Are we ready for the harvest?
Jesus knows things we do not. He challenges us to wake up. He looks out and does not just see …
Tag Archives: Kingdom of God
“You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” ~John the baptizer
Jesus challenges us to radically change our way of thinking. Repentance (the original Greek means radically changing our thinking and acting differently) …
“The only significance of life consists in helping to establish the kingdom of God.” ~Count Leo Tolstoy
Why it matters: What is Jesus’ favorite thing to talk about? Knowing he would be present with the disciples for …
What is disobedience all about? What are the consequences?
For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not …
Who is reigning now in the kingdom of God?
And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death …
When will the kingdom of God come?
Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is …
Do we first learn of the good news in the Old Testament?
The Spirit of Yahweh is upon me, Because Yahweh has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He …
Where is Jesus now?
In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the …
“God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Master [Lord] and Messiah” ~Apostle Peter
Jesus is in charge. God has put Him in charge. He is Master [Lord]. He reigns as the head of …
“What have you done?” ~Pilate
Breaking news! Jesus oversees God’s Kingdom. It is not what we think! Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation …
“My kingdom is not of this world.” ~Jesus
God’s plan was moving along on schedule. Jesus had been arrested and was now on trial. It was a little …
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” ~Jesus
Jesus continues His Manifesto (aka The Sermon on the Mount). Jesus is getting close to wrapping it up. Jesus does …
What relieves our anxiety in life?
The main thing: Jesus is now at the core issue as He lays out His manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7). …
What is the proper response to human authorities? Are they are to be obeyed by everyone?
Everything we do should be for the glory of the Master Jesus and the good of His reign [kingdom]! Peter …
Are we the ones who are going ‘to get’ what Jesus is saying?
It is sad that Jesus knows that not matter how He communicates the message, some of us aren’t going to …
Do we know God and how He works?
Jesus challenges us: The challenge is to not worry and live for what God wants to accomplish today. God takes …
Are we guilty of not thinking of the Kingdom of God and hence not being effective in this corrupt culture?
God is clear. Jesus was very specific about it. Our focus is to be on God, His world (kingdom) and …
Is the kingdom of God eating and drinking?
The joy of deliverance is amazing. When God sets us free, rejoicing is in order. We were tied up missing …
Who gave Jesus the right to be King?
Why this is important: Jesus invites us to picture what God’s kingdom is like. Jesus wants us to understand Him …
Can we see the glory of God?
Who is the King of Glory? King David is a warrior King. He spent much of his life fighting to …
Are we subjects of the Kingdom of God and mighty King Jesus?
Why it matters: Wow. Jesus is direct. Grow up!! OK, that makes sense. We can be very childish. We live in God’s …
Do we have to wait for God? Should we be patient?
Jesus told them they had to wait. He didn’t have to. He could have given them the Spirit of God …
Where do we get our nourishment? From doing God’s will?
It can be confusing to talk with Jesus. We’re talking this world and He’s talking about God’s world. Jesus challenges …
What is so special about a city on the hill? Does Jesus know?
There are times Jesus will do things and suggest that it not be shared with others. It is a God …
Will Jesus remember us?
Three men had been condemned. Three men were hanging on crosses facing agonizing deaths. This is a horrific way to die. …
“God’s kingdom is already among you.” ~Jesus
We keep looking. We think, someday we will go to heaven. We hold out hope. We trust in lots of …
“Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly, arguing and persuading them about the kingdom of God.” ~Luke
I need to speak boldly. I need to speak boldly every day. I need to argue and persuade as many …
February 1, 1960 — A movement for justice started at Woolworth’s in Greensboro, N.C.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and you have neglected the weightier …
“My kingdom is not of this world.” ~Jesus
Jesus is King. I have to confess my loyalty to King Jesus. This is the main thing about the main …
“Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in power.” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. Jesus says Amen (aka truly). I must get this. Jesus is emphatic. What I wonder. What is …
“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” ~Isaiah
This is a stunning prophecy (prediction) of the Kingdom of Jesus found in Isaiah 9:1-7. It was made by Isaiah. …
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” ~Jesus
I need to get on board with what God wants. It is never about me. It is always about God. …
“Now the works of the flesh are obvious: … strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, and anything similar. I am warning you that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” ~Apostle Paul
I get jealous. I get angry. One can lead to the other. The parable of the prodigal son is a …
“And the government will rest on His shoulders.” ~Isaiah
Consider this as we start. I know I must adjust my thinking but that is what Jesus always challenges me …
“Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” ~Jesus
Nicodemus doesn’t get what Jesus is saying. I am the same way some days. I hear Him but I don’t …
“Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!” ~John the Baptizer
Radically changing my mind and how I think/act (aka repent) is called for by John. Jesus will call for it …
“Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” ~Jesus
I want to be a part of the country where Jesus is King (aka the Kingdom of God). I really …
“Applause, everyone. Bravo, bravissimo! Shout God-songs at the top of your lungs! God Most High is stunning, astride land and ocean.” ~Sons of Korah
Now here is a good word. God, our most High God, is stunning. So is His Son Jesus. So is …
Is God’s country here already? What should I do?
