“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”—Matthew 5:8. The Jews were so exacting in regard to ceremonial purity that their regulations were extremely burdensome. Their minds were occupied with rules and restrictions and the fear of outward defilement, and they did not perceive the stain that selfishness and malice impart toContinue reading “Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing: The Beatitudes, Part 6”
Tag Archives: God’s love
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing: The Beatitudes, Part 5
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”—Matthew 5:7. The heart of man is by nature cold and dark and unloving; whenever one manifests a spirit of mercy and forgiveness, he does it not of himself, but through the influence of the divine Spirit moving upon his heart. “We love, because He first loved us.” 1Continue reading “Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing: The Beatitudes, Part 5”
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing: The Beatitudes, Part 4
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”—Matthew 5:6. Righteousness is holiness, likeness to God, and “God is love.” 1 John 4:16. It is conformity to the law of God, for “all Thy commandments are righteousness” (Psalm 119:172), and “love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 13:10). RighteousnessContinue reading “Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing: The Beatitudes, Part 4”
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing: The Beatitudes, Part 2
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”—Matthew 5:4. The mourning here brought to view is true heart sorrow for sin. Jesus says, “I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” John 12:32. And as one is drawn to behold Jesus uplifted on the cross, he discernsContinue reading “Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing: The Beatitudes, Part 2”
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing: Chapter 2—The Beatitudes, Part 1
“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. As something strange and new, these words fall upon the ears of the wondering multitude. Such teaching is contrary to all they have ever heard from priest or rabbi. They see inContinue reading “Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing: Chapter 2—The Beatitudes, Part 1”
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing: Preface / Chapter 1—On the Mountainside
The Sermon on the Mount is Heaven’s benediction to the world—a voice from the throne of God. MB vii.1 It was given to mankind to be to them the law of duty and the light of heaven, their hope and consolation in despondency, their joy and comfort in all the vicissitudes and walks of life. HereContinue reading “Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing: Preface / Chapter 1—On the Mountainside”
Steps to Christ: Rejoicing in the Lord— Chapter 13, Part 3
Some are always fearing, and borrowing trouble. Every day they are surrounded with the tokens of God’s love; every day they are enjoying the bounties of His providence; but they overlook these present blessings. Their minds are continually dwelling upon something disagreeable which they fear may come; or some difficulty may really exist which, though small,Continue reading “Steps to Christ: Rejoicing in the Lord— Chapter 13, Part 3”