From: Paul Gage
LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JULY 20, 2023
Greetings Dear Saints,
Hear these words from I John 1:1-3
“1 Brethren, this is the testimony which we give of that which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and our hands have handled, of the Word of life. 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested unto us.) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
Fellowship has a number of different meanings, but in the church we think of fellowship as being together. This was what John was referring to in reference to the association he and the other disciples had with Jesus and learned to have with God as they understood that Jesus was God in the flesh. Charles Allen, in his book, “God’s Psychiatry” has four sections that deal with how we relate to and with God. Last week we looked at the 23rd Psalm as a way to “think” about God. Do we truly think of God as our Shepherd, one who gently and tenderly nurtures each sheep every day or is He just someone or something we call on when we need or want something? It all depends on how we “think” about God.
Part two of the book is called, “God’s Rules for Living.” The Ten suggestions, oops, the Ten Commandments as found in Exodus 20:1-17 as well as Deuteronomy 5 and various aspects of the ten in numerous other scriptures. Keeping in mind, the Hebrews had been slaves for 430 years and the later generations had “adopted” many of the Egyptian methods and manner of behavior and worship, it was vital that God establish a new pattern or way of living for them.
How do “God’s Rules for Living” apply to us in 2023 as we are “living in the Kingdom of God?” The same way they applied to the Hebrews at that time and have applied to mankind since that time. The first four deal with our relationship/fellowship with God.
1. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” There are five objects of worship which multitudes today have put before God: wealth, fame, power, pleasure, and knowledge. These, most likely can be found in the church as well as in the world. Through diligent fellowship, worship and obedience we can walk in the paths of right living where we have no other gods before God.
2. “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.” The danger here lies in the fact that it is so easy to worship the means instead of the goal. Oh those beautiful windows, that lovely organ, that magnificent cross, I belong to THE church, etc. God must come first.
3. “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” There are at least three ways we can take God’s name in vain. First, by our language. There are those who are “swearomaniacs.” It is alarming how our language has been filled with profanity, to the point where it is seen or heard in nearly every corner of our lives even among children. The word “profane” comes from two Latin words—pro meaning in front of and fane meaning temple. A profane word is one you would not use in church. What about slang or minced words? OMG, Jeez, and other words we use instead of the real words. I had a student who when frustrated would say, “I don’t give a care,” instead of a word which would be considered profane. Second, we take God’s name in vain by not taking Him seriously. To talk about God and not live like God is profanity worse than vile language. Thirdly is by refusing His fellowship and His help. Many will not call for the Elders when they are sick, or the Priests when they need a home visit, or the Teachers when they have family problems, or the Deacons when they need other kinds of help. This is like saying, “God, I don’t need you.”
4. "Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy." Much can and has been said about this. Mr. Allen says, “We have spent so much time debating about what we should not do on the sabbath, that we sometimes forget what we should do.” The Pharisees of Jesus’ time had set so many rules about the sabbath that they themselves violated it by what they required of the people.
An example is Matthew 12:1-6
Living in the Kingdom of God now, is preparation for living with Jesus in His Kingdom when He returns.
God Bless
Paul Gage
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