LISTENING TO THE HEART OF THE MASTER: Part 4

Week #2 of Blessings
June 24, 2007

OPENING
 In the early 1990’s, the emerging church movement began with this statement: “we need a 3rd option.” Not conservative. Not liberal. But, something else entirely.
 Also, in the early 90’s, Christians from other countries began sending their pastors here to be missionaries to the united states. When this happened MISSIONS as we know it was turned upside-down.
 84% of the US claims to be Christians.
 14% of the US goes to Sunday church services at least once a month
 Jesus came and taught us that we are to be a blessing to our world, to be missional


When are you blessed? PART II
 Matthew 5:1-12
 First 4 attitude adjustments were about letting go: self, possessions, people & the physical needs.
 If last week was about relationship with Jesus at all costs, then this week is about being “missional” in our relationships with others at all costs.

Blessing Missional Caregivers
 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (NIV)
 God blesses those who are merciful, for thy will be shown mercy. (NLT)
 You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being “care-full,” you find yourselves cared for. (Message)

Blessing the Missional Conscience
 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (NIV)
 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. (NLT)
 You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. (Message)

Blessing the Missional Mediators
 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (NIV)
 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God. (NLT)
 You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you rally are, and your place in God’s family. (Message)

Blessing those Committed to the Mission
 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (NIV)
 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of heaven is theirs. (NLT)
 You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. (Message)

Blessing the Missionally Challenged
 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (NIV)
 God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. (NLT)
 Count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. (Message)

Hear the Heart of the Master and Accept His Mission: Right Relationships At All Costs