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Momentum: Pursuing God's Blessings Through the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes are not telling you how to become a Christian—they tell you what a true Christian looks like.
Everyone wants to be blessed. We want to be blessed in life, blessed in death, and blessed in eternity. In the Beatitudes, the Son of God tells us about the life that is blessed and about the people who are blessed. But Jesus does more than just describe a blessed life, He gives us a way to actually pursue it. If you want to make strides in overcoming sin, growing in godliness, abounding in good works, and enjoying intimacy with the Lord, this book is for you. And if you have lost hope that any of these things are possible, this book is especially for you. You can make progress, starting today.
Everyone wants to be blessed. We want to be blessed in life, blessed in death, and blessed in eternity. In the Beatitudes, the Son of God tells us about the life that is blessed and about the people who are blessed. But Jesus does more than just describe a blessed life, He gives us a way to actually pursue it. If you want to make strides in overcoming sin, growing in godliness, abounding in good works, and enjoying intimacy with the Lord, this book is for you. And if you have lost hope that any of these things are possible, this book is especially for you. You can make progress, starting today.
208 pages, Paperback
Published October 4, 2016
45 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Colin S. Smith
75 books32 followersColin Smith was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He came to personal faith in Christ at the age of six, and sensed God's call to pastoral ministry early in life. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Master of Philosophy from London Bible College. Before coming to the States in 1996, Colin served as the Senior Pastor of the Enfield Evangelical Free Church in London for 16 years. While in London, he was active in the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches in England; and served the Fellowship as president.Colin currently serves as Senior Pastor of the The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He is committed to preaching the Bible in a way that nourishes the soul by directing attention to Jesus Christ. He has published several books and is the teacher of the popular evangelistic video series, 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible Story.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 21, 2023
Excellent book. This delves into explanations for each beatitude and provides practical applications for them.
I think my favorite chapter was on meekness. There was so much to unpack and it turned my view of meekness on its head.
I'd rate this a PG.
Original review posted 11/20/23.
I think my favorite chapter was on meekness. There was so much to unpack and it turned my view of meekness on its head.
I'd rate this a PG.
Original review posted 11/20/23.
November 25, 2016
Since Christ gives this righteousness fully and freely to all who trust in Him, no Christian need ever hunger and thirst after it. Who hungers for what he already has? The righteousness of Christ is a gift to be treasured, not a virtue to be sought. But to all who are in Christ, God gives his Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts and creates within us a new and deep desire to live in a way that is pleasing to him. Christ's people hunger and thirst for righteousness, because while we know that we are forgiven and accepted before God on the basis of all that Christ is and all that He has done, we also know how far we are from all that Christ calls us to be.
I have to first say that this is a great study on the Beatitudes. Jesus teaching on what the heart of a Christian is to look like. This is not rooted in do's and don'ts but a response and how each response of the beatitudes gives us momentum to the next one. Starting with poor in spirit and what that does and does not mean gives you a good start. If you struggle with one beatitudes that means that you do not have the correct understanding and application of the previous. Christianity is not ideology or culture but a confidence in the work of God for the redemption of mankind. Do you believe that you were created for something better not individually but a better good that is within our grasp. The beatitudes speak of this.
Colin Smith speaks with clarity of the gospel and with conviction.
Some of the quotes I found encouraging.
Peacemaking begins with the honesty and courage that will recognize a problem and face it. Without this, no further progress can be made.
The blessings of freedom lead us to expect a comfortable life, and comfort soon produces lethargy of spirit, which, in times, leads to fear and cowardice.
Trusting yourself to God means looking to Him to deal with the injustice rather than trying to deal with it by vindicating yourself.
I highly recommend and encourage others to pick this gem up.
A Special Thank You to Moody Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
I have to first say that this is a great study on the Beatitudes. Jesus teaching on what the heart of a Christian is to look like. This is not rooted in do's and don'ts but a response and how each response of the beatitudes gives us momentum to the next one. Starting with poor in spirit and what that does and does not mean gives you a good start. If you struggle with one beatitudes that means that you do not have the correct understanding and application of the previous. Christianity is not ideology or culture but a confidence in the work of God for the redemption of mankind. Do you believe that you were created for something better not individually but a better good that is within our grasp. The beatitudes speak of this.
Colin Smith speaks with clarity of the gospel and with conviction.
Some of the quotes I found encouraging.
Peacemaking begins with the honesty and courage that will recognize a problem and face it. Without this, no further progress can be made.
The blessings of freedom lead us to expect a comfortable life, and comfort soon produces lethargy of spirit, which, in times, leads to fear and cowardice.
Trusting yourself to God means looking to Him to deal with the injustice rather than trying to deal with it by vindicating yourself.
I highly recommend and encourage others to pick this gem up.
