Matthew 5:3

 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

From Background Notes [BN] for October 27^th & 28^th  written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Jesus did not intend to demonize the rich and confer sainthood on the poor. However, as we shall see in what follows, he honored the poor by telling them the Good News that they were not trapped in their poverty, while warning the rich that their riches are unreliable unless they are put to good use on behalf of the poor.

Parallel to “blessed are the poor” in Luke’s version (6:20) is the equally serious warning, “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort” (6:24). The unforgiving rich turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the plight of the poor, and for this they are under the judgment of God. Still, Jesus freely dialoged with the rich, asking those with ill-gotten gain to sell and give to the poor (Matthew 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 12:33; 18:22). The rich need not be forever condemned to God’s disfavor if they freely and generously share what they have with others, and put it to good use for God’s kingdom.  [BN, 1]

Join us this week in Study, Worship, Praise and Celebration at Chicago First Church of the Nazarene:

* Saturday 6:00pm
* Sunday 8:30am & 11:00am