Does Jesus Want You To Be Happy?
Filed under: Bible Study, Christian Living, Sermon on the Mount
Does Jesus really care about our happiness?
Yes He does and there is no place where He makes the point more clearly than in the first part of the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12).
Unfortunately, what people say about the beatitudes doesn’t always convey “happy.”
Even the word “Beatitude” is a bit misleading. It has a ceremonial ring to it and casts the pall of religious sludge over teachings Jesus intended to be refreshing.
Not only is the word not found in the Bible, it is stretching the point to call it English. It is a transliteration of the Latin word “beati” – meaning blessed or happy – and, to my knowledge has no other use other than referencing the first part of Jesus’ Sermon. Google it for yourself and see.
No doubt the word is still used today because clerics popularized it and their intent was anything but clarity.
Generally speaking all religions, including Christianity, are not known for showing a happy face but believe it or not this word actually means “supreme blessedness or happiness” (The Free Online Dictionary ). Usual interpretations convey everything but…
Take for example the following statement by John Gill:
All mankind are spiritually poor; they have nothing to eat that is fit and proper; nor any clothes to wear, but rags; nor are they able to purchase either; they have no money to buy with; they are in debt, owe ten thousand talents, and have nothing to pay; and in such a condition, that they are not able to help themselves. The greater part of mankind are insensible of this their condition; but think themselves rich, and increased with goods: there are some who are sensible of it, who see their poverty and want, freely acknowledge it, bewail it, and mourn over it; are humbled for it, and are broken under a sense of it; entertain low and mean thoughts of themselves; seek after the true riches, both of grace and glory; and frankly acknowledge, that all they have, or hope to have, is owing to the free grace of God.
This is Mr. Gill’s explanation of “poor in spirit” which was the first point Jesus made in His sermon. No disrespect intended but where’s the “happy?” I don’t even get a warm fuzzy after reading those remarks.
The sad part is many others sound just like him. There are minor differences in wording but the spirit is the same. Read more
Eye Witnesses To Heaven – Are They Genuine?
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There are two categories of people that refuse to believe eye witness reports of heaven.
One is the atheist-type who rejects any idea of an afterlife that includes heaven and God.
But, since atheists have very few standard beliefs and they suggest so many different afterlife possibilities it would take too long to consider their ideas.
We will save them and their concepts for another post.
The other category of individual who refuses to accept any eye witness reports of heaven is the conservative Christian. A few passages in the Bible seem to stand in the way so they approach the topic incredulously, intending to discredit the idea.
There are, of course, all kinds of so called death experience tales being pushed, many of which are strange and unusual to say the least but there are also reasons to expect temporary glimpses of heaven on the odd occasion.
Heaven is never given geographic coordinates but we know it isn’t far away. Paul said to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, so our last breath on earth is the doorway to heaven and the transition is instantaneous.
The after-life is so close we shouldn’t be surprised visions of heaven or hell overlap our last minuets in this world.
Rather than ignore the subject and leave it open for shady suggestions we should explore the topic thoroughly from a biblical perspective. A fair look at the key passages may clarify the issue. Read more
Indecency Doesn’t Diminish Cause
Jesse Jackson is the kind of man that many people love to hate and he thrives on it. He is a bigger than life personality (a nuisance to some) who will not go away or be silenced. Even his failures, and they have mounted up in recent years, haven’t stopped his train, although they have slowed him down a bit.
Born in the deep south to a single mother when race relations were very poor (1941) there wasn’t a lot of impetus to catapult Jesse into international recognition. To say he was suppressed would be an understatement. In those days he couldn’t even choose which part of the bus to ride on. Water fountains, loos and restaurants were constant reminders that he was black and therefore scorned by the white culture that surrounded him.
Not one to be kowtowed or brow beaten Jesse fought back and he is one tenacious fellow. Naturally endowed with a strong sense of confidence, he never comfortably wore the “Uncle Tom” suit and he didn’t get along very well with those who could. He has a long history of gravitating to social injustice, particularly of the racial kind, bulldozing anyone who happens to be in the way and making lots of noise until everyone takes notice. Jesse epitomizes the old adage, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” It is not a pleasant job but he seems well suited for it and, as they say, someone has to do it. Read more
Finding Good Financial Advice
My younger years were not the best for me financially. I thought more about spending than saving.
Well, actually I didn’t THINK about spending, I just spent. If I had the cash, or credit, and wanted the next greatest “whatever” I got it, immediately. No waiting, no planning, no living without. Sounds like today’s cultural trend.
That attitude also bled over into my spiritual life. Whatever program at church needed funding I could easily be convinced, not to contribute, but to give more than I could really afford.
I wouldn’t say that was the intent of the church leaders. They were promoting and running effective ministries and my lack of financial savvy made me vulnerable to giving or promising more than I should. Not their fault, I was the one responsible.
But, I eventually woke up from my financial haze and began thinking differently. The “thinking” part is important. What we “think” determines what we do and how we live. The Bible even says, “how a person thinks in his or her heart, so is he.” That statement wasn’t addressing financial matters but it does apply.
My financial renovation, however, wasn’t a quick fix. I’m still fixing and it started years ago. But, progress has been made and there is a reason for it…I didn’t go it alone. I learned to find capable people giving good advice on financial strategies and paid close attention to what they said. Read more
“Jesus Manifesto” by Sweet and Viola
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Have you ever wondered why there are so many different Christian religions? Have you ever tried to put a finger on the differences and, if so, could you explain the what and why of each one? Do you find the many different types of theologies and the endless versions of each confusing?
If these questions leave you scratching your head join the crowd.
I doubt anyone is brave enough to suggest they have all the answers and since “religion” is not static the answers are always changing anyway. The more time Christian history consumes the more varieties there are that develop.
If these questions plague you like they do so many others then “Jesus Manifesto”
Tim Pepper - Beautiful Frustration