Author Archives: xulonjam

Ideal World or The Kingdom of God?

Posted on January 30, 2011 by xulonjam

Several years ago, I taught a class on Christian Ethics at the local Moody Extension School. Through my studies, I became more convinced of my suspicion that the Church is mistaken when they make evangelism or even some “tend the … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture/Society, Ethics, Flesh vs Faith, The Church | 1 Comment

Dream 11/2009

Posted on January 23, 2011 by xulonjam

I wanted to tell about a dream I had recently. I found it hilarious and it seems obvious what it “means”. First, some background. For a large portion of my life, I have had a recurring dream, based in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | Leave a comment

The Right Notes

Posted on January 12, 2011 by xulonjam

I was at a service when a group got up to sing. It was a trio of people who had sung together for a long time and they were doing a medley. The first song started off with no accompaniment, … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies, Ethics, Spirituality | 2 Comments

BLESSED ARE THE PERSECUTED Matthew 5:10

Posted on January 4, 2011 by xulonjam

This is the eighth beatitude. One major observation to be made is it is not a characteristic of the believer but describes how others react to the believer. That is why I place this verse as a transition from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies, Culture/Society, Matthew 5-7, The Sermon on the Mount | Leave a comment

I Am a Business Executive

Posted on December 30, 2010 by xulonjam

I am a business executive. That means, according to Obama, I am the enemy. Yet, I am the one who creates jobs! And he wants to tax me out of business? That doesn’t make sense. What really needs to happen … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture/Society, Humor | Leave a comment

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS Matthew 5:9

Posted on December 25, 2010 by xulonjam

This is the seventh beatitude. It says that a characteristic of the child of God is peacemaking. The characteristic shows a “family resemblance” to the Father, for God is not characterized by disorder but by peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33) I … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies, Culture/Society, Matthew 5-7, The Sermon on the Mount | 1 Comment

BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART Matthew 5:8

Posted on December 18, 2010 by xulonjam

This is the sixth beatitude. It says that the pure in heart are blessed. Looking at the heart first, it is good to note that the cosmology (or is it anthropology?) of Jesus’ day was different than ours.

Posted in Biblical Studies, Ethics, Matthew 5-7, The Sermon on the Mount | Leave a comment

BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL Matthew 5:7

Posted on December 13, 2010 by xulonjam

The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, (Exodus 34:6 ESV) The Exodus quote shows that the characteristic in fifth Beatitude is a characteristic of God, one that he proclaimed about himself … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies, Ethics, Matthew 5-7, The Sermon on the Mount, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS – Matthew 5:6

Posted on December 7, 2010 by xulonjam

The fourth Beatitude is Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6) Like the first Beatitude, a physical circumstance – one that few of us would want to be in – is … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies, Ethics, Matthew 5-7, The Sermon on the Mount | 1 Comment

BLESSED ARE THE MEEK Matthew 5:5

Posted on November 28, 2010 by xulonjam

So far in the Beatitudes, there seems to be a progression of thought. The Poor in Spirit are those who recognize the paucity – the nonexistence – of their spiritual resources apart from God which leads to Mourning for their … Continue reading →