Kingdom of Heaven…

Kingdom of Heaven…

What is the “Kingdom of Heaven”? Do we live in it, is it all around us or is it somewhere else? Does is it exist here on earth or is it merely the place we go when we transition?

When we approach another person and begin speaking to them about Jesus Christ, being saved or the conversation turns to the Gospels, are we entering into the Kingdom of God?

Jesus, during the first commission of Disciples, sent them out in this way

And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, 10or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. ~Matthew 10:7-8 NASB95

Is this how we are to conduct ourselves as we go through our day? Taking only what we have on our body at the time and present ourselves as humble servants to witness to others, so they may come to know our Lord and Savior? Is this possible in modern America? Can we drop everything and follow Jesus Christ? These are questions, for the past 4 years, that has been front and center. These are the questions that need the most attention.

What if someone is yelling obscenities in an office, classroom, sanctuary or another place, what would happen if they were approached and told “I love you and care about what you are saying?” What would happen? What does one think would happen?

We are to go before non-believers and our enemies and profess our love for Jesus Christ. We are commanded to do this with the lest of these. We are commanded to love your neighbor as yourself and when we do this we are telling God that we love Him.

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. ~Matthew 10:16 NASB95

But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. ~Matthew 10:19-20 NASB95

Who among us is willing to do this? Who among us believes at this level? Is this not, specifically, what Jesus Christ is calling us to do?

This is what separates the true believers from the pretenders. God said He would allow the pretenders to intermingle with the true believers until such a time as He wanted to reveal another Truth.

Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says,

‘You will keep on hearing, but will not understand;
You will keep on seeing, but will not perceive;
For the heart of this people has become dull,
With their ears they scarcely hear,
And they have closed their eyes,
Otherwise they would see with their eyes,
Hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return,
And I would heal them.’ ~Matthew 13:13-15 NASB95

In the remainder of Matthew chapter 13 Jesus details specifically what happens and how the true believers and pretenders are exposed. Listen for the broken heart that stands next to you in the grocery store, at the mall or in the sanctuary. Tell them you love them and care about what bothers them and want to hear about it – watch how quickly the Holy Spirit takes over and fills the space.

Either the Gospel is the divine Word of God teaching us how to live and how to be a reflection of Him, or it’s nothing more than a historical account of events.