What must I do?

I am continuing my series on the secrets of the kingdom, taking a look today at Mark 10:17 - 27:

"As Jesus was resuming his journey, a man came running up to him, and threw himself on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to gain eternal life?”  “Why do you call me good?”answered Jesus. “No one is good but God.  You know the commandments — ‘Do not kill. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not say what is false about others. Do not cheat. Honor your father and your mother.’”  “Teacher,” he replied, “I have observed all these from my childhood.”  Jesus looked at the man, and his heart went out to him, and he said: “There is still one thing wanting in you; go and sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and you will heave wealth in heaven; then come and follow me.”  But the man’s face clouded at these words, and he went away distressed, for he had great possessions.  Then Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples: “How hard it is for people of wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”  The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again: “My children, how hard a thing it is to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to get through a needle’s eye, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”  “Then who can be saved?” they exclaimed in the greatest astonishment.  Jesus looked at them, and answered: “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for everything is possible with God.”

 I think this is an interesting passage.  The question this man asks Jesus is a very key question.

"What must I do to gain eternal life?"

If someone asked you this question, how would you respond?

I doubt any of us would respond with the answers Jesus gives... follow the Old Testament commandments, and sell everything and give your money to the poor.

Many Christians would explain some information about God and what Jesus did on the cross, and say if we believe and have faith we will be saved.

So how can we reconcile that the answer Jesus gives here seems to emphasize works, where the answer we want to give emphasizes only faith.  I know there are many bible passages that support both sides of the works vs faith issue.

I think a key to understanding the kingdom of God is that it is not about following a set of rules.  If submission to the reign, rule, authority of God was just about following the Old Testament law, Jesus would not have had to come.  The Jews already had the law.

I believe there is a real sense that Jesus wanted to free them from following the law.  He wanted them to discover that they could follow and submit to the King instead.  He showed them that He was the King who loved and cared for them, especially those who were the outcasts and marginalized ones.   Submitting to the reign and authority of a loving God is so much better than following a set of rules.  When Jesus left he promised that He would leave the Holy Spirit to guide His followers personally.

I think the answer Jesus gave isn't one of following the works of the law. I see it as a call to have deep faith in God.

This man had wealth, and he was trusting in his wealth.  Jesus was asking the man to place his faith and trust in Him alone.

I am not at a point where I believe all wealthy people have to sell all they have and give it all to the poor.  I see Jesus asking this man to do this because He knew this man's heart.  If you have wealth, the key question to ask yourself is "If God asked me to give it all up would I?  Do I trust God more than I trust my wealth? Do I trust God's ability to care for my needs more than I trust my own ability?  To what degree am I OK with letting God alone reign in my life?"  These are questions of faith.

 Related Posts:

• Secrets of the Kingdom Summary
• Kingdom For The Poor
• Asset or Liability in the Kingdom 
• Sola fide
• Spirit Of Truth
• Did Jesus Come to Start a New Religion 
• End Of Religion

Entering the Kingdom of God

Continuing my series on the secrets of the kingdom. I used to think the kingdom of God or the kingdom of Heaven was a reference to Heaven, some place we could go to in the future after we die. This is one passage that changed my way of thinking about the kingdom Jesus kept talking about.

The Parable of the Two Sons (Matt 21:28 - 32 HCSB)

“But what do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘My son, go, work in the vineyard today.’
“He answered, ‘I don’t want to!’ Yet later he changed his mind and went. Then the man went to the other and said the same thing.

“‘I will, sir,’ he answered. But he didn’t go.

“Which of the two did his father’s will?”

“The first,” they said.

Jesus said to them, “I assure you: Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you! For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn’t believe him. Tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him, but you, when you saw it, didn’t even change your minds then and believe him.

I'll make three observations from this passage:

1) I find the present tense of this passage interesting. Similar to Luke 16:16 it seems people were already entering this kingdom starting in those days. Living under the reign and rule of God is something that can take place in the present as well.

2) What does this passage say on the Faith vs Works issue? This passage does not lend a lot of support to the salvation by faith alone camp. It seems sometimes actions speak louder than words.

3) This is also another example of the upside-down nature of this kingdom. In this passage Jesus was talking to the religious leaders and elders of the community. People would have assumed these people were closer to God's will than prostitutes and tax collectors. The types of people that Jesus says are entering are not the ones we would expect. You would think Jesus could have found some people who were more respectable, educated, honorable, and put together to be part of His kingdom.

Does anything else stand out to you from this passage?

