It’s likely that most of us who have made the Kingdom turn are aware of God’s power at work in the world. That power—the power of the Holy Spirit—dwells in all who believe. And that means we have more Kingdom potential, latent within us, than we’ve ever dared to ask or think. Today’s excerpt from The Kingdom Turn is found pages 119, 120:
“The troubled heathen of Thessalonica understood the power of this Kingdom. They saw it at work in the lives of those who were coming to faith in Christ in their city. They saw it utterly transform their priorities and their practices, and they feared that its coming would turn upside-down everything they cherished and clung to for meaning in life.
“But the power of the Kingdom of God is not, in the first instance, a power of human force or political plotting; its power is spiritual and therefore eternally more potent for good than any strength of human arms or law.
“For the power of the Kingdom of God flows from the throne of Jesus Christ, in the Person of His Holy Spirit, and according to the revelation of His Word. And it is flowing, even now, to the hearts of people who seek the Kingdom as their highest pursuit in every area of life. Kingdom power flows to those who, having made the Kingdom turn, exert their strength with faith and vigor, even spiritual violence, to lay hold on that all-transforming power, to those who wait upon God in prayer and act in daily obedience to realize that power for righteousness, peace, and joy, so that they might express it in love for God and for their neighbors.
“The power of the Kingdom is everywhere at work. Look more closely, throughout the world and its cultures, and you will see that the power which preserves and nurtures whatever is wholesome and good – and restrains the worst evil can do – is working powerfully. Such power must be from a place and of a nature beyond this sad and sinful world.
“And such power can operate within us as well, in ways exceedingly abundantly beyond anything we’ve ever dared to ask or think.”
For reflection of discussion
1. In your life, where would you like to know more of the power of the Kingdom of God?
2. How can believers encourage one another in seeking the Kingdom and righteousness of God? Whom will you encourage today?
We should stop and think about Paul’s promise, that the power of the Kingdom, which is the power of God’s indwelling Spirit, is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we’ve ever dared to ask or think. Maybe it’s time to think bigger and ask more for our own growth and for the progress of Christ’s Kingdom. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to discuss what you’re learning. Your copy of The Kingdom Turn awaits you in The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
