Untitled Sermon

You Are Not Alone!

There are 8 situations that Jesus uses to reveal to us that our ways are not God’s ways, possibly in an attempt to bring comfort and encouragement to the hurting and to the broken. But even before we get to this monological lesson, let’s look at the content of this text more closely. We see that Jesus went up the mountain (1) and made himself comfortable (2) before he began teaching the people. These two things tells me something about Jesus and the human condition! He walked up a mountain which suggests that he needed to choose a place where there was ample space for the people who were there with him. The other clue suggests that Jesus knew to get comfortable as he was about to deal with some real stuff; some real issues; some real pain, and that this was going to take a while. So here is what we know. There are multitudes of people who are suffering and need to hear a word!

And then, Jesus goes directly into his teaching. In other words, I know how distraught you are. There is no need to delay or deliver flowery words and prolonged introductions. I am with you and know you need to be encouraged. For some of you, you’re holding on by a thread.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Do you remember what says?

Do you remember what says?

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good new to the oppressed, to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;...”

I want to tell you this morning that you are about to enter into a new season. For we find ourselves still in the season of harvest where we shall reap now what has been sown. Somebody ought to say AMEN! Say Amen because God is near you and with you and has not forgotten about you and yes! is ready to bless you!

se

You may be “poor in spirit” because of your present condition, you may be in mourning because of your past experiences and because of your present condition , or your past experiences, you may be wondering where is God or where was God. So to you I bring good news! the kingdom of heaven has drawn near to you. The spirit of the Lord has heard your petitions. Your time has come! Somebody ought to say I’M BLESSED!

Jesus goes on to speak to those whom he refers to as “the meek” or perhaps its those who feel powerless. In a time when we have watched the moral decline of our communities, our schools, our families, and even our churches, God’s promises are true! We need to get ready to take back what belongs to us! Take back what we have built up and have watched others tear down. And on Tuesday with the Lord being our helper, we will watch the BLUE WAVE takeover the state of Georgia. Yes the meek are finding that they do have power! Power to VOTE! Power to speak Truth! Power to stand for Righteousness! Power to Trust and Believe God! Somebody ought to say I’M BLESSED!

When we hunger and thirst after righteousness, we find that we can no longer be satisfied with a carrot dangling before a horsedrawn carriage. Within there is a standard and the standard is that we live with right behavior doing what the Lord requires. That we live doing what is just to care for those who need help caring for themselves. And that we never tire of telling someone that Jesus loves them and us so much that he gave his life so that we could live life abundantly! But if we give up on righteousness, and we no longer thirst because our salt has lost its saltiness, then we lose our purpose; we lose our way; and we lose access to the promise.

The merciful will receive mercy, the pure in heart will see God; and the peacemakers will be called children of God.

The

Your suffering has not gone unnoticed. Give and it shall be given to you, pressed down, shaken together, running over. Therefore, with whatever measure you give mercy, and peace and extend forgiveness to others, whatever measure you love others you will reap more of the same for yourselves. Although our socio-political climate has been turned upside down for the past two years, although negative and divisive energy has been sown into the atmosphere that tends to breed hatred of one another and contempt of one another, Jesus is still love. Although some of us have experienced tremendous loss and pain and suffering and sadness Jesus is still love. Although people may revile us and attempt to persecute us and even utter all kinds of evil lies against us, The Lord calls us to REJOICE! and be glad. Rejoice because even when our journey comes to an end on this side of glory we can hold to the promise that “In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? SOMEBODY OUGHT TO SAY I’M BLESSED!

THEREFORE MY BELOVED, Be faithful to God despite all the pressure that you may be under. Jesus also in that 14th chapter of John reminds us “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.