LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD NOVEMBER 16, 2023

 LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD NOVEMBER 16, 2023

 

Dear Saints living in God’s kingdom on earth, greetings and blessings,

 

As every day has its challenges, consider the following scripture from

I Thessalonians 5 which is sub-titled “Christ’s Second Coming.

1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

5 Ye are all the children of light and the children of the day; we are not of the night nor of darkness.

6 Therefore, let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.

9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

11 Wherefore, comfort yourselves together and edify one another, even as also ye do.

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you,

13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly; comfort the feeble-minded; support the weak; be patient toward all men.

15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man, but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men.

16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.

20 Despise not prophesyings.

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

25 Brethren, pray for us.

26 Greet all the brethren with a holy salutation.

27 I charge you, by the Lord, that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

 

What kingdom are you living in? Your own kingdom, the kingdoms of the world, or God’s Kingdom?

 

We can answer that by looking at the life we each are living. Further counsel is given in Doctrine and Covenants 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;

b 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, c 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.

An excerpt from a 1970 “Daily Bread,” “Signs of Our Time,” There are Saints who feel that just by being in Zion, the Center Place they will be prepared for Christ’s return and be safe. The Lord will not spare Zion if people are there just for safety’s sake. Those who live in Zion will not escape if their hearts and daily actions are not right. Of this much we can be sure: HE IS COMING. For this reason we must be anxiously engaged in seeking first to build up His kingdom and establish His righteousness, working in every way possible to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

God Bless

Paul Gage