Following Jesus 101

1
Following Jesus 101

• A Study In The Beatitudes
• Dr. Ray Henry

2
Introduction-The Beatitudes

• Words cannot adequately convey the incredible
  impact of our attitude toward life. The longer I
  live the more convinced I become that life is 10
  what happens to us and 90 how we respond to it.
• -Chuck Swindoll
• STRENGTHENING YOUR GRIP

3
Introduction-The Beatitudes

• Jesus taught his disciples how to act and react
  in the Beatitudes.
• Jesus knew that when His disciples responded as
  He taught it would create a taste for
  Christianity.
• Developing the right attitudes successfully will
  make us the salt of the earth and the light of
  the world

4
Introduction-The Beatitudes

• The Beatitudes-the greatest sermon ever preached
• The Beatitudes-fulfilled perfectly in Jesus
  Christ
• The Beatitudes-a description of true
  righteousness
• The Beatitudes-qualifications for entering the
  Kingdom of God

5
Blessed in the Beatitudes

• Not the word we normally use eulego
• The word here is Markarios
• It means first the highest character or highest
  attitude
• Second it means the highest good.
• When we have the right attitude and behavior we
  will experience the right feelings and the
  greatest joy.
• Jesus is speaking of a greater or deeper kind of
  happiness. The Beatitudes shows us what produces
  true happiness.

6
Where Do You Find True Happiness?

• RICHES
• RECOGNITION
• RELATIONSHIP
• Happiness is elusive in our world.
• Jesus says these attitudes towards life can bring
  a deeper and lasting joy. The happiness of doing
  Gods will and following Christs way.

7
First BeatitudeBlessed Are The Poor In Spirit

• WHAT IT DOES NOT MEAN
• -Not a Spirit that is empty or void
• -Not an Inferiority Complex
• -Not poor in Material things
• -Not poor in Natural Ability
• WHAT IT DOES MEAN
• -Attitude toward God-a man becomes conscious of
  his absolute poverty before God. He sees his
  desperate need. Rom.7
• -No one struts before a Holy God. R.Dunn
• -Cannot have the attitude of the Rich Young
  Ruler
• -Paul had to count his accomplishments as dung
  to find Jesus Christ. He had to be knocked down
  and ask for God to show him what to do next.

8
Characteristics of A Beggar

• First- A Beggar is Conscious of His Need
• A. My Religion does not go deep enough
• B. My Religion does not go far enough
• Second- A Beggar is Dependent on Others
• Third- A Beggar is Honest about His Condition

9
Poor In Spirit Attitude

• A person must be poor in spirit to become a
  Christian
• It is an attitude that desires the mind, will and
  affections to be ruled by God.
• It means you renounce your self-rule
• You now choose to let Christ rule. Lk.923
• The source of all sin is a self-ruled spirit.
• We were created to be ruled by God
• Our Sinfulness is a rejection of His Rule
• We bow before His Sovereign Rule

10
The Blessedness of Being Poor In Spirit

• First-We are Born Into His Kingdom
• Second- God, by our submission, is enthroned in
  our spirit. The King is back on the throne and we
  are in harmony.
• Third- The kneeling subject now becomes heir of
  all the Fathers Kingdom.
• He enjoys the safety in the Kingdom.
• He enjoys the sustenance in the Kingdom.
  Matt.631-33/Phil.212-16 Phil.419
• Fourth- The kneeling subject enjoys the
  satisfaction of knowing he is pleasing to the
  Father. Jn.829
• Fifth- The kneeling Christian knows the
  sovereignty of His Kingdom. God gives authority
  to those under authority. See keys to the
  Kingdom-Matt.1617-18 and binding and loosing in
  Matt.1815-20

11
Lesson Two

• Following Jesus 101
• Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
• By
• Dr. Ray Henry

