It is not possessions that matter, but relationships. It is precisely the poor, in a certain sense, who are important to God. This is what Jesus makes clear in one of the Beatitudes.
On his pastoral visit to South Africa at the end of November 2025, the Chief Apostle visited several congregations, met with youth leaders, attended a concert, and conducted two divine services. One of the services he conducted on Friday evening, 28 November 2025, in our Jeffreys Bay church. Chief Apostle Schneider based his sermon on Luke 6: 20: “Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: ‘Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.’”
Blessed signifies God’s favour
The Chief Apostle began by asking what blessing means. It is not about possessions or a sudden windfall, he said, but God’s love. “Christ is there for you, personally,” he said, emphasising the individual nature of this nearness. Blessing, according to the Chief Apostle, is not a gift to be consumed, but “a force, an energy, and a strength”. This force acts when needed and generates peace, joy, hope, and confidence.
Referring to the Beatitudes, he explained the break with conventional expectations. In Jesus’ time, success and material wealth were often seen as a sign of God’s favour. Jesus turned this assumption on its head. “Blessed are the poor,” the Chief Apostle quoted Jesus and explained that blessing, or happiness, here is used in terms of a relationship. “The blessed … have the right relationship with God.” Happy are those who experience the goodness of God.
Poverty is not a flaw
The Chief Apostle challenged the idea that poverty is a punishment or a sign of failure before God. “Their poverty was not a consequence of their behaviour,” he said, explaining things from Jesus’ perspective. Poverty is the consequence of a fallen world, not divine retribution. That is why Jesus encourages the poor and promises them happiness: “Blessed are the poor, for I am here to do good to you.”
He went on to add a nuanced perspective. There is poverty that results from bad choices. But these people are addressed too, the Chief Apostle said. “Even if you have made mistakes in your life … this poverty is no obstacle to your salvation.” Even those who fail in their job, their family, or in life altogether are still fully accepted by God. In the end, it is faith that matters, not outward success.
At the same time, he pointed out limitations. Poverty does not diminish guilt. Those who are poor do not have carte blanche to break the commandments. “Poverty is no excuse,” he explained. The commandment to love one’s neighbour applies regardless of one’s financial situation.
Poor in the name of Christ
The Chief Apostle emphasised another aspect, namely those who forgo something for the sake of their convictions. The disciples left everything behind to follow Jesus. Even today, there are people who pass up opportunities to serve God and their neighbour. The encouragement and promise of Christ apply to them too. “Whatever you have given Me, you will receive a hundredfold,” the Chief Apostle quoted Jesus’ promise. The reward will not only be received in the beyond: fellowship, comfort, and peace can already be experienced now.
Chief Apostle Schneider emphasised that poverty is neither a condition nor an obstacle for salvation. The rich can also be saved. What is decisive is a person’s attitude. Honestly acquired wealth obliges us to be grateful and to share. Unlawfully acquired wealth demands repentance and repairing what one has done wrong—as was the case with Zacchaeus (Luke 19: 1–10).
Poor in spirit: an attitude of trust
The Chief Apostle concluded his sermon with an interpretation of spiritual poverty from Matthew 5. “The poor in spirit are humble and grateful,” he said. It is the kind of attitude that acknowledges dependence on God’s grace. Such people are open, continue to learn, and trust even if they do not understand everything.
What’s more, they demonstrate gratitude through deeds, not merely through words. The poor in spirit know that even if all their wishes were fulfilled, they would still not be perfectly happy without Jesus Christ. “Without you I cannot be completely happy,” the Chief Apostle cited the inner logic of this attitude.
Chief Apostle Schneider made it clear that Jesus sides with those who are looked down on. “I am on their side,” he cited Jesus’ message. But those who experiences Jesus’ encouragement are at the same time called to serve Him, to trust Him, and to follow Him step by step.