FIRST CHURCH OF PALM COAST

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Sep. 26, 2025

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying: “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. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. -Matthew 5:1-12

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In order to prepare 4 of his followers for future leadership positions in his church Jesus found it necessary to teach them how to cultivate Christian character. So he taught them… “Blessed are the poor in sprit for there is the kingdom of heaven.” In a world hung up on money Jesus said you’re blessed when you’re poor.

When you recognize your total dependence on God, Jesus said, you’re blessed.

When you recognize your total lack of worth, Jesus said, you’re blessed.

When you become an empty vessel before the over flowing fountain, Jesus said, you’re blessed.

When you become so convicted that you get converted, Jesus said, you’re blessed.

But that’s just the beginning. At Matthew 5:4 Jesus said you’re blessed when you mourn. He said if you want to cultivate Christian character then you’ve got to grieve; if you want to cultivate Christian character then you’ve got to cry; weep; mourn.

First you mourn because you feel grief about your personal sins. Then you mourn about your inability to satisfy God’s standards. Finally you mourn over the sinful condition of the world.

Jesus set some interesting criteria for those who would be his disciples of the kingdom. He said you got to be poor in spirit and you’ve got to mourn if you want to be a part of the kingdom. But at verse 5 he makes an even more paradoxical statement about kingdom dwellers. He says “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”

Will you be among those who will inherit the earth?

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Yours In Community Transformation.

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 Rev. Gillard S. Glover

 

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