LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD AUGUST 28, 2025

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD AUGUST 28, 2025

 

Blessings and Greetings to all the Saints in all the World,

 

As we work our way through 2025, eight months are nearly gone and the rest is going fast. What is God’s Kingdom like where you live? We all continue to find many obstacles in our efforts to live a “Kingdom life.” Many times Saints ask each other and God, “Why are we going through so much conflict, suffering, afflictions of various sorts, and so forth. Perhaps the following scriptures have much of the answer.

 

Hebrews 11 is the New Testament “Faith Hall of Fame” as is Ether 5 in the Book of Mormon. Especially note Hebrews 11:40. Take time to also read Ether 5, especially verses 28 and 29. Jude, in his short chapter of only 25 verses also has some excellent counsel for Saints living for and in the Kingdom.

 

The only time mankind “had it made,” was in the Garden of Eden. We forfeited that condition and ever since have found ourselves struggling against the adversary as we seek to “find our way” back to the Kingdom. We know that God knows our every trial, struggle, tribulation, etc. and because we know that, we can, as the song says, “face tomorrow” and every minute of every day.

 

A few illustrations: “On the Bubble” Each year, in college basketball, they have the big tournament at the end of the season, to see who gets into the Kingdom, ooopps, tournament. Teams that have good win/loss records are assured of a place in the tournament, but some teams are “On the Bubble” and have to wait until the last minute before knowing whether they are in or out. We don’t want to be a “foolish virgin” and have our bubble burst and be left out.

 

“The Right Track” Two men had seated themselves comfortably in the coach car of the train and were enjoying getting to know each other. A porter came by and told them they needed get on the next car. When they asked why, he said because this car is not hooked on to anything and isn’t going anywhere. Is your “Kingdom car, your life” fastened firmly to the Rod of Iron? If not, you better make some trusted connections.

 

“Squirrelly:” Some years ago, a comedy singer recorded a song called: ”Mississippi Squirrel Revival” A young boy takes a squirrel to church which of course gets loose and starts running all over the church and the people. The people do not see the squirrel and think it is the Holy Ghost. WOW!! Don’t let this squirrelly world we live in turn you from the “True Holy Ghost.”

 

To remind us of a well-loved hymn, entitled “Admonition: by Elder Joseph Luff, a seven verse message given to Brother Luff by God, verse four states: “Time is ripe! MY work must hasten! Who so will, may bide the hour…you finish the verse.

 

Doctrine and Covenants 32:1d says” ...it is the eleventh hour and for the last time…” If it was the eleventh hour in October, 1830,where does that put us now? Where it puts us, each of us, now, is not as important as are we ready for the call of the Lord?

 

U.S. President John F. Kennedy once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask, what can you do for my country” Jesus might say to us: “Ask not what Zion (the Kingdom) can do for you—ask “Am I living a kingdom quality life that will show others what Zion (Kingdom life”) is like?”

 

God bless and keep you

 

Paul Gage

 

Please note the following announcement and mark your calendars.

RESTORATION BRANCH HIGH PRIESTS

CLASS SESSIONS: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025.

9AM – 1 PM WALDO AVENUE RESTORATION BRANCH/CPRS

ALL ARE WELCOME AND INVITED TO ATTEND.

SHARE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT HOWEVER YOU CAN AND WITH WHOM EVER YOU CAN.

CLASSES WILL BE LIVE STREAMED/YOU TUBE.

AN ANNOUNCEMENT HAS GONE OUT TO ALL PASTORS/BRANCHES.

 

Steve Bohall “Fruit/Gifts of the Spirit”

Joe Burkart “Principles of the Gospel”

Ron Davies “The Cause of Zion”

Milo Farnham “Be One”

Paul Gage “Forgiveness and Reconciliation”