Where the Gospel of the Kingdom is believed, Kingdom fruit will be in evidence. Where that evidence is lacking, or where zeal for that evidence is flagging, we have cause to wonder which gospel such a person has believed. Our readings in this series are from The Gospel of the Kingdom, and here is an excerpt from pages 41, 42:
“[T]he Gospel of the Kingdom has power to bear new fruit. Paul summarized the character of the Kingdom as ‘righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.’
“Righteousness is abounding love founded in spiritual knowledge and true discernment, leading to excellence and purity in life after the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. Righteousness defines the character of Kingdom living.
“Peace is that ‘beyond understanding’ state of mind and heart that nothing can terrify and nothing can shake. Those who know the power of the Gospel know peace because they are settled on Christ, hidden in the palm of God’s hand, sheltered by His Word, and filled and protected by His Spirit. Peace is the condition of Kingdom living that emerges as people live together in Kingdom righteousness.
“Joy is the consequence of Kingdom living. The joy that attends righteousness and peace conveys a hope that is lodged in transcendent and unchangeable realities, a hope that is so infectious that, observed, it leads others to seek a reason for it.”
For reflection or discussion
1. Why does it make sense to expect that there should be evidence of our being in the Kingdom of God?
2. Which of those evidences would you like to see more of in your life?
We have said that the power of the Gospel of the Kingdom is transforming power, and the most important transformations must begin in us. Order your copy of The Gospel of the Kingdom from The Ailbe Bookstore. Share today’s podcast with a friend and get together to encourage one another in realizing more of the power of the Kingdom of God.
T. M. Moore
