Love God, love neighbor, make disciples. doug@pastordougolson.com
Our scripture this morning is 2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV). Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Freedom is one of those words that means different things to different people. It can be as simple as the ability to go where we want when we want, …
Our scripture this morning is John 20:29 (ESV). Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Most of us have heard the term “Doubting Thomas”, often used in a derogatory way. This is the origin of that term. I feel …
Our scripture this morning is Psalm 34:8-9 (ESV). Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The beginning of this verse reminds me of a commercial from back when that …
Our scripture this morning is 1 John 4:9-10 (ESV). In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son …
Our scripture this morning is Matthew 5:10 (ESV). Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Do any of us face persecution for our faith? While most of us don’t risk physical harm, there are still places that it is dangerous to profess our Christian faith publicly. …
Our scripture this morning is Matthew 5:9 (ESV). Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Peacemaking is a difficult subject, in scripture and in life. It seems like we would be able to define it fairly simply, but ironically we often argue about peacemaking. I’m sure Jesus would shake His …
Our scripture this morning is Matthew 5:8 (ESV). Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. The CSB Study Bible Notes explain the term pure in heart as “one authentically righteous in the inner person”, someone who is not just ritually pure or using their faith for show. It indicates a heart …
Our scripture this morning is Matthew 5:7 (ESV). Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Mercy is a term we don’t hear or use much anymore. The Oxford dictionary defines it as “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.” Without God’s mercy given to …
Our scripture this morning is Matthew 5:6 (ESV). Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Jesus speaks to us about righteousness, which many equate with justice or obeying the law. While that is part of the concept, it isn’t the whole idea. Righteousness as Jesus teaches is being …
Our scripture this morning is Matthew 5:5 (ESV). Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Meek is an interesting word that isn’t used much in modern culture. No one wants to be thought of as a doormat, and unfortunately that’s what we often associate with meekness. As always, translation and society often …