Putting on Christ Series 10/19/11

10/19/11


"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," Matthew 5:3.  "The Beatitudes can be understood in at least four ways: (1) They are a code of ethics for the disciples & a standard of conduct for all believers (2) They contrast kingdom values (what is eternal) with worldly values (what is temporary) (3) They contrast superficial faith of the Pharisees with the real faith that Christ demands (4) They show how the Old Testament expectations will be fulfilled in the New Kingdom. These Beatitudes are not multiple choice-pick what you like & leave the rest. They must be taken as a whole. They describe what we should be like as Christ's followers...The Beatitudes don't promise laughter, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. Jesus turns the world'd idea of happiness upside down. Being "blessed" by God means the experience of hope & joy independent of outward circumstances. To find hope & joy the deepest form of happiness, follow Jesus no matter what the cost," KJV Life Application Study Bible. "'Poor in Spirit' refers to an awareness of spiritual bankruptcy apart from Christ," Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. We have to understand that without Christ, we are still sinners heading towards a fiery hell.  We must come to the conclusion that we need Christ. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life," John 3:16. John 3:16 lets us know that we have to believe in Jesus in order not to perish & to get eternal life.  John 3:17 goes on to explain that God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn it, but that the world through Jesus might be saved.  Romans 10:9-10, 13 lets us know that confessing the Lord Jesus with our mouth, believing in our hearts that God has raised Him from the dead, & that calling upon His Name are important steps. Those who do the above will be saved. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved," Acts 4:12. Salvation is linked up with Christ. It is what He gives us. Before we have a relationship with Him, we must recognize that we are incomplete-that we are spiritually bankrupt. Romans 3:23 lets us know that we have all sinned & fall short of the glory of God. Without God, we will perish. Our sins our destructive, leading up to hell, if we continue on the track. We are saved by Jesus' blood. Ephesians 4:18 lets us know that we are alienated  from the life of God because of the blindness we had. Life with God is better than life without: no more alienation & no trip to hell. We are truly blessed who come to repent, believe in Jesus. We have eternal life through Him. PRAISE GOD!!!