"The Story of Belonging"

"The Persecuted"

Jimmy McPherson - Matthew 5:10-12 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205%3A10-12&version=NRSVUE] What does Jesus mean when he says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake"? In this message from Matthew 5:10–12, we discover that persecution is not something Christians are called to seek, but one possible consequence of faithfully following the crucified Messiah. Looking at the witness of the prophets, the early church, and Jesus himself, this sermon invites us to consider a discipleship shaped less by comfort and more by Christlikeness — and the surprising joy found in sharing his life, his mission, and his promised reward. Thank you for listening and for supporting the ministry of John Knox Presbyterian Church Seattle. To learn more about our life together and ministry, visit www.johnknox.church [https://johnknox.church/].

"The Peacemakers"

Jimmy McPherson - Matthew 5:9 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205%3A9&version=NRSVUE] Jesus declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." But what kind of peace is he talking about? In a world that often defines peace through power, control, or victory, Jesus offers a radically different vision—one rooted in reconciliation, self-sacrifice, and the transforming love of God. Drawing from Scripture, the witness of the church, and voices both ancient and contemporary, this sermon explores what it means to become people who not only receive Christ's peace but embody it, bearing the family resemblance of the God of peace in a fractured world. Thank you for listening and for supporting the ministry of John Knox Presbyterian Church Seattle. To learn more about our life together and ministry, visit www.johnknox.church [https://johnknox.church/].

"The Pure in Heart"

Jimmy McPherson - Matthew 5:8 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205%3A8&version=NRSVUE] In this message from Matthew 5:8, we explore one of Jesus' most profound promises by tracing it through the story of Scripture — from Psalm 24's question, "Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?" to Revelation's breathtaking promise that God's people "will see his face." What does it mean to be "pure in heart"? Is Jesus describing moral perfection or something deeper? Discover how Christ transforms divided hearts into wholehearted devotion, why integrity matters in the life of faith, and why the greatest gift God offers is not merely heaven, but God himself. Thank you for listening and for supporting the ministry of John Knox Presbyterian Church Seattle. To learn more about our life together and ministry, visit www.johnknox.church [https://johnknox.church/].

"The Merciful"

Jimmy McPherson - Matthew 5:7 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205%3A7&version=NRSVUE] What does it mean to be merciful? Drawing on Scripture and powerful stories of compassion, this sermon discovers that mercy is far more than kindness or pity — it is the very character of God revealed in Jesus Christ. As recipients of God's steadfast mercy, we are invited to become people who notice, move toward, and lovingly respond to the needs of others, bearing witness to the kingdom of God in a world where mercy is often in short supply. Thank you for listening and for supporting the ministry of John Knox Presbyterian Church Seattle. To learn more about our life together and ministry, visit www.johnknox.church [https://johnknox.church/].

"Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness"

Uli Chi - Matthew 5:6; Isaiah 61:1-11 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205%3A6%3B%20Isaiah%2061%3A1-11&version=NRSVUE] Thank you for listening and for supporting the ministry of John Knox Presbyterian Church Seattle. To learn more about our life together and ministry, visit www.johnknox.church [https://johnknox.church/].