Published on January 8, 2024, 12:42 am

Image source: Fox News

Navigating the scope of real news across seven decades, I have witnessed a multitude of sermons underpinned by an array of biblical texts, even a handful that were delivered without any biblical foundation. As expected, certain denominations emphasize particular biblical passages that enhance their uniqueness while side-stepping others.

At times, pastors opt for a text that prop up their pre-determined objective for their congregation, occasionally missing out verses which could potentially undo their goals. From my observation, these omitted verses often reveal more than what the sermon explicitly communicates. On the other hand, some cause surprise by diligently preaching a text seemingly in contradiction with their beliefs, making strenuous efforts explaining why the text does not suggest what it clearly conveys.

Amid all this exists a group of faith leaders who dutifully preach God’s total wisdom every week. Their work necessitates our affirmations in ways consequential to them and communicates their relevance to Christianity as a whole. Importantly, it calls for our support manifested through prayers, paving the way for the Holy Spirit to truly touch those who are listeners of this Word and transform them into doers of the Word.

Revisiting Matthew 5’s Beatitudes recently revealed how a long-standing pastoral tool –the sermon series– could inadvertently miss out on subtly significant values. The New Testament authors provided us with neatly categorized lists of virtues or qualities, which could be sequentially preached over weeks.

For instance, take “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” This phrase has multiple potential interpretations based on context and faith perspectives generating varied opinions about its scope and meaning when expressed online.

A critical insight we can share unmistakably relates to the connection between Matthew 5:3-12 (the passage on Beatitudes) and what follows immediately –Matthew 5:13-16 sombrely calling us to impact this world profoundly by epitomizing salt and light. He astonishingly suggests we can illuminate before all men in a manner they may perceive our virtuous deeds and pay tribute to our Heavenly Father.

Certainly, maintaining an equilibrium of the Beatitudes could be a radical way to do this. Such an approach might catch the world off guard and we are bound to receive God’s promised blessing.

From Christian Worldview perspective, disseminating trusted news from platforms like sermons can have far-reaching impacts on congregations as well as those immersed in social media platforms nationwide. Ultimately, it advocates for a thoughtful balance in interpreting and applying biblical teachings in our everyday lives ensuring faith remains relevant in an ever-changing society.