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Reference

Matthew 5:10-12

SERMON NOTES

"True faith doesn’t fit in with the world"

 

The inevitability of persecution

 

The true reason for persecution

 

The way to persevere through persecution

 

Follow up: Take some time to read about the persecuted church worldwide at opendoorscanada.org.  Then pray for believers who are suffering for their faith and ask God to give them—and us—courage to live out our faith in Jesus in spite of difficulty.

Flourishing in the Kingdom
Flourishing in the Kingdom
Current Sermon

Blessed are the Persecuted

Persecution of Christians in the world is not new—in fact, Jesus said it’s to be expected. Surprisingly, Jesus also says there is great reward and joy for those who persevere.
Flourishing in the Kingdom
Matthew 5:10-12
Craig Thiessen
Craig Thiessen
Lead Pastor
March 8, 2026

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Violence surrounds us in this world and peace seems so far away when we read the news. Yet, peacemaking is one of the great distinctives of Jesus and he invites us to join him in working for peace in this world.
Flourishing in the Kingdom
Matthew 5:9
Craig Thiessen
Craig Thiessen
Lead Pastor
March 1, 2026

Blessed are the Pure in Heart

Just like pollution blocks our view of a beautiful mountain, so sin blocks and distorts our view of God. If we want to see God more clearly then we must deal with impurity in our hearts—which is something only God can do.
Flourishing in the Kingdom
Matthew 5:8
Craig Thiessen
Craig Thiessen
Lead Pastor
February 22, 2026

Blessed are the Merciful

We are all called to be merciful, yet it seems like the world is a very unmerciful place. How can we be people who are filled with the mercy of God for the world around us?
Flourishing in the Kingdom
Matthew 5:7
Craig Thiessen
Craig Thiessen
Lead Pastor
February 15, 2026

Blessed are the Hungry

Living God’s way is no guarantee to an easy life but Jesus does say that those who pursue righteousness will be satisfied—or filled—in this life and in the one to come. What does it look like to hunger and thirst for righteousness?
Flourishing in the Kingdom
Matthew 5:6
Craig Thiessen
Craig Thiessen
Lead Pastor
February 8, 2026
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