Blessed with Poverty

The Harbor

Blessed with Poverty

October 8, 2023 • Jeff Maness • Matthew 5:3–10, Colossians 1:15–17, Romans 11:36, John 15:5, Ephesians 1:3

Everyone wants to be happy. Everyone wants to be blessed. Jesus presented some values that describe a life that is blessed. The problem is, these values are not of this world. They are upside down and backwards. In this series we’re going to walk through eight values Jesus taught called “The Beatitudes”. These eight values lay out the pathway for those who desire to live "ᗡƎSSƎ⅂ꓭ.”

At the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us the most important point first, that we are to be poor in spirit. In this message first message of the series, Senior Pastor Jeff Maness explains what it means to be "poor in spirit" and gives us ways to examine ourselves to see if we possess the poverty required to gain the Kingdom of Heaven.

“God blesses those who are poor in spirit and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” —Matthew 5:3

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.