Beatitudes Not Platitudes: Jesus' Invitation to the Good Life

Beatitudes Not Platitudes shows that the Beatitudes are not overused well-worn answers to the question What would Jesus do? Rather they are undervalued and hardly touched claims that transform our destinies. More than spiritual nuggets for personal devotion practical advice or propositions to be believed the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 envision and entail a reorientation of the good life in view of Jesus kingdom. Jesus teachings reveal to us that living our best purpose-driven life now involves dying to self and the world system and dying for our enemies. Ideal for group study this series of meditations on each of the Beatitudes followed by cultural reflections and study questions helps to bridge the gaps between personal devotion and societal revolution the academic and the practical the ancient and the contemporary. All of us want to be happy to be well and blessed and esteemed with honor. However we look for happiness wellness blessing and honor in different places and with mixed results. This book helps us reimagine the good life by taking a fresh look at the Beatitudes as citizens of Jesus ever-new kingdom order. (Designer--Please use the first three names on this list for the back cover the rest will go in the front cover) I was most impressed with Paul Louis Metzgers not only evangelical but also social-justice reading and interpretation of Jesus powerful Beatitudes. May his tribe increase! --Frederick Dale Bruner author of Matthew: A Commentary For preachers and teachers who value Scripture Paul Louis Metzger provides a robust theological reading of Scripture rooted in sound exegesis. In addition to the careful reading of the biblical text Metzger offers historical theological social and practical insights that call us to actually embody Scripture instead of just talking about it. --Soong-Chan Rah author of The Next Evangelicalism: Freeing the Church from Western Cultural Captivity Beatitudes Not Platitudes reveals what we are missing when we bypass Jesus Sermon on the Mount or minimize its meaning to avoid distressing ourselves. Paul Louis Metzger implores us to take a closer look and ponder Jesus words. Jesus means to jolt us out of the status quo--even our American Christian status quo--so we will hunger for and cultivate the values of his kingdom. A wise and important book for such a time as this! --Carolyn Custis James author of The Gospel of Ruth: Loving God Enough to Break the Rules and Malestrom: Manhood Swept into the Currents of a Changing World In clear and accessible prose Paul Louis Metzger walks us through Jesus simple but revolutionary introduction to the upside-down kingdom of God . . . With the heart of a friend and the mind of a scholar Metzger guides us through the cultural setting and contemporary relevance for each of Jesus beatitudes. This highly readable book provides a winsome vision for any Christian hungering to walk afresh in the way of Jesus. But its also an exceptional resource for preachers and teachers who want to lead their people through this potent and beautiful section of Scripture. --Matt Woodley editor of Preaching Today author of The Gospel of Matthew: God with Us Beatitudes Not Platitudes is one of the few books in recent memory that meets more than one need in the church today. It is theologically informative and devotionally inspirational while at the same time it encourages us to be more sensitive to the social challenges that many are struggling to overcome. Paul Louis Metzger has written a masterpiece for our times. --Jimi Calhoun Lead Pastor Bridging Austin author of A Story of Rhythm and Grace: What the Church Can Learn from Rock and Roll About Healing the Racial Divide The Beatitudes are spiritual treasures. They are like diamonds that never lose their value or beauty with the passing of time. However too often our church theologies and cultural challenges gloss them over with a thick venee