Patient endurance comes from our faith in Christ. What we endure on this earth is short term in comparison to eternal life in the Father’s Kingdom—the New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21-22). “14 For we don’t have here an enduring city, but we seek that which is to come. 15 Through him (Jesus), then, let’s offer … [Read more…]
Gospel of the Kingdom—Introduction. One of the reasons I write is to help us see and live the way Jesus proclaimed in the gospel of God’s Kingdom. God our Father has created us to be to the praise of His glory (Eph 1:12). We can be to God’s glory because God has made us fit … [Read more…]
In the Gospel of the Kingdom—Part 1, we hear Messiah Jesus introduce the Gospel of the Kingdom with Beatitudes–the heart we should have to follow Him. We should feel as poor as the destitute rather than rich in our own moral power to serve God. Jesus says the poor have the kingdom of God. In … [Read more…]
Gospel of the Kingdom—Part 2 tells us the commissioning words Jesus spoke to His Twelve disciples when He sent out as the 12 apostles. When Jesus sent them out, He gave them authority “over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness” (Mt 10:1). With that, He gave them … [Read more…]
Gospel of the Kingdom—Part 3 takes from Matthew 13 where Jesus gives us spiritual insight about the kingdom in 8 parables. When His disciples asked Jesus why He taught in parables, Jesus told them: “Knowledge about the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you. But it has not been given to … [Read more…]
In the gospel of the kingdom, practicing repentance and forgiveness among brothers and sisters in the Lord is basic training in following Jesus. A priority in our role as (holy ones) saints in the kingdom is to relate in harmony. God has made all believers kin—His children and heirs. Here, Jesus tells us how to … [Read more…]
Jesus’ central gospel of the kingdom of God message is recorded in Matthew 24 and Matthew 25 and is called The Olivet Discourse. He spoke it at the Mount of Olives. The Discourse is Jesus’ answer to the disciples questions and ours about the future. He gives prophetic insight for preparation. I have written on … [Read more…]
Here in the Gospel of the Kingdom, we see Jesus teaching the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24 and Matthew 25). His audience is the 12 disciples, including Judas the betrayer. After he rose from the dead, he proclaimed the kingdom for 40 days (Acts 2:1-11). The last three parables Jesus told. In Matthew 25 Jesus tells … [Read more…]
Wisdom comes from two sources, the wisdom of the world and the wisdom from above. Application of the wisdom of the world produces a culture of spiritual darkness. “But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from … [Read more…]
“Finally, let the Lord and His mighty power make you strong.” Paul has urged the Ephesians and us to stand worthy of the calling we have been called to and shown us how. Christ—the Head– fits us together in his body to work in His service (Eph 4:1-13). In that view, Paul exhorts us not … [Read more…]