Defining the Kingdom
Thy kingdom come. What does that mean for you and I? These words hold so much depth and meaning that I've struggled even to begin writing this post. How do you explain the gravity of Jesus' words when he taught His disciples to pray, "thy kingdom come"? Not a kingdom that is built with bricks or by force (John 18:36) but by the supernatural reviving power of salvation in the lives of those who believe (John 3:3) and the daily sanctification of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26).
The Kingdom of God Gives Life
The Lord's prayer has revealed a lack of understanding and how little I know of prayer. To start my prayers with God's identity, God's holiness and God's kingdom agenda is a far cry from how I typically pray. Normally I begin with my problems, my struggles and my agenda.
In the gospels alone the word "kingdom" is used 120 times. John the Baptist commanded the crowds to repent for the kingdom of God was at hand (Matthew 3:2). Think about this for a moment, the Kingdom of God is powerfully living in everyone who has put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. God took us out of the darkness of sin and death and transferred us into the kingdom of His Son (Colossians 1:12-14). Because you and I have received an inheritance in this kingdom (Ephesians 1:18), we have been called to preach the gospel to those who are still in darkness.
In the gospels alone the word "kingdom" is used 120 times. John the Baptist commanded the crowds to repent for the kingdom of God was at hand (Matthew 3:2). Think about this for a moment, the Kingdom of God is powerfully living in everyone who has put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. God took us out of the darkness of sin and death and transferred us into the kingdom of His Son (Colossians 1:12-14). Because you and I have received an inheritance in this kingdom (Ephesians 1:18), we have been called to preach the gospel to those who are still in darkness.
The Kingdom Brings Power and Glory
The kingdom of God goes beyond breathing life into the lost and dying world. God has give His Spirit that we might have abundant life (John 15). When you wake up in the morning and your feet hit the ground, God's Spirit is ready to empower you to live like Jesus. When you are tested with difficult situations, His Spirit give grace to respond supernaturally with patience. As a child of God you and I have received all the power we need to live like Christ (1 Corinthians 4:20).
The kingdom gives power to live as we ought, not the freedom to do what we want. Over and over in scripture sin is rebuked with strong words, "those who do these things will NOT inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:21, Ephesians 5:5). When we walk in the Spirit we walk in God's power (Galatians 5:16). When we show the world God's power, we bring Him glory here on earth.
Thy kingdom come. When you wake up in the morning is that your agenda? When you go throughout the day are you actively preaching the kingdom to the lost and dying world? Are you walking in the Spirit and not the flesh? When the world sees your life will they know that God is powerful? Are you glorifying God's name here on earth?
Questions? You can either email me or leave me a message on my voicemail or text my google number: 646-504-6263
The kingdom gives power to live as we ought, not the freedom to do what we want. Over and over in scripture sin is rebuked with strong words, "those who do these things will NOT inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:21, Ephesians 5:5). When we walk in the Spirit we walk in God's power (Galatians 5:16). When we show the world God's power, we bring Him glory here on earth.
Thy kingdom come. When you wake up in the morning is that your agenda? When you go throughout the day are you actively preaching the kingdom to the lost and dying world? Are you walking in the Spirit and not the flesh? When the world sees your life will they know that God is powerful? Are you glorifying God's name here on earth?
Questions? You can either email me or leave me a message on my voicemail or text my google number: 646-504-6263
4 comments:
I really needed to hear that today, thanks! :)
Dee, I'm so blessed that you were encouraged. May God continue to strengthen you and grow you into woman of God He called you to be!
Fantastic article! It's one of my favourite scriptures right now with regards to God's assignment for believers here on earth. I think this passage of scripture also helps us re-align our faith to focus on this high calling that He has for us.
As a famous pastor once said, "salvation doesn't equate to God's Kingdom". You can have a whole congregation saved, but they might not be bringing in the Kingdom of God. Or more bluntly put, you can have the fire insurance but not the life. It's a timely reminder for this generation.
Adrian, thanks for adding your input! May we all have a Kingdom mindset!
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