Letter to the Congregations: 24th January 2026

Our Dear Brethren,

As a crowd of people surrounded Him, Jesus sat down on the side of the mountain near the sea and began to speak. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). By this time there was a multitude of potential disciples that followed him, including the twelve He had personally chosen to be His closest followers.

The wisdom in the words of Jesus Christ in what is commonly called the “Sermon on the Mount” was part of the gospel of the kingdom of God which would go on to turn the world upside down. And yet these words, at first glance, seem to be so simple. Some of the simplest concepts are the most difficult to implement in our lives. This includes the list of qualities of people who God will include in His kingdom that Jesus specifically mentioned.

Do these qualities of the kingdom describe us?

Are we “poor in spirit” or do we sometimes let our own pride prevent us from seeking the kingdom of God first? Do we “mourn” for the losses that others suffer or do we sometimes rejoice when others feel pain because we perceive them as our enemies? Do others describe us as “meek” or are we known for always trying to get our own way? Do we truly “hunger and thirst for righteousness” or do we seek to fill ourselves with fleshly endeavors? Are we “merciful” to others even when they don’t deserve it, or are we quick to bring our own type of justice upon others? Are we “pure in heart” or have we let our consciences become seared by sin? Do we actively practice being “peacemakers” or would we rather pick fights and let quarrels continue?

Do we consider the wisdom from our Teacher, doing our best with our Father’s help to take on these godly qualities? If we continue to do so, our relationships with one another will be greatly improved including our relationship with our Father and His Son. Then we will look a lot more like Jesus Christ as we walk and talk and have opportunities to teach others as we have been taught.

Our love is with you,

Lewis VanAusdle

Pastor, United Church of God

NYC, NJ, CT, Malawi, Zimbabwe