Related Posts:

• The Kingdom of Heaven Belongs to...
• That Is Not Fair!
• Kingdom Without Hierarchy
• Secrets of the Kingdom Summary
• Kingdom Confusion John and Forceful Men
• Sola Fide

Kingdom of Doers

Continuing my series on the secrets of the kingdom.

To enter the kingdom of heaven you must be a doer. Talking the talk just doesn't cut it.

Matt 7:21 - 23 (NIV)

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

This passage does not fit well with an easy believism attitude that says all you have to do is believe. There is obviously truth in the fact we are justified by faith.

Rom 5:1 (NIV)

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (NIV)

But we can't rest too heavily on one side of the spectrum on this. James confirms actions are required.

James 2:24 (NIV)
"You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone."

I want to also look at the context of this Matt 7:21 - 23 passage.

Immediately before this is a warning about true and false prophets. The way to tell if someone is teaching correctly is to watch their actions. Watch their fruit. If they are not 'doing' right, be careful they likely are not teaching correctly either.

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (Matt 7:15 - 20 NIV)

Then following is another familiar passage about the wise and foolish builders. Making the point if you know what is right, you better be doing what is right.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matt 7:24-27 NIV)

This is a great reminder for me recently. I can easily get caught up talking about the kingdom of God. But I find it harder to focus on living my faith. All someone needs to do is read my blog to know what I think. But is there fruit? What am I doing?

My wife graciously reminded me of this recently with this verse: 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV)

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power."

Related Posts:

• Sola fide
• Irony of works vs faith divide
• Kingdom Secrets

God's Mercy and Grace

Look at the history of God's people, recorded in Scripture, and throughout history. Then I look at my personal life.

How does God put up with us?

We get some of it right, but we sure do get a lot of it wrong.

Apply this perspective to our varying forms of doing church. I suspect all 30,000 + denominations are off base in a range of areas. But as I've visited different church traditions, I get a sense that God is active and working in the lives of many of these people. I'm pretty sure each group has got some wrong theology. Many have missed the focus of works, living out their faith, being living examples of who Christ is. Many have traded in a personal relationship with the living God for some form of religion. And many have lost their true love for their Lord.

But within each of these attempts at being Christ's church, I believe God is still present and active.

Why would God bless the work of people who have got it so wrong?

How can God Work through institutions that have wrong teachings, actions, or have lost their love for Him?

How can God work through institutions that maintain and promote divisions within His one body?

I think it's the same grace and mercy that I know God extends to me daily that he also extends to others. God must be OK loving us even when we get it wrong. He must be OK working in and through us, even when we make a mess of it all.

Matt 25:31-46

OK, here's the rest of the passage I was looking at the other day here.

Matt 25:31-46

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Aside from my lack of ability to fully understand the afterlife... there are some other important points to note from this passage.

In this passage what is the difference between the righteous and the unrighteous? It is how they responded to others in need - the poor, needy, lonely, and sick. Life under the reign of God is much more than just belief in the truth (or belief in Jesus). Justification by faith alone? Faith is obviously required, but this passage makes it clear we must respond to the needy in the same way Jesus would respond.

To be a follower of Jesus, we need to follow his example.

From what I can tell, I don't see the Scriptures giving a completely clear description of what the afterlife will be like. There are small references to what comes after life here and there, but it's not laid out clear enough for me to fully understand. I think the main message of Scripture does focus on how we should be living here and now.

Believe in Jesus, and wait around for the afterlife? - NOPE

Believe in Jesus, follow now, and trust God to work out the details of the afterlife. Yes, this is what I need to do.

Rethinking Church

The United Methodist Church put together this great video. It's great to see God is at work in so many different communities. Many Christ followers are asking some great questions. What is it that Christ's followers are supposed to be focusing on? If we are Christ's hands and feet, what type of Christ is the world seeing by what we are doing?

Rob Bell on the Good News

This video of Rob Bell triggers some interesting questions. What was it about the early Christ followers that made such an impact.?

Was it simply that they had a message of truth that the world was eager to believe?

What was so unique about there message?

Or was it that they were living lives of truth that the world could not ignore?

Watch more viddler videos on AOL Video

Now, I haven't done enough research to verify all the claims of this video. I wish there was some sort of footnotes to reference some of the claims.

