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March 01st, 2015

3/1/2015

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Matthew 5:7-12
1. Practicing Heart
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
To show mercy means to help and relieve people in misery or in helpless condition.
Grace is simply receiving what we don’t deserve
Mercy is not receiving what we deserve
Because of HIS grace, the undeserving sinful humanity receives the love of God.
Because of HIS mercy we receive forgiveness instead of punishment for sin.
Because of HIS compassion HE forgives all of our sin.
Such recipients of God’s mercy must have the same kind of compassion shown to others.
The Christians are to be the instruments of mercy, compassion and to forgive others.
By nature we are unforgiving and unkind people and lack of compassion for others.
Lord’s intention is to remind us that we have received mercy and we have to show mercy.
This is one of the problems of our heart.
2. Transforming Heart 
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
The basic tenant of the Gospel message is the transformation of heart because the heart is the problem center of every human being.
From the heart comes out all wickedness and sinful nature.
The pure in heart is a process and it begins with salvation through Jesus Christ.
First step in this process is to be cleansed by the blood of the Lord Jesus.
Second step is to remain pure in the heart which is the most difficult and awesome task.
A wavering mind or double mind in the matters of heart does not help a believer.
A double mind is always unstable in any sphere of one’s life.
The heart struggles constantly between discipleship and desires of the world.
In the eyes of our Lord it is important to possess a clean and a pure heart.
A pure heart is the one that transforms daily and steadily. 
This is also one more problem of our heart.
3. Responding Heart
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
In the world we live we hardly find peace anywhere.
That is why peace is the most significant word in our present day world yet it is elusive.
The problem of peace today is the absence of God’s peace in human heart.
Not just lack of political peace in the world but we are desperately want peace in tormented minds, broken homes, and troubled youth. 
Peace comes through a transformed heart and a changed life.
The peacemakers are the ones redeemed by HIS grace and enjoy the peace of Christ.
Such redeemed people are capable of bringing peace in the world.
Our sins and our iniquities have separated us from God and only Prince of peace can restore that peace once again.
Those peace makers are given a special designation and are called God’s children.
This is once again a problem of our heart.
Steadfast Heart (10-12)
Today we hear and see the Christians are being persecuted worldwide for their in Christ.
We also hear Christians are being persecuted by intimidation and ridicule in America.
Unfortunately the church is becoming silent and avoiding confrontation. 
The Lord is promising to all who face persecution a reward in heaven.
Heaven is a place of rewards for faithful service on earth.
Rewards are to be bestowed on the basis of deeds while access to heaven is only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Lord says rejoice and be glad when we are persecuted for HIS Name sake.
Our reward will be great in the afterlife.
Beatitudes are like beads in a chain:
1. Brings the awareness of sin in a person- an intellectual understanding.
2. To grieve in our heart for our sins.
3. Consider dead to self – approach God in self-humility and with a broken spirit.
4. Compels us to show an obedience spirit through our words and deeds.
5. Reminds us to show mercy because we have received mercy.
6. Requires a transforming heart daily and steadily to retain a pure heart.
7. Responsibility of peacemakers as Prince Peace gave us peace.
8. Withstand persecution without wavering faith because our rewards are great.




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    Author

    Pastor John Sesham
    Abundant Grace Community Church, Hayward.

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