Uncategorized

Citizens of the Winning Kingdom

Jesus talked a lot about the Kingdom of God.  The Kingdom of God is the “good news” (Luke 4:43) that he charged his disciples (and all of us) with telling everyone about (Luke 9:60).  In the prayer he taught the disciples, he prayed for God’s Kingdom to come. (Matthew 6:10) He declared that we should seek the Kingdom of God above all else. (Matthew 6:33) He warned us that the door into the Kingdom of God is narrow. (Luke 13:24) He assured us that he was going to prepare a place for us there and that the only way is through him. (John 14:2-6)

The Bible assures us that ultimately, God’s Kingdom will come to earth – and those of us that are citizens of the Kingdom of God will live with God in his Kingdom forever.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” – Revelation 21:1-3 NLT

In the meantime, those of us that are citizens of the Kingdom of God must live as such and not adopt the customs of the Kingdom of this earth which God has given Satan temporary dominion over (John 12:31). Living as part of God’s Kingdom here on earth is living by God’s power. (1 Corinthians 4:20) It is a matter of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17) It is being armed with the Armor of God, ready to fight the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world. (Ephesians 6:12)

Satan knows how the story ends. He knows his days are numbered (Revelations 20:10). And his goal is to bring as many down with him as he can. He is a liar – the father of lies. (John 8:44) He masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and he prowls like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). Don’t underestimate his power — but never forget that if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you are a citizen of the Kingdom of God. You are on the winning team!!

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. – Ephesians 6:13-17 NLT

 

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love?  Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?…No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:35,37-39