The Beatitudes
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." - Matthew 5:3 - 12
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Comments
pastormike
just be sure you don’t seek to be persecuted to gain the reward.. and many do. you can’t call yourself persecuted when you nail yourself to the cross..
February 25, 2013willdo
There isn’t a “reward” in being machochistic. I haven’t “called” myself “persecuted” nor anything else. I merely posted a piece of scripture that I read. So to more directly answer the question, No, I was not seeking “persecution” to gain some sort of “reward”. I find it rather interesting that a “pastor” would be saying something like that. I would expect it more from a person who doesn’t believe in the gospel nor scripture. If I had to label myself I would rather say that I am VERY blessed, VERY loved, and VERY fortunte to have a Savior and friend. So, “many” seek to be persecuted, huh? Maybe they are into “cutting” and/or tattoos…
February 25, 2013pastormike
not chastising.. a gentle warning. I speak of the people like Fred Phelps.. he’s an extreme example but it is very easy to get into peoples faces specifically so they’ll fire back.. and that isn’t what Jesus was talking about. not accusing.. just an observation.
February 25, 2013willdo
Don’t know Fred Phelps. To be honest, I cannot say that I’ve ever heard of him either. I would agree with you that Jesus was confrontational BUT, not for confrontation’s sake.
February 25, 2013pastormike
he’s the clown that protests at Soldier’s funerals.. Westboro baptist. The mirror isn’t a Christian symbol.. but it should be. Jesus says it’s the way to fight back.. make them see clearly the evil they are doing. but.. only after we’ve looked in the mirror first. the Church has become very very good at not looking in the mirror.. and others can clearly see the faults we refuse to recognize.
February 25, 2013willdo
Yes, I’ve heard of the Westboro Baptist nitwits. I believe they are the ones who came up with the “brilliant idea” that “God hates fags”. The sad part is that IF they were actually reading and studying the word they would know that God doesn’t hate anyone! God only hates the sin but, doesn’t want anyone to perish.
February 25, 2013pastormike
I’ve been up against them face to face.. the hatred they generate is unreal. they make a mockery of faith.
February 25, 2013willdo
In my opinion anyone with that much and that kind of hatred is NOT of God regardless of what they may say, preach, nor claim.
February 26, 2013pastormike
you and I may have deep differences.. but these people damage us both and must be condemned..
February 26, 2013willdo
I find it rather ridiculous for anyone who calls themself a “Christian” to think that only part of the Bible applies to them. If there is no difference between a “believer” and the world then there is no difference. Yes, I believe that folks like the Westboro Church are “wolves in sheeps clothing”.
February 26, 2013dincali
Amen!
February 25, 2013davidrobbins
I had a philosophy student do a presentation on that Westoboro bunch. That situation is quite pitiful. She thought so too. I say this as veteran with two combat tours and as a believer. We dont know who all will be saved in the end, but those folks are not getting any brownie points down here doing that mean picketing stuff. They have their reward. After all, they are infamous, a household name-even if it is negative.
March 01, 2013willdo
Yes “pitiful” is a good way of saying it it. They are not getting any “brownie points” anywhere doing that sort of mean picketing stuff. There is nothing in scripture which would indicate that God’s people are to advertise hate speech and attempt to say that it’s from or of God.
March 02, 2013