The Kingdom of God

 

Today, the gospel of Christ, remains and is an open invitation to all and found to be the very heart of the "kingdom of God". From the genesis of time, it's been in the heart of God to give man the choice to come under the provisions of His kingdom. After the fall of man into sin, God began His plan of reconciliation to provide a "Way" to bring up a people into His kingdom. God makes a covenant with Abraham that he would become a father of many nations. In this covenant, the Lord was preparing a people that would "keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice" Genesis 18:19. The Lord further discloses the conditions of this kingdom with the house of Jacob and the children of Israel through the priesthood of Moses saying ."if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6. 'And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation Exodus 19:5-6. This "special treasure" remains in the heart of the Lord today for those that are seeking God, and for those that have found the presence of the Lord, find that, His presence, is also a very special treasure to them. This divine kingdom displayed to the world through the children of Israel would become the image of the unseen divine kingdom that we have today. The Lord provided the children of Israel with divine direction, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

 

The image of God's kingdom for man:

 

Exodus 13:21. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night In like manner the children of God are being led today, twenty-four hours a day by the presence of God through His Holy Spirit. God had also promised the children of Israel a promised land. ."a land flowing with milk and honey". But because of sin, the people of this kingdom were rebellious and listened to the deceptive prophecies of false prophets and many would never see this promised land. And in like manner, today, the children of God are promised a kingdom where Jesus is Lord beginning with one's acceptance of Christ that will lead them through this life throughout eternity but many will be deceived and corrupted, never finding the presence of God that would of led them into eternity.

 

The ever resistance of many to God:

 

When we study in the Old Testament, the book of Jeremiah, we can clearly see the Lord's disappointments with this people that would not obey God's word that was spoken to them though His holy prophets but instead "walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart". Even then, some of the prophets, were not sent by God, but in His name, was prophesying lies. God is about bringing truth to His people but because of their evil heart, "Truth" had perished.

 

Jeremiah 7:23. "But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.' 24. "Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward and not forward. 25. "Since the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have even sent to you all My servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them. 26. "Yet they did not obey Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck. They did worse than their fathers. 27. "Therefore you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not obey you. You shall also call to them, but they will not answer you. 28. "So you shall say to them, 'This is a nation that does not obey the voice of the Lord their God nor receive correction. Truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth.

 

In the New Testament, sadly it is prophesied, that some men, appearing godly, but their true character will prove otherwise. Their actions will show their denial of the power of Christ to overcome self in sin. Some of these men will be teaching and defending their doctrines, doctrines denying, some by not proclaiming, the divine power that's found in the anointing of Christ.

 

2 Timothy 3:1. But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3. unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4. traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5. having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

 

The Holy Spirit of God vs. false prophets:

 

Jeremiah 14:14. And the Lord said to me, "The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart.

 

Today, in my opinion, there are many false prophets, proclaiming the name of the Lord, that continue teaching a ."false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart", perverting the true gospel of Christ. Some will have congregational approval because of the credentials they hold. Jesus spoke of this in this way. John 5:44. "How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? And for those that set their focus on God rather than the teachings of man will find that He has provided a "Way" to "all Truth" for all mankind, and that is through His Holy Spirit. God foreknew this need for personal divine direction because of the wickedness of man. This "Promise of the Father" was given through the prophet Joel and was later “poured out” so all would have opportunity to truth.

 

Promise of the Father:

 

Joel 2:27. Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God and there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame. 28. "And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; 29. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

 

This wonderful "Promise of the Father" was manifested on the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts, chapter 2 that continues to be present with those that are His, forever. From the first day one accepts the anointing of Christ throughout all eternity! Jesus promised this in John 14:16-17 before His execution and again after His resurrection just before His ascension to heaven. Luke 24:49. "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.

 

The apostle Peter was the first to recognize Jesus' "Promise of the Father" and announced his revelation to all that was present. From that day forward, life was different for all mankind, for everyone had been given opportunity to take advantage of God's personal presence in each of their lives. Acts 2:16. "But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17. And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. 18. and on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; … This is a most wonderful promise and assurance that God has given to all.

 

Preview of eternity:

 

There is a very special reason why God has poured out His Spirit on all flesh and that is to give all flesh access to His kingdom. It's my deepest belief that this same Spirit that God has given us today is the same Spirit that will give us direction in eternity. The reason I believe this is because of these words of Jesus.

