CHRIST'S LADDER OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY


THE FIRST RUNG
The Ministry of Nurture: Creating an Emptiness in Which God Can Dwell

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Blessed are the Meek

THE SECOND RUNG
The Ministry of Suffering: Entering into the Concerns of Christ

Blessed are they that Mourn.

THE THIRD RUNG
The Ministry of Prophetic Re-Direction: Living to New Values

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.

THE FOURTH RUNG
The Ministry of Mercy: Empathizing with those in Spiritual Captivity.

Blessed are the Merciful
Blessed are the Pure in Heart

THE FIFTH RUNG
The Ministry of Peacemaking: Announcing Christ's Presence in the Storm

Blessed are the Peacemakers

THE SIXTH RUNG
The Ministry of Martyrdom: Allowing and Enduring the Probing of Evil

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.