A Special Thank You to Moody Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
May 10, 2017
In Momentum: Pursuing God's Blessings Through The Beatitudes, Colin S. Smith lays out the road map for us to trek our way through the beatitudes found in Matthew 5. He starts by using the analogy of rings hanging from the ceiling, with the idea that you have to use a swinging momentum to get from one ring to the next. The rings represent God's blessings for our life, as found in the beatitudes. The rings illustrate the way in which we must work our way through the beatitudes and their blessings.
Colin then explains the beatitudes in he context of roots, shoot, and fruit.
The first three beatitudes are the roots of a blessed and godly life. They tell us to be poor in spirit, mourn, and be meek. But what do these really mean? Colin breaks each one down, explains what it really means, and gives us working examples of how we can foster these specific traits in our own lives. But you have to approach them in order, allowing the momentum from being poor in spirit to let you mourn, so you can become meek. You have to trust God's order as being important and let His guide lead you.
The fourth beatitude is the shoot; a hunger and thirst for righteousness. This is pretty much a stepping stone to get from the roots to the fruit, something to keep pushing you forward in your quest.
Next Colin explains the fruits of this blessed life, mercy / forgiveness, purity, and peace. He explains what they are, the context in which we should aspire to achieve them, and practices to help us engage each of these fruits in our life in due time.
Lastly, Colin reveals the purpose behind the final beatitude - persecution. Why did God include something most of us would not be eager to pursue? What does it really mean in today's world? Is it worth the cost?
Colin has done a thorough job at laying out a road map for those of us aspiring to follow God's teachings and receive His blessings. This book uses plain language and explains things in simple ways that should be easy for almost anyone to follow, understand, learn from, and put into practice. 4/5 stars.
*I received a free print copy of this book from Moody Publishers for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Colin then explains the beatitudes in he context of roots, shoot, and fruit.
The first three beatitudes are the roots of a blessed and godly life. They tell us to be poor in spirit, mourn, and be meek. But what do these really mean? Colin breaks each one down, explains what it really means, and gives us working examples of how we can foster these specific traits in our own lives. But you have to approach them in order, allowing the momentum from being poor in spirit to let you mourn, so you can become meek. You have to trust God's order as being important and let His guide lead you.
The fourth beatitude is the shoot; a hunger and thirst for righteousness. This is pretty much a stepping stone to get from the roots to the fruit, something to keep pushing you forward in your quest.
Next Colin explains the fruits of this blessed life, mercy / forgiveness, purity, and peace. He explains what they are, the context in which we should aspire to achieve them, and practices to help us engage each of these fruits in our life in due time.
Lastly, Colin reveals the purpose behind the final beatitude - persecution. Why did God include something most of us would not be eager to pursue? What does it really mean in today's world? Is it worth the cost?
Colin has done a thorough job at laying out a road map for those of us aspiring to follow God's teachings and receive His blessings. This book uses plain language and explains things in simple ways that should be easy for almost anyone to follow, understand, learn from, and put into practice. 4/5 stars.
*I received a free print copy of this book from Moody Publishers for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*
November 19, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised by this straightforward book on the beatitudes from Matthew 5:1-12. Smith first sets the context by clearly articulating the gospel message, then describes the beatitudes like a “series of seven rings, each suspended on a rope from a high ceiling” (25). His point is that they are not standalone virtues, but links in a chain which build upon each other. This analogy of moving from one ring to the next is helpful without becoming programmatic. Each chapter also includes a block insert to summarize the main points of application.
Smith writes like an old soul. The Word of God dwells richly in his exposition, but he also draws upon the early church fathers, Puritan writers such as Thomas Watson and John Bunyan, and time-honored preachers like Charles Spurgeon and Jonathan Edwards. The entire book is filled with jewels of biblically-grounded quotations. His vivid illustrations, both biblical and personal, shine a floodlight on the wisdom of his writing. As a skilled preacher, his applications are practical, multi-faceted, and clearly tied to the biblical principles.
Smith also writes as a biblical counselor. He makes the clear distinction between roots, shoots, and fruit (21-22, 95-96) and gives examples of how the beatitudes might be used in counseling hurting people (139-41). The entire book is an exposition on Jesus’ teaching about progressive sanctification.
This book was a challenging read at times because of the depth of thought-provoking material. Occasionally, I had to stop reading to consider certain doctrinal concepts or reflect on the layers of biblical application. I found myself discovering new truths about the theology of sanctification and being reminded of old ones on almost every page. I did wrestle with Smith’s argument that we cannot forgive a person unless they are repentant (122-23). I prefer the terminology of attitudinal forgiveness, whereas he prefers the heart focus of love and compassion. The chapter as a whole, however, was full of insight and convicting application. I highly recommend this book for personal study, small groups, or classroom discussion.
