Hey Friends, we will be exploring Kingdom Realities in September. We begin where we are found in the heart of our Father expressed at the cross. "For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life." John 3v16.
The message of the Gospel is a constant source of refreshment and power. Everything is included in the finished work of Jesus, starting with entering the Kingdom of God and the ability to move in the things of God. Therefore, since we have tasted and seen the goodness of God towards us, I pray we embrace that God has freely given us in Christ Jesus. For it is impossible to appropriate something you do not believe you possess. Let's remember that faith in the work of Christ gives us direct access to our inheritance in Him.
Ponder this truth: "He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things?" Romans 8v32.
I have found retreating to the word of God nourishes me and keeps the message of the Gospel in the forefront of my mind, and I hope this word will encourage you to do likewise. Having an intimate relationship with Jesus allows us to know Him, trust His character, receive the truth, and in doing so, walk as blessed because indeed we are! I pray we will believe that we also have the ability to live each day seeing life from God's perspective, because His reality is our very own, from the point of salvation. The question is will we choose it; and if we do, how does this manifest practically?
Friends, we filter everything we encounter in life through the lens of the cross. Though it may sound like work, it isn't because of the Spirit. As we submit to His authority and leading, we believe and see God's reality as our default way of life because it is. Everything changed when we were born again. He placed Himself in us, allowing us to think, see, and walk as He did. God doesn't do something halfway - He does it thoroughly and perfectly.
The Gospel is the Biblical climax, where God Himself removed the veil from humanity to see His predestined plan unfold in real-time through the atoning work of His Son. It is the greatest demonstration of Love. And if we walk around thinking the Gospel is only for our initial salvation, we've completely missed it! The Gospel is the way we embrace the Kingdom and see it realized here on earth. As we keep the Good News fresh in our hearts and minds, we remember that it is not us at work but God who works in and through us. Therefore, as believers, we no longer ascribe to the human way of life in any respect (2 Corinthians 5v16). At the cross, there was a divine exchange. Jesus took our place so we could abide in Him. He has given us His Spirit. Therefore, as the children of God, we know Him and, through the Spirit, can understand Him and walk in His ways.
Scripture Snack |
"But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]. [Isa. 64v4; 65v17.]"
1 Corinthians 2v9.
"Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man's scrutiny]." 1 Corinthians 2v10.
~ Selah
Often, Christians walk around (although exceedingly blessed) feeling or even acting defeated. This may result from struggling to obtain using the arm of flesh rather than accepting God's ways. Yet, as the children of God, we have the Substance, which is Christ, and all that He is - is available to us at all times, through the Spirit. Beloved, we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2v16), but it's up to us to possess this amazing truth and walk in it. Then we can see as God sees and do as our Lord and Savior do (John 14v12).
Finally, we turn to the importance of salvation being a free gift. Everything in Christ is freely given to us (Romans 8v32). Now, consider why the apostle Paul wrote (through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) the words "freely given" so often🤔. The word gift implies free, right🤷🏾♀️? Could it be that humanity quickly forgets God's goodness and His wondrous works? Just look at the world; we see the spirit at work within it. By man's estimation, a gift generally has strings attached or is given based on performance. But God, in His kindness for the sake of His name, took it upon Himself that it (beginning, middle, and end) would be none of us and all of Him.
Beloved, the Kingdom of our God and His Christ is one where everything is freely given and equally important: everything must be received, And that is a Kingdom principle. Therefore, may we walk in our God-given identity, see His reality, and thereby enjoy His blessings daily.
Until next time🦋 walk confidently in the Kingdom.