I have recently started studying the Sermon on the Mount with my lifegroup this semester. This past weekend as I started to read the very beginning (Matthew 5:1-16), a question occurred to me that I hadn't ever though of before. Why does Jesus begin His teaching with the Beatitudes?
I've found this question fascinating. Why would Jesus beginning argue arguably His most famous teaching by gathering the disciples and beginning a list? This is a highly anticipated moment in Jesus's ministry, so why does He choose to begin it in this fashion?
I have considered several answers, but I want to stir your mind as well. What do you think? Why does Jesus begin the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes? Comment here or send me a message. Hope you find this thought provoking and challenging.
in Christ Jesus
-matt
28 February 2011
21 January 2011
A Word for this Semester
The Spring semester of 2011 is upon us, and we are about to continue further on the road of faith. We will be tested and tried, but never will we be without hope. Greater things are in store for us, and we must press in to the Father for our strength. Take this scripture to heart, and let the Word of the Lord guide you:
This is a promise from God, himself. No matter what you face this semester, God has already determined the outcome. Ultimately, God will lift us up. Victoriously we will approach the throne and we will boldly and confidently accept our place at His right hand. That being said, we must live with this end in mind. Knowing that we cannot lose, our fearless faith must rise to the forefronts of our lives. Stress and worry do nothing but disqualify us from the Gospel we claim.
Satan wants to scare you. The prince of this word has planted seeds of doubt and insecurity around. Even this very moment, you are being observed by the enemy. Do not live foolishly, but instead stand protected by the Word and a community of faith. It is within this community that we will receive live giving truth.
God is on our side, we have nothing to fear. Stress by definition is a fear of the future. God has determined how your future will play out. He knows your grades, your friendships, your job, and your very soul. You can't hide anything from Him, so give it all away. Humble yourself and let Jesus take all of you. Let Jesus carry you. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
-matt
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. - 1 Peter 5:6-10.
This is a promise from God, himself. No matter what you face this semester, God has already determined the outcome. Ultimately, God will lift us up. Victoriously we will approach the throne and we will boldly and confidently accept our place at His right hand. That being said, we must live with this end in mind. Knowing that we cannot lose, our fearless faith must rise to the forefronts of our lives. Stress and worry do nothing but disqualify us from the Gospel we claim.
Satan wants to scare you. The prince of this word has planted seeds of doubt and insecurity around. Even this very moment, you are being observed by the enemy. Do not live foolishly, but instead stand protected by the Word and a community of faith. It is within this community that we will receive live giving truth.
God is on our side, we have nothing to fear. Stress by definition is a fear of the future. God has determined how your future will play out. He knows your grades, your friendships, your job, and your very soul. You can't hide anything from Him, so give it all away. Humble yourself and let Jesus take all of you. Let Jesus carry you. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
-matt
06 December 2010
From My Knees
As I worshiped in my Antioch community this morning, God continued to reveal exciting things to me. The Spirit came to me saying "You are strongest from your knees." I've been in the Christian circle long enough to translate this Jesus-jargon into something about prayer. I thought initially I understood what God was telling me, but I persisted to ask for more. Let's explore this together, what does it mean to be "strongest from [our] knees"?
First let us consider the apparent division between the two parts of this sentence. "Strongest" carries a very positive connotation of power. It implies that we are mighty, but in what situation? From our knees. Kneeling demonstrates submissiveness, meekness, and humility. By kneeling before a Holy God we admit that we are under His sovereign rule and our very selves are secondary to His will.
The honest truth is that without God, we are powerless. God is all powerful. Isaiah 40:23 tells of how the strong of this world are nothing before the might of Our God. As much as we flee submission, we are called to it. We are called to be obedient to God in all circumstances. This obedience produces a humility in our souls that gives God room to work. A prideful person leaves little opportunity for God to be real in their lives.
To be strong is not something that we are inherently capable of. Our power comes from the Spirit of God that lives inside of us. Our access to God comes by means of prayer which is direct communication with Him. Nothing in us is worthy, but God communes with us because He wants us! He wants to be the power inside of us. With an invitation of this magnitude, how can we refuse to live a life under his authority. How can we refuse ultimate power. Let us live a life from our knees.
-matt
First let us consider the apparent division between the two parts of this sentence. "Strongest" carries a very positive connotation of power. It implies that we are mighty, but in what situation? From our knees. Kneeling demonstrates submissiveness, meekness, and humility. By kneeling before a Holy God we admit that we are under His sovereign rule and our very selves are secondary to His will.
The honest truth is that without God, we are powerless. God is all powerful. Isaiah 40:23 tells of how the strong of this world are nothing before the might of Our God. As much as we flee submission, we are called to it. We are called to be obedient to God in all circumstances. This obedience produces a humility in our souls that gives God room to work. A prideful person leaves little opportunity for God to be real in their lives.
To be strong is not something that we are inherently capable of. Our power comes from the Spirit of God that lives inside of us. Our access to God comes by means of prayer which is direct communication with Him. Nothing in us is worthy, but God communes with us because He wants us! He wants to be the power inside of us. With an invitation of this magnitude, how can we refuse to live a life under his authority. How can we refuse ultimate power. Let us live a life from our knees.
-matt
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