Regardless I think this is worth considering: It was likely not simply the gospel message that we often hear preached now that changed the world back then. I doubt it was just solid preaching on truths like this:

• God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.
• But you have a sin problem that separates you from God.
• The good news is that Jesus came to die for your sins.
• If you accept Jesus' death, you can be reconnected to God.
• Those who are reconnected to God will live in heaven with God.
  http://blog.beliefnet.com/jesuscreed/2009/05/kingdom-gospel-1.html
  

I believe the above statements are true, and they are all good news. But it's not the entire good news. It was likely the way that these people became the good news to the people in their communities that made the impact. How they took care of the poor and elderly, how they defended the oppressed, how they shared all that they had, how they served each other, and sought first the kingdom of God. It was likely not just that they preached good news, but that they were living the good news. Nor was this some empty social gospel that was merely good deeds done by anonymous do good-ers. This was a group of people following the teaching of Jesus, and inviting others to join with them living under God's ways instead of the worldly ways.

Jesus claimed he was the light of the world, yet he also said we are to be the light too:

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:14-16 NIV)

A.W. Tozer on Justification by Faith

I like this quote from A.W. Tozer

No one has any right to believe that he is indeed a Christian unless he is humbly seeking to obey the teachings of the One whom he calls Lord. Christ once asked a question (Luke 6:46) that can have no satisfying answer, “Why do you call me, `Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”

Right here we do well to anticipate and reply to an objection that will likely arise in the minds of some readers. It goes like this: “We are saved by accepting Christ, not by keeping His commandments. Christ kept the law for us, died for us and rose again for our justification, and so delivered us from all necessity to keep commandments. Is it not possible, then, to become a Christian by simple faith altogether apart from obedience?”

Many honest persons argue in this way, but their honesty cannot save their argument from being erroneous. Theirs is the teaching that has in the last fifty years emasculated the evangelical message and lowered the moral standards of the Church until they are almost indistinguishable from those of the world. It results from a misunderstanding of grace and a narrow and one-sided view of the gospel, and its power to mislead lies in the element of truth it contains. It is arrived at by laying correct premises and then drawing false conclusions from them.

http://www.cmalliance.org/devotions/tozer/tozer.jsp?id=993

I think A.W. Tozer is correctly identifying an error that happens when too much emphasis is placed on the doctrine of justification by faith alone, or sola fide. Following Christ is more than lip service or beliefs kept in your mind. Following is actions based on ones beliefs. I think all Christian traditions believe this, even though they may word it in different ways.

Respond to Disagreements in Love

A big part of my journey in the past few years has been a growing distaste for things that cause dis-unity in Christ's Church. However disagreements are very common in every human relationship, they are going to happen. How can we respond in love and respect despite different points of views?

I'm finding myself struggling with this lately. I am recognizing how strongly I disagree with those who publicly create divisions with others in Christ's Church. So how should I respond? Do I respond to those who are causing divisions with further hostility? How can I maintain unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ who do not share my perspective on what is essential to the faith?

Love (1 Cor 13:1-13 NIV)

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Lately I have been quick to recognize Christ followers who are not displaying these characteristics of love as they relate to other Christ followers.

It is critical that I respond to everyone with love, even those I disagree strongly with.

John 13:34 (NIV)

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

If we leave out love in our response to disagreements, others will not recognize that we are Christ's disciples.

I pray that I can demonstrate love in all situations as I work through this journey.

Fire Insurance Sales Agents

photo by kool_skatkat

Is Christianity like buying and selling fire insurance?

Is it about believing certain truths about Jesus to insure we spend our eternity in Heaven instead of Hell? Then making sure other people believe the same things so they also can be guaranteed to spend eternity in Heaven and be spared Hell.

Do we do good deeds so others will believe like we do? Do we strive to live good lives to be a good witness, with the hopes that others will believe like we do?

Is the main task getting this fire insurance policy into everyone hands? I don't think so, otherwise the greatest commandment would have been.

NOT Matt 22:37-39

'Love your beliefs with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Teach your neighbor your beliefs'.

Is there more to Jesus Message? Is it just about eternity? Or is it about living now?

Loving Jesus...

Loving others...

Enjoying God and His creation...

Becoming people of love, joy, justice, peace, mercy...

Starting now, and into eternity.


Luke 6:27-38 (NIV)

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you."If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Responsibility of the Wealthy

(Cartoon from www.nicholsoncartoons.com.au)

I'm still pondering what the deal was with Jesus saying He came to preach good news to the poor. And I'm still wondering what my response should be as one who has been blessed.

Jesus gave some hard teaching regarding wealth. Some verses are extremely difficult to follow, I'll get to those in future posts.