Smith writes like an old soul. The Word of God dwells richly in his exposition, but he also draws upon the early church fathers, Puritan writers such as Thomas Watson and John Bunyan, and time-honored preachers like Charles Spurgeon and Jonathan Edwards. The entire book is filled with jewels of biblically-grounded quotations. His vivid illustrations, both biblical and personal, shine a floodlight on the wisdom of his writing. As a skilled preacher, his applications are practical, multi-faceted, and clearly tied to the biblical principles.
Smith also writes as a biblical counselor. He makes the clear distinction between roots, shoots, and fruit (21-22, 95-96) and gives examples of how the beatitudes might be used in counseling hurting people (139-41). The entire book is an exposition on Jesus’ teaching about progressive sanctification.
This book was a challenging read at times because of the depth of thought-provoking material. Occasionally, I had to stop reading to consider certain doctrinal concepts or reflect on the layers of biblical application. I found myself discovering new truths about the theology of sanctification and being reminded of old ones on almost every page. I did wrestle with Smith’s argument that we cannot forgive a person unless they are repentant (122-23). I prefer the terminology of attitudinal forgiveness, whereas he prefers the heart focus of love and compassion. The chapter as a whole, however, was full of insight and convicting application. I highly recommend this book for personal study, small groups, or classroom discussion.
November 29, 2019
This book is a Christian living/spiritual growth guide. He provided step-by-step suggestions on how to get unstuck in your spiritual life. Basically, you recognize your need for God, mourn over your sins, place your strength under God's control, and these things lead you to long for righteousness, forgive others, want God to free you from habitual sin, and make peace when in a conflict with others. Wholeheartedly following God can lead to persecution, so he also talked about whether you should stand or flee persecution. For each step that I mentioned above, he had a series of actions to help you achieve that step. Like for forgiveness, he provided actions that you can do that will prepare your heart to offer forgiveness to another.
His steps are loosely based on the Beatitudes, and I didn't always agree with his interpretation of them. For example, he mentioned mercy ("Blessed are the merciful"), but his focus was on forgiveness because that worked best for his overall theme. I also didn't agree with his argument that we don't have to forgive someone unless they repent first. Also, I believe that the "Blessed are those who mourn" includes mourning over the effects of a fallen world, not just our own, personal sins. Overall, though, I thought that he made some good points and that his step-by-step suggestions were useful and usually God focused (rather than a "just try harder" to-do list).
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
His steps are loosely based on the Beatitudes, and I didn't always agree with his interpretation of them. For example, he mentioned mercy ("Blessed are the merciful"), but his focus was on forgiveness because that worked best for his overall theme. I also didn't agree with his argument that we don't have to forgive someone unless they repent first. Also, I believe that the "Blessed are those who mourn" includes mourning over the effects of a fallen world, not just our own, personal sins. Overall, though, I thought that he made some good points and that his step-by-step suggestions were useful and usually God focused (rather than a "just try harder" to-do list).
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
September 27, 2018
Momentum is an exploration of the Beatitudes and how Christians should use them to further their walk with God. Explaining first what these scriptures mean as a whole, the author then analyzes each one, using scripture to support these teachings. Meant to help understand how to better become the kind of person God calls us to be, this is an uplifting and motivating book. It sheds a whole new life on the Beatitudes, and how they can really be a road map for Christian living. Sharing how these teachings actually build on one another, and on how we should take them one at a time to best acclimate to thinking and living differently than instinct might guide us, the author lays out an attainable goal for those who are committed to changing their attitude towards struggle and strife.
This isn't a one-time read, but rather a guidebook that can help you through tough times. Following this path will teach you to act instead of react, spread kindness instead of bitterness, and understand that life is not meant to be easy but can still be rewarding.
This isn't a one-time read, but rather a guidebook that can help you through tough times. Following this path will teach you to act instead of react, spread kindness instead of bitterness, and understand that life is not meant to be easy but can still be rewarding.
January 1, 2025
I originally found this book after hearing Pastor Colin’s sermon on the radio. I was running late, but when I arrived at my destination I stayed in the car longer because I HAD to hear the title of the sermon so I could look it up. I felt that God was throwing me a life line. Everything he talked about was answering the searing questions in my soul. After listening to all the sermons, I purchased this book and it is truly excellent! The best I’ve read on how to practically get over hurdles in the Christian walk. This book gave me so much hope for change and light on the path to do it. I bought so many copies of it and gave them out for Christmas this year because it has been such a blessing to me. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
April 13, 2019
A helpful book for me. Our church went through this as a study a year or so ago. I learned a lot about the Beatitudes. The premise here is that we must work through the Beatitudes in sequence, and momentum is gained as you move through the Beatitudes -- as though swinging from ring to ring (note the cover illustration).
Smith has the ability to be solidly biblical whilst bringing in his own unique, helpful observations throughout. I highly recommend it.
Smith has the ability to be solidly biblical whilst bringing in his own unique, helpful observations throughout. I highly recommend it.