12
Characteristics Of The Kingdom Of God

• The Kingdom of God is NOT JEWISH- Matt 2143
• Unbelieving Jews cast out. Luke 1328-29
• Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven are used
  interchangeably Matt.1923-24
• Kingdom of God is present-not future.
• Matt 1228/Luke 109,11Luke 1120
• The Kingdom of God is the Gospel -Mark 114-15
• Jesus was sent to preach the Kingdom- Luke 443/
  Luke 81
• John the Baptist, the Disciples, Paul preached
  the Kingdom of God- Luke 92,11Luke 1616Acts
  13Acts 198

13
Characteristics OfThe Kingdom of God

• Entered By Humility Matt 19 24
• Must be received as a little child Mark 1014
• Received by only the poor in spirit Luke 620
• The Kingdom is kept from the Unrepentant Luke
  810
• Rich will enter only with difficulty- Mark
  1023-25
• Kingdom composed of Converted Sinners Matt
  2131
• Must Be Born Again to Enter- John 33
• Entered through much tribulation- Acts 1422
• Those who do not enter will be cast into Hell-
  Mark 947

14
Characteristics Of The Kingdom of God

• Came in power before the Disciples death-Mark 91
• Can be obtained by seeking Luke 1231
• Is not physical, cannot be observed- Luke 1720
• Kingdom of God is within- Luke 1721
• Preceded by signs- Luke 2131
• Not in word but power- I Cor. I 420
• Unrighteous cannot inherit- I Cor.69
• Flesh and Blood cannot inherit- I Cor.1550
• Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Matt 32/ Matt
  417 Matt 107

15
Second BeatitudeBlessed are Those That Mourn

• Blessed- the highest good true and lasting
  happiness
• The world is looking for Happiness in the wrong
  places.
• Illustrate Count Leo Tolstoy found a man with
  true happiness. You find God, Sir and you will
  be alive and happy.
• Poll Many Americans are not happy
• 51 said their lives were dull and routine
• 60 over 50yrs said their lives were without
  meaning
• Quote Robert Browning Life was an empty
  dream.
• Quote George Bernard Shaw- Life is a flame that
  always burning itself out.
• Quote Isaac Watts- Life is a long tragedy.

16
Blessed Are They That Mourn

• Three Types of Sorrow
• Natural Sorrow -Comes to rich and poor-
• Abraham wept for a month for Sarah.
• B. Unnatural Sorrow -excessive tears are a shield
  to protect us from hard knocks
• C. Supernatural Sorrow - It is a supernatural
  sorrow that enables a person to recognize his
  spiritual bankruptcy and respond in repentance.

17
Godly Sorrow

• II Cor. 710 For godly sorrow worketh repentance
  to salvation not to be repented of but the sorrow
  of the world worketh death.
• Sorrow that you got caught is not godly
• Sorrow that you offended a righteous and loving
  God is godly sorrow.
• We must beware of an easy dealing with sin. Saul
  made an excuse for his sin rather than facing it
  honestly and confessing it. (I Sam. 15)
• Two extremes in dealing with sin Too easy or Too
  harsh.

18
To Mourn

• Mournpenteo- to grieve to wail for the dead
• Jesus is primarily interested in changing our
  hearts more than our condition
• First we must mourn over the bankrupt condition
  before God
• Second we are to mourn over the effects of our
  sin.

19
Three Reasons Why To Mourn

• THE PENETRATING POWER OF SIN
• Jesus looks at our heart as well as act
• Out of the heart come the issues of life
• Rules and regulations will not conquer inner
  sin. Col.218/23
• THE PERVERTING POWER OF SIN
• Matt 529 if your right eye causes you to sin,
  cast it from you.
• Right eye-pleasure.right hand-power
• Illustrate Mary Fisher, Boca Raton,Ford,
  Estee Lauder, aids
• THE PERISHING EFFECT OF SIN
• Sin destroys our life and witness- Matt 530
• Sin will take you to Hell

