Blessed
In the Bible, the term "blessed" carries a multifaceted meaning that encompasses both divine favor and the state of happiness or well-being. The Hebrew word for blessed, "barak" (בָּרַךְ), often signifies a bestowal of good fortune or prosperity, particularly in contexts where God imparts His favor upon individuals or groups (e.g., Genesis 1:22, where God blesses the creatures of the sea and the birds). In the New Testament, the Greek word "makarios" (μακάριος) conveys a sense of deep, spiritual happiness or contentment that goes beyond mere temporal blessings, often reflecting the inner joy of those who live in accordance with God's will (e.g., Matthew 5:3-12, the Beatitudes).Blessedness in the biblical context is often associated with a relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 1:1-3, where the "blessed man" is described as one who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it. This relationship not only leads to personal fulfillment but also to a life that flourishes under God's guidance. Ultimately, being blessed in the biblical sense involves both the acknowledgment of God's grace and the call to live out that grace in one's life, resulting in a holistic sense of joy and well-being that transcends circumstances.
Blessed3
The Blessedness of the Hungry and the Thirsty
By Michael Durham24754:32PSA 23:1PSA 34:8ISA 55:1MAT 5:6LUK 15:17JHN 6:35REV 7:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hungering and thirsting after righteousness. He encourages listeners to return to the Father's table and seek spiritual nourishment instead of being satisfied with worldly pleasures. The preacher quotes Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China, who reflects on his 40 years of missionary work and the valuable lesson he learned. The sermon concludes with the assurance that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled, as promised by Jesus Christ.
Blessed Are the Pure
By Leonard Ravenhill891:17:47MAT 5:8PHP 3:7Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound truth of being 'pure in heart' as a pathway to seeing God, reflecting on the deep spiritual implications of purity and the necessity of surrendering all to Christ. He draws parallels between the struggles of biblical figures like Paul and the modern Christian experience, urging believers to recognize their spiritual poverty and the need for divine grace. Ravenhill challenges the congregation to pursue a deeper relationship with God, understanding that true fulfillment comes from a heart aligned with His will, rather than worldly accolades or riches. He highlights the paradox of the Christian life, where losing oneself leads to true gain in the kingdom of God. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to live out the Beatitudes, particularly the call to purity, as a reflection of Christ's character in a world that often values the opposite.
Blessing the Blesser
By J. Glyn Owen1.7K47:44EXO 15:1JDG 5:11KI 4:32JOB 38:7PSA 103:1MAT 6:33EPH 1:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying connected to God's power and grace in order to live a fulfilling spiritual life. He uses the analogy of trolley arms connecting to electric pylons to illustrate this concept. The speaker also highlights the need for believers to be constantly aware of God's love and to draw from His life-giving power moment by moment. The sermon focuses on the apostle Paul's exuberant praise and excitement over the blessings and grace of God, which should inspire believers to have a similar fervor in their faith.