The Kingdom of God
Jesus spoke more about the "kingdom of
God"
than about any other teaching, yet, even today
many Christians know less about the kingdom of God
than about any of Jesus' other teachings. Most people are surprised to learn that
there are two unseen kingdoms daily at war in the world
(Revelation 12:7-17). Even more importantly, many people are
shocked to learn that one of these two spiritual powers
controls their lives and determines their eternal destinies
(Acts 26:18). Each of us is ruled by one of the two powers.
There are no exceptions. THERE IS NO MIDDLE GROUND! The one
kingdom is the kingdom of God, often spoken of by Jesus (see
the many references in Matthew 13). The other kingdom is
vividly described by Paul in Ephesians 6:12 as the
“spiritual forces of wickedness.”
As with Cain (Genesis 4:7), God lovingly warns that the
devil is daily struggling to gain influence over us (I Peter
5:8). Yet, God does not want us to become discouraged.
Already in this life, our gracious heavenly Father, through
His Son Jesus, has “delivered us from the domain of
darkness, and transferred us to
the kingdom of His beloved Son…” (Colossians 1:13). You need
not fear that the
devil will control you in this life (I John 4:4), or destroy
you eternally.
This is the same good news of the kingdom that Jesus
announced to the crowds during His public ministry (Mark
1:15). The crowds followed Jesus daily (Mark 1:45). Many
realized that, through the life-giving words of His kingdom,
Jesus offered them help and hope the world could not give.
Jesus “saw a great multitude, and He felt compassion for
them…and He began to teach them…”(Mark 6:34).
Jesus is offering you the same help today. Let these words
of encouragement give you new strength and hope as you learn
more about Jesus and His kingdom. In this life, we cannot
escape the devil’s daily hassles. However, we can be free
from his control over our lives. Learn how you can be freed
from the devil’s grip and be forever part of God’s glorious
kingdom, already in this life! |