20
The Cure for Sin Mourn

• When you get honest and recognize the evil of sin
  and its effects on you, family, society and weep
  over it then God will respond to your repentant
  attitude
• Comforterparaleteone called alongside to be
  your helperadvocatecomforter
• John 1416 he will give you another helper, that
  he may abide with you forever.
• I John 21-2 if anyone sins we have an advocate
  with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous

21
THE COMFORTER-THE HOLY SPIRIT

• The Holy Spirit will give you courage
• Acts 420 we cannot but speak.
• The Holy Spirit will give you calmness
• Acts 2724 do not be afraid, you must be
  brought before Caesar..
• The Holy Spirit will give you companionship
• Heb.135 ..I will never leave you, nor forsake
  you.

22
LESSON THREE

• FOLLOWING JESUS 101
• Blessed Are The Meek
• By
• Dr. Ray Henry

23
Key Verses - Meekness

• Matt. 55- Blessed are the meek for they shall
  inherit the earth.
• Matt. 1129- Take my yoke upon you, and learn of
  me for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye
  shall find rest unto your souls.
• Numbers 123- Now Moses was very meek, above all
  the men which were upon the face of the earth.
• Gal. 522-23- The fruit of the Spirit is
  meekness.
• Eph 42- With all lowliness and meekness, with
  longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.
• James 121- Receive with meekness the engrafted
  word, which is able to save your souls.

24
Definition of Meekness

• Greek Word is Praus meaning
• Mild of things
• Tame of animals
• Gentle of persons pleasant
• Kindly or lenient
• The adverb forpraus denotes quiet or friendly
  composure. The Greeks valued this virtue if there
  was a compensating strength.

25
THE MEANING OF MEEKNESS

• Jesus was most courageous man, yet meek(drove
  moneychangers out of Temple) The World hears
  Gentle Jesus-Meek and Mild
• Moses was meek yet got angry at the idolatry of
  Israel
• Meekness is not weakness
• Quote Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics
• Anyone can become angry, that is easy. But to be
  angry with the right person, to the right degree,
  at the right time, for the right purpose, and the
  in the right waythis is not easy.

26
The Meaning of Meekness

• Meekness is Power under control.
• He that is slow to anger is better than the
  mighty, and he that rulest his spirit than he
  that taketh a city. Prov.1632
• He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like
  a city that is broken down, and without walls.
  Prov.2528
• Ways the Greek word for meekness was used
• A SOOTHING MEDICINE
• A GENTLE BREEZE
• A COLT THAT WAS BROKEN
• What do all of the above usages have in
  common-POWER.
• Meekness-Power under Control.

27
Manifestations of Meekness

• POWER UNDER CONTROL
• ABRAHAMS DEALING WITH LOT -Read Gen. 138-9
• JOSEPHS DEALING WITH BROTHERS
• DAVIDS DEALING WITH KING SAUL and WITH SHIMEI
  I Sam. 24 / II Sam.169

28
TESTS TO SEE IF YOU HAVE MEEKNESS

• ATTITUDE TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE Ps.3711
  (Full of difficulties)
• ATTITUDE TOWARDS GODS WORD- James 121
• ATTITUDE TOWARDS A BROTHER WHO SINS GAL.61
• ATTITUDE TOWARDS DIVISION IN THE CHURCH
  Eph.41-3
• ATTITUDE TOWARDS THOSE WHO DISAGREE WITH US II
  Tim.224-25
• ATTITUDE TOWARDS LOST PEOPLE IN WITNESSING I
  Pet. 315

29
MEEKNESSA FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT TO CULTIVATE

• Meekness is one of the fruits of the Spirit
  controlled life.
• Saul of Tarsus was very religious but used his
  authority in a hateful evil way to hurt.
• Saul later cultivated meekness by the Spirit. To
  the Corinthian church Shall I come to you with a
  rod, or in love and in the spirit of meekness and
  gentleness in Christ. I Cor.421
• To the believers at Galatia,Ephesus,Colossae he
  urged them to cultivate meekness.
• He told the pastors-Timothy and Titus to show
  meekness

