The Beatittudes

Are we Christians, or are we Disciples?

1— None of the apostles were called “Christians”. The name was first given to followers in the city of Antioch, probably around 30-40 AD. It was first used by people outside the faith, most likely as a derogatory term. The Word records this in Acts 11:26 “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn’t meant as a derogatory term, but at some point the church decided we liked the idea of taking on the name above all names. and thats exactly how our God moves. He makes beauty from ashes church. He takes things ment to be used as weapons against us and changes the narrative. But there is a difference between a “christian”, and a disciple. Christian is a name we take on when we accept Jesus and profess his life, death, resurrection, and his ministry. Disciple is a title that is earned by Following Jesus. learning from him, trusting in his wisdom, and imitating his character. That isn’t to say that we shouldn’t call ourselves Christians, or that Christians cant be disciples. Just that we aught to want more than a profession of faith in our lives. We should want more than to assume his name. When we REALLY believe ON in, not just in him. THATS when our hearts and minds begin to change. the book of James in chapter 2 verse 19 tells us that Even demons believe in him. yet they shudder! because believing On Him means we’ve placed our hope in him. not in anything in this life, or that this world has to offer. Not in our jobs, not in our homes, not in our financial stability, not in any other title than disciples of Yeshua. All of them can be taken away or stolen. But we have a hope that lives inside of us in the Holy Spirit that can never be taken away, which brings us a peace that surpasses ALL understanding and cannot be stolen! Because of this, we desire a personal relationship with the one who ransomed/ rescued us from our sin and from hell, to learn from Him directly, imitating Him in everything that we do so the we begin to take on His character.

Blessed: in the english language its often used to mean divinely favored, fortunate to have ot to experience. its comonly used as a lighthearted way to avoid sounding boastful. give examples. health, supportive family, cars. but

the greek word used (makarioi) means to be fully satisfied.it was often used to describe the mindset of the gods who were unencumbered by the worry of mortal life. We know it as the JOY that comes only from salvation. its is NOT the result of favorable circumstances, it ONLY comes from Christ Living inside of us.

Blessedness is not static, its progressive. its progression depends upon the fulfillment of our hearts condition layed out by Jesus in theses Beatitudes

3— Jesus is speaking here in spiritual terms. There are 2 words in Greek for poor. The one used here is Ptochoi: meaning destitue, or completely reliant on others. as opposed to Penes: used to describe the working poor. in other words someone capable to help themselves. we must recognize that without Jesus we are spiritually bankrupt, born in sin and unable to help ourselves. Isaiah 6:5-6

4— He is speaking about hose who mourn their sin, and their sinful nature. it is a good thing when we mess up to feel that sense of mourning. Do not be deceived. its not condemnation that you’re feeling, it is conviction. It is evidence that the Holy Spirit is working within you! first, to get you on your face before god and into repentance. Turning you away from whatever it was, and into the open arms of our Savior. Where you can be comforted with revelation of the fullness of the Blood of Jesus which was shed for you.

5— Humility. Can we humble ourselves and see ourselves for who we really are. And when we do, can we submit to the will of God over our lives? We WERE hopeless sinners, bound for Hell. but NOW, were are nwe creations and joints heirs in Christ. We have an inheritance brothers and sisters.

6— Jesus is the bread of life, and his blood the living water. “do hunger and thirst” meaning there is a constant and recurring blessing in our need for Him.

7— Matthew 18:21-35, James 2:12 “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.”

8— Only by being washed by the bood, filled with the Holy spirit, and abiding in Christ can we become pure in heart.

9— Peacemakers are not merely those who quell conflict amongst the people and the nations. They are believers who have experienced the peace of God and Share it those around them wherever they go

10— 2 Timothy 2:12–13 “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” Weather we speak Him name, or weather we walk as he walked. His is the kingdom of truth, and even the rocks will cry out in the absence of our voices!

11— John 15:18–19 “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

12— Great is your reward