As Jesus continues to discuss those who can count on God's commendation, we look at those who hunger and thirst for righteousness or justice. There are those who have a deep sense longing for God to be respected and honored in his creation as he should be. Men abuse God's grace, love, and mercy and take his mercy for granted. They use his name in vain. Those who hate this behavior will one day be honored by God. Matthew 5:6 contains this promise.

Jesus promises in Matthew 5:5 that God, the Father will reward all of those who decide to live their lives in a way that speaks to meekness at the Bema Seat Judgment. This is a person who does not fight back with those who take advantage of his or her way of life. Gentle, mild, meek are several ways to describe this person. God's reward is worth the effort.

As we continue in our study of the Sermon on the Mount, today we focus on Matthew 5:4. Jesus includes mourners among those who will receive special commendation by God the Father. Disciples who have a longing for the relief that Christ will bring with him when he returns. Those whose sufferings are not removed before death. Those who faithfully follow God's commands while suffering physically, mentally, socially. God will console them with his mercy at the resurrection.

Matthew 5:3 promises those who choose to suffer for the Kingdom of God by giving away the things of this world will receive a reward worthy of their sacrifice. Listen as we talk about "the Poor in Spirit."

Unfortunately, the word "Blessed" misleads most readers of Matthew's sermon on the mount. "Happy," "fortunate," or "blessed," does not convey the sense the Lord Jesus intended. In this life, there is nothing happy, fortunate, or blessed about suffering. Rather, Jesus is looking to the next life when how you lived in this life will really matter.

What the Bible teaches about "rewards" is confusing to a lot of people. Others have oversimplified the matter to the point of nonsense. Yet, it is the most critical doctrine a believer must understand after salvation by grace. Listen as I try to help you understand this critical teaching of the New Testament.

Cooper apologizes for incorrect teaching about "Grace." Sets the record straight. Grace in salvation is not the same as grace in sanctification!

Six times in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns his disciples about rewards. Instead of doing deeds to be praised by men which ensures you will have no reward with God, Jesus commands us to live to receive praise from God. Mathew, the gospel of rewards, has a sobering message for us today!

The nature of the people Jesus describes as citizens of his coming Kingdom rule are not your typical everyday run of mill folk. In fact, they are the opposite of what the world describes as successful people. Strive to be the people Christ wants you to be and you will be happy with his commendation, exaltation, and Honoration when his kingdom comes. Otherwise, you may be shocked and very disappointed at your disposition at the judgment seat of Christ.

To properly understand the Sermon on the Mount, you must understand what is a disciple and what was the meaning of the term 2000 years ago when Jesus began his ministry.