30
The Reward of MeeknessInherit the Earth?

• When King Saul was little, God make him great.
  When he make himself great, he lost it all.
• David showed a spirit of meekness and God gave
  him a crown and everything.
• To inherit the earth means to reign as king
  over yourself and your circumstances through the
  power of the Holy Spirit. W. Wiersbe
• When you are meek you seek nothing for self and
  when you seek nothing for self, God gives you
  everything. W. Wiersbe

31
The Reward of MeeknessInherit the Earth

• God gives us all things to enjoy as we submit to
  His Rule and will. See I Cor.321-23 all things
  are yours
• Meekness is the secret to possessing everything.
• You inherit something when someone dies and
  leaves it to you in a will. We died in Christ and
  now live in Him and we share in the rich
  inheritance we have in Christ.
• The meek person does not fret or fight, he waits
  on the Lord and His timing. Ps.377,25,34 Joseph
  waited on the Lord to exalt him and he inherited
  it all.

32
Lesson Four

• Following Jesus
• 101
• Blessed Are Those Who
• Hunger and Thirst
• By
• Dr. Ray Henry

33
Fourth BeatitudeBlessed Are Those Who Hunger
and Thirst-Righteousness

• When you control hunger-you control life
• Find out what a mans deepest appetite is and
  provide it to him, and you control him
• First sign of sickness is loss of appetite
• First sign of regained health- return of appetite
• Doctors/Nurses ask-How is your appetite
• The same is true of spiritual health-How is your
  appetite?

34
Question? How is your appetite for spiritual
things?

• You are just as close to God as you want to be!
• How much of God do you really want?
• Jesus said I am the bread of life, he that
  cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that
  believeth in me shall never thirst. Jn 635
• The woman at the well of Samaria sought
  satisfaction in relationships
• The prodigal son sought satisfaction in riotious
  living-excitement and pleasure.
• An unsaved person has no appetite for the things
  of God.

35
God Satisfies Our Desires

• You are just as spiritual as you want to be
• God will meet us at out point of desire.
• Ps.374 Delight thyself in the Lord and He will
  give you the desires of thy heart.
• A new born Christian as an appetite for the milk
  of Gods Word. I Peter 2
• But some never move beyond a childs appetite to
  the meat (maturity) of Gods Word I have fed you
  with milk, and not with meat for hitherto ye
  were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye
  able. I Cor. 32

36
Blessed Are Those Who Hunger

• How Can
• I
• Tell
• Whether or not
• I have a Spiritual Appetite?

37
FIRST- I HAVE A RIGHT A AFFECTION

• Matt.619-21 Do not lay up for yourselves
  treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy
  and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up
  for yourselves treasures in heaven
• Some peoples affection are for things here on
  earth only.
• Symbols of wealth are cloths and barns.
• Illustration Samson wanted pleasure and cloths
  for winning the battle. Judges 1412
• In Jesus day agricultural was societys main
  business.
• Illustration Titanic movie-left the jewelry
  behind for oranges
• Illustration Guideposts article of a barn
  burning and horse went back in fire for safety-he
  thought.
• Illustration Twice now hurricanes have destroyed
  large beautiful homes in the Gulfport-Biloxi
  area.

38
SECOND-YOU WILL HAVE THE RIGHT ALLEGIANCE

• No one can serve two masters, for either he will
  hate the one and love the other or else he will
  be loyal to the one and despise the other. You
  cannot serve God and mammon.Matt.6 24
• The word serve means a bond-servant, slave.
• Song You gotta serve somebody-Bob Dylan
• despise-means to undervalue
• Are you constantly worrying about the things of
  this world.
• Biblical Ill.-Daniels first allegiance was to
  his God.
• Illustration Tom Lester,farm boy from Laurel, MS
  who put Christ first even in the parts he took in
  HollywoodPetticoat JunctionGreen Acres

