Category: Obedience

  • The Journey

    Our faith walk isn’t dessigned to be static

    The Christian faith is in many ways a journey to our new home in the kingdom of heaven. It’s where the citizenship of all believers is held, and our inheritance is.

    Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven repeatedly in the gospel accounts. In Luke 9:27, He says, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.” (see also the parallel accounts in Matthew 16:28, Mark 9:1)

    He also speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven being near.

    From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 ESV

    Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15 ESV

    Knowing that we can ask when the Kingdom of Heaven arrives. It isn’t an easy question to answer.

    The kingdom has always existed because God is the sovereign ruler of the universe. He created it all and rules over it.

    There is also a sense that it arrived with Jesus and His work. The disciples got a taste at the transfiguration. You could argue that it came at His death and resurrection when our sins were paid. You might also say that it came at Pentecost, when the Spirit ushered in a new era of power.

    You could make the case that the kingdom is not yet in its full form. At the culmination of all things, all believers will be with the Lord, and the kingdom will be uncontested.

    The kingdom is like many things in Christianity, now and not yet. We are justified (saved) when we accept Christ, yet our election was made before the creation of time. Throughout this life, we are being sanctified (made holy as he is holy). Ultimately, we will be glorified (made fully holy and the way God intended us to be).

    Our faith walk is a journey during which we will see and understand more of God’s character and experience greater glimpses of what it means to be in the kingdom.

    Our calling is from God, and our destination is secure. The vista before us is ever-changing. We are secure in the Lord, no matter what we face along the way.

    As we travel along the path, rejoice and enjoy the journey with all of its ups and downs, knowing what awaits will be better than anything along the way.

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

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  • When is He coming back?

    And what do we do as we wait?

    Artits rendering of Jesus second coming

    I don’t think you would find anyone, believer or not, who would disagree with the statement, “We live in dark times.”

    Believers wonder when the Lord will return.

    I have met many Christians who view things from a slightly skewed perspective. They are waiting for the world to get evil and depraved enough for Jesus to return.

    The world doesn’t need to get any more broken. It’s plenty broken enough. All sinners are reasons for Jesus to return and judge the wicked.

    Jesus is waiting for the world to become more righteous. Not self-righteous, because self-righteousness can’t save anyone.

    Righteous as in trusting Christ by faith and coming under the cover of His righteousness. When all who will come to Him have come, then He will return.

    Don’t wait passively for His return. Share the truth in love. Evangelize your neighbor.

    There are many ways to preach the truth, and it is something we are all commanded to do.

    And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 ESV

    By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 ESV

    “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 ESV

    All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 ESV

    While we wait the world will grow increasing dark. Take heart because that doesn’t mean evil has won the day. Jesus has the victory and will return once He has gathered all His sheep.

    Hold strong and share the love, no matter what you face. 

    Kevin

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