SERMON ON THE MOUNT continued

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:6)

EXPOSITION

This is the greatest promise of all the beatitudes, but is also the hardest to attain to.

On the one side we are to a pure heart, devoid of earthly lusts and desires. If we do so, the promise is that we will see God, not just at a future time in heaven, but on earth, now. In doing so we will become part of the 'bride of Christ' for which Jesus is returning.

TESTIMONY

This beatitude is both the most important, and will become the most controversial, in this time of revelation of God's kingdom being not just in heaven but truly being established upon the earth. Why? Because 99.999% of Christians (including me) have not yet reached this place.

Yet Jesus is to return for a perfect bride.

Revelation 19:7-8


I am sure that if we are both being honest, we will agree that we haven't reached this level of purity of thought and living yet. And, continuing in the honesty vein, we would admit that it is impossible to achieve in our own strength.

Over the past years, as the Lord has shown me a little of what is to come. In my humanness, I have thought that it is impossible, likely just my imagination! Yet, in more recent times, I have found that there are many others that the Lord has, and is, giving the same, impossible vision to.

One lesson I have learned is, no matter how I might try, I cannot achieve a life of purity through my own efforts. I fall far short of wearing a pure white robe. For I know my thoughts are not God's thoughts, as He indeed explained through Isaiah.

Isaiah 55:8-9


However, I believe the way of the end times is to be different to what we have seen, both in our own lives and in the church. For we live in New Covenant (Testament) times.

1 Corinthians 15:46-9


My friend, we are on a walk with Jesus. I don't know the turns the path is going to take, but I am confident that as long as I allow myself to be led by my Saviour, I will end up at the place promised in Romans.

Romans 8:19-23


While the world may in recession and gloom, the future for sold out believers has never looked brighter!

"Lord, I give You my permission to change me into the one you would desire me to be."

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)

EXPOSITION

This is talking about making peace amongst groups of people with divergent opinions, often considered to be the role of a pastor or minister. It is not referring to world peace, which we know will not happen, until temporarily, during the time of the antichrist. True universal peace will only come with the return of Jesus.

TESTIMONY
Peacemaking would not be a natural attribute of mine! Ask my wife!

I am not deliberately antagonistic, but in the natural, have been driven to achieve the goals I set myself.

Over the years however, as Jesus has changed my life (and perhaps also with the more years) I have 'mellowed' in my attitudes and behaviours. While peacemaking is still not my strongpoint, it is not so much a negative in my life either.

One problem I have observed in the church is that peacemaking, by its very nature, leads to compromise. While this is a good thing in inconsequential areas, as Paul pointed out,

Romans 14:5-8


However, when it compromises basic truths, which is often the case in our modern society, based upon relative morality, peacemaking can so easily slip into error.

Oh, if only life was easy!

So, I need to stand on the truths the Lord has imparted to me to share, but with wisdom, appreciating and understanding that you may not have the same revelation, and certainly not to condemn you for that. Humility and peacemaking walk hand in hand.

I look forward to that seemingly impossible day (in human understanding, at least) when

Ephesians 4:13


Then we will be at peace - with one another, if not the world.

To be seen as sons of God we must be peacemakers. May we both remember, next time we feel to provoke or continue an argument!