 

John 14:15. "If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16. "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever,

 

Take note that forever goes way beyond our lives here on earth. All have been given a wonderful opportunity of partaking in this wonderful gift today. Some have partaken of this and made the decision in their heart to turn away. For those that resist this presence of God, will never find their place in God's kingdom here on earth or in eternity.

 

Hebrews 6:4. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5. and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6. if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

 

Because of our divine gift of choice, there are and will be many that will not have a sincere love for the Lord or a desire to submit to His righteousness. Finding a sincere love for the Lord, one must first recognize His divine presence. Even creation teaches us His love and provisions. When we realize the sacrifice that was paid for our reconciliation into this divine relationship, we find that He truly "first" loved us. If we are truly thankful for His provisions, to especially include His sacrificial payment for our sin, our believing is in direct correlation in our love for Him. Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments" and His commandments come to us through the Holy Spirit of God. Anyone that had placed their faith in a doctrine that is in error to the true gospel of Christ will struggle in finding a sincere love for the Lord. Jesus made this comment that I believe to be very applicable today.

 

Matthew 15:8. These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 9. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.

 

This divine kingdom is "at hand" today:

 

Study of the Scriptures will show that this divine kingdom actually was rooted in Genesis but because of that root of sin, unbelief, and the sinful rebellion in the carnal heart of man, God had to prepare a Way for mankind to be able to comprehend God's righteousness and His "Way" into this divine reconciliation. Therefore the precious blood of God's Son was given to pay the debt of sin for all and because of His sacrifice; Jesus became the High Priest for all, that would accept this anointing of Christ that leads and rules those in His kingdom. It's through this Jesus, our divine Priest, and Lord God, where we have access into this wonderful kingdom, that is, if we believe in the "Way" of Christ.

 

John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 

For the children of God, eternity begins the day they accept Christ, for in this rebirth, there is no more death, for they have passed from death to eternal life. Jesus, in the days of His flesh, began announcing this spiritual kingdom by saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand". (Matthew 4:17) This kingdom is at hand today. It's here and available for everyone that believes and accepts this wonderful gift. This kingdom is not bordered by denomination preference or the other gods of this world but by those that are sanctified by the blood of Jesus, submitting to God in all things through prayer and the personal revelations that are given to those that are His.

 

Luke 17:20. Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21. "nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."

 

This wonderful kingdom of God is here today and we all have access to all the advantages and privileges that God has given to those that have chosen to be included.

 

Importance of obedience:

 

This divine kingdom is still "at hand", it's available and present with us today. It's not found in a church over here or over there, but found in the hearts of those that are His. The Lord God still commands us to keep His commandments, which is given to each, through His Holy Spirit. For those that hear His divine voice are still a "special treasure" to Him, as His presence is also a "special treasure" to those that hear and obey.

 

In John 14:15. "If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16. "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, 17. "even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

 

If we truly want God's presence in our lives it would make no sense to be disobedient. Why would anyone want divine presence and not take advantage of His direction in our lives. If we're disobedient, we're resisting God and His personal counseling.

 

The free gift within obedience:

 

The "Way" of Christ is a free gift to all that will accept. Even the obedience to God's word, not speaking of the bible but that special personal word that's found in the heart of those that are His, is a most comforting gift. Obedience is not works but taking advantage of the "Way" of Christ. In other words, if someone gave you a cell phone to use, having use of that cell phone is the best part of that gift. Same with the presence of Christ. Taking advantage or being obedient to the divine direction that our Lord God gives through His Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift for it's always truth, given for our best interest. Being obedient, is how we call Him, Lord. Without obedience, there is no order and without order, there is only chaos. And there is no chaos in the kingdom of God. One cannot truly take claim to accepting Christ and not submit to the righteousness of God. For God's righteousness is imputed by and revealed through His Holy Spirit to those that are His, as well as the power to obey.

 

James 2:24. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. ...26. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

 

Consider some of the other gifts that God has given to the true body of Christ.

 

1 Corinthians 12:7. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8. for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9. to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10. to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

 

I personally believe that the use of these gifts are available to all that are willing to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

 

1 Peter 2:24. who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness by whose stripes you were healed.

 

Accepting and manifesting God's love:

 

Let's take a moment here to discuss love. I find that the love of the flesh is self-serving. It is a love that can be lost, sometimes in only a moment. It's a selfish love, one that has to be earned. Example: I love them because ... But the love of God is a sacrificial love. It's about loving without reason. It's about the choice to love first. The bible establishes that God first loved us (1 John 4:19). This is our example to others, to first love without reason. God is the foundation of love, and if we want to serve Him, in His glory, we must make the choice to walk in His likeness, to first love.

 

1 John 4:7. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

 

It's not even possible to truly forgive others unless we have love in our heart. Jesus said in Matthew 6:14. "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15. "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. To be able to forgive, one must first chose to love as Jesus first chose to love us. In doing this, God's love can be manifested to the world through those that are His.

 

1 Corinthians 13:8. Love never fails...

 

Love, the infrastructure of the kingdom of God:

 

Love is the infrastructure of the kingdom of God. Jesus said in John 14:15. "If you love Me, keep My commandments. Take note that the first thing to keeping His commandments is love. Then He continues with this promise, "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever" which is the Sprit of truth, the Holy Spirit. In other words, the Holy Spirit and the commandments of God, are in twined with love. Without love, one cannot believe in the "Way" of Christ Jesus. They asked Jesus in Matthew 22:36. "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?'' 37. Jesus said to him, " `You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'38. "This is the first and great commandment. 39. "And the second is like it: `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

 

In the Old Testament, God gave the children of Israel the Ten Commandments and many times I've heard it preached that no one can keep these commandments for if you break even one, you have broken all and I agree but I do not agree that it's not possible to keep them all. If one chooses to love in the way that Jesus demonstrated, they have fulfilled the commandment of love and in doing so have kept all the commandments. The Ten Commandments are the commandment of love. The first four are dealing with our love for God and the remaining six are dealing with our love for others. If we love the Lord and our neighbors including our enemies, we will not transgress against them. When we accept Christ, and enter His kingdom, we will also have the divine power to demonstrate our sacrificial love for others. The setting aside of self to consider and follow through for what's best for those that God has placed in our circle of influence.

 

Conscience & the Holy Spirit:

 

Our conscience, what is it? How does it really work? Was it created by God? Can the Holy Spirit be revealed through one's conscience? These were some of the questions that I had and I'd like to share what I believe the Scriptures can teach us about our conscience. In the genesis of time, man was given a conscience. Adam and Eve displayed their conscience by being afraid of the presence of the Lord after eating fruit of the tree of "good and evil". The bible teaches that, we can live by our conscience, showing our faith to others, or we can have a weak conscience. We can strive for a "good conscience", even "purging" our conscience from dead works, or we can sear our conscience through disregard and/or disobedience. Depending upon our sincerity of heart, we can contribute to the development of our having a good conscience, by our choices. When one studies the behavior of man in the bible, one can see that many were convicted by their conscience, even before the day of Pentecost when God poured out His Spirit on all flesh as He promised in Joel 2:28 and was fulfilled in Acts 2:17. Paul taught in the book of Acts that he strived to live in a good conscience, without offense, before God and men. So is our behavior, because of our conscience, always from God? And to that, I'd say no. God gave all men a conscience but it's not always under the influence of God. Let me explain why I say that. There are three parts to having a "good and pure conscience". First, one has to have a pure heart towards God. Having a pure heart is not by works but by the Spirit. In other words, having a sincere heart seeking truth. As Jesus said, in Mark 10:15. "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.'' Secondly, knowledge, correct or incorrect, is the foundation of any conscience but knowledge that is given by the Holy Spirit is essential to finding a "good and pure" conscience. And thirdly, we need to be obedient to our "good conscience". Actually I believe our conscience is a mirror image of our beliefs. The bible teaches us that the very first part of our conscience is to have a pure heart in sincerity towards God. If we have an open heart to God, and His Holy Spirit, then we will be open to His teaching and direction in our lives as described in:

 

1 John 2:27. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

 

This anointing give us the foundational knowledge of our conscience and the abiding is the obedience and living in that knowledge. This is the "mystery of the faith" that was spoken about in 1 Timothy 3:9 Paul also describes the importance of this knowledge in walking with the Lord in Colossians 1:9. For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10. that you may have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; You see, our knowledge is the foundation to our conscience that directly affects our behavior. If one receives the knowledge of man, their heart will be aligned to those beliefs and their conscience will become defiled. On the other hand if we receive the truth that comes only from God through His Spirit, our conscience will be aligned to our beliefs in God. Some have a weak conscience, simply because of their lack of divine knowledge. It's prophesied throughout the New Testament that many will align their beliefs to the teachings of man, as it is written in 1 John 2: 26. These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. In the next verse, we are directed solely upon the teachings of God through anointing of the Holy Spirit, to avoid those deceptions that many will trust as truth. This is why it is so important that our hearts are pure and open to the teaching of God through His Holy Spirit rather than being influenced by the teachings of man. Those that are willing to receive the "Promise of the Father" (Acts 1:4) which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, are guaranteed a good foundational knowledge, to a "good and pure conscience", if they so desire. In the Old Testament, knowledge was given through the law (Romans 3:20. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.) but after that Day of Pentecost, knowledge in the deep things of God, is given to anyone that is seeking, with a pure Spirit. It's through our conscience, where we find our peace through our obedience to God, the perfect peace that can only be found with a "good and pure conscience". Each one of us is accountable for the choices we make that either molds or defiles our conscience before God.

