Bless this Home - Beltway Park Church

Persecution

May 5, 2024 • Geoffrey Turner • 2 Corinthians 2:14–16, Matthew 5:10–12, 2 Timothy 3:12

Living God’s way will come at a cost (Matthew 5:10-12). Scripture is clear that all who desire to live a Godly life in Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12). When we align our hearts, desires, choices, and actions to Jesus and His kingdom, we stand in direct opposition to the world and culture around us. We begin to spiritually stink (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). If we do not spiritually stink to the world around us, then we may need to examine how we are living. But when we expect and embrace life as Jesus intends – a life that inevitably leads to persecution – we are promised blessing and eternal, heavenly reward. When persecuted, we are positioned for incredible growth both individually and as a church in depth and breath. When persecuted, we purposefully respond with blessing and kindness, choosing to pray for those who are persecuting us rather than responding in harshness or hatred.

Guest Speaker: Beth Guckenberger

April 28, 2024 • Beth Guckenberger

God goes to extraordinary lengths to bring peace to our chaos, to heal our brokenness. Part of our response to how God works and moves in us to bring peace is to testify to what He has done, to share with others how He has brought wholeness (Psalm 107:2; Mark 5:18-20). Another part of our response is carrying the peace God has given us into the chaotic, fragmented situations and environments of those around us. God loves, honors, and blesses when we intentionally do this. Though we have a real enemy who desires nothing more than our death and destruction, we can confidently face the battle knowing that we possess the shalom of God and have been given the weapons we need to effectively resist the enemy (Ephesians 6:11, 1 Peter 5:8).

Peacemakers

April 21, 2024 • David McQueen

Blessed homes do not wish for peace; they make it (Matthew 5:9). Every person experiences conflict in their relationships; it is inevitable, especially in our homes with those we are closest to and spend the most time with. Even mature followers of Jesus can have disagreements and struggles (Acts 15:36-40). It is a reality that if we are pursuing Jesus diligently, peace in relationships does not just happen. We must be intentional in taking steps to create peace with others. We become peacemakers in our relationships by utilizing the acronym P.E.A.C.E. P – Prayerfully plan a meeting. E – Empathize with their opinions and feelings. A – Attack the problem, not the person. C – Cooperate as much as possible. E – Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution.

Pure in Heart

April 14, 2024 • Geoffrey Turner • Matthew 5:8

A pure heart is a vital ingredient to a blessed life and home (Matthew 5:8). In fact, the condition of our heart – that place of our desires, emotions, choices, and motives – is so important that we are taught to guard it above anything else (Proverbs 4:23). Jesus is clear that those with a pure heart not only receive blessing, but they will see God. The challenge, however, is that there is no such thing as partial purity; something is either pure or impure. If we are not careful, we can easily believe the lie that we are mostly pure, that if we polish up our behavior externally that we are deemed pure internally. Jesus rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for being clean on the outside but full of greed and self-indulgence on the inside (Matthew 23:25-26). Thankfully, Jesus offers us purity and cleansing through relationship with Him. When we confess our impurity and sin in repentance, it is His blood that cleanses us from all sin and unrighteousness (1 John 1:7-10). His desire for us is that we give Him all of our heart, as well as all of our soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37).

Hunger for Righteousness

April 7, 2024 • David McQueen • Matthew 5:6

Christ-centered homes are blessed (Matthew 5:6). Though most people desire happiness (or blessing), it seems exceptionally elusive. Experiencing circumstances that are consistently pleasant and a life relatively free from trouble is nearly impossible. In contrast, Jesus teaches that blessing has more to do with being on the right path than good circumstances. Even if the road is challenging, Jesus makes the promise that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied. Unfortunately, we tend to look for satisfaction in the wrong places: in pleasure, performance, possessions, positions, and popularity. None of these are intended nor have the capacity to satisfy our deeper longings. If we want to see blessing in our homes, we must be willing to change our priorities, our use of time, and our use of money. Having a Christ-centered home that is blessed means giving each member of our family the best opportunity to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.