From: Paul Gage
LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JULY 7, 2022
Greetings to the Saints and people of God Around the World,
This week, in the United States of America, we celebrated the birthday of our nation, July 4, which many refer to as “Independence Day.” We all have an “Independence Day,” in speaking about the birth of our nation. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, have another type of “Independence” or freedom. That is the freedom that Jesus speaks of in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me,” and earlier in John 8:31-32 “...If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
We should always try to look at things as God created them, that is there is a physical (temporal) and spiritual side to everything. The only way Paul, in several places in the New Testament, such as Ephesians 3:1, could say, “For this cause, I, Paul, am the prisoner of Jesus Christ among you Gentiles.” was because he knew that God had all power, power greater and longer lasting than that of the Romans or any other dynasty through the ages. Most likely, no other prisoner of Rome could say that, because all they could see was the chains and a soldier with a sword.
What do we see in our world, “our kingdom” today? Do we feel “imprisoned” by all that is happening around us, by the violence, shootings, deliberate violation of God’s laws and plan for mankind, by the disunity within and without the church, and so forth? Who do you believe in, who do you trust, whose “real kingdom” are you waiting to be a part of? If we live like the rest of the world, what hope do we have for the kingdom of God, even Zion? Zion is to be an “ensign” as stated in DC 64:8 and DC 102:11. Synonyms for ensign are emblem, flag, logo, symbol, trademark. All countries and many cities have distinctive flags that depict what they represent. So will Zion. How is the ensign for Zion being displayed in our lives?
This is our commission and challenge today, as it always has been for the followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 12:32, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to me.” If He has lifted us up, then our commission is to live such a life that we, through His power, help draw others to Him.
God be with you in your living in the Kingdom.
Paul Gage
NOTE: “Spiritual Preparation of the Body of Christ” class Saturday, July 9, 2022, 9:00 a.m. 'til Noon. Waldo Avenue RB. Live streamed. High Priest Cloyce Coffman, teacher.
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