Blessed are the Persecuted

The Harbor

Blessed are the Persecuted

November 26, 2023 • Todd Nettleton • Matthew 5:10–11, Acts 5:41

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” —Matthew 5:10-11

This is not a blessing for which we often pray, but Jesus knew persecution would come to many who follow Him. Persecution is real, and it is happening today around the world. Watch/listen as Todd Nettleton, from The Voice of the Martyrs, tells stories of real life people experiencing imprisonment or worse because of their faith in Jesus. Todd's message will give you hope and stretch you in ways you didn't expect.

Blessed are the Peacemakers

November 19, 2023 • Chris Taylor • Matthew 5:9, 2 Corinthians 5:18–21, Romans 12:15–21

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. —Matthew 5:9 This beatitude is not talking about those who live in a peaceful manner, but those who bring about real, lasting peace, those who work to bring people to Jesus so that they can live in peace with God. As Christians, we are called to bring peace to the world. Watch this message by Director of Worship Arts Chris Taylor to see how and why we should bring peace to the world.

I Want to See God!

November 12, 2023 • Jeff Maness • Philippians 3:12–21, Matthew 5:8, Leviticus 20:8

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. —Matthew 5:8 Everyone wants to see God, and if you are in Christ, you will see Him in heaven. But those that are pure in heart will see God now, here on Earth. So how do I make my heart pure? The answer is: you can't. A pure heart is received from Jesus, not achieved for Jesus. It's not based on what you do. Our hearts are made pure only by shed blood of Jesus, by accepting His sacrifice for our sin. But just because only God can give us a pure heart, does not mean there aren't expectations to live a pure life. Watch/listen to "I Want to See God!" to find out what those expectations are and see how we live up to them.

Lord Have Mercy

November 5, 2023 • Jeff Maness • Matthew 6:14–15, Matthew 5:7, Proverbs 19:17, Matthew 25:40, James 2:13

Mercy is more than an attitude, it is an action toward others, fueled by love. Jesus taught us to love one another and to show mercy to others, just as the Father has shown mercy to us. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7 NLT). There are over 2,000 passages in the Bible that say God wants us to take care of, feed, and clothe, those that need it. Forgiveness is also part of showing mercy to another, as is sharing our faith with others. Watch/listen to this message, "Lord Have Mercy" in which Pastor Jeff Maness addresses showing mercy to others and how it blesses us when we do.