LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JULY 17, 2025

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JULY 17, 2025

 

God’s gracious blessings to all His children on this earth,

 

SECTION 65 - Doctrine and Covenants

Prepare the way of the Lord-The gospel and kingdom of God shall roll forth to fill the earth

1a Hearken, and lo, a voice as of one sent down from on high, who is mighty and powerful, whose going forth is unto the ends of the earth, yea, whose voice is unto men: Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make his paths straight. 1b The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth; and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth until it has filled the whole earth. 1c Yea, a voice crying, Prepare ye the way of the Lord; prepare ye the supper of the Lamb; make ready for the Bridegroom;
1d pray unto the Lord; call upon his holy name; make known his wonderful works among the people; call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth, 1e that the inhabitants thereof may receive it and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth. 1f Wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, O God, may be glorified in heaven, so on earth, that thy enemies may be subdued; for thine is the honor, power, and glory, forever and ever. Amen.

 

As you can see, DC Section 65, though short, has some major points regarding our living in the Kingdom of God. We all know the scriptures are over flowing with references to God’s Kingdom and what is required of those who desire to be in that Kingdom. One such example is Matthew 5.

 

5:21 Whosoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so to do, he shall in no wise be saved in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach these commandments of the law until it be fulfilled, the same shall be called great and shall be saved in the kingdom of heaven. 5:22 For I say unto you, except your righteousness shall exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 

5:32 Therefore, if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 5:33 Or if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 5:34 And now this I speak, a parable concerning your sins; wherefore, cast them from you, that ye may not be hewn down and cast into the fire. THIS VERSE IS ONLY FOUND IN THE INSPIRED VERSION. People have been known to pluck out their eyes and/or cut off their hands, but Jesus was not telling us to mutilate our bodies, but to cast out our sins.

 

5:45 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. 5:46 But I say unto you, Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you; and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; 5:47 That ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 5:48 For if ye love only them which love you, what reward have you? Do not even the publicans the same? 5:49 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans the same? 5:50 Ye are, therefore, commanded to be perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.

 

Whatever “Kingdom” we may live in, means we are subjects to that “King.” If we are living in the Kingdom of God, we must live a life in obedience to all of God’s commandments. As we follow God’s plan for us, we then work toward perfection. That does not mean we never make mistakes, but that we follow God’s plan for correcting or overcoming those mistakes.

 

We overcome our mistakes by repenting, seeking forgiveness from whoever may be involved and we reconcile. Jesus did not die to reconcile God to us, but rather to reconcile us to God. There are variations in different versions of the Bible as to the number of times we are to forgive. It is not how many times we forgive, but the attitude in which we forgive. As always, JESUS is our chief example and so He says, “Follow Me.”

 

God bless

Paul Gage