A Blessed Summer

The Persecuted

August 25, 2024 • Pastor Chad Garrison • Matthew 5:10–12

Blessed are those who endure persecution for the sake of the Gospel, their body may be hurt, but their soul will be untouched. Culture sets up a standard for how one should live, but what if Jesus were to turn that standard upside down and bless you for following it? This series examines the Beatitudes, exploring how Jesus provides us with instructions for living in the kingdom of God, explaining what it looks like to live a counter-cultural life for God, that is just as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. QUESTIONS FOR THE ROAD 1. Think of your current struggles—are they a result of persecution because of righteousness, or your own self-righteousness? How are you able to determine the difference between the two? 2. What does it look like for you to deny yourself, and “Lose Well” in the midst of persecution for Christ? 3. How have you experienced blessing within persecution, and possibly overlooked it? Take time to reflect on the ways you are blessed in the midst of struggles, and respond in gratitude to your Savior.

The Peacemakers

August 11, 2024 • Sarah Furrow • Matthew 5:9

Blessed are those who are reconciled to God and bring that peace and hope to others, for they are His children. Culture sets up a standard for how one should live, but what if Jesus were to turn that standard upside down and bless you for following it? This series examines the Beatitudes, exploring how Jesus provides us with instructions for living in the kingdom of God, explaining what it looks like to live a counter-cultural life for God, that is just as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. QUESTIONS FOR THE ROAD 1. What does the word conflict bring up in you? 2. Do an audit on yourself: are you a peacekeeper or a peacemaker? 3. Are you willing to be an ambassador of peace or will you allow yourself and other people to skip out on the benefit of edification?

The Pure in Heart

August 11, 2024 • Pastor AJ Williams • Matthew 5:8

Blessed are those who’ve been forgiven by the grace of Jesus Christ, for they will see God. Culture sets up a standard for how one should live, but what if Jesus were to turn that standard upside down and bless you for following it? This series examines the Beatitudes, exploring how Jesus provides us with instructions for living in the kingdom of God, explaining what it looks like to live a counter-cultural life for God, that is just as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. QUESTIONS FOR THE ROAD 1. What challenges do you see in your life that might affect your relationship with God? Are there specific areas where you feel a sense of dissatisfaction or imbalance? 2. James 4:7-10 outlines several steps for drawing closer to God and shifting focus away from worldly distractions. Which of these steps—submitting to God, resisting the devil, cleansing your heart, lamenting, mourning, weeping, or humbling yourself—do you feel you need to concentrate on to strengthen your relationship with God?

The Merciful

August 4, 2024 • Pastor Starla Smith • Matthew 5:7

Blessed are those who’ve allowed God’s grace to so envelope their lives that they show it to others, for they will experience the true joys of forgiveness. Culture sets up a standard for how one should live, but what if Jesus were to turn that standard upside down and bless you for following it? This series examines the Beatitudes, exploring how Jesus provides us with instructions for living in the kingdom of God, explaining what it looks like to live a counter-cultural life for God, that is just as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. QUESTIONS FOR THE ROAD 1. What do you lean toward first - mercy or justice? How does the understanding that God is first merciful before He is Just, change how you will yield to the Holy Spirit? 2. What kinds of thoughts do you have when asked to stop, stoop, share, and supply for those in need? 3. How do you handle needing mercy in your hard situations? Do you share what you need? or do you just keep on keeping on?

Those Who Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness

July 28, 2024 • Christina Hernandez • Matthew 5:6

Blessed are those who find their source of fulfillment in following God, for they will experience true joy and purpose. Culture sets up a standard for how one should live, but what if Jesus were to turn that standard upside down and bless you for following it? This series examines the Beatitudes, exploring how Jesus provides us with instructions for living in the kingdom of God, explaining what it looks like to live a counter-cultural life for God, that is just as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. QUESTIONS FOR THE ROAD 1) If you’re honest with yourself, what are the things that you most crave to feel satisfied? 2) How does “righteousness” look differently than “self-righteousness” in your life? 3) If you have not been hungry and thirsty for righteousness lately, do any of the following reasons apply to you? If so, what needs to change so that you desire to pursue true, lasting satisfaction in Christ? 1) You thought your last meal would last a lifetime 2) You lost your appetite for the good stuff 3) You’ve never tasted what Jesus has to offer

The Humble

July 21, 2024 • Pastor Starla Smith • Matthew 5:5

Blessed are those who choose submission to God over selfish power plays, for they will be given what the world cannot offer. Culture sets up a standard for how one should live, but what if Jesus were to turn that standard upside down and bless you for following it? This series examines the Beatitudes, exploring how Jesus provides us with instructions for living in the kingdom of God, explaining what it looks like to live a counter-cultural life for God, that is just as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. QUESTIONS FOR THE ROAD 1. In "being meek toward God" how can you become more responsive to His word and in trusting His sovereignty? 2. In "being meek toward others" evaluate how you handle bearing with injury? How quick are you to forgive an injury? 3. What does good for evil look like to you? If you were to receive it, what would be meaningful? How can you be ready to give good instead?

Those Who Mourn

July 14, 2024 • Pastor Deb Munson

Blessed are those who mourn over their sin and the sins of others, for God will forgive them Culture sets up a standard for how one should live, but what if Jesus were to turn that standard upside down and bless you for following it? This series examines the Beatitudes, exploring how Jesus provides us with instructions for living in the kingdom of God, explaining what it looks like to live a counter-cultural life for God, that is just as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. QUESTIONS FOR THE ROAD 1. What does it mean to you that “Jesus sees You”? How does that change your thoughts, actions and life? 2. What is Jesus asking to you to surrender? How can you mourn and release what is holding you down so that you can receive the fullness of the comfort available to you? 3. Spend some time praying and seeking what Jesus through His perfect Counselor desires to heal in you. Open your heart to allow Jesus to mourn with you in that place that has been broken for too long, that needs to receive His comfort, forgiveness and healing.

The Poor in Spirit

July 7, 2024 • Pastor Chad Garrison • Matthew 5:1–3

Blessed are those who realize their need for God, for they will receive eternal life. Culture sets up a standard for how one should live, but what if Jesus were to turn that standard upside down and bless you for following it? This series examines the Beatitudes, exploring how Jesus provides us with instructions for living in the kingdom of God, explaining what it looks like to live a counter-cultural life for God, that is just as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. QUESTIONS FOR THE ROAD 1. Describe in your own words what you think it means to be “Poor in Spirit”, or what resonated with you most in today’s message in describing this beatitude? 2. How do you personally interpret, and experience, the Blessing of, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”? 3. How do you personally live as a steward of the Kingdom of Heaven, while keeping a motivation that is based on “being with” God in communion, as opposed to “doing for” God, trying to maintain a “works-based” relationship?

Springs of Life Church

The Beatitudes