Monday, December 26, 2011

Sermon on the Mount

And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:2,3
 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15
Compare and Contrast the following two attitudes: The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men ....I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. Luke 18:11,12 -OR- And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. Luke 18:13 Which spirit is God looking for?
"Does satan plead loudly against our souls accusing of sin, and claiming us as his prey, the blood of Christ pleads with greater power." Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing p.9 E.G.W.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 1:4
....appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3  For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. Lamentations 3:33
"The bitterness of grief and humiliation is better than the indulgences of sin." Desire Of Ages p.301 E.G.W.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:7,8
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24
"Human nature is ever struggling for expression, ready for contest; but he who learns of Christ is emptied of self, of pride, of love of supremacy, and there is silence in the soul." Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing p.15 E.G.W.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6
I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight. Psalm 119:174
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6:35
 "As you seek those living springs you will, through the Holy Spirit, be brought into communion with Christ. Familiar truths will present themselves to your mind in a new aspect, texts of scripture will burst upon you with a new meaning as a flash of light." Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing p.20 E.G.W. "Every impure thought defiles the soul, impairs the moral sense, and tends to obliterate the impressions of the holy Spirit. It dims the spiritual vision, so that men cannot behold God." The Desire Of Ages p.302 E.G.W.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7
 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. Psalm 57:10
Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:36
"Kind words, looks of sympathy, expressions of appreciation, would be to many a struggling and lonely one as the cup of cold water to a thirsty soul." Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing p.23 E.G.W.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: 1 Corinthians 13:12
"To the great mass of mankind, Christ Himself is as a root out of a dry ground, and they see in Him no beauty that they should desire Him." Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing p.25 E.G.W.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9
For unto us a child is born, ...and His name shall be called....The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 "The spirit of peace is evidence of their connection with Heaven." Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing p. 29 E.G.W.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10
  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 2 Corinthians 4:17
"The character of the persecution changes with the times, but the principle-the spirit that underlies it- is the same that has slain the chosen of the Lord ever since the days of Abel." Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing p.29 E.G.W.

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matthew 5:13
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15,16
"But if Christians are such in name only, they are like the salt that has lost its savor. They have no influence for good in the world. Through their misrepresentation of God they are worse than unbelievers." The Desire Of Ages p. 306 E.G.W.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8
 "The religion of the Bible is not to be confined between the covers of a book. It is not to be brought out occasionally for our own benefit, and then to be carefully laid aside again. It is to sanctify the daily life, to manifest itself....in all our social relations." The Desire Of Ages p.307 E.G.W.