Ed Traverse
Finding eternal fulfillment in a temporary world
The King wants something for you
Matthew 5:1-3 – 5 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Kingdom happiness is counterintuitive
Matthew 5:3-10
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [a] of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The Kingdom Citizen has a different perspective
Matthew 5:11-12
11 “Blessed are you when others 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 so they persecuted the prophets who were
before you.