07-01-2026 | 12NOON Bible Class | Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III

Main message: Jesus' Beatitudes (Matthew 5) define the heart attitudes that constitute true blessedness and entry into God's kingdom; Christians are called to adopt humility, mourning, meekness, hunger for righteousness, mercy, purity, peacemaking, and endurance under persecution. The preacher applies those traits practically, urging listeners to choose right living, dependence on God, and mercy toward others.

Key points:

• The Beatitudes are Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and offer simple, heart-level requirements for inheriting the kingdom, not legalistic rituals.
• "Poor in spirit" opens the list: humility and spiritual dependence make the kingdom ours.
• Mourning, meekness, and hungering/thirsting for righteousness are legitimate states that lead to comfort, inheritance of the earth, and being filled.
• Mercy toward others results in receiving mercy; sowing good seeds and forgiving others is emphasized.
• Purity of heart allows one to see God; peacemakers reflect God's family and are called "sons of God."
• Those persecuted for righteousness' sake share in the kingdom of heaven; the preacher exhorts believers to live rightly, avoid unnecessary conflict, and trust God to fight their battles.

Scriptures mentioned: Matthew 5, Matthew 4