In this opening message of our new series, The Upside-Down Kingdom, Pastor Pierce introduces the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on what it means to be poor in spirit and to mourn. Jesus flips the world’s values upside down—rather than avoiding or demanding from people, He sees, pursues, and teaches them. Being poor in spirit means recognizing our deep need for God’s grace, while mourning reflects a heart broken over sin and the absence of God’s kingdom. Pastor Pierce challenges us to seek holy tears—a vision to see our community as God does and to step into His work with humility. This is just the beginning. Over the next several weeks, we will continue exploring the Beatitudes, allowing Jesus’ words to reshape how we see God, ourselves, and the world around us.