A Great Reversal

We live in a “dog eat dog” world.  Everyone wants to get ahead.  Laborers work for a promotion.  Executives seek to climb the corporate ladder.  Investors strategize to make more money.  Companies strive to monopolize the market.  Sports teams compete to become number one.  Politicians want to consolidate more power.  Celebrities love to be rich and famous.  We all like to be first in line at the supermarket check-out, McDonalds, or the stop light.  We love being first - number one!

I think this is why Jesus’ words often fall on deaf ears.  Jesus had a very different approach to life.  He introduced another type of society - a different system of living.  Jesus inaugurated a government in which the first are last, the last are first, the weak are lifted up, the hungry are fed, and the poor become rich.  It’s referred to in the Bible as the Kingdom of God, or the Kingdom of Heaven.  It is in stark contrast to the ways and values of this world.  And it will be our study for the next eight weeks.

The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus’ premier sermon.  And for the next eight weeks, we will look at the opening of that sermon called The Beatitudes.  Have you ever felt down and out?  Have you ever felt marginalized, ignored, or ‘at the bottom’?  Maybe you are sometimes persecuted for your faith?  If so, my new sermon series, “The Upside Down Kingdom,” is just for you.  Discover the Good News of Jesus Christ for the last and least.  Realize the blessings of God for those who feel ‘on the bottom.’

Worship begins at 10:00 AM with a blend of traditional hymns and contemporary songs.  My message “Poor in Spirit” will encourage you.  The worship will lift you up. Warm friends will greet you.  And, the presence of the Holy Spirit will heal you.  A nursery space and Children’s Church are offered for little ones.  Refreshments will be served following worship in the Fellowship Hall for all.  Please plan to join us and be sure to reach out and bring a friend.  Let’s pack the house to the glory of God!