May 25, 2022
Momentum is based off of Colin Smith's sermon series on the Beatitudes by the same name. And it was a great sermon series, so Momentum is a great book.
Colin helps you to slow down and dig deep into the Beatitudes. His writing is easy to read while still getting into theological truths.
It's been a little bit since I finished Momentum, so I've forgotten most of my thoughts on it, but I recommend either picking up the book or looking up the sermon series!
Colin helps you to slow down and dig deep into the Beatitudes. His writing is easy to read while still getting into theological truths.
It's been a little bit since I finished Momentum, so I've forgotten most of my thoughts on it, but I recommend either picking up the book or looking up the sermon series!
December 5, 2017
Wow. Beautiful look at the Beatitudes, how they are a roadmap for our faith. I never appreciated how impactful the Beatitudes are, how beautiful they are. Understanding them can help change your thoughts, which can change your actions. The first step is understanding your poverty before Him, and all things follow.
February 28, 2021
If you are a Christian, I think you will love this book. I’ve never had anyone write about strengthening your faith and relationship with God by understanding and moving “ring by ring” through the Beatitudes from Matthew 5. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Truly eye-opening.
May 4, 2020
I love the simple layout of this book. It’s written in plain down to earth language that allowed me to delve into the beatitudes at my own pace and glean a far better understanding and motivation. A wonderfully inspiring book.
Read
August 8, 2019A must! Well received by all the ladies in our Summer Bible study. Life-Changing and challenging.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
January 29, 2021
Really good, although I have a somewhat different interpretation of the Beatitudes.
April 3, 2025
This is definitely a reread book!
July 26, 2025
A reasonably good discussion of a little bit different take on the Beatitudes. Makes you think a little more.
July 17, 2023
Such an excellent study on the beatitudes! Gave me so much new insight on the progression and purpose of them in a believer’s life
October 31, 2016
I have heard the Beatitudes numerous times, but always considered them as having to do with different groups of people. The fact that they apply to steps in a Christian's life is something I had not thought of or heard of. In Momentum, Colin S. Smith shows how starting with the first Beatitude and building on that helps you get passed the sin that is holding you back.
Using the illustration of a set of rings where you start with the first one and move from there, Smith shows how you have to start with the first Beatitude and use that as a foundation to move to the next one. Instead of approaching things in a haphazard way, we need to take time to do it right. We should not try to put time limits on each step, but prayerfully seek God's guidance.
Each Beatitude is covered in depth and clearly, and Smith does a great job of relating what each one means to us in our Christian walk. Momentum is encouraging, easy to understand, and enjoyable to read. Passages from the rest of the New Testament and from the Old Testament are used to support and further show what God says about these aspects.
No matter where you are in your walk with God, but especially if you are wondering why you aren't doing as good as you think you should be, this book can help you.
I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.
Using the illustration of a set of rings where you start with the first one and move from there, Smith shows how you have to start with the first Beatitude and use that as a foundation to move to the next one. Instead of approaching things in a haphazard way, we need to take time to do it right. We should not try to put time limits on each step, but prayerfully seek God's guidance.
Each Beatitude is covered in depth and clearly, and Smith does a great job of relating what each one means to us in our Christian walk. Momentum is encouraging, easy to understand, and enjoyable to read. Passages from the rest of the New Testament and from the Old Testament are used to support and further show what God says about these aspects.
No matter where you are in your walk with God, but especially if you are wondering why you aren't doing as good as you think you should be, this book can help you.
I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.
August 23, 2017
It took me a while to get through this book as I was not in the right frame of mind. One evening as I started reading I realized how beneficial this book was in my present frame of mind. The Beatitudes has always been great stepping stones of which to achieve enrichment and this book is definitely a good tool to help me get there. I found it easy to read and very insightful. Thank you for this opportunity to read this book! I have definitely grown spiritually with the reading of it.
I received this ARC for my hones review.
I received this ARC for my hones review.
October 19, 2016
I found this book to be immensely helpful. As the book's descriptive copy says, "Collin Smith explains how the Beatitudes, when rightly understood, are key to making progress in the Christian life." Smith examines the Beatitudes in order, identifying how they relate to each other and - when considered in sequence - help a person build "momentum" in their Christian walk.
(full disclosure: the agency I work for represents author and book)
(full disclosure: the agency I work for represents author and book)
September 11, 2018
Some good content here. Primary concern is the failure to back the thesis Scripturally. I enjoyed the analysis of each beatitude and various insights Colin offered concerning each, but thought that his argument for the successive nature of the list, with each beatitude building upon the "momentum" from the previous was weak/nonexistent.
Practically, the successive nature seems plausible, even more so where he reiterates overlap, and overall I appreciate the work.
Practically, the successive nature seems plausible, even more so where he reiterates overlap, and overall I appreciate the work.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews