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Sunday, July 27, 2008

The Kingdom of Heaven Is Near

SUNDAY July 27

The Kingdom of Heaven Is Near

Read Matthew 10:7. What does it mean that the "kingdom of heaven" is near? What is your understanding of the "kingdom of heaven"?

A kingdom is the territory under the authority of a king. God's kingdom, the kingdom of heaven, includes not only geographical territory but spiritual as well. At one point Jesus even said, "The kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21).

What does it mean, that the "kingdom of God" is within us? How are we to understand this idea?

Before Jesus and His disciples began their ministry, John the Baptist began preaching that the kingdom of heaven was near (Matt. 3:2). The New Testament clearly sees Jesus as Israel's promised king, fulfilling all the hopes and predictions of the Old Testament (see Luke 1:32, 33). But the people were expecting a political king who would establish a political rule over specific geographical territory and free them from the Romans.

The kingdom that Jesus preached about was far different. It was not going to come when the Romans were overthrown. The kingdom of heaven was now. Now people could see Jesus, hear His words, and learn the principles on which salvation and heaven are based. Now they could learn to follow His example of how to live. Now they could see how the principles of God's government operate in real life. Now they could choose to become part of that kingdom. Now they could have the promises of the Holy Spirit, of victory over sin, of hope for eternal life. In what ways are you now enjoying and benefiting from the privileges of living in the "kingdom of God"? What opportunities and promises are you not yet fully taking advantage of?
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Thank you for your support. I'm taking the classes in Spanish but I like to read your 'cause it inspire me to talk to other about God in English, this is for the Glory and honor of God........Yolanda
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