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The Kingdom of God/heaven is in us―"In Christ." Isn't it strange that Christians today seldom discuss what Jesus talked about the most; the Kingdom of God (or the Kingdom of heaven, they are both the same thing). However, for our purposes, we will refer to it as the Kingdom of God.
The only thing that can transform us spiritually is by "following Christ." However, the action required in the "following" part, requires a clear understanding of the Kingdom of God, which is, acceptance by God’s grace "In Christ." By knowing who we are “In Christ” and living that concept, we will recapture our identity, be free from bondage, and save our marriages and relationships from destruction. Yes, it’s that simple.
Being more than a Sunday Christian allows us to live out our convictions. Our character and actions will bear witness to whether our belief and value system is either a conviction or a preference. They say if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.
Below is a mini-list for researching the Kingdom of God and Kingdom living. Prayerfully, you will find some answers for which you are looking.
Kingdom Living Scripture
• John the Baptist announced the Kingdom in Matthew 3:1, 2
• Jesus later came into Galilee proclaiming it in Mark 1:15
• Much of Christ's teaching dealt with the Kingdom of God in Matt 6:33; Matt 12:28; Matt 19:24; Luke 6:20; John 3:15; Rom 14:17; 1 Cor 4:20; Gal 5:21; Col 4:11 -- the list goes on and on. Luke is loaded as is Matthew and Mark.
• Most all of Jesus' parables pictured the Kingdom in Mark 4:30-33;
• The message of the Kingdom of God was still the message after Christ's resurrection. Acts 1:3
• It was the message of the early Apostles in Acts 8:12; 19:8
• In Matthew 24:14 Jesus makes plain that the Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached to the whole world at the end of the age.
The world today desperately needs the message of the kingdom! We live in a time when wicked spirits and earthly things rule millions of people and overcome them. Unfortunately, it seems that many of these people are Christians.
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2 comments:
Thank you, Jim, for a timely reminder that even those of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus Christ, need to continue hearing the Kingdom message.
A wonderful concept when we think it through.
Being "in Christ" is what initiates our membership in the Kingdom. Being committed followers/learners of Christ is what teaches us how to live as members of that Kingdom.
The series of scriptures you list is an excellent source for not only learning about the kingdom but also the gospel.
Nice work James.
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