Preaching the Beatitudes in Context
The blessings depicted in the Beatitudes are deeply countercultural. Not only do they contrast radically with the values and attitudes generally accepted in Jesus’ context, but they also denounced the oppressive and unjust practices and systems of the time. How do Christians read and live the Beatitudes in light of the challenges of our complex societies? In this panel discussion, three pastors from different nations reflect on the message of the Beatitudes in their original context and share their insights about the art of preaching the Beatitudes faithfully and relevantly for today’s world. This is a YouTube Video Premiere panel discussion.
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
A YouTube Video Premiere worship service led by Rodrigo Cano based on Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Blessed Are Those Who Hunger
A YouTube Video Premiere worship service led by Janette Ok based on Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
A worship service led by Elizabeth Conde-Frazier and Tony Alonso based on Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Blessed Are the Meek
A YouTube Video Premiere worship service led by Jerry Pillay based on Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
Visio Divina: Sacred Seeing to Encounter God
Just as lectio divina invites people to meditate on scripture, visio divina helps people pray with art. Visio divina, which translates as “divine seeing,” uses silence and images to help worshipers reflect and respond to God in ways other than listening to a sermon or singing praise songs.
The Beatitudes: 2022 Calvin Symposium on Worship Preaching Theme
At the 2022 Symposium on Worship, the sermons in our worship services will reflect on Jesus’ famous words, pondering what they meant to those who first heard them and what they still mean for us today as we navigate a complex world in our efforts to live like Jesus.
Worship Resources for Funerals
While funerals have often been seen as family affairs or private activities, death impacts entire communities: both the worshiping community and the community at large. The resources below explore the value and vitality of funeral worship.
Terry M. Wildman on First Nations Version New Testament
In the new First Nations Version of the New Testament, Terry M. Wildman translates the good news about Jesus, Creator Sets Free, into cadences and concepts that resonate with indigenous First Nations people.
Psalm 95: Vengan, cantemos al Señor / Come, Let Us Sing to the Lord
Canción de alabanza inspirada en el Salmo 95. / A setting of Psalm 95 that was submitted by Gerardo Oberman. This setting is a song of praise.
Psalm 18: Mi salvador / My Savior
Esta interpretación del salmo 18 fue presentada por Andrea Armoa. Plasma un momento tormentoso donde Dios acude en nuestra ayuda. / This interpretation of Psalm 18 was presented by Andrea Armoa. It depicts a stormy moment where God comes to our aid.
Psalm 36: The Light of Grace
This setting of Psalm 36 was submitted by Imanol Mino, and focuses on the grace of God.