39
THIRD-YOU WILL HAVE THE RIGHT AMBITION

• Matt.633 But seek first the kingdom of God and
  His righteousness
• Example Chuck Colson and Watergate and now
  reaches thousands in his books and Prison
  Fellowship
• kingdom of God-the rule of God in your life
• Jesus can never be second and you find deep
  satisfaction and fulfillment in life.
• Illustration Tom Landry-even though he was on a
  world champion football team-he never was
  satisfied

40
WHAT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS?

• IMPARTED RIGHTEOUSNESS
• -Our righteousness is as filthy rags
• -Jesus becomes our righteousness. I Cor.130
• Romans 116-17 gospel of Christfor therein is
  the righteousness of God revealed..
• IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS
• -This is the righteousness of Christ expressed
  through us because we have Him living in us.
• -This is letting Christ live a righteous life
  through us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
  Gal.220 /Eph.518

41
HOW DO WE HUNGER AND THIRST?

• By Feeding on Gods Word
• By Daily being filled by the Holy Spirit
• By Walking daily in dependency upon Christ as
  your new lifewalking by faith
• He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath
  said, out of his belly (inner man) shall flow
  rivers of living water. Jn. 738

42
Lesson Five

• Following Jesus
• 101
• Blessed Are The Merciful
• The Boomerang Beatitude
• By
• Dr. Ray Henry

43
The Boomerang Beatitude-Mercy

• Boomerangs can go far out(150ft) and return
• Mercy (Eleemon)Not merely an expression of mercy
  but one who has this attribute because God
  indwells.
• An old word for mercy institutions were called
  eleemosynary institutions.
• Publican- God be merciful to me a sinner
• Canaanite mother whose daughter was vexed by an
  evil spirit.. Have mercy on me, O Lord
  Matt.1522

44
The Principle of Proportionate Return

• If you are critical, criticism will return to you
• ExampleDr.Schullers advice to women whose
  husband was always critical.
• Give a little, get back a little Give a lot, get
  back a lot..
• Matt. 72 the measure you give is the measure
  you get
• Matt.615 If you do not forgive men their
  trespasses, neither will Father forgive your
  trespasses
• Gal.67- whatever a man sows, that will he also
  reap

45
The Meaning of Merciful

• THE DEFINITION OF MERCY
• 1.Grace and Mercy- God in His grace gives me what
  I do not deserve. God in His Mercy does not give
  me what I deserve.
• 2.Sinners are saved because of Gods Mercy.
• 3.Definition of Mercyto alleviate the
  consequences of sin.
• 4.Others say mercy is the ability to feel with
  someone. Heb. 415-16
• 5.Mercy-literally means to withhold judgment

46
Scripture Verses on Mercy

• Lam.322 It is of the Lords mercies that we are
  not consumed.
• Ps. 236 surely goodness and mercy shall follow
• Ps 8510 mercy and truth aqree met together..
• Micah 718 who is God like unto thee, that
  pardoned iniquity, and passed by the
  transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He
  retaineth not his anger forever, because he
  delighteth in mercy.
• Hab. 32 in wrath remember mercy
• Hosea 66/Matt.913 I desire mercy, not
  sacrifice
• Romans 915 I will have mercy upon whomever I
  will have mercy..
• II Cor. 13 the Father of mercies, and the God
  of all comfort
• James 317 But the wisdom that is from above is
  first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to
  be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits.
• Col. 312 put on therefore, as the elect of God,
  holy and beloved, bowels of mercies.
• Heb.416 let us come boldly unto the throne of
  grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace
  to help in time of need.

47
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES-MERCY

• ABRAHAM AND LOT
• JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS
• DAVID WITH KING SAUL
• JESUS AND WOMAN CAUGHT IN ADULTTERY
• GREATEST EXAMPLE-JESUS ON THE CROSS

48
Characteristics of A Pure Heart

• A pure heart means an undivided heart.
• A pure heart trusts only in the Lord.
• A pure heart does not lust after sinful
  relationships.
• A pure heart does not focus on earthly riches for
  riches sake.