 

The bible teaches us that one of the main aspects of the Holy Spirit is to reveal all truth. Truth in itself has no emotion. It's in our own heart where we find emotion. If our heart is pure, and open to God, then our emotion of choice, to God's truths, will be joy and peace. On the other hand, if one's heart is not focused upon truth but rather seeking a belief that is pleasing to their flesh, they will also experience a sense of joy and peace. The danger to our emotions is that, due to our fleshly desires, our emotions, that are not properly aligned, can dampen our convictions. Therefore, some of our emotions can not be completely trusted as "proof", so special attention should also be given to our convictions. Each of our personal convictions should be taken very seriously, seeking the Lord's direction.

 

1 John 3:20. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

 

Finding that genuine "pure and good" conscience has to begin with placing one's trust in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. 1 John 2: 27. If we place our trust in man, regardless if it's a parent, pastor, good friend, whatever, we are opening the door to deception. Jesus said in John 4:23. "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24. "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. This kind of worship is the "pure in heart" such as a child. I believe it is impossible to trust in man and God. It's one or the other. We must place our trust in the Way that God has provided, through Whom is the "Way", the "Truth" and the "Light". Once focus is directed to man, one's heart has departed from the Lord. as pointed out by the prophet in Jeremiah 17:5. Thus says the Lord: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord.

 

How can we make sure that we are listening to the Holy Spirit? Start in sincere prayer, asking for wisdom. James 1:5. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

 

Let's focus on the Holy Spirit for a moment. As it is written in the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit is defined as a Spirit of truth. The Holy Spirit also teaches, brings things to our remembrances. When one is filled with the Spirit, it is the Spirit that speaks. The Holy Spirit reveals the deep things of God, giving us knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Without the Holy Spirit no one can understand the Scriptures for they are spiritually discerned. Therefore, to have spiritual understanding, especially that which is applicable to our personal lives, begins with, asking God for wisdom. You see, if one's prayer is sincere, then the truths, the divine knowledge that they'll find, will also be genuine and spiritually discerned, and are of the Lord. If those truths differ from the opinion of others, do not waver, cling to those truths, put your trust in them, for they are of the Lord. In God's system, all foundational truths are built, one upon another. A good house has to be built upon a good foundation. The bible is the same way. It is a good solid foundation but there are many truths for each individual that can be built upon the truths that God has already revealed to His apostles. Are we not placing our trust in man for trusting in the words of the Apostles? I think the best way to explain this is by the very words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:37. If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. This goes back to having a pure heart. Take note that Paul directs his comment to those that thought of themselves as being prophets or spiritual, as the ones that would acknowledge or recognize that Paul was writing the commandments of the Lord. The precious truth is this: The Holy Spirit that revealed those truths to the early brethren in Christ is the same Holy Spirit, that confirms those words of truth, to the children of God today. Even and especially today, the Holy Spirit reveals truth to those that are seeking. Genuine joy and peace is found in being obedient to the "conscience" that was molded and is continually developed by the truths given through the Holy Spirit of God. Those that have accepted the baptism of the Holy Spirit will find that, that free gift, to be as tangible, as the blood that flows through their veins and that our conscience is a wonderful gift from God, our heavenly Father, to be used as a tool for our edification before God. In other words, it's our heavenly Father's way of telling us, in the privacy of our own heart, "you are my child in whom I am well pleased", when we experience the joy of having a "good and pure" conscience. Life and history proves that everything that God has done or created has a good and useful purpose. And regardless as to what it is, it was created or done for our own good to especially include our conscience.

 

Prayer and submission are essential in the kingdom of God:

 

Prayer and submission are essential to being led by the Holy Spirit of God. Jesus taught that in our prayers we need to seek and submit to the will of our heavenly Father, for as it is done it heaven, it shall also be done here on earth.

