"The Portrait of a Disciple" - 9:00 a.m. Traditional Eucharist

Rev. Charlie Holt reflects on the Beatitudes as the opening vision of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, presenting them not as isolated blessings but as a portrait of true discipleship. He explores how the Beatitudes reveal the character of those who are open to Jesus, shaped inwardly by humility, mercy, and righteousness, and sent outward as peacemakers in a broken world. Holt distinguishes peacemaking from mere peacekeeping, showing how faithfulness to truth and love can lead to resistance and even persecution. The sermon invites listeners to examine whether they recognize themselves in Jesus’ description of a disciple and to embrace the call to live as salt and light under the lordship of Christ.