49
Characteristics of A Merciful Person

• Parable of the Good Samaritan-Lk 1037
• Not just an emotional response. It is not just
  pity, but pity plus action.
• HE IS KIND IN CRITCISM AND JUDGMENT 1. Judge not,
  that you be not judged Mt.71 2. Ill. Lady and
  Cookies 3. James 119 .. slow to speak, slow to
  wrath 4.Get the beam of self-righteousness out
  first
• HE IS READY TO FORGIVE 1. If you not forgive
  men their trespasses,neither will you father
  forgive your trespasses. 2. Ill. Sir Perciful
  Lowell-astronomer-saw own blood vessels, not
  canals on moon.
• HE GIVES HIMSELF TO MEET NEEDS OF PERSON-
  1.Example-Good Samaritan. 2.I Jn 318

50
Three Reasons Not To Judge

1. I EXPOSE MYSELF TO JUDGMENT
2. WE RAISE THE STANDARD OF MY OWN JUDGMENT
3. WE ARE INCAPABLE

51
Modern Day ExampleMother Teresa

• Felt a call to Christian work
• Went to convent in Calcutta, India
• Left convent to go minister to the dying on the
  streets of Calcutta
• She had nothing-given an empty Hindu
  temple-started Sisters of charity
• Today she helps over 10,000 people in 28 clinics
  worldwide
• Asked if she was happy Nothing makes you happier
  than when you really reach out in mercy to
  someone who is really badly hurt.
• Blessed (happy) are the merciful, for they shall
  obtain mercy. Matt.57

52
Lesson Six

• Following Jesus
• 101
• Blessed Are The Pure In Heart
• By
• Dr. Ray Henry

53
Pure In Heart

• Biblical psychology is not always scientifically
  precise.
• The heart in the Bible is not the organ in the
  body.
• The Greek word for hear is Kardia
• (From which we get cardiologist
  electrocardiograph cardiac..)
• In some places heart refers to the whole person.
  (Acts 1417 James 55 Luke 2134 Romans 827)
• In other places it refers to emotions. John
  141/Neh.22
• In other places it refers to the intellect. Mk
  28
• In other places it refers to the will or
  volition.
• Dan.18 Daniel purposed in his heart that he
  would not defile himself
• Quote The heart simply means the inner man with
  many functions. W. Wiersbe

54
The Heart is Key To Christian Life

• The heart is where salvation is experienced.
  Rom.109
• The heart is the center for Christian living.
• A. Do the will of God from the heart. Eph. 66
• B. The Pharisees were concerned with outward
  show and formality. Matt.158
• C. The heart is the source of all trouble.
• D. God looks on the heart. I Sam 1314/ 167
• E. Davids heart was single, not sinless.

55
Hearts Can Be Changed

• Our hearts produce evil thoughts. Mt.1519
• The first to seeing God is admitting our hearts
  need changing. Jerm.247
• God gave Saul a new heart. I Sam.109
• Being born-again is partaking of the new divine
  nature that changes us on the inside. John 31-7
  and II Pet. 14
• When we trusted in Jesus, He sets a seal on our
  hearts. II Cor.122

56
What Is A Pure Heart?

• The word for pure in Greek katharos
• Two Basic Meaning
• 1.Clean as to pure from defilement not
  contamiated
• 2.Unmixed as to sincere-no ulterior motive
• A cathartic is an agent used by doctor for the
  cleansing of the physical system.
• Example Nathaniel was a man without guile Jn
  147 no deceit double motive)
• Example Jesus neither was guile found in his
  mouth I Pet.222
• ExampleDavid had a single motive his heart was
  fixed to please the Lord. Ps.575,7, 11
• David did not have a sinless heart, but he did
  have a single heart
• W. Wiersbe

