Tag Archives: kingdom of heaven

November 7
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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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February 18
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“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”  (Matthew 7:21, NLT)

Do not allow inaction to invalidate your profession of faith.

Jesus says that it is not just our confession (who we say we are), but also our obedience (what we do) that we establish our lives as securely as a house that is built on bedrock.  (Please see the verses that follow: verses 23 and 24.)

Clearly, it is not only our creed (from the Latin word credo, meaning “I believe”) alone that impress our heavenly Father; it is also action that is plainly consistent with our creed..

How different is that from what we see today: Professions of belief without actions that validate the words?  Strive to let your deeds speak as loudly as your words.  – Luther

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January 30
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“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’  He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them.  And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew 18:1-4, NIV)

To live in the kingdom of heaven (also called the kingdom of God) is to live under the authority of God.  That is, to obey God, and to have faith in God’s goodness.

As a vestige of our corrupted nature, all of us have a problem with authority.  If we do not, it is because somewhere, sometime, we made a change against our nature.

Today’s scripture reminds us that entrance into the place where God rules requires that we first “change and become like little children.”  A true child is humble, obedient, trusting, inquisitive, and in the moment.  In the kingdom of heaven, the last are first; and the least are the greatest.

The kingdom of heaven is the Christian disciple’s true home.  – Luther

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