Matthew 5:1-20Preached at Bethel College Mennonite Church, September 14, 2025“It’s Not What You Think” Once upon a time, there was a mighty civilization, a world power known for its wealth and military might. They operated with an economic system that allowed the rich to maintain and grow their wealth on the backs of the poor.…
This call to worship is based on Isaiah 61:1-3. This is our Old Testament reading this coming Sunday paired with our final beatitude of the series: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Oh yeah, it’s communion Sunday for us too.) You who are poor, why have you come? To hear good…
My sermon text this past Sunday was the gospel reading from the Lectionary: Matthew 5:1-12, a.k.a. The Beatitudes. As I read and studied this passage last week, Jesus’ familiar words struck me in a new way. Where previously I had read judgement for all of the ways I fall short–of poverty of spirit, of meekness,…
So after I posted the prayer of confession this morning I dug into the text (Matthew 5:1-12) and read several blogs and articles about the Beatitudes. I now realize that I got it wrong. Jesus does not call us to do all of that stuff in the Beatitudes. Jesus pronounces blessing on those for whom…
Spacious Faith 