The Kingdom of God

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JESUS SPEAKING

“The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here! or ‘See there.’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you!” (Luke 17: 20 – 21)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

According to Christ, the Kingdom of God in this world is not a physical place that can be observed with the eyes. Instead, it is a spiritual place that exists within the human heart. God’s kingdom is present inside those who seek to live in obedience to His will. Although hidden from sight, the effects of the kingdom can be observed by examining the works of individuals who are committed to Christ.

Interestingly enough, there are many things in this world that cannot be identified directly with human eyes, but nonetheless exist. In order to identify some microscopic particles for example, a form of spectral analysis is often performed. An unknown substance is exposed to a beam of light or a laser. These lights interact with the object’s atoms and a unique spectral pattern of energy is emitted. This pattern is observed and then compared to a database of “Spectral Fingerprints” that can identify any unknown compound.

In much the same way, the kingdom of heaven is hidden within the human heart; unseen but alive. Although it cannot be observed directly, the presence of God can be observed by examining what comes out of a person; their actions, their words, and their works. Genuine Christianity can always be discerned. May we all behave in a manner that represents the will and desires of our heavenly Father.

Lord God, we yearn for Your Kingdom to grow within us. May Your Holy Spirit possess every aspect of our lives and empower us to live as genuine Christians. May our actions testify of Your goodness and righteousness. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Erasing Ourselves

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JESUS SPEAKING

“I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgement is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” (John 5: 30)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Until Jesus, no one had ever seen a man walking in complete unity with God; accomplishing His will with absolute precision. Jesus displayed no selfish ambition; nor did He possess any desire to deviate from what was right. In fact, Jesus said, “If you had known Me, you would have known my Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him […] he who has seen Me, has seen the Father.” Jesus is the perfect image of God in the flesh.

Some time ago I attended an estate sale where they were selling a great many works of art. Most of the valuable pieces had already been sold. However, as I walked through the garage I noticed something peculiar. A framed painting had been tucked into a section of cheaper prints. The canvas was caked in a thick layer of grey dust; thus preventing anything from being seen. Using my finger, I wiped away a small section of residue, which confirmed that the piece was an authentic painting. I purchased the item and took it home. I then meticulously removed the dust from the picture, revealing an exceptionally well done antique still life painting of a military helmet, a dagger, and a book. The dust had prevented anyone from seeing its genuine value and beauty.

As Christians we are called to emulate Christ; to reveal the image of God to others. However, like the dust on that painting, our selfish desires can interfere; preventing many from seeing God as He truly is. To express God’s will in the present we must abandon any of our desires that conflict with what the Lord wants to accomplish in the lives of those around us.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we lift up our voices to praise You with all honor and glory. As we seek to reveal Your image to our fellows, give us the strength to live in perfect submission to Your will. May our shortcomings and appetites be erased by the power of Your Holy Spirit. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Get Baptized

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JESUS SPEAKS

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” —Jesus— (Matthew 28: 19 – 20)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus identifies baptism as an essential component of the gospel message. When an individual is baptized in water, they are committing themselves to the lifestyle of repentance that accompanies genuine faith. Although salvation and forgiveness are from the Lord alone, the decision to turn away from sin and permit God to transform us is an individual decision. Every authentic convert must abandon their sins and attempt to live rightly. And thus baptism is the outward manifestation and public profession of our commitment to Holy living.

As the story goes, some years back a man who was practicing Hinduism chose to place his Faith in Jesus Christ. He immediately decided to be baptized. He arrived at the ceremony wearing, as all Brahmins do, the ‘Yagnopavita,’ or sacred thread that hangs from the neck; these decorative sashes also identify the highest members of India’s caste society. During the baptism, after coming up out of the water, he snapped the thread and tossed it into the surrounding water; signifying the death of his old life and his commitment to, ‘walk in newness of life’ in Christ.

Like this converted Hindu realized, Baptism is an act of submission to God’s will. Those who embrace the gospel must choose to repent and turn to the Lord. Being baptized is a public profession of this commitment; a promise to follow the teachings of Christ. Those who are baptized will experience a strengthened relationship with God. If you have placed your faith in the Lord and have never been baptized, consider undergoing the ceremony whenever possible. If you desire to accept the faith and convert, then baptism will draw you closer to the Lord.

“Lord Heavenly Father, you are an amazing and powerful God. We accept and recognize the importance of water baptism; especially among those who are turning to the faith. Give us the strength to live according to the commitments we have made. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, may we continually remain faithful and repentant. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!