Sermon On The Mount: The Beatitudes, Your Calling Cards

Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:7-9 (NKJV)

MERCY is mentioned 310 times in the Bible. We serve a Lord Who is 'Gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness' (Joel 2:13). Without a doubt, Christians must follow suit.

And if we don't? 'Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe... and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith' (Matthew 23:23).

HEART is mentioned 926 times in the Bible. We serve a Father, Who 'Looks at the heart' (1 Samuel 16:7). To be pure in heart is whole-heartedness. 

'Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation' (Psalm 24:3-5).

Take heed: lies and idol worship pollute the heart. They’re stumbling blocks to success by God’s Hand. Ironically, they’re building blocks to success by Satan’s hand. Therefore, refuse these unstable platforms, because they WILL fall.

Instead, stand on whole-hearted purity, and let the Lord do the lifting for you!

PEACE is mentioned 397 times in the Bible. We serve 'The God of peace' (Romans 15:33; 16:20; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20).

His Orders to us? 'Go in peace' (Mark 5:34; Luke 7:50; 8:48); 'Seek peace and pursue it' (Psalm 34:14; 1 Peter 3:11); 'Be at peace among yourselves (1 Thessalonians 5:13), 'For He Himself is our peace' (Ephesians 2:14).

Actors, models, and talent for Christ: Mercy, heart, and peace are God’s calling cards. Every time you act one out, God is seen!

When someone receives enough of these cards, he may LOOK UP the God you represent. That's evangelism!

Sermon On The Mount: The Beatitudes, Your Calling Cards (Part 5)

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.