We keep looking. We think, someday we will go to heaven. We hold out hope. We trust in lots of …
Was Jesus the Messiah’s mission one of preaching and teaching?
I am a disciple of Jesus. That means I must learn from Jesus. Jesus was one a mission to preach …
“Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” ~Jesus
Jesus has something He wants me to know. Jesus wants me to approach His kingdom with simplicity. Jesus wants me …
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Master and of His Messiah; and He will reign forever and ever.” ~Seventh Angel and Chorus from Heaven
Kings came and went. Kings died. Someone else became King. It could have been a son. It could have been …
“You’re not listening. Let me say it again.” ~Jesus
I am like Nicodemus. Jesus wants me to understand something but I’m not quite getting it. Jesus is patient. Jesus …
Is Jesus the Messiah’s kingdom a heavenly kingdom? Is it of this world?
Jesus is King. I have to confess my loyalty to King Jesus. This is the main thing about the main …
“Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?” ~King David
Why am I down in the dumps? King David has lots of good reasons to ask. So do I. I …
“But woe unto you, religious elites (scribes and Pharisees), hypocrites! You shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for you neither go in yourselves, neither suffer you them that are entering to go in.” ~Jesus
I am going to pay attention. Jesus is talking to me. I must learn. This is critical in my life. …
“Here is your king.” ~Pilate about Jesus
Pilate gets it right. Jesus is King. God has anointed Him, as the Messiah, as King of God’s country. Most …
“He sent out servants to call in all the invited guests. And they wouldn’t come!” ~Jesus
Jesus is on a roll. Jesus is making sure everyone knows what is going on with the religious elites. They …
God is in the revealing business
God is revealing things. God is in the revealing business. Sometimes it is a little fuzzy at first and then …
“You’re almost there, right on the border of God’s kingdom.” ~Jesus
The religious elites of the Jewish faith were constantly trying to trap Jesus. One asked “Which is most important of all …
“Here it is again, the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first.” ~Jesus
Jesus drives the point home time and time again. Jesus wraps up a story with this statement of how …
“To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.” ~Jesus
Whenever I hear the word “mystery“, my curiosity kicks in. I want to know. A “mystery” in the New Testament …
“If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” ~Jesus
Is Jesus my Master? Am I His slave? Does Jesus own me? Jesus is the King, anointed by the Holy …
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” ~Jesus
Jesus is now at the core issue as He lays out His manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7). God has a …
Joy – Why does the Holy Spirit’s fruit include joy?
We love to eat fruit. We love the fruit and the juice. It gives us nourishment and refreshes us. May …
“Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me.” ~Jesus
Jesus looks me hard in the eye. Jesus is clear. Jesus isn’t going to pull any punches with me. …
“I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in.” ~Jesus
I am concerned and worry about lots of things. One of them is how am I doing compared to others. …
“And if anyone misses God’s goal, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus the Messiah the righteous.” ~Apostle John
Special praise goes to Jesus for vindicating the penitent and the needy who have no human champions. Ultimately, all God’s …
“A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.” ~King Solomon
Jesus warns us constantly and consistently about the dangers not focusing on God and focusing on wealth. It is a …
“And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their religious elitist leaders.” ~Apostle Matthew
Jesus wrapped up His Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7). The teaching is over. What He has said is amazing. The …
King Jesus — How long will Jesus be King?
Kings came and went. Kings died. Someone else became King. It could have been a son. It could have been …
There are ungodly and unrighteous people. What to do?