 

Matthew 6:10 & Luke 11:2. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

 

To be able to submit one must understand what the Lord's will is for them. That hearing and understanding comes from within. God has given all, that will accept the Way of the gospel of Christ, spiritual understanding. As Jesus said: John 10:27. ". "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

 

Jesus also pointed out that only a few would find this kingdom. He spoke of a narrow gate which I believe is opened with the gospel of Christ in obedience of the faith. Those that believe in Jesus will also take advantage of His Way to truth and Life.

 

Matthew 7:13. "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14. "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

 

The apostle Paul clearly understood and continued with Christ's teachings. The gospel of Christ gives understanding and strength to put to death the deeds of the flesh. Those that are willing to do this are entering the kingdom of God through the narrow gate for there is no other way than the Way of Christ. These gates represent choice. The gate that, many will go in by, represents the desires of the flesh. It would seem to me that sharing in a belief with the "many" would not be a good thing to do. Each one, in their own way, will resist the Holy Spirit, even though many will take claim of having it but will have their conscience seared because of their disobedience.

 

Romans 6:16. Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?

 

And the narrow gate represents the choice of the "few", seeking and submitting to the will of God, living by the Spirit.

 

Romans 8:11. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 12. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

 

Jesus said, John 14:15. "If you love Me, keep My commandments". The foundation to the Lord's commandments is love, loving the Lord first, loving those around us, even our enemies. In this love, the gospel of Christ can be manifested and souls can be won for the Lord. Forgiveness is love. To forgive, we must love, then true forgiveness can be achieved.

 

Matthew 6:14. "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15. "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

 

Colossians 3:12. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13. bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

 

Having a divine love is something that only the beholder will know. Love is real. It cannot be seen but is the greatest joy on earth. The joy of loving one's spouse, their children, grandchildren are immeasurable. The love for the Lord is even greater. It's not just words but a very enjoyable experience. For anyone that is not experiencing this joy but taking claim to being a child of God should review their beliefs, for in doing so in the presence of Christ in prayer, may find foundational beliefs that may need some divine alignment. Only the truth of God, through His Holy Spirit, can redirect one's life into His love but only if one's heart is sincerely open to truth. Praise be to God, for the gospel of Christ and His kingdom!

 

This world, ever since the introduction of sin, is of wicked domain but God has provided a kingdom of righteousness for those that understand and receive the love that comes only from God. True righteousness and the love of God are inseparable.

 

Romans 5:5. ... because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

 

1 John 2:3. Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4. He who says, "I know Him,'' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

 

The eternal union of God's kingdom:

 

1 Thessalonians 4:13. But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

 

Matthew 6:33. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you

 

John 1:12. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name:

 

Beliefs are chosen:

 

Our beliefs are a direct path to our future. It is very important what beliefs we accept as truth. Some beliefs will lead some to the throne of God while other beliefs will lead many to destruction. The beliefs that I hold dear to my heart that I have shared with you are for your consideration. I do not claim to have a corner market on God but I do share what God has done for me in my life. My wife and I suffered the loss of our first born (teenage) son in 1992 in a fatal traffic accident. From that date, I found a desperate need for the Lord for our pain was severe. I know that others have also suffered deeply and we're not alone. But because of need I have found the gospel of Christ and His kingdom to bring healing to my soul, not only for the loss of our beloved son but also to give me incredible understanding and direction for myself and my family. Since my acceptance to the Way of Christ, the Lord has met our needs in many ways. I am so thankful for the bible for it is truly a written testimony of men and their relationship with God. Not everyone in the bible had a good relationship with the Lord but I treasure the ones that did for I have found that the same relationship that they held can be found today because of what Jesus did for all by His sacrificial death and payment. The blood of Jesus is special to me for I being an earthly father know the value of the spilled blood of a son. For sure, the blood of my son is much more valuable than my own blood. In John 3: 16 we see that God gave His only begotten Son, and that has a very deep heartfelt meaning to me. For sure, the blood of a son (or daughter) is of utmost value.

 

Today there are many teachings and differing spiritual opinions. My beliefs and opinions are only one of many. It is not my desire to have followers but to point those that have found a need to Whom that has taught and healed me. The wounds of our loss are healed but the scars do remain. For my family and I, our hope is in Christ and His teachings. My hope is that one day my entire family will be reunited in a kingdom where love and righteousness dwells.

 

2 Peter 3:10. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12. looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13. Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.