LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JUNE 19, 2025
Dear Saints,
Consider this greeting from 2 Corinthians 1:2-5 “2
Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
mercies, and the God of all comfort, 4 Who comforteth us in all our
tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by
the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 5 For as the
sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by
Christ.”
How are things going in your corner of the Kingdom? Any
tribulation, trouble, concerns about world, national and local happenings? Any
problems in your own life or that of your family? Sickness, aches, pains,
serious diseases? God has all the answers wrapped in one word, HIM.
What are your daily thoughts, actions and words in regard
to the Kingdom of God?
The Kingdom of God refers to God's sovereign rule
and reign, both in heaven and on earth. It's often described as a realm where
God's will is perfectly done, and where believers experience blessings,
righteousness, and peace. It's not just a future hope, but also a present
reality, impacting believers' lives now and extending into eternity.
Key Aspects of the Kingdom of God:
God's Rule and Reign:
The core concept is God's authority and dominion over all
creation, a concept often summarized as God's "reign".
Already, But Not Yet:
The Kingdom of God is both a present reality (already
inaugurated through Jesus) and a future hope (awaiting full consummation at
Christ's second coming).
Physical and Spiritual:
While most if not all religions outside the Restoration
do not think of God’s kingdom in a physical sense, Jesus taught us to pray “Thy
kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it it in heaven.” Many do not make a
connection of the physical to the spiritual and so generally just see one
aspect of the kingdom. The Restoration believes that there will be a Kingdom of
God on earth as well as in heaven. The connection is that, as in the parables
of Jesus, the physical compliments the spiritual. It might be said that the
kingdom of God is a spiritual reality that can be experienced wherever God's
will is being done, even as we live in a physical world waiting for Jesus to
return and establish His True Kingdom.
Transformative Power:
The Kingdom of God is associated with transformation,
both individually (in hearts and minds) and collectively, impacting society and
relationships.
Seeking First:
Seeking first to build up the Kingdom of God and
establish His righteousness, often involves prioritizing God's values and
principles in every aspect of life. This can include acts of service,
generosity, and a reliance on God's provision.
In Matthew 13 Jesus shares seven parables about the
Kingdom of God. While the parables differ in meaning, they share a common
thread: the value and dire urgency of truly belonging to the Kingdom of God.
How worthwhile it is to surrender our lives and earthly treasures to gain
eternal life and citizenship in the Kingdom. Jesus is constantly calling “His
people” to obedience to His laws and commandments which includes repentance,
forgiveness, reconciliation, love for all people and mostly to love Him first,
with all that we are, have, or ever hope to be. Do you, we value the Kingdom of
God more than this earthly life? As we consider that question, and as Jesus
asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” how are things going in your corner
of the Kingdom?
God bless,
Paul Gage