But first I want to look at some verses that seem easier to follow, yet I'm afraid I'm still not living these well either.

2 Corinthians 9:10-12

"Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God." (NIV)

1 Timothy 6:17-18

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."(NIV)

This should be a starting point for all Christ followers who have been blessed (who have more than enough food in their homes). We should not put our hope in wealth, but in God. We should be rich in good deeds, and generous in every occasion and willing to share.

I'm not living here yet... I find security in budgeting and financial planning. I need to find a way to blend my habits of budgeting and being a responsible steward of what God has blessed us with, yet allow spontaneous giving to alter my financial plans to line up with God's plans for my finances.

Parable of the Life-Saving Station

I heard this at the Franklin Graham Festival Christian Life and Witness classes a few years ago. I thought it was a good challenge. I googled and found this text at: http://www.bible.ca/evangelism/e-parable-life-saving.htm (and many other places). You may have read it before, but I thought I'd share it here too.

Parable of the Life-Saving Station

On a dangerous seacoast where shipwrecks often occur there was a once a crude little life-saving station. The building was just a hut, and there was only one boat, but the few devoted members kept a constant watch over the sea, and with no thought for themselves, they went out day or night tirelessly searching for the lost.

Many lives were saved by this wonderful little station, so that it became famous. Some of those who were saved, and various others in the surrounding areas, wanted to become associated with the station and give of their time and money and effort for the support of its work. New boats were bought and new crews were trained. The little life-saving station grew.

Some of the new members of the life-saving station were unhappy that the building was so crude and so poorly equipped. They felt that a more comfortable place should be provided as the first refuge of those saved from the sea.

So they replaced the emergency cots with beds and put better furniture in an enlarged building. Now the life-saving station became a popular gathering place for its members, and they re-decorated it beautifully and furnished it as a sort of club.

Less of the members were now interested in going to sea on life-saving missions, so they hired life boat crews to do this work.

The mission of life-saving was still given lip-service but most were too busy or lacked the necessary commitment to take part in the life-saving activities personally.

About this time a large ship was wrecked off the coast, and the hired crews brought in boat loads of cold, wet, and half-drowned people.

They were dirty and sick, and some of them had black skin, and some spoke a strange language, and the beautiful new club was considerably messed up. So the property committee immediately had a shower house built outside the club where victims of shipwreck could be cleaned up before coming inside.

At the next meeting, there was a split in the club membership. Most of the members wanted to stop the club's life-saving activities as being unpleasant and a hindrance to the normal life pattern of the club.

But some members insisted that life-saving was their primary purpose and pointed out that they were still called a life-saving station. But they were finally voted down and told that if they wanted to save the life of all the various kinds of people who were shipwrecked in those waters, they could begin their own life-saving station down the coast. They did.

As the years went by, the new station experienced the same changes that had occurred in the old. They evolved into a club and yet another life-saving station was founded.

If you visit the seacoast today you will find a number of exclusive clubs along that shore. Shipwrecks are still frequent in those waters, only now most of the people drown.

One Mind

What does being with "one mind" mean?

"When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, "Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. "For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry." (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out.
And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) "For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'LET HIS HOMESTEAD BE MADE DESOLATE, AND LET NO ONE DWELL IN IT'; and,'LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE HIS OFFICE.'"Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us-- beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us-- one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection." So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles." (Acts 1:13 - 26 NASB)

So from these verses we are to admire that the followers of Jesus were of 'one mind' and continually devoted to prayer. This should be our desire too.

From these verses do we think that being of one mind meant that they agreed on everything? Peter stood up and proposes that they pick one more person to become one of the 12 apostles. I think the fact that two names were put forward suggests that they did not agree on everything.

I do think they found a way to place their focus on the issues that are of greatest value (prayer, loving Jesus, loving people, and working together on the mission that Jesus calls us all to). And by focusing on these issues, and not getting distracted by their differences, they were of one mind.

Also consider Paul opposing Peter, yet we must consider the main message in their writings to be of 'one mind'.

Gal 2:11 "When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong."

A question. Does everyone in any 'church' agree on all doctrines? I know in most community of believers there are different thoughts on many issues. But when it comes to working together to reach others with the good news, the doctrinal discussions are not the focus.

When our minds are focused on living out our faith, loving God and others, and seeking the kingdom of God, we can be of 'one mind'.

