sunday, september 29th The Kingdom Has Come! Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God (Mark 1:14). Jesus came preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. He said the time is fulfilled; the Kingdom of God is here (Mark 1:15). What is the Kingdom of God? The Kingdom of God is not a place; it’s the reign of God, where He becomes Lord; where He becomes the Boss, and rules; where He’s in charge, and expresses Himself—His glory and His goodness. That’s why Jesus warned that when you’re told “the Kingdom of God is over there, or it’s over here,” you shouldn’t believe it; because the Kingdom doesn’t come by observation; it’s within you (Luke 17:20-21). God’s plan is to set up His Kingdom in the hearts of men; it’s a spiritual kingdom. Recall when Jesus was brought before Pilate, in John 18:36-37; Pilate asked Him some questions to which He responded, “…My Kingdom is not of this world…” (John 18:36). God’s Kingdom is not a physical structure; accordingly Jesus said, “It has come”—(i.e.) to be set up in the hearts of men. Thus, the Gospel of the Kingdom that Jesus preached is, “Hello everybody, God’s Kingdom can be set up now in your hearts; it has arrived! The time has come for God to set up His headquarters in your heart.” This wasn’t possible in the days of Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Elisha, David, Solomon and the patriarchs of old. However, when Jesus came, He brought the Kingdom in Him. Being born again, the Kingdom is now in your heart: the peace, the beauty, the glory, grace, and the life of God have been set up in your heart! God is at home in you now. What a life He’s brought to us, and brought us into! He wants us to tell the whole world this glorious news; He wants it published in every village, town, city, and nation—that anyone who believes can now have the Kingdom of God set up in his heart! What a Gospel! Prayer Dear Father, I thank you for the Kingdom of God has been set up in my heart, thus, bringing into me, the life of glory. I declare that my life is for your glory, and I show forth your virtues, excellence, perfections, and beauty, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. f u r t h e r s t u d y: Colossians 1:27; 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 1year bible reading plan: 2 year bible reading plan: Ephesians 5:3-21 John 1:43-51 Isaiah 3-5 1 Kings 4 85
Posted on: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 09:58:06 +0000