The Kingdom of God
Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mar. 1:14-15
What is the kingdom of God? Where is it to be found?
Jesus said it was the Father's pleasure to give us the kingdom but what was he talking about? Through the ages, men have believed many different things about the kingdom of God. Study these articles to find out what it is and how to become a part of it forever.
Thought for Today
Jan. 01
SEEKING FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD, PART ONE
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33
Jesus told us to seek the kingdom of God first. But what is the kingdom of God that we should seek before seeking anything else? Paul told us. He said (Rom. 14:17), "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the holy Ghost." Life in the Spirit is the kingdom of God, and if we listen to Jesus, we will seek the holy Ghost before we pursue anything else.
"Fear not, little flock," Jesus said to his disciples, "it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." If the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the holy Ghost, then this statement from Jesus means that it is the joy of God's heart to give people His holy Spirit. This is not a game with God; He does not play with people's hearts. "Every one who seeks finds", Jesus said, and it is God's pleasure to be sought by men and to be found by them.
For those who do not understand how to seek the kingdom of God, the Bible gives a clear answer: repent of all sin and obey the gospel of Jesus. It is so good to know that, as Peter said, God gives the holy Ghost to every person who obeys Him (Acts 5:32).
After God has kept His promise to give someone the Spirit and make them a member of His eternal kingdom, we should seek God's righteousness. Many a soul has repented and received the holy Ghost but then failed to pursue the righteousness of God. They neglected the gift of God and lost their zeal for holiness. These children of God will not be saved in the end; they will be disinherited by their heavenly Father and given their portion with unbelievers (Lk. 12:46). According to Jesus' parable of the Ten Virgins, only half of the people who receive the holy Ghost will afterwards seek the righteousness of God so that they can meet their Master in peace (Mt. 25:1-13). Just think of it! Only half of God's children are going to be saved from the Lake of Fire because they sought the kingdom of God, and found it, but then did not seek His righteousness.
Worldliness is deadly, my dear fellow believer. Don't play around with it. You have sought the kingdom of God and have been baptized with the holy Ghost into God's family. Now, seek God's righteousness so that you will be prepared for the return of Jesus for the faithful among his children.