This Sunday we will begin a nine week sermon series on Jesus’ teaching on living a blessed life, summed up in eight short sayings known as “The Beatitudes.” I believe it is critically important for those of us who call ourselves Christians to seek to understand what Jesus taught, what he valued, and what he modeled, and then to live that way, as best we can. Of course we will fall short, but still we must do our humble best to live by his values in both our private and public lives. I am dismayed and ashamed by the blatant disregard of the teachings and values of Jesus by many who claim the name Christian most publicly. ”Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46), Jesus asks them and us. May we be those who build our lives on the foundation of God’s grace, love and justice, as taught by our Lord.
To listen to Pastor Ernie’s sermon series introduction, click on “Jesus on Living a Blessed Life”