The Eight Blessings

by Stanford, Shane

• ISBN13: 9780687642243
• ISBN10: 0687642248
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-03-15
• Publisher: Abingdon Pr

Summary

The Beatitudes are more than just poetic verse used to begin the Sermon on the Mount; they are the essence of Jesus' message from beginning to end. These simple and familiar words establish the overall tone of Jesus' teaching ministry and provide an intimate look at his most deeply held values. They also provide profound insights about living a contemporary Christian life. In The Eight Blessings: Rediscovering the Beatitudes, Shane Stanford addresses each of the eight Beatitudes or blessings mentioned in Matthew 5. The chapters offer illustrations of each blessing from Jesus' ministry, a discussion of the theme and spiritual dimensions of the blessing, and application of the blessing to our contemporary lives. He uses poignant stories of contemporary people to help the reader claim the blessings as a way of life. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Shane Stanford is a Teaching Pastor for Main Street United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. 9
Introduction: The Eight Blessings: Rediscovering the Values of Jesus	p. 11
Discovery in a Familiar Place	p. 15
The Eight Blessings (The Beatitudes of Jesus): Matthew 5:3-12	p. 25
The First Blessing: Having Nothing, Possessing Everything Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven	p. 25
The Second Blessing: Joy Learned Only from Sorrow Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted	p. 37
The Third Blessing: The Balanced Life Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth	p. 51
The Fourth Blessing: The Heart That Craves for God Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled	p. 63
The Fifth Blessing: Doing Life Together Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy	p. 77
The Sixth Blessing: Seeing Only What We Are Able to See Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God	p. 93
The Seventh Blessing: Producing Right Relationships Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God	p. 107
The Eighth Blessing: The Tension of Choice Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven	p. 119
Afterword: Are You Prepared for a Blessing?	p. 129
Study Guide	p. 137
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