1. A Blessed Christmas in a Poor Economy Matthew 5:1-16

2. Matthew 5:3-12 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

3. Matthew 5:3-12 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

4. The “Beatitudes” a formula… –Blessed [in affliction] since [reward]

5. The “Beatitudes” a formula… –Blessed [in affliction] since [reward] defining “Blessed” –Deep seated Joy, unmitigated by real trouble, i.e. Supernatural

6. The “Beatitudes” a formula… –Blessed [in affliction] since [reward] defining “Blessed” –Deep seated Joy, unmitigated by real trouble, i.e. Supernatural –God is the Invisible Blesser (1 Ti 1:11, 6:15)

7. The “Beatitudes” a formula… –Blessed [in affliction] since [reward] defining “Blessed” –Deep seated Joy, unmitigated by real trouble, i.e. Supernatural –God is the Invisible Blesser (1 Ti 1:11, 6:15) Is this about Troubles or Traits? –These traits carry pilgrims through the trouble

8. A Blessed Christmas in a Poor Economy

9. (3) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

10. A Blessed Christmas in a Poor Economy (3) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Who inherits the Kingdom?

11. A Blessed Christmas in a Poor Economy (3) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Who inherits the Kingdom? only he who is spiritually bankrupt!

12. A Blessed Christmas in a Poor Economy (3) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Who inherits the Kingdom? only he who is spiritually bankrupt! then can he receive God’s Free salvation

13. A Blessed Christmas in a Poor Economy (4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

14. A Blessed Christmas in a Poor Economy (4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. What are they mourning?

15. A Blessed Christmas in a Poor Economy (4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. What are they mourning? Matt 9 “when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

16. A Blessed Christmas in a Poor Economy (4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. What are they mourning? Matt 9 “when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” The Comforter: the Holy Spirit (John 14,16)