Pathways to the Blessed Life Part 2: Peacemakers and Persecution

Interview with a modern-day exorcist

In this episode, Pastor Joel Ramsey brings a timely and confronting message from Matthew 5:13–16 and Romans 1.What does it really mean to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world? It’s more than being “nice” Christians. It’s a call to preserve righteousness, purify what’s been corrupted, and shine truth into darkness—boldly and unapologetically.With honesty and conviction, Pastor Joel shares a personal story that stirred this word in his spirit and lays out how cultural compromise, the normalization of sin, and the removal of shame have produced confusion in a generation. But there is hope. There is still a remnant of believers called to stand, shine, and speak the truth in love.💡 If you’ve been feeling the tension between grace and truth in today’s culture, this message will equip and encourage you to live with holy conviction and public witness.🕊️ Key Takeaways:Why “salt” means more than flavor—it means preservation and purityHow shame has been stripped from sin in modern cultureThe danger of compromise in the life of a believerWhy light is meant to expose darkness, not just make us feel goodHow repentance restores our identity and effectiveness📖 Scripture References:Matthew 5:13–16Romans 1:16–32Joel Ramsey, Salt and Light, Matthew 5:13-16, Romans 1, Christian podcast, biblical truth, cultural commentary, spiritual growth, righteous living, light of the world, salt of the earth, repentance, holiness, gospel message, identity in Christ, Christian worldview, bold faith, Holy Spirit conviction, church leadership, end times culture, Citipointe Church Nashville

What does it really mean to live a blessed life?In this episode, Pastor Joel Ramsey unpacks Matthew 5:2–12 and challenges our understanding of blessing. Jesus flips the script and shows us that true blessing isn’t found in comfort, material gain, or popularity — it’s found in humility, peacemaking, and even persecution for righteousness’ sake.We talk about how to stay grounded in a world that pulls us toward self-promotion and compromise, what it actually means to be a peacemaker (hint: it’s not just avoiding conflict), and why being reviled for the gospel is a mark of heaven’s favor, not failure.You’ll learn how to:Recognize the difference between worldly and kingdom blessingEmbrace peacemaking as a spiritual calling, not a personality traitStay bold in the face of public shame or rejectionKeep your heart pure when success and wealth come your wayRejoice through persecution, knowing your reward is in heavenScripture Reference:Matthew 5:2–12Whether you’re facing conflict, criticism, or just trying to live more like Jesus in your daily life, this message will strengthen your spirit and anchor your faith.—Connect with us:Website: https://citipointe.churchInstagram: @joel.ramsey | @citipointenashville —Tags:Joel Ramsey, Beatitudes, Matthew 5, Peacemakers, Christian Podcast, Kingdom Living, Citipointe Church, Biblical Teaching, Faith, Discipleship, Spiritual Growth, Righteousness, Persecution, Humility, Christian Leadership

The Beatitudes: Jesus's Pathway to True Blessing | Matthew 5:3-8What does it truly mean to live a blessed life? In this powerful message from the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Joel Ramsey explores Jesus's famous Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3-8, revealing God's upside-down kingdom where the poor in spirit inherit heaven and the meek inherit the earth.In This Episode:The real meaning of "blessed" beyond happiness and prosperityWhy Jesus calls us to be poor in spirit and what that looks like practicallyUnderstanding mourning over sin vs. earthly griefHow meekness is actually strength, not weaknessWhat it means to hunger and thirst for righteousnessThe heart of mercy and purity that God desiresWhy humility is the pathway to true spiritual blessingKey Scripture References:Matthew 5:3-8 (The Beatitudes), Matthew 5:48, James 4:6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Revelation 21:1-4Perfect For:Bible study and small group discussionAnyone studying the Sermon on the MountChristians seeking to understand kingdom livingThose questioning what true blessing looks likeNew believers learning foundational Christian teachingsPastor Joel Ramsey serves as Lead Pastor at Citipointe Church in Nashville, Tennessee. His teaching focuses on practical application of biblical truth for everyday Christian living.

Joel is the lead pastor at Citipointe Church in Nashville, TN. This space is a collection of Pastor Joel's teachings and podcasts and is designed to help followers of Jesus Christ outwork their faith in everyday life according to the Bible. The gospel is Good and the world needs to hear about it. We want you to become like Jesus, so you can live like Jesus.

Joel is the lead pastor at Citipointe Church in Nashville, TN. This space is a collection of Pastor Joel's teachings and podcasts and is designed to help followers of Jesus Christ outwork their faith in everyday life according to the Bible. The gospel is Good and the world needs to hear about it. We want you to become like Jesus, so you can live like Jesus.

Joel is the lead pastor at Citipointe Church in Nashville, TN. This space is a collection of Pastor Joel's teachings and podcasts and is designed to help followers of Jesus Christ outwork their faith in everyday life according to the Bible. The gospel is Good and the world needs to hear about it. We want you to become like Jesus, so you can live like Jesus.

Joel is the lead pastor at Citipointe Church in Nashville, TN. This space is a collection of Pastor Joel's teachings and podcasts and is designed to help followers of Jesus Christ outwork their faith in everyday life according to the Bible. The gospel is Good and the world needs to hear about it. We want you to become like Jesus, so you can live like Jesus.

Joel is the lead pastor at Citipointe Church in Nashville, TN. This space is a collection of Pastor Joel's teachings and podcasts and is designed to help followers of Jesus Christ outwork their faith in everyday life according to the Bible. The gospel is Good and the world needs to hear about it. We want you to become like Jesus, so you can live like Jesus.

Joel is the lead pastor at Citipointe Church in Nashville, TN. This space is a collection of Pastor Joel's teachings and podcasts and is designed to help followers of Jesus Christ outwork their faith in everyday life according to the Bible. The gospel is Good and the world needs to hear about it. We want you to become like Jesus, so you can live like Jesus.