Umc Darlington

Matthew 5-7 is the Sermon on the Mount.  The "prelude" to the Sermon in Matthew's Gospel are the strange and elusive "Beatitudes."  This title references the idea of a blessing being upon those who are poor in spirit, mournful, meek, longing for justice, merciful, and pure-hearted.  This blessing is already upon people who are described by Jesus. Everything about the Kingdom which Jesus consistently speaks of in Matthew is upside down from any and all kingdoms of this world.  Jesus keeps telling people they are invited into the Kingdom/Reign/Rule of God/Heaven right here, right now.  Salvation is at hand for all who have faith. As we, the Church, struggle to live into this invitation...  As we struggle to live in gratitude for all that God offers us...  As we fail to live as faithful examples of the love of God in Jesus...we lean upon the truth that God is with us and for us through Jesus. As we let go of our own kingdoms in this world to grab hold of the Kingdom of God, we long to be like the folks in the fi