Worship Services

Scripture:  Matthew 5:1-12

False Narrative:  The Beatitudes are prescriptions for blessedness

There were 5 requirements (by the Jews) concerning the Kingdom of God:

• Only those who were Jewish would be allowed to interact with God.
• The recipients of the Kingdom would be male only.
• Rightful recipients of the kingdom would be faithful keepers of the law--holy and ritually pure.
• The kingdom could be entered by the physically whole and healthy.
• The poor had been abandoned by God, therefore the Kingdom was for those who were wealthy.

The idea of who would enter the Kingdom of God was an exclusive club in the eyes of the Jewish leaders.

Jesus Narrative:  The Beatitudes are Invitations of Inclusion!

Blessed are the:

• Poor in Spirit
• Those who mourn
• Those who are meek
• Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
• Those who are merciful
• Those who are pure in heart
• Those who are peacemakers
• Those who are persecuted

For theirs in the Kingdom of Heaven

When we align ourselves with Jesus and observe His ways, we are in the Kingdom.