From: Paul Gage
LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JUNE 1, 2023
Colossians 1:2-6 “To the Saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at ___________________ Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love to all the Saints, 5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, 6 Which is come unto you, as in all generations of the world, and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you since the day ye heard of it and knew the grace of God in truth;…”
What a marvelous greeting from Paul to the Saints! I don’t think Paul was speaking of the luke-warmers, back stabbers, gossips, fence riders, procrastinators, fair weather followers or the whirligigs. Whirligigs? You know, those items of various sizes, shapes, and colors, that people have in their yards and gardens as decorations, animal detractors, or wind detectors. A whirligig may look nice, but cannot function on its own. It depends on the wind.
Those living in the Kingdom of God have the duty of “building it up and establishing God’s righteousness (Matthew 6:38) If we follow that counsel then we should not be those who are blown around by every wind of doctrine, popular belief or flagrant violations of God’s commandments.
For continued guidance from our Heavenly Father in Colossians read 1:12-13; 2:4-8; 3:1-2; 12-17; 4:2, 5-6, or just read all four chapters. It is very encouraging to hear of college and professional athletes and coaches making public statements about their belief and trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ has given us to be the salt and light of and to the world. Matthew 5:15-18. Why? So we can just spin in the wind? NO!! So that the world may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in Heaven.
A few quotes from the book “Concepts of Zion,” and an article by Arthur A. Oakman entitled, “The Building of a Celestial People.” A celestial people would be those who, through their sacrificial lives, sustained the life of others. Zion is the fruitage of the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. When He is incarnate in us, as God is incarnate in Him, then Zionic conditions will obtain on the earth. The life of the church consists in the conviction of those who are sincerely living its teachings. Christian character is the best and loveliest achievement of the universe and points toward and is a prophecy of the coming Kingdom. Each day we share in the benefits of a perpetual sacrifice motivated and sustained by love. A celestial people are so motivated.
As we approach the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper this Sunday, read Doctrine and Covenants 81. It makes Kingdom living very simple, if we hearken, hear, listen, and heed His Word.
God bless you
Paul Gage
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