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Beatitudes, Not Platitudes shows that the Beatitudes are not overused, well-worn answers to the question, "What would Jesus do?" Rather, they are undervalued and hardly touched claims that transform our destinies. More than spiritual nuggets for personal devotion, practical advice, or propositions to be believed, the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 envision and entail a reorientation of the good life in view of Jesus' kingdom. Jesus' teachings reveal to us that living our best purpose-driven life now involves dying to self and the world system, and dying for our enemies. Ideal for group study, this series of meditations on each of the Beatitudes, followed by cultural reflections and study questions, helps to bridge the gaps between personal devotion and societal revolution, the academic and the practical, the ancient and the contemporary. All of us want to be happy, to be well and blessed, and esteemed with honor. However, we look for happiness, wellness, blessing, and honor in different places and with mixed results. This book helps us reimagine the good life by taking a fresh look at the Beatitudes as citizens of Jesus' ever-new kingdom order.
Beatitudes, Not Platitudes shows that the Beatitudes are not overused, well-worn answers to the question, “What would Jesus do?” Rather, they are undervalued and hardly touched claims that transform our destinies. More than spiritual nuggets for personal devotion, practical advice, or propositions to be believed, the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 envision and entail a reorientation of the good life in view of Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus’ teachings reveal to us that living our best purpose-driven life now involves dying to self and the world system, and dying for our enemies. Ideal for group study, this series of meditations on each of the Beatitudes, followed by cultural reflections and study questions, helps to bridge the gaps between personal devotion and societal revolution, the academic and the practical, the ancient and the contemporary. All of us want to be happy, to be well and blessed, and esteemed with honor. However, we look for happiness, wellness, blessing, and honor in different places and with mixed results. This book helps us reimagine the good life by taking a fresh look at the Beatitudes as citizens of Jesus’ ever-new kingdom order.
Delving beyond the mere surface comprehension of the Beatitudes, Dr. Richard Tow skillfully leads the reader on an enriching journey, exploring each one through the lens of the entire Scripture. With meticulous cross-references to biblical narratives and apostolic wisdom, all of which are firmly anchored in the teachings of Jesus, this work offers profound insights accessible to both seasoned believers and those newly embarking on their faith journey. —Joe Wyrostek, DMin President, Legacy Ministry College and Pastor, Metro Praise International Church Here is a pastor-teacher’s theological reflection on what these truths mean for a true disciple of Jesus - one -who longs to grow in his or her faith and prepare themselves for their ultimate fulfillment when we “will be like Him” and see Him “just as He is” (1Jn 3:2). It is a joy and privilege to commend Beatitudes of Christ: Pathway of Blessing to pastor, student and lay persons who desire to know the truth of God’s Word and be transformed by it. —James D. Hernando, PhD Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary In Beatitudes of Christ, Dr. Richard Tow brings to light what true happiness and fulfillment are all about. He provides accurate illumination into the fact that there is no true satisfaction aside from being in Christ. He also brings to light that the teaching of Jesus through the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount is for believers who are on a path to an ultimate consummation where we shall be changed and eventually experience immortality. —Keith Collins, DD President, Generation Impact Ministries and Impact Global Fellowship
The Beatitudes are among the most influential teachings in human history. For two millennia, they have appeared in poetry and politics, and in the thought of mystics and activists, as Christians and others have reflected on their meaning and shaped their lives according to the Beatitudes’ wisdom. But what does it mean to be hungry, or meek, or pure in heart? Is poverty a material condition or a spiritual one? And what does being blessed entail? In this book, Rebekah Eklund explores how the Beatitudes have affected readers across differing eras and contexts. From Matthew and Luke in the first century, to Martin Luther King Jr. and Billy Graham in the twentieth, Eklund considers how men and women have understood and applied the Beatitudes to their own lives through the ages. Reading in the company of past readers helps us see how rich and multifaceted the Beatitudes truly are, illuminating what they might mean for us today.
The beatitudes are not mild, pious platitudes without strength or deep meaning; they form a challenge hurled into the teeth of normal world standards. The first three Beatitudes are the "great reversals" of Jesus; heaven's standards are seen to be the direct opposite of earth's. God's evaluation of people is shown to be far different from humans' assessment. The continuing profile of the member of God's kingdom reveals character fashioned by God's measurements, not by people's standards. I am convinced that believers need to revisit the Beatitudes from time-to-time to maintain the creative tension they present for Christian living in our progressively secular and permissive society. In a time marked by sharp moral and ethical indifference and decline, kingdom citizens are to represent their King well and unashamedly. I have not fully achieved that goal, but with God's help, I will remain on the way.
Zahnd issues a challenge to Christians to discover new vitality through re-envisioning, reimagining, and reforming the church according to the pattern of the cruciform. Using stories from the lives of St. Francis of Assisi and from his own life, he teaches believers to stay on the journey to discover the kingdom of God in a fuller, richer way.
Christ in Our Home is a quarterly Christian devotional that brings you a daily message of God's amazing grace. Reflections and prayers are based on scripture readings from Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings. Each day offers a Bible verse, a personal commentary or meditation, a suggested prayer concern, and a unique prayer. Enjoyed by readers for more than 60 years, Christ in Our Home is now available electronically.
Various Christian traditions mark their calendars to reflect the biblical and ecclesial narrative and enhance public worship. Such efforts safeguard against secularization's encroachment in the church's life. Setting the Spiritual Clock serves as a guide and traveling companion for the liturgical year, which circles the glorious Son as he breaks through the secular eclipse.
In a world dominated by things, we must work hard to account for one another's personhood. Drawing a diverse set of thought leaders, Paul Louis Metzger helps us navigate a pluralistic world through a personalist moral framework, addressing issues such as abortion, genetic engineering, immigration, drone warfare, and more.
Revelation presents a view of reality different from the usual: the world according to God. It reveals that, since the death and resurrection of Christ, God is creating all things new. The relevance of the book for today is that it challenges Christians about where their ultimate allegiance lies. Revelation shows that it is in worship--where earth meets heaven--that Christians still participate in God's judging and saving activity in the world. This commentary uses language that is simple and clear, avoiding technical terms. It gives an explanation of the text that is sound and reliable, easy to understand without being superficial.