Does anything really happen when someone becomes a Christian? Or is it just a state of mind? A change of outlook? Today’s reading from The Kingdom Turn is found on page 68:
“[W]hen the Gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ engages the soul, when a person is transferred into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son, an awakening occurs which floods their life with a sense of wellbeing. Soon they begin to know real peace and abiding joy, and the reason they do, although they may not be able to explain it, is because God has cancelled their guilt and removed their shame by placing these on His own dear Son, Jesus Christ. When people come to know in their hearts and minds that they have been forgiven, redeemed, adopted into God’s family, and given a new beginning in Jesus Christ, that cannot help but brighten their outlook and begin to transform their lives. As it does, this sense of being forgiven and renewed becomes visible, not just as a kind of early euphoria, but, increasingly, as a way of life. The Kingdom of God, Paul explained, is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. And while the pursuit of righteousness is a life-long calling for every believer, all those awakened by the grace of God may know the peace and joy of the Kingdom every day of their lives. And that peace and joy, consistently experienced, soon enough will be consistently observed, as a hope that piques the curiosity of those who know it not.
“Where the Kingdom of God has come to a human being, guilt and shame have been cancelled, and the light of grace and truth floods the channels of the soul, making all things new and installing a sense of peace and joy to all who believe. When you see that peace and joy, consistently experienced in the midst of even the most difficult of circumstances, you’ll know you’re in the presence of the Kingdom of God.”
For reflection or discussion
1. When do you most experience the presence of the Kingdom of God? What is that like?
2. How can we encourage one another to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness?
It just seems to me that righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit should be visible as expressions of the Kingdom of God. The world should see these evidences of the Kingdom. When it doesn’t, I can’t help but wonder why. Share today’s podcast with a friend, or with several friends. Start a Read Moore discussion group or text thread. Help us to get more people like you thinking about how to realize more of the presence, promise, and power of the Kingdom of God. Your copy of The Kingdom Turn is waiting for you in The Ailbe Bookstore.
