07/14/2026
Happy Monday! ✨Yesterday we heard from Pastor Todd as we continued our series talking about The Beatitudes, discussing “Characteristics of the Kingdom of Citizens.”
We started with Matthew 5:6. A Desire for Righteousness vs A Desire for Fame. The verse talks about us having a deep craving for God’s justice and holiness. The worldly attitude is having a desire for fame/stuff and getting what you want. Being in Christ means we have peace with Christ. So we have a hunger for righteousness rather than wealth, social-media perfection, etc. We can’t earn righteousness as it only comes from God. We see this talked about more in Romans 14:17, Philippians 3:8, and 1 Timothy 6:10-11.
Next, we looked at Matthew 5:7. This means we are to forgive others and show compassion, even when undeserved. Christ showed this while on the cross. “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,’ ” Luke 23:34. The worldly view is that those who are ruthless/vengeful are blessed because they come out on top. Such as holding grudges and doing whatever it takes to win.
The truth is, God saved us. He made us alive in Christ. Even though he is never obligated to show mercy, he chooses to do so to whom he wills. But we are commanded to show mercy. If we don’t show it, we won’t receive it from God. We see this talked about in Ephesians 2:4-5, James 2:13, and Titus 3:5.
Lastly, we looked at Matthew 5:8, Purity of Heart vs Impurity/Hedonism. This verse means having sincere, undivided devotion to God in one’s intentions. It is all about our motives and intentions. The worldly attitude is that the pleasure seekers/corrupt are blessed, for they see a good time. Living only for personal pleasure, convenience, and moral compromise.
However, we are to be set apart from everyone else. Jesus’s sacrifice made us holy. Without holiness, no one will see the Lord. We are born again through Christ; through his sacrifice, we have a relationship with God. The word of the Lord lives forever, and Jesus is the word. We see this talked about in 1 John 3: 2-3, Hebrews 12:14-15, and 1 Peter 1: 22-23.
Join us next week at Renew-North Park at 10 AM!
308 1st Ave E, Jerome, ID 83338