ADVICE FROM THE TOP OF THE HILL

•    new president’s manner, statements controversial
•    Rehoboam’s arrogance cost him dearly; refused to listen
•    God blessed Solomon’s desire to serve the people through wise leadership
•    Sermon on the Mount - “Sinai of the New Testament” - back to basics

TEN COMMANDMENTS, EIGHT ODDITIES

•    “What do I need to do/be to receive God’s blessing?”
•    “blessed” more like “happy” / fortunate - despite unhappy circumstances
•    spiritual revolution: looking from perspective of eternity
•    presupposes our need of the Holy Spirit to live thus
•    opposite the world’s supposed path to happiness

HAPPY ARE THE SPIRITUALLY BANKRUPT

•    for spiritual beggars only: others need not apply
•    James’ social observation that tend to exploit the faithful poor

PARACLETE FOR THE PINING

•    incongruity of happiness for the mourning
•    big part of Messiah’s mission - to comfort the grieving
•    God comforts us so ours overflows to others

THE GENTLE GET IT ALL – EVENTUALLY

•    meekness “strength under control” - like Jesus
•    rely on God rather than one’s own strength; opposite to self-assertiveness, self-interest
•    part of fruit of Holy Spirit

RIGHTEOUSNESS-RAVENOUS

•    yearning for righteousness: totally conformed to God’s will
•    source of deep satisfaction; heart filled

WOULDN’T YOU RATHER CHANGE THE WORLD?

•    let root pursuits resonate with the Lord’s
•    Apple recruiter: more than just selling sugar-water