Jesus preached the Good News that the Kingdom of God was “at hand” and “in your midst”. In Him, and by His suffering and resurrection, the Kingdom of God comes to all who believe in Him. So, where is it? Our readings in this series are from the booklet, The Gospel of the Kingdom, today from pages 19 and 20:
“The Good News that Jesus announced had as its focus an objective reality which the New Testament refers to as the Kingdom of God. What is that?
“The Kingdom of God is the divine rule which Jesus came to bring into the affairs of men. It is an administration of righteousness, peace, and joy which we may enter by the Holy Spirit, through the new birth which comes by grace through faith.
“The Kingdom of God centers on Jesus, Who is its King, and on His call to follow Him in a life of self-denying service to the glory of God. To enter this Kingdom is to be born again to a life set apart for God, characterized by obedience to the Law of God.
“God gives His Kingdom to those who truly love Him, who renounce the desires and deeds of the world and the flesh, and who invest their strength in becoming rich in faith. The Kingdom of God is not just a reality to be acknowledged and confessed; it is a realm of power, real spiritual power, in which, increasingly, all things are made new and every aspect of a person’s life is reconciled to God, unto the praise of the glory of His grace.”
Questions for Reflection or Discussion
1. What do people see in you that marks you as a citizen of the Kingdom of God?
2. Jesus said that seeking the Kingdom is the defining priority of our lives. What does it mean to seek the Kingdom of God?
We can’t just keep saying “Jesus words”, thinking that’s the swellest thing about knowing Him. Paul said that God has called us to His Kingdom. Are we listening? Forward today’s podcast to a friend, then get together to discuss today’s excerpt. You can order your copy of The Gospel of the Kingdom by going to The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
