Sermon prepared by the Holy Spirit

And Pastor Andrew T. Okai

All Saints Sunday

November 6^th 2016

 

Sermon text: Matthew 5:1-12

Sermon theme: Exploring God’s kingdom Agenda

 

Introduction

Grace Mercy and peace...

Well, today we celebrate another festival of the church, one, which we refer to as “All Saints Day”

 

And usually on a day such as this one, we take a moment to remember all of those from our congregation who have gone on before us...

But may I also remind us that this day is not only intended to celebrate those who have gone on before us; but it is a day that celebrates all saints... it is the day set aside to celebrate what God is doing in our world globally as he has established his kingdom here on the earth... and as a matter of fact, this is why we read these words from our first reading this morning where it reads...

 

Rev. 7:9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.

 

This is an imagery of the kingdom, which God has established on the earth... and here at HNLC we see a piece of this imagery...

 

So today we want to focus this message on the kingdom of God, as I will be speaking to you under the theme; Exploring God’s Kingdom Agenda

 

While some believe that the kingdom of God is yet to come to earth, we stand on the word of God and we proclaim that the kingdom of has come... Luke 17:20-21 Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or, 'There it is!' For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst."

 

So, then the question is, what is God’s kingdom agenda on the earth – God is waging a war against evil... it is a war between light and darkness; a war between right and wrong… (we must understand this; because we live in a culture today where you can hardly tell the difference…)

 

God is bringing people in through the cross of Christ – the only gateway into his kingdom – but as he is bringing people in, his intention is to also build people up...

And so in our gospel reading this morning is the Sermon on the Mount - the beatitudes – these beatitudes can be referred to as statements of blessings... (God has blessed bless his kingdom here on the earth) so in the beatitudes we find the characters of those who are being blessed by God…) (In the beatitudes we find the desires that come from a heart that is renewed….

Matthew 5:1-12

 

Blessing 1

Verse 3. The poor in spirit – theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Having nothing in the spirit...)

E.g. Relief Organizations

 

Blessing 2

Verse 4. The mourners – will be comforted. (Having godly sorrow – there is piece at the cross... (Guilt, grief)

 

Blessings 3

Verse 5. The meek – inherit the earth. (Having a humble and gentle heart – towards God and others) They say yes to the word of God… – possession of the earth...

E.g. The Porter and the clay Jeremiah 18:1-17

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Blessings 4

Verse 6. The hungry and thirsty for righteousness will be filled. (Having a spiritual hunger and thirst for God is one of the characteristics of a true Christian...)

They will be filled – Have you been real hungry or thirsty before?

 

Blessings 5

Verse 7. The merciful will be shown mercy. (Having compassion and being forgiven)  Mercy is seen as a currency here...

 

Blessing 6

Verse 8. The pure in heart will see God. (Having the sanctifying work of the H.S. take place in you) – man cannot purify his heart...

When the H.S. is at work in us, we see God...

 

Blessings 7

Verse 9. The peacemakers will be called children of God (Another attribute that can be seen as a currency...) bringing souls into the kingdom...

 

Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, your God reigns!

We are peacemakers on assignment...

 

Blessings 8

Verse 10. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The kingdom of God is a righteous kingdom, so in it we live and serve in Christ’s righteousness...

This text tells us that there will be oppositions, which would sometimes lead to persecution... (It's been happening ever since Jesus came...)

He instructs us to look toward heaven while we serve...

As we remember those who have gone before us this morning, we remember their lives and services to the kingdom of our God through our ministry here...