Kingdom of God

I can't read the gospels without noticing the how frequently Jesus talked about the kingdom of God, or kingdom of heaven. From a simple search I counted 109 references to Jesus talking about His kingdom in the gospels. So lets take a look at a few of them.

The Kingdom of God is within His people:

"nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21 NIV)

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 continues into eternity:

"I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 8:11 NIV)

(See also Parable of weeds Matt 13:24-43)

Understanding the greatest commandment (loving God and loving others) brings one near (but not quite into) the kingdom:

"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." (Mark 12:32-34)

It must be received like a child:

"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Luke 18:17 NIV)

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

We must have a second spiritual birth:

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. (John 3:5 NIV)

We must do God's will:

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Matt 7:21 NIV)

A little goes a long way:

He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches." (Matt 13:31-32 NIV)

Regarding wealth:

"I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 19:23 NIV)

"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." (Luke 6:20 NIV)

Worries of this life and deceitfulness of wealth can choke our faith:

"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." (Matt 13:18-23 NIV)

On keeping the 'Law':

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 5:17 - 20 NIV)

We should pray for the kingdom to come. Does this mean we are praying for a future heaven to come? Or are we praying for God's will to be done here on earth, in His current kingdom here?

"your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matt 6:10 NIV)

Brief Time Of Unity

Near the start of this journey I was blessed to witness a great moment of Christian unity. In Oct 2006 - yikes time has flown - Franklin Graham came to town for 3 days of meetings.

I was part of over 1000 volunteers who took 5 evenings of training to be councilors at the event. They dealt with all the important basic beliefs we all cherish. We were trained to share with people that came forward at the event how they could have peace with God, going through a booklet like this: http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp They also provided other reading materials, and small group study material to work with people that made decisions to follow Christ.

I was pleased to discover that there was a catholic lady from my workplace that was also taking the training. A number of catholic churches were involved. We chatted a bit at work about how we were a bit nervous about doing this - a bit out of our comfort zone, but mostly it was obvious that we were both very excited about this opportunity.

I thought it was great that so many Churches could put aside their differences for this, and work together to help others find peace with God.

Well, the Franklin Graham Festival was great. God was there, and the Holy Spirit was at work. We had an an amazing time singing praises to our Lord, together as 14000 Christians each of the 3 nights, from over 200 participating church communities. Too bad our city didn't have a bigger arena as people were turned away. I don't know the official numbers, but there were hundreds of commitments each night. I had the privilege of sharing and praying with two 12 year old boys who made 1st time commitments to Jesus, and with a mid-40's man who made a re-commitment to renew his faith. Glory to God!

What I still find amazing about that event was that somehow most churches are willing to put aside their differences and work side by side during a Graham event. They are even able to agree to use the text of a booklet that shows steps on how to have peace with God. If we can agree to what is necessary to have peace with God... what other topic can trump that? Isn't that message what it is all about. The little details that divide seem small when compared to that.

The other memory I have is being in the arena with 14000 others singing "All God's Children Singing Glory Glory He Reigns" (with the Newsboys). And it really felt like that we were singing praises to God as all of His children.... I can't wait till heaven so I can sing like that again with all my brothers and sisters again!

Irony of works vs faith divide

I grew up hearing stories of the scales used in the catholic church - if the good outweighed the bad they'd make it to heaven. We were told that catholic's were legalistic and believe they get to heaven based on good works.

Catholics on the other hand grow up believing that protestant believe all you need to do is say a prayer. Once saved always saved. And some compare it to a fast food message - a little to simplistic. They think once we said that prayer we think we can live however we please and still get to heaven.

The irony is this:

In practice some are skeptical of how worldly some catholic's often are, and no matter how sinful they seem to live they all get the ticket to heaven at the catholic funerals.

In practice evangelical protestants are often the ones who seem very legalistic. Don’t smoke, drink, dance or chew, or go with those who do. And if someone does break these rules, yet said the prayer, we say they likely were not really saved before - maybe they said it but didn't mean it?

So in practice which (stereotyped) group seems to practice "once saved always saved", and which group is legalistic and placing a larger emphasis on works?

My point here is that we've used words to create a division, yet in practice we all agree that faith and works are required.

Some related links:
Catholics on - Aren’t We Saved by Faith Alone?
Catholics on - Once Saved, Always Saved?
Catholics on - Assurance of Salvation
GotQuestions.org - Is salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works?

Aside note: I find it interesting that the only occurrence of the phrase "faith alone" in the Bible is in James 2:24 "You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. "