Tag Archives: God’s rule

November 6
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“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’”  (Hebrews 12:28-29, NIV)

The disciple of Jesus may inhabit the sands of time, but her destiny is firmly established on the bedrock of eternity.  Although she is a temporary resident of earth, she is a permanent citizen of heaven.

Were we to survey the history of the world with a perspective of centuries or of millennia — instead of years, as we commonly do — we would more clearly see that all kingdoms and dynasties are temporary.  We would also see that the kingdom of God, and the word of God, are enduring.

For this reason, give thanks for God’s gift of a kingdom that cannot be shaken; for a king that cannot be bought; for a future that is certain, and that grows brighter with each passing day.  – Luther

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April 23
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“Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.’” (Luke 17:20-21, NIV)

Resist the urge to make the kingdom of God real “out there” before it has become real “in here.”

In today’s scripture reading, Jesus tells us that His kingdom is personal, not geographical; spiritual, not temporal; hidden from natural observation, yet growing by leaps and bounds within the life yielded to Him.

As much as some of us might want to “Christianize” (or “spiritualize”) the law, the government, the marketplace, the neighborhood, and the school — as the Pharisees desired to do in Jesus’ day; it always becomes a fool’s errand when such changes are imposed from outside. Change that is positive, lasting, spiritual, and liberating always begins within an individual — and manifests itself in the choices that that individual makes.

Is God’s rule (kingdom) growing within you?  – Luther

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