There are ungodly and unrighteous people. They are evil. They have rejected God and His Son Jesus, the anointed King …
“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” ~Jesus
In some circles, the end game is to be saved. Now that is important but it is not the end …
“Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” ~Jesus
Paul tells the church that the spiritual blindness of Israel is a “mystery” that had not previously been revealed (Romans …
“Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; He directs it to whatever ends He chooses.” ~King Solomon
God is God. God is in control. I don’t get that some days. What about that jerk that is …
“We must obey God rather than men.” ~Peter
Jesus is clear. Peter heard Him and took it to heart. Jesus said “Render to the government (aka Caesar) the things …
“This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” ~God
What does God want from me? Listen to His Son Jesus. It is a simple and straightforward challenge. God didn’t …
“God’s plan for the world stands up, all his designs are made to last.” ~King David
David knows a lot about God’s plan for countries and kingdoms. We can plan and scheme all we want. …
“You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door.” ~Jesus
The Apostle Peter rightly declares the Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one from God. Anointed to be King in …
“I can do nothing on My own initiative.” ~Jesus
Jesus is completely obedient to the will of His Father. 24/7 it is all about what does God want right …
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” ~Jesus
What am I working for? Jesus wants to know. Jesus has some commands for me on this. I must act …
“I have not come to call the righteous but those who miss God’s goal to radically change their thinking.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges me to radically change my way of thinking. Repentance (the original Greek means radically changing my thinking) is of central …
“Courage! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” ~Jesus
In the Bible, courage is also called “good cheer” as in Mark 6:50 when Jesus gave the command to the disciples who …
“Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” ~Apostle Paul
Can I be gentle in caring for the weak? Every person is powerful. I can speak words that influence others. …
“Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out.” ~Jesus
What does Jesus say? I know what He says. I can read His words. I can study them. I can …
“Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, the Messiah.” ~Jesus
Jesus isn’t enamored with my being a leader who serves. Jesus calls on me to be a servant or a …
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” ~Jesus
Jesus has just finished talking about not judging and hypocrisy in the Jesus Manifesto. At first sight and hearing, this is …
“Whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” ~Apostle John
Jesus tells me I “cannot serve both God and money.” (Luke 16:13) I must seek to be content with what …
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Apostle Paul
Joy and happiness is essential in the Kingdom of God. The Beatitudes (aka The Jesus Manifesto) traditionally use the word “blessed”. …
“Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” ~Jesus
The five thousand had just been feed. It was a stunning day. God had been shown, through His son Jesus, …
Miracles of Jesus — How does Jesus heal the sick?
There are so many amazing and supernatural acts of Jesus, revealing and confirming his Messianic credentials, and the coming of …
“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” ~Apostle Paul
The joy of deliverance is amazing. When God sets me free, rejoicing is in order. I was tied up missing God’s …
Toleration — It should be exercised for the benefit of those whose faith is weak
How tolerant of other believers should I be? Even when disputing/dialoguing over prominent doctrines, a disciple of Jesus should exercise …
“How can we picture God’s kingdom?” ~Jesus
Jesus invites me to picture what God’s kingdom is like. Jesus wants me to understand Him as King of the …
Wealth — John the Baptist on Fruits Worthy of Repentance
This is pretty stunning. Of course, John the Baptist is a prophet and is determined to speak the truth of …
“What do you make of this?” ~Jesus
Jesus wants to know. Jesus has a question. What do I make of this? Do I understand? Am I listening? …
Mystery — God’s plan of salvation: God’s plan, now revealed, has been hidden for long ages
The mystery of faith is a term that occurs in 1 Timothy 3:9. “Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted …
Healing — God is the Author of all Healing
There is a lot to be said in the scripture about sickness and healing. Jesus heals. I know this to …
Authority of Jesus — It is Questioned
The authority of Jesus is questioned by others: Am I questioning that Jesus has the authority from God? I need …
Justice — It is Declared in Jesus the Messiah
Justice is a term used for what is right or “as it should be.” Justice is one of God’s attributes …
“There is far more at stake here than religion.” ~Jesus
Jesus is not a fan of organized religion and the elite attitudes that go with it. Jesus is in favor …
“Then there’s only one thing left to do: Sell everything you own and give it away to the poor. You will have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me.” ~Jesus
Where is my treasure? What is important to me? Is Jesus my Master? Jesus told us to “store up for …
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life.” ~Jesus
There are a lot of details to life. What to eat. What to wear. Which way to drive to work. …
“Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.” ~King David
Now here is some good news. God is going to take care of me. My job is to love God. …
Discipleship – Joy is a Benefit and Results from Being a Disciple
Joy is closely related to gladness and happiness, although joy is more a state of being than an emotion; a …
Denial of Jesus — The Jewish People Rejected Jesus
Denial is the making of a conscious, informed decision not to accept Jesus as the Messiah or his claims and …
“Be very careful. Keep a sharp eye out for the contaminating yeast of the Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, Lutherans or the Catholics. Also the yeast of Biden, Cruz, Sanders, Clinton or Trump.” ~Jesus
This is a special message for our current toxic political and religious environment. Jesus has something to say about all …
“Keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.” ~Apostle Peter
The Holy Spirit brings joy to believers, giving us an inner contentment and happiness which is not dependent upon external …
Does Jesus really mean what He is saying? Am I “buying it” at all? Is there good news?
I know what Jesus is saying. I say “is” in the present tense. I hear Him. The questions are these: …
Listening — To Jesus the Messiah
What does Jesus want from me? Jesus wants me to listen. Jesus wants me to be a good and faithful servant. …
Jesus Quotes and God Thoughts 