This principle says that resemblance to God is an indispensable prerequisite for fellowship with God. We cannot really see God unless we become like him. It asks questions like, “What do you think about when you slip your mind into neutral?”

When the disciples said to Jesus, “Show us the Father,” He answered them by saying, “Have I been so long with you and you still don’t know?” You’ve been seeing the Father. You see, purifying the soul cleanses the vision of the soul so that we see God.

The beatitude says, “Blessed are the merciful,” not, “Blessed are those who know exactly when and how to show mercy in all circumstances.” We must be merciful people even when we act with severity in the service of justice.

Sermon notes to follow

This doesn’t mean they become lazy. It means that they’re free of frenzy. They have a kind of steady calm that comes from knowing that God is omnipotent, that he has their affairs under his control, and that he is gracious and will work things out for the best

The Christian sees both himself and his world the way they are under God, and he mourns. He’s not being a pessimist. He’s not going around with a depressed face. Spiritual poverty leads to godly sorrow; the poor in spirit become those who mourn.

Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).

As children of God we have a single goal, treasure in heaven; a single vision, God’s purposes; and a single Master-God, not money. Therefore, we must not let ourselves become preoccupied with the mundane things of this world “what [we] shall eat, or what [we] shall drink”.

Due to technical difficulties, there is no audio this week.   Those who believe in God can never in a way be sure of him again. Once they have seen him in a stable, they can never be sure where he will appear or to what lengths he will go or to what ludicrous depths […]

The warning that Malachi ends with is not of the Lord’s coming but of his curse.

God provided a way that they could escape the curse. God has provided a way that we as well can escape the curse. The way is Jesus.