The Beatitudes are Jesus’ gift to all Mankind

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Today’s Evangelical Christian values are not those Jesus espoused. I don’t understand how it has happened, but our Postmodern evangelicals base their faith on an Old Testament God who is vengeful and who will punish them and others as he sees fit. The New Testament of Jesus Christ according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John has become secondary to Elijah’s angry God, ready to raise hell with those evil worshipers of Baal, and prove the whining Elijah correct. Even the Beatitudes from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount are interpreted through and supported by scripture from the old testament that transforms their message of humility before God, strength through weakness, and right through love and peace into a series of rules for those who are saved to achieve the “privileges, immunities, and rewards” of the kingdom of heaven both here on Earth, and after the second coming. Evangelicals turn to the second coming upon hearing the beatitudes. They do not hear Jesus Christ’s original voice instructing the world in God’s way.*

And, the second coming is crucial, for they believe it to be close at hand. That is why George W. Bush can be reckless in worldly decisions with foreign powers, for if the great atomic war of fire should happen and annihilate the entire planet, it does not matter, it is already ordained and it is no man’s fault. Thus he can invade foreign countries with impunity, killing thousands of our own troops, and thousands of Arab men, women and children as well. Foreigners don’t matter, because they cannot possibly be saved, for theirs is not the kingdom of heaven. Only those who are reborn in Jesus will achieve the kingdom of heaven.

Dear Journal, let’s you and I read “The Beatitudes,” Matthew 5:3 - 12 together, and ask, is Jesus Christ speaking to me?

”Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that morn; for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.
"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

To be continued, Dear Journal.


* “Mosaic tile supply - jesus christ mosaic tile,” Mosaic Tile Supply, http://mosaicsupply.com/, viewed Friday, December 10, 2004, 8:49 AM EST.

* “The Beatitudes,” Pinks Archive, http://www.pbministries.org/books/pink/pinks_archive.htm, © Providence Baptist Ministries, Cranbury, Texas, Revised November 12, 2004, visited November 29, 2004;10:58 AM EST.


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