57
Qualifications for A Pure Heart

• Must be Conscious of the Presence of God
• Our Work Must Be Sincere
• Example Annias Sapphira
• Our Work Must be Secret (as to the Lord,not
  show)- Matt.65-6,16
• Example Revival in Mobile-young girls tears
• Must be Content with Praise from the Father
• Example Missionary Couple returning
• Song Thanks

58
THE PURE- SEE GOD

• Seeing God is one of the Highest Blessing
• Moses- I beseech thee, show me thy glory
  Exod.3318
• David- As the hart panteth after the water
  brooks, so my soul panteth after theewhen shall
  I come and appear before God Ps 42
• Phillip- Show us the Father, and it is enough
  for us. Jn.148

59
Can God Be Seen?

• God to Moses- Thou canst not see my face, for
  there shall no man see my face and live
  Exod.3320
• Paul in the third Heaven- who only hath
  immortality, dwelling in the light which no man
  can approach unto whom no man hath seen, nor can
  see. I Tim.616
• Perhaps we can only see God by a vision or
  revelation
• ISAIAH HAD A VISION OF THE LORD- ISA.6
• JOB HAD A VISION- JOB 425-6
• JOHN HAD A REVELATION OF GOD ON THE ISLE OF
  PATMUS REV.113-18 and REV.224 (Heavens
  servants can see His Face)

60
SEEING GOD THE MEANING

• When the heart is pure, our eyes are open to the
  vision of God wherever He may appear.
• Jesus is promising us a vision of God in the here
  and now.
• The Christ-filled man recognizes the hidden
  perfections and purposes of the Creator and
  Redeemer working in and through all things, evil
  and good, and will fix his pure eye on that.
  The One who originally made all things good is
  still at work in all to consummate His Final
  stated purpose, to gather together in one all
  things in Christ N.Grubb TOUCHING THE INVISIBLE

61
SEEING GOD- THE MEANING

• I cannot keep calling things the permissive
  will of God. God does more than permit. He does
  not stand by and allow a thing to happen. He
  ordains itWe are to first see Christ only in
  ourselves through grace. Then we see Christ only
  in all men, either shutting them up in their
  unbelief that he may have mercy on
  them(Rom.1132) or Christ being formed in those
  who have obtained mercy. Finally we see Him only
  in all things.
• Faith sees differently. Faith sees Jesus in
  them..Faith sees Jesus resolving problems or
  providing needs. Do we see need or God supplying
  need?
• N. Grubb GOD UNLIMITED

62
WHERE DO YOU SEE GOD?

• WE SEE GOD IN CIRCUMSTANCES
• Rom.828
• I Thes. 518
• II Cor. 214
• Illustration Raymond Edman
• WE SEE GOD IN CREATION
• Ps.191
• Ps.2910
• WE SEE GOD IN OTHERS
• Jesus was a magnet for sinners. Why? His attitude
  towards sinners was to regard him as a prodigal
  son or a lost sheep. Lk.15
• WE SEE GOD IN THE MARCH OF EVENTS IN THE WORLD
• Ps.105 and 106 Saw God in History or His People
• History is His Story. Dr. A.T. Pierson
• Jesus birth was a fulfillment of His Plan and His
  flight to Egypt and his growing up in Nazareth
  and His death-all Gods plan.
• TO SEE GOD IS TO SEE HIS GLORY IN ALL THINGS.

63
LESSON SEVEN

• Following Jesus
• 101
• Blessed Are The Peacemakers
• By
• Dr. Ray Henry

64
Review of Beatitudes

• Poor In Spirit One who is conscious of his
  absolute poverty of spirit and need of God.
• Mourn- One who recognizes his spiritual
  bankruptcy and responds in repentance.
• Meek- One who reigns over his own spirit(Power
  under control) whom God gives everything.
• Hunger and Thirst- An intense desire for God and
  righteousness results in fulfillment.
• Merciful- As one forgives and withholds judgment
  on others it comes back to him.
• Pure in Heart- When our eyes are single they
  recognize God in His Kingdom working in others,
  circumstnaces, events and all of life.

