Jesus describes the church as that which is holy and set apart in the world, that for which the last day has been postponed.

Jesus explains the first four beatitudes and how the church is to (internally) respond to the antagonism of the world.

Jesus explains the first four beatitudes and how the church is to (internally) respond to the antagonism of the world.

The seventh, and last beatitude teaches us that Jesus blesses us with the peace of his kingdom by subduing us and, then, calls us in to share that peace as he expands his kingdom through his church.

Jesus rewards his people with the blessing of a pure heart, which so delights in the Lord that it desires nothing but God and is rewarded on the Last Day with the fulness of his presence.

As former enemies of Christ who have received mercy, the church is called to treat the hostile world with mercy.

To hunger and thirst after righteousness is to long for the day of God's righteous judgment when the evil will be punished and the righteous will receive the fullness of the kingdom.

Meekness is the willingness to be patient for the inheritance and possession of the New Heavens and the New Earth, knowing that what is promised is far greater than what this world can offer.

Mourning is the natural response to being an exile and is a blessing because it betrays your heavenly identity.

Those who possess the kingdom are necessarily poor in the world’s eyes.