Our Blessings

          The scripture Matthew 5:3-8 quoted below states two things: 1.) if we are or do, and 2.) God will bless us.

              If we are poor in spirit (humbled by the Grace of God), if we mourn (over lost souls), if we are meek (willingly turn the other cheek), if we hunger and thirst after righteousness (hear the Word of God, and resolve to follow), if we are merciful (willing to forgive, willing to help others), and if we are pure in heart (sincere in following God),  we will receive Blessings from God. 

              We can define Blessed as being “happy in the works for God.”  We as Christians are somewhat like the lost, (those who do not know Jesus as their personal Saviour), we want to be Blessed of God, yet we are not willing to do what is required to be Blessed of God.  We willingly go to church, and we half-heartedly listen to the preacher as he expounds the Word of God.  Moreover, we may in some instances think he is wrong even though he has backed up what he said by scripture. 

              We are not willing to be a “Fundamental” Baptist in reality. We want that only in name.  Consequently, we are hypocritical in our walk, and we don’t show our children the proper walk.  To them it is “do as I say, not as I do.”    Then we wonder why we cannot get youth into our church when we act like their parents. 

              We, as Baptists should set an example beyond reproach.   To be what we claim would be a major challenge for some, for others near impossible.

              Why?   Because we as Baptists are too involved with the world.  We love the school athletics; we love all the extracurricular activities, and then bemoan how hard the academic studies are on the children.  It is the academics which will prepare our child for life.  As we teach here in our Sunday School and in the preaching services, we must prepare the child for his adult life.  Otherwise, it may well be a wasted life.

              A wasted life is a hard life, a life of no redeeming value, and a life of constant hardship.  Why do you want that when you could have the Blessings of God?  Look to Jesus; receive that blessing, and that happiness He will give you.                                                 

Bro John R. E Chastain

Matthew 5:3-8  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  (4)  Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.  (5)  Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.  (6)  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.  (7)  Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.  (8)  Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.