of the grace of Jesus. And that grace alone is what makes us right. Not our words nor our posts on Facebook. Not our deeds. Not our politics. Grace alone.Which is why Jesus finishes the Beatitude in the passive voice: for they will be filled.Those who recognize they are wrong, those who don't always get it right, those who long to be made right rather than clinging to the certainty that they already are - they will be filled. They will be made right with God, with others, and themselves.This is a blessing for those of us who get it wrong—who mess up, who don't always get it right.So much of what we see and hear around us—in our culture, in business, certainly in politics—tells us to do the opposite: never admit fault, double down, point fingers, claim victory at all costs, and insist that we are always right. But there is no hunger or thirst to be made right if we never admit that we're wrong. This blessing is for those who screw up - and can say so.What if this was our posture in the present moment, instead of the certainty that we are right?What if we moved through the world not with the desire to be right, but with the desire to be made right—not only with God, but with one another? What if we faced our spouses, our kids, our neighbors with the simple possibility that maybe… I'm wrong on this.Believe me, I'm preaching to myself here. How much better would your marriage be? Your relationship with your kids? How many friendships might be healed if we could say, “I was wrong. I'm sorry. I want this to be made right.”To error is to be human. So be human, admit you're human, and be blessed.And the best news comes with the Beatitude that follows: Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.Jesus meets our wrongness—our sin, our failure, our getting it wrong—not with contempt, not with an I told you so, but with kindness. With mercy. In this life, we expect being wrong to be met with punishment. But Jesus shows us another way. Instead of meeting our sin with punishment, he meets it with sacrifice, generosity, and mercy.And it is only because we have received mercy that we can extend mercy to others. We cannot give what we have not first received.So when someone comes longing to be made right—admitting they were wrong—it does no good to meet that honesty with harsh contempt or punishment. We resist this because we're afraid. Afraid mercy will be taken advantage of. Afraid kindness will be trampled on.And yet, what does the Lord require of us but to love kindness.We don't need to hate being wrong. Because when we admit we're wrong, we are not earning grace—we are simply telling the truth. And grace is already there to meet us.This week: look for one moment—just one—where you can say the words, “I was wrong. I'm sorry. I want this to be made right.” Say it to your spouse, your child, your neighbor, your pastors, or to God.Don't refute. Don't double down. Don't defend yourself. Instead, hunger and thirst to be made right.And then be surprised by the grace of Jesus that meets you there, fills you up, and says, I forgive you.In a world where leaders and institutions seem incapable of doing such a thing, this may be one of the strongest witnesses Christians can do in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who gives us mercy, makes us right, and blesses us: not in spite of our mistakes, but because of them.Amen.

Who are the blessed ones of God? For Micah, they are those who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. For Jesus, they are the poor, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who mourn, and those who hunger for righteousness. In baptism we find our blessed identity and calling in this countercultural way of living and serving.Scripture Readings: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; Matthew 5:1-12

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. 

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

In this episode, we continue through the Sermon on the Mount as Jesus reveals the heart of Kingdom ethics—calling us to examine our inner life, our relationships, and our unwavering commitment to Him. We explore what it means to be pure in heart, to live as true peacemakers, to remain faithful under pressure, and to embody our calling as salt and light in the world. This message confronts shallow religion and invites us into a life of authentic discipleship—where transformed hearts lead to visible impact and God alone receives the glory. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 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

When we have pure hearts, we can see truth, life and love. It is God's desire that our choices are for the goodness of others, to store up love that will flow like a river from our lips, refreshing our families, our friends and whomever we meet. All are thirsty. Everyone needs to be loved, to belong, to know they matter – to someone. God, would you open our hearts to love as You do?Daylight Meditations is a daily podcast from CFO North America. Please visit CFONorthAmerica.org to learn more about our retreats, and online courses. If you are encouraged by this podcast, please consider supporting us. Contributors: Michelle DeChant, Nancy Holland, Adam Maddock, and Joy Peyton

Effective Christian leadership requires peacemaking, not peacekeeping. In this episode, the hosts explore the Beatitude “Blessed are the peacemakers” and explain how internal peace drives healthier leadership, conflict resolution, and faith-based decisions in business and family life. Listen now to learn why courage and clarity are essential to lasting peace.Key Takeaways To Listen ForHow peacemakers actively create peace instead of avoiding hard conversationsThe key difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking, and why it mattersWhy internal peace must come first before external peace is possibleHow true peacemaking requires courage, strength, and emotional maturityWhen walking away is not failure, but a necessary act of peacemakingResources 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 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