Beatitudes from the Back Side: A Different Take on What It Means to Be Blessed [With Study Guide]
SKU: 18874681732

Beatitudes from the Back Side: A Different Take on What It Means to Be Blessed [With Study Guide]

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Beatitudes from the Back Side: A Different Take on What It Means to Be Blessed [With Study Guide]Using his method of approaching Bible passages from an unusual angle or a unique starting point, J. Ellsworth Kalas presents new insight into the beatitudes, Jesus' blessings from the Sermon on the Mount. When we start examining the beatitudes we realize that in Jesus' view, happiness is not something we get by pursuing it; indeed, almost the contrary. We are told that we will be happy or blessed, if you prefer in what appears to be the near

Using his method of approaching Bible passages from an unusual angle or a unique starting point, J. Ellsworth Kalas presents new insight into the beatitudes, Jesus' blessings from the Sermon on the Mount.

When we start examining the beatitudes we realize that in Jesus' view, happiness is not something we get by pursuing it; indeed, almost the contrary. We are told that we will be happy--or blessed, if you prefer--in what appears to be the near antithesis of happiness. If we choose to live by the beatitudes, we make a declaration of dependence. We put ourselves into bondage to such things as poverty of spirit, purity of heart, and a readiness for persecution. This isn't the sort of product they advertise on prime-time television; indeed, I'm not sure that it appears overly often in our prime-time worship services. That is because this is not a spiritual quick fix. It doesn't come in a five-easy-lessons capsule. Instead, it is largely contrary to the way we live and to the way we think.

Before we go any further, however, let me say that over the past twenty centuries a very great many people have found in these beatitudes a depth of peace and joy beyond anything our common culture promotes and seeks. But it isn't easy, and it isn't obvious. There's nothing easy or soft about this kind of dependence. Rather, it is an attitude that demands a huge store of courage. It's the kind of dependence the trapeze artist displays when he or she lets go of the bar and with no safety net awaiting, flies off into space, trusting.

Welcome to the beatitudes. And may you be eternally happy, beginning now.

--adapted from the introduction



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Published: 05/01/2008
ISBN: 9780687650842
Pages: 122
Weight: 0.41lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.44w x 0.33d
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SKU: 18874681732

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Bobbie
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 4
Lovable clutch
Color: Navy, Color: Navy
Cute clutch for events. Took to a wedding, nice size, especially like that I could put my phone in it and plenty of room for a small wallet, lipsticks, and tissues/personal products. I wish the fabric were higher quality (has a sheen to it yet it is thin) but for the price it makes sense. I will only use for special occasions. Once aired out overnight, it had no smell. Very light in weight. It has a strap that would make it more comfortable to lug around, but I think I lost it? That is on me! I appreciate that it has a strap and a place for it to convert. Overall super happy and does the job! Carries everything I need for formal events. Photos show one with my hand and one with a lipstick in it for size reference. Other shows a thoughtfully placed zipper pocket that is convenient!
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Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2025
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new yorker
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Beautiful and trendy especially with minor adjustments!
Color: Red, Color: Red
The satin fabric of the bag is of great quality. Thick and resistant to snags. I partied all night with it and it held up beautifully. The color saturation of the red was perfect and against my dark dress was a perfect pop of dramatic color contrast. Notes: The magnetic closure is strong but doesn't form a complete closure because there are only two magnets. Don't turn the bag upside down or small items can fall out. There was a strong chemically smell that dissipated after a week of airing out and adding a few drops of perfume to a tissue that I kept inside the bag. I wanted a "dumpling" clutch so I altered it slightly. First I colored over the gold closure with nail polish to match the fabric color. There is something about the gold tone that detracted from the elegance. Then I added a stitch to the bottom and top corners to round the shape a bit. See pics I can hardly sew on buttons so if I could do it, anyone can! The fabric is well lined and has just enough structure to it to hold the dumpling effect without becoming too slouchy looking. The chain is nice with more elegant looking clasps than other similarly priced bags, but I didn’t use it because I wanted a clutch. Under my arm or in my hand as a clutch this was light and comfortable. Got lots of compliments and questions about where I got it. Overall a fantastic buy.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2023
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Loyal Customer
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Roomy, Quality and Versatile
Color: Navy
Very nice quality and appearance. Large enough for wallet, phone, etc. Easily converted from clutch to shoulder purse with removable chain. Handle trim and chain are gold color. Wish it silver but very pleased overall and feel it is a good value.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2025
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Fatemeh Asgari
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
Love it
Color: Champagne
So beautiful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026
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DRM
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 3
Beautiful clutch... but chain is defective
Color: Navy, Color: Navy
This is a really beautiful clutch and the size inside is perfect for your necessities. (lip balm, hand sanitizer, pocket tissues, husbands inhaler, hand cream) I really loved that about it however, the chain which is the only option to not holding it all night is terrible. I bought this clutch for a gala but the chain got stuck on my dress just the first time I tried it on. I wish there was another option so I don't have to hold it all night. The chain is really bad quality. It will shred my lace dress. Also the chain is super long. Like too long to actually wear on on side. Or it would fall off all the time. I am 5'9 and this chain to super long for me. You would have to wear it as a cross body- and that does not look nice with formal attire. Returning.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2019

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