From: Paul Gage
LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD
JANUARY 13, 2022
Mid-January Greetings to all the Saints,
Living in the Kingdom has a little different ring to it than living for the Kingdom. What is the difference? Have you "felt" a difference? Most of it is our thought pattern. How does it affect our thinking when we hear such statements as: "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God." Mark 12:39, and "... they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness..."Genesis7:23. One may suggest, "We are here," while the other may suggest, " We are getting close."
As we continue our efforts individually and collectively perhaps we can sense that we are here," but we still have some things to accomplish. Think of gathering with the Saints as an activity that will continue in the Kingdom. As we come together, we gain strength from each other and the Lord and thus live the Kingdom life and hopefully become more and more of one heart and one mind. Since there will be no division in God's Kingdom, we must work to eliminate division in our lives, homes, and branches.
The envelope please: Doctrine and Covenants 38:2-6a
2a But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you.2b I am in your midst, and ye cannot see me; but the day soon cometh that ye shall see me and know that I am; for the veil of darkness shall soon be rent, and he that is not purified shall not abide the day; wherefore, gird up your loins and be prepared.2c Behold, the kingdom is yours, and the enemy shall not overcome.
3a Verily, I say unto you, Ye are clean, but not all; and there is none else with whom I am well pleased, for all flesh is corruptible before me.3b And the powers of darkness prevail upon the earth among the children of men, in the presence of all the hosts of heaven, which causeth silence to reign; and all eternity is pained,3c and the angels are waiting the great command to reap down the earth, to gather the tares, that they may be burned; and behold, the enemy is combined.
4a And now I show unto you a mystery, a thing which is had in secret chambers, to bring to pass even your destruction in process of time; and ye knew it not, but now I tell it unto you;4b and ye are blessed, not because of your iniquity, neither your hearts of unbelief, for verily, some of you are guilty before me; but I will be merciful unto your weakness.4c Therefore, be ye strong from henceforth; fear not, for the kingdom is yours; and for your salvation I give unto you a commandment; for I have heard your prayers, and the poor have complained before me; and the rich have I made, and all flesh is mine; and I am no respecter of persons.4d And I have made the earth rich, and behold, it is my footstool; wherefore, again I will stand upon it; and I hold forth and deign to give unto you greater riches, even a land of promise,4e a land flowing with milk and honey, upon which there shall be no curse when the Lord cometh; and I will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance if you seek it with all your hearts.4f And this shall be my covenant with you: Ye shall have it for the land of your inheritance and for the inheritance of your children forever while the earth shall stand; and ye shall possess it again in eternity, no more to pass away.
5a But verily, I say unto you that, in time, ye shall have no king nor ruler; for I will be your king and watch over you.5b Wherefore, hear my voice, and follow me; and you shall be a free people; and ye shall have no laws but my laws when I come, for I am your lawgiver. And what can stay my hand? 5c But verily, I say unto you, Teach one another according to the office wherewith I have appointed you, and let every man esteem his brother as himself, and practice virtue and holiness before me,5d And again, I say unto you, Let every man esteem his brother as himself. For what man among you, having twelve sons, and is no respecter to them, and they serve him obediently, and he saith unto the one, Be thou clothed in robes and sit thou here, and to the other, Be thou clothed in rags and sit thou there, and looketh upon his sons and saith, I am just.
6a Behold, this I have given unto you a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, Be one; and if ye are not one, ye are not mine.
If we are to remain "in the Kingdom of God" we must obey all His commandments. May we each and all do that for we know His coming is nigh.
God bless and keep you
Paul Gage
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