All Things New Part 2
Welcome To REUNION
We are glad that you are here. We hope that you feel save, welcomed and relaxed. We are going to read the Bible, pray, sing a few songs and listen to a short Lead In. We might even have discussions
But.. you’re invited to participate as much as you want.
No expects you to speak or share. We do invite you to remain present. We believe that remaining present - even in our minds - is an act of love.
Blessing?
The Greek and Hebrew Words are more closely translated to mean: Happiness, flourish or fortunate.
Can be captured in the idea: The Good life — Tim from The Bible Project
“The good life belongs to the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
poor - without, lacking the resources (any of them) to face or fulfill life’s challenges.
Spirit: life force, energy, internal wind.
Everyone is poor in spirit because we were created to be dependant on God and others BUT not everyone will admit this.
Jesus invitation to renewal begins in our confession: I need help.
4 “The good life belongs to those who grieve, for they will be comforted.
Most people do not want to grieve. Why is that?
Jesus promises that comfort will come to those who mourn but renewal is impossible for those who refuse to.
5 “The good life belongs to the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“The good life belongs to those who live on the fringe compared to those fighting to be the centre.” - Wes
Jesus is saying the good life belongs to those who are secure in their God given identity instead of fighting for the approval of others.
Inheritance is a family issue - you’re in the family of God.
6 “The good life belongs to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
The good life for those who do right by others.
When others are “not right” these people crave to make it do.
This is not just about God.
This cuts against cancel culture.
Right relationships are build on understanding, healthy boundaries and a soft heart.
7 “The good life belongs to the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
mercy is a familial term
Mercy is not just doing the right thing but doing "the family thing”
God’s kingdom flows out through this person.
8 “The good life belongs to the pure in heart, for they will see God.
The good life belongs to those who are pure in heart not just in action because they have unlimited access to God.
This is not longer about what the “biblical law” says but what how does love respond?
Is this a loving thing to do or not?
The presence of God - growing in love with God changes everything.
We are no longer motivated by fear or obligation - we are motivated by love.
We’ll Cover These around our Tables this week
Matthew 5: 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
More notes:
To-may-to — To-mah-to?
PEACE – A way of living, not just a goal to be fought for.
RECONCILIATION — when people/systems etc begin working together for one another’s benefit.
PACIFISM – Not being passive, but living the way of peace, reconciliation, and creative non-violence.
A commitment to pacify, to peace-making and peace-living.
JUST WAR – a theory or collection of theories developed by Christians to justify war and selective use of violence. Held by the vast majority of Christians today and ever since Constantine.
ANABAPTISTS – 16th century radical Christians who called the church back to the way of Jesus. Reflected today in movements like Mennonites, Amish, Quakers, Hutterites, and our Be In Christ.
Questions:
What does the good life typically mean to people?
Take a moment and reflect on the beatitudes
which one jumps out to you and why might that be?
Is there one that makes you smile? Why?
Is there one that makes you uncomfortable? Why?
Jesus uses a lot of familial language in his message so far.
how does this emphasis on family alter your interpretation of his good life?
How does family help us understand our community?
What’s one difficult thing you’ve ever done out of love that was still “hard to do.”
Have you ever been persecuted for doing the right or loving thing?
Why does doing the right thing sometimes make us the “bad guy.”
What do you sense you’re being invited to embrace from the beatitudes this week?
