The kingdom of God is within you
God is in our midst
Happy Sunday, family, the bible verse of the week – 12/12/2021 is in Luke 17:21. And it reads, Neither shall they say, Lo here! Or, lo there! for behold, the kingdom of God is within you. The message is, God is within you.
What prompted this statement of Jesus was a question asked of Him from the Pharisees. In the previous verse, they questioned when the kingdom of God should come. Jesus responded with, the kingdom of God does not come with observation.
In the community of ancient Israel, there is great expectation of the coming Messiah. Word of the Promised Seed is first mentioned in the book of Genesis. That came after the fall of man when sin entered into the world because of disobedience.
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15.
God, full of grace and mercy, has prepared for our salvation before the foundation of the world. We have access to victory through Jesus Christ.
Definition of observation is the action or process of observing something or someone and gaining information.
Similar words to observation are; watching, monitoring, viewing, attention.
The Messiah, He is here
The Israelites (Pharisees) hold the expectancy of the Messiah, with great signs that would follow His coming. There are differences in the first appearance and final arrival of Jesus Christ. In a moment we, will look at scriptures to confirm this but first, let us look into the when.
Within you, He is in your midst. The kingdom of God is more than just the time of the final consummation; He is presently and actively in our midst.
The Pharisees, rejection of Jesus Christ; have blinded them from truly seeing what is in front of them. The Messiah; they had long waited for is Him who speaks to them.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Luke 13:34.
In scriptures, you will find a variety of promises of God, be it health, protection, and others. The Greatest Promise is that of The Seed, who is Jesus Christ. Without Christ, the other things would not be possible; health, protection, and forth.
The kingdom of God is among earthy realms today, but one day the kingdom of God will swallow up all rivals.
Christ is in our midst
Today, the kingdom is the presence of God in our midst. The power of God is evident through the distribution and works of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus came, and He delivered to us the word of God. He set us an example and, while we were yet sinners, Christ died and paid the price for our sins. He, who knew no sin, carried our burdens to the cross so that all that believed, through Christ, shall be saved.
Jesus rose from the dead and claimed victory over the grave. Our Redeemer lives, seated at the right hand of glory, and He is coming back one last time to receive His bride.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 1 Corinthians 15:55.
The bride says, Come Lord Jesus come
Until the return of Christ, face to face, we have the seal of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our comforter, our help to walk the walk of faith in God. We are, as believers, overcomers through Him who have overcome the sting of sin and death.
Soon, and very soon, our Savior returns for the final time. He comes with His reward, to reward every man according to his works in the earthly realm. Those that trust in Him will be unashamed at His appearance. Them that rejected Christ will not stand in the judgment nor be part of the congregation of the righteous.
The righteous will reign with Christ for all eternity. The Lord will set up new heaven and new earth. The Lord is our King, the righteous are His people, and He will rule in His Kingdom forever and ever.
TIME to prepare our hearts for our Messiah, the Holy One of Israel. The church is the establishment of God through the works of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit that seals our hearts for the day of redemption is preparing a people unto God for Himself.
Evidence of the Promised One in our midst
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17.
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. Matthew 4:14-16
But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Matthew 12:28.
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:12.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10.
And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. Luke 10:9.
But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. Luke 11:20.
The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. Luke 16:16.
Jesus first coming
WHEN
Genealogy, year and day, certain – Matthew 1:1-17
WHERE
Born in Bethlehem – Matthew 2:1
Of the lineage of David, wrapped in swaddling clothes, laid in a manger – Luke 2:4-7
WITNESSES
Wise men – Matthew 2:1-2;11
Shepherds – Luke 2:15
Simeon – Luke 2:25,27
Anna – Luke 2:36-38
SIGNS
A ruler out of Bethlehem – Micah 5:2
A star in heaven – Matthew 2:2,
Born of a virgin – Isaiah 7:14
Jesus second coming
WHEN
No one knows but the Father, only – Matthew 24:36
WHERE
In the clouds of heaven – Matthew 24:30, Acts 1:11
WITNESSES
Every eye shall see Him – Revelation 1:