Unexpected Blessings
5:1-12
5:1-12
How does our normal description of blessings compare with what those that Jesus provides in Matt 5:1-12. Read them to get the answer.
We think of blessings from a material point of view. They can be eaten by moths, destroyed by rust or be stolen. Jesus was offering a eternal blessings from God.
Who famously said "be careful how you live, you maybe the onliest bible some people ever read."
Rev. Herbert Smith, Pine Hills Community Church
When we meet Jesus, who does he says will enter the kingdom of heaven? Why?
Only those who do the will of my father
Where did blacks attend church before black churches were built?
When they could, they attended white churches and were seated typically in the balcony in segregated areas.
I was a disciple of John the Baptist. I am the brother of the domineering disciple. I introduced him to Jesus and from then on ministered in the shadow of my brother.
Andrew, brother of Peter - John 1:40-42
Is Gospel music African American
Yes, Black gospel music, often called gospel music or gospel, is a genre of African-American Christian music.
To be poor in spirit is to acknowledge that no good thing dwells in us, which is spiritual poverty. Why is this important for the believer to receive the Kingdom of Heaven?
This means we are no better than anyone else but totally dependent on our right relationship with God thru Christ to receive the Kingdom of Heaven.
In what ways can a Christian make a positive influence on and difference in society?
Be an example of Christ. Always show love. Always give advice from the word, seasoned with heavenly wisdom. Walk according to the Spirit. Name more ways....
On the surface, why might we admire that that give their spiritual resume to Jesus?
The works are seemingly great because of their impact or effect. However, they were done "in the name of Christ" but people were not "in Christ" themselves.
Not much is known about early black religious life early in America. However, the first black church was formed in what southern state?
Former slaves, George Liele and David George form the first black church Silver Bluff SC, 1774. In 1788 Andrew Bryan found the First African Baptist Church in Savanah Ga.
My name is always the fifth name on the list of disciples. I am thought to be the leader of the 2nd group of disciples. I am a facts and figures man.
Phillip, the Bean Counter - John 6:7
What is the history of gospel music and slavery?
The origins of gospel music are during American slavery, when enslaved Africans were introduced to the Christian religion and converted in large numbers. Remnants of different African cultures were combined with Western Christianity, with one result being the emergence of the spiritual.
Those who mourn feel sorry for their sins and the sins around them. What has caused you to mourn lately?
The mass killings, the public failings of our leaders or the continued prejudice that we face. Name others that you see and know about.
As a Preservative - killing "bacteria" or evil and creating an environment for good to grow. Flavoring - our conversation is attractive and gracious. Holy Influence - reflect God's holiness in all things. More?
God's will and religious activity, what is the difference?
Any religious activity or acts done repetitively with no heartfelt purpose or heavenly focus on the person of Christ - Going to church. God's will, a prayerful act that is purposed to glorify God - Serving the homeless.
Black churches became head quarters for civil unrest and slave rebellions. What was the primary way whites used to gain control of the black church?
Once plots for slave rebellions began to pop up across the south, whites began to insist that only white preachers or black preachers approved by them were allowed to preach at black churches.
I suffer from hoof in mouth disease. I will tell Jesus what others are afraid to say. I may be wrong but I loved the Lord.
Peter, the foot shaped mouth Apostle - Luke 22:31-32
What does gospel music do to the soul?
Research done by The Gerontological Society of America says that listening to gospel music is associated with decreased levels of stress among older Christians. Those who listened to gospel music had higher self-esteem, felt more satisfied, and had a greater sense of self-control.
To be humble, meek or possess a gentle attitude is not always valued in the world today. Whey then is surprising that the meek shall inherit the earth?
The world values haughty and arrogant attitudes to get ahead. However, the meek are looking ahead to inherit the reward in the coming kingdom with Christ.
How does light complement our saltiness?
Light promotes our life and life style. What people see communicates who we are and what we believe.
There are 2 houses talked about in Chapter 7. How would you explain them to someone?
Hearing and practicing the words of God is an act of wise obedience, building a life with our eternal destiny in mind. Disobeying the word and not practicing it is unwise and foolish, with no thought of our eternal life.
Though slavery died out in the North, what did Richard Allen encounter at his Philadelphia Methodist Church.
Richard Allen encountered real prejudice. He formed a walk out when a black member was forcibly moved to a back seat in the balcony. Later forming the AME church.
I was a member of Christ's inner circle. I played a larger role in the New Testament church. Though I hung out a lot with Peter, Christ still loved me the most.
John - The Apostle of Love - John 13:23
What were the 4 elements of gospel music?
The name comes from the four-part harmonies they used – tenor, lead, baritone, and bass. The origins of the style are lost in the mists of time, but it probably began to evolve in the late 19th Century.
Mercy will beget mercy. What does our unmerciful actions say about us?
Mercy is the reflection of the heart of Christ. Our mercifulness is proof of our acknowledgement of his mercifulness towards us. Unmercifulness denies his mercy.
What the highest and best role for our light according to the scriptures?
To glorify God - let your light so shine before men, so that they shall see you good works and glorify your father in heaven.
Storms beat on the homes to test their foundations. What storms have tested and revealed the foundation of your life?
Personal experiences....
Another group formed in the North, similar in structure and name to Allen's group. What was the group's name?
The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was formed under the leadership of men like James Varick, its first Bishop. Members included Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth.
I'm the one that heard but didn't heed. I was near but never in. I was born to play a pivotal role in the life of Christ. I still stand as an example of what not to do.
Judas, Iscariot - The Traitor - Matthew 26:25
Who was the first black gospel singer?
The first black gospel singer was Thomas Dorsey. Thomas Dorsey was born in 1899 in Villa Rica, Georgia. His father, Frank Dorsey, was a Baptist minister, and his mother, Nettie, was a piano teacher. Dorsey's first exposure to music was singing in his father's church choir.