For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Rom 8:15-17 NIV)This is amazing stuff - co-heirs with Christ. Does this mean I'm in line for some wealth and royal benefits? Co-heirs with Christ - in His sufferings and able to share in His glory? This is no spectator faith, I'm not just signing up and waiting around for the jackpot of heaven.
The kingdom of God started in the days of Jesus:
"The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. (Luke 16:16 NIV)
"I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. "(Matt 21:32 NIV)
I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." (Matt 16:28 NIV)The Kingdom of God is within me (us)
"Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-12 NIV)This is the good news that Jesus proclaimed:
And after the delivering up of John, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of the reign of God,and saying -- `Fulfilled hath been the time, and the reign of God hath come nigh, reform ye, and believe in the good news.' (Mark 1:14-15 YLT)God's kingdom is here! The reign of God is here!
Change your life, believe the good news!
We can not gain entrance to this kingdom in any position of arrogance or control. There can only be one Lord. We must allow God to reign in our lives.
"tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:15 NIV)
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