Restoration Series: The Gospel of the Kingdom | March 20, 2023

“The Gospel isn’t a salvation message only. It is an invitation to a new reality living in the midst of this one.”

This implication from Pastor Aaron’s sermon yesterday reminds me of one of the verses we read last week about the Kingdom of God:

Luke 17:20-21 ESV

Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, [Jesus] answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”

The kingdom of God was in the very midst of the Pharisees in the person of Jesus Himself, and the kingdom of God is in the very midst of those of us who call Christ our Lord and Savior because the Holy Spirit lives in us. God chose to partner with us to extend His kingdom here on earth, the kingdom of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17)

As we allow the kingdom of God to rule and reign in our hearts through loving and forgiving others, we bring His healing and wholeness to the world. We bring His peace.

I don’t know about you, but loving and forgiving others is hard, and having peace can be even harder. We can’t do it without God’s help. It’s only from being in God’s presence that we are empowered to love and forgive others. It’s only God’s presence that transforms our hearts. And yet, how often do we take time to really be with Him?

If you find yourself struggling to love well or forgive others, if you are feeling more anxious than peaceful about the week ahead, spend time in His presence. Pray. Connect with Him through honest conversation, worship, and reading His Word. Ask Him to fill you with more of Himself, to rule and reign in your heart so His kingdom will advance. See what this does for your heart. See how time with Him brings peace that passes all understanding as you take all of your struggles to him.

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.