65
The Peacemakers

• The Bible opens in peace and ends in peace.
• Peace is much more than an absence of war. There
  is peace in a cemetery.
• Shalom a Jewish greeting that contains a desire
  for all the goodness that God can give, a total
  well-being be bestowed.
• In over 3000 years of recorded history there has
  been only 8 years of peace.
• Over 8000 peace treaties have been broken.

66
The Source of Peace

• Six times in NT, he is called the God of Peace.
  God is the source of peace.
• He is the God of Peace as to
• As to HIS NATURE-God is at perfect peace with
  Himself. Jehovah-shalom-the Lord is our peace.
  Judges 624
• As to His Will- Gods thoughts toward us are for
  peace and purpose, not judgment.
• For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,
  saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of
  evil, to give you an expected end. Jerm.2911

67
Jesus Christ is Gods Peacemaker

• His Birth-The angels announce peace on earth and
  good will toward men. Lk.2
• Jesus made peace by His Death on
  Cross-Eph.214-17
• Jesus bequeathed peace to disciples. Jn.1427
• The Holy Spirit supplies the peace in our hearts
  as He is in control. Gal.522

68
The Enemy of Peace is Sin

• There is war in our hearts and with others
  because of selfish desires and sin. Jam. 4
• Trouble comes when a Christian gets out of the
  will of God.
• Example Abraham- goes to Egypt during
  famine..NO PEACE
• ExampleLot- pitched his tent to SodomNO PEACE
• ExampleJonah- ran the wrong wayNO PEACE
• A Believer living in sin and rebellion causes
  trouble.
• The work of righteousness shall be peace.
  Isa.3217

69
The Minister of Peace-Christians

• Having received peace with God through Christ, we
  are to become peacemakers.
• We are no longer at war with God, self or others.
  Rom.51 and Phil.47
• The Peace of God is to rule in our hearts-be the
  umpire in our lives. Col.315
• This peacemaking begins by controlling anger.
  Hatred begins with anger. Do you desire to win
  the argument or win the brother. Matt.525 and
  Prov.1819 and Prov.1632
• Leave vengence to God, learn to win over enemies
  by doing good to them. Rom.1219-21

70
The Blessing of Peace-Godliness

• the peacemakers, shall be called the children of
  God. Matt.59
• God the Father is the great peacemaker.
• Children are like their parents. We resemble our
  Father in Heaven when we are peacemakers.
• Hatred cannot conquer hatred. Only love can
  conquer hatred.
• When the world sees us love them like Christ, we
  reflect the Father and His Glory to them by the
  help of the Holy Spirit.
• Rom.814.. for as many are led by the Spirit of
  God, they are the sons of God.
• John 1334-35..By this shall all men know that
  you are my disciples, if you have love for one
  another.

71
HOW DO I HAVE A PEACEABLE SPIRIT?

• FIRST-PUT AWAY ALL ENVY James 3161-17 Envy and
  jealousy fears that others may get what we have.
• SECOND- PUT AWAY ALL STRIFE- Strife is seeking to
  get others to join in on our bitterness. I
  Cor.33
• THIRD- PUT AWAY ALL BITTERNESS -In trials, you
  either become bitter or better.
• Trials produce perseverance- James 12-3
• Trials drive us to depend on the Lord- II
  Cor.18-9
• Trials bring maturity attained no other way. Jam
  14

72
HOW DO WE BECOME PEACEMAKERS

• FIRST- REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOSSIP OR EVIL TALK-
  The wisdom from above is pure, then peaceable.
  Jam.317
• SECOND- WORDS MUST BE SPOKEN IN LOVE AND
  KINDNESS- Prov.151
• THIRD- WE MUST SEEK TO BE FREE OF OFFENSE TOWARDS
  GOD AND MAN Acts 2416 / Rom.1217-21