The Beatitudes
Studies in the beatitudes by various preachers at Brackenhurst Baptist Church.
Blessed Are the Pure in Heart (Matthew 5:8)
The beatitude in Matthew 5:8 speaks of the blessedness of being pure in heart. To be pure in heart refers to a simple, undivided affection and longing to live the life God requires. The reason such a person is called blessed is because they will be rewarded by seeing...
Blessed are the Merciful (Matthew 5:7)
We never imitate God more than when we show mercy to others. Christians, or citizens of the kingdom are blessed because, not only have they received mercy, but they continue to receive mercy and expect to receive mercy in future. This makes them people who likewise...
Happy Are the Hungry (Matthew 5:6)
Manny was born into poverty in Lagos, Nigeria. His family of thirteen shared a two-room cinder block house and, like many poor Nigerian families, survived on less that $2 a day, often enjoying only one daily meal. He lacked many of the luxuries that we take for...
Blessed Are the Meek (Matthew 5:5)
In a world that values power, dominance, and self-promotion, Jesus calls us to a different way—a way of meekness, humility, and trust in God. And the promise is clear: The meek will inherit the earth, both now and in the world to come. 1. Examples of Meekness 2....
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn (Matthew 5:4)
We are often concerned with the appraisal of others, their evaluation of our situation, and their being impressed with who we are, what we’ve done, or what we have. But who of us would be impressed with someone who mourns? What is blessed about mourning? Matthew 5:4...
Happy are the Humble (Matthew 5:3)
Human flourishing. Life fulfilment. The abundant life. A happy existence. What ancient philosophers called the “good life.” This has been the pursuit of humanity since our creation. Many have provided definitions and descriptions of what such an existence looks like....
Human Flourishing (Matthew 5:1–2)
The phrase “human flourishing” is frequently found in modern writing. It can be used as a statement of “wokeness,” often clueless of what flourishing really is, or it can be used with biblically legitimacy. We are after the latter. And the Sermon on the Mount is the...