Those Who Mourn

Now that we know the significance of the Tabernacle (see previous series), we can see the power in Jesus tearing the curtain that locked away His holiness. When He died, not just the High Priest or even just the Jews, but everyone was instantly given equal opprotunity to live in the presence of God. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:3-12 Here we find the decription Jesus gave of the people who live behind the curtain. Join us in this series as we press on into this new kind of living. Speaker: John Pryor, Senior Minister Notes: Eternity in heaven is the celebration, not the plan! Matthew 5:4, Luke 19:11-27 God comforts us when we grieve sin the way He does. When we open up, change and healing begins. Isaiah 66:2, 2 Corinthians 7:6-9 Don't forget: many of God's blessings are conditional; God's love remains, but we must respond with true repentance—which includes mourning. 2 Samuel 11-12, Psalm 51 God always “begins with the end in mind,” and this explains a lot! Ecclesiastes 7:2, Isaiah 53:3, Psalm 82 “Lament is about entering into the experience of brokenness and being honest about it.” - Dr Eric Mason James 1:19 Mourners obey the Great Commission and the Greatest Commandments. Matthew 22:37-40 & 28:18-20, Philippians 2:2-11 Dr. Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (so far) Be proactive and focus on your circle of influence. Begin with the end in mind. Put first things first. What does God want YOU to put first?