05/04/2008

The Church of the Crossroads

This week Jamie and I attended the Church of the Crossroads on South Broad Street here in Grove City. We were very blessed.

Several seniors graduating from my Alma Mater Grove City College were recognized and each gave a little talk. It was wonderful to hear such grounded Christian students!! Since the college is so close I think we forget how many truly amazing people leave there and go on to many Christian callings.

Pastor Don Hulsey spoke.His text was Matthew chapter 5 which is, of course, the Sermon on the Mount. He covered verses 7 thru 11. These verses contribute to what I call the 'blesseds"
Blessed are the
Merciful
Pure of Heart
Workers for Peace
Persecuted.

The entire list is called the Beatitudes and in some ways are really tough standards. Anyone who can live to these standards indeed has earned blessing.

Our Lord Jesus led Pastor Hulsey to describe a flow to these beatitudes that I have not heard before. Each is a base for the next. The poor( those that have nothing to give) cause them to mourn and become meek. They will then hunger and thirst for righteousness and will be shown mercy. This will make them pure in heart and they will become peacemakers. For this they will be persecuted. An interesting perspective and Christ inspired for sure. As Don says-"tough stuff" but he sums it up saying
get it
live it
hand it down.
A fine message.

Tonite we meet at our monthly gathering. Much will be determined as to the future of Higher Grounds.

Y`all have a great week and enjoy God`s Blessings!!