From: Paul Gage
LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD MARCH 9, 2023
To the Saints in the World, greetings in the lovely Name of Jesus Christ,
How are we to be “equipped” for living in God’s Kingdom? There are many scriptures that give us some insight to this situation, so I will mention just a few. One of the best known is Doctrine and Covenants 128 given through Joseph Smith III in 1909.
D&C 128:7a It has been prophesied that the Gentiles shall assist in rebuilding the waste places of Zion.
7b This cannot refer to the inhabitants of Zion who are the pure in heart, but must refer to the places which have been occupied, or which it may be contemplated to occupy, in the regions round about. 7c The Saints cannot occupy in any place on the land of Zion which is not under the domination of civil law; and as citizens of the state, holding their liberties under the law, there must be a proper recognition and observance of these laws.
7d The Lord has said that this condition of obedience to law must continue until he comes, whose right it is to come, and assumes to reign over his people.
7e Under the provisions of the laws, these organizations or associations must be instituted and carried to completion if they shall be of benefit to those who shall be engaged in them.
128:8a The Spirit saith further: That these organizations contemplated in the law may be effected and the benefits to be derived therefrom be enjoyed by the Saints-in such enjoyment they cannot withdraw themselves so completely from a qualified dependence upon their Gentile neighbors surrounding them as to be entirely free from intercommunication with them;
8b yet it is incumbent upon the Saints, while reaping the benefits of these organizations, to so conduct themselves in the carrying into operation the details of their organizations as to be in the world but not of it,
8c living and acting honestly and honorably before God and in the sight of all men, using the things of this world in the manner designed of God, that the places where they occupy may shine as Zion, the redeemed of the Lord.
This becomes a big challenge for the Saints, but can be accomplished, otherwise God would not ask us to do it. So, what do we need to follow this directive from God? To fulfill God’s Word, we must comply with His Word. The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Saints in Ephesus giving them much sound counsel as to how to be living in the Kingdom of God, while living in Ephesus. Many times we jump to chapter six and emphasize verses 10-17, but notice how verse 10 begins, “FINALLY,…”
In doing the “final thing,” we need to know what went ahead of finally. All the verses prior to 6:10 are vital to our daily living. Just to mention a few: 1:4 We should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works…” 3:17 “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith…”
3:19 “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” 4:26 “Can ye be angry, and not sin? Let not the sun go down upon your wrath; 27 “Neither give place to the devil.” 5:9 “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” 6:10 “FINALLY…”
Then the challenge to put on THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD. Truth, righteouness, peace, faith, salvation, sword of the Spirit which is God’s Word. All this armor then connects with God in verse 18, Prayer and watching.
Though it does not say so, the helmet of salvation is to control or protect the mind, which controls the mouth. We might want to include James 1-3 which refers to the tongue. A lady once asked God how often she needed to “put on His armor.”
HE SAID, AT LEAST EVERY 24 HOURS.
God bless and keep you,
Paul Gage
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