A big handicap for Christians today is that we don’t believe in the majesty and desirability of the Kingdom of God. We have been duped into believing that today’s institutional church is an authentic expression of God’s Kingdom on earth and we’re comfortable with that.
I am deeply touched as I read of the Abundant Life that Jesus offers. It includes release from the bondage to our old nature that produces broken relationships, jealousy, insecurity, fear, unrighteous anger, addictions, depression and more.
I’m speaking of the Abundant Life that fills our inner being to full and running over. And gives us power to love our enemy and bless those who abuse us. And freedom from needing the things of the world because He has taken their place as our source of identity and wholeness.
Do we view those characteristics of His Kingdom as being possible and desirable, or as unrealistic and even getting in the way of life as we now envision and pursue it?
Do we believe that the Kingdom of God embodies a mission that is so glorious and compelling that it can capture our imagination and our soul and fill us with passion to make Him known to the ends of the earth – – or would that cramp our lifestyle?
Do we even want, a passionate love for Him that forms in us a heart that obeys him in every aspect of life? Remember John 14:21 and 23? https://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/john/14/21-23
Do we invite His Holy Spirit to empower, instruct, deliver and heal, or are we satisfied to keep on trying to be His people and do His work by human effort?
ARE we even close to what Jesus had in mind in Mt. 16:18 or are we more like the world than like the Kingdom where He reigns?
What now, saints? Church leaders?
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, Ohio USA
Oct. 15, 2021
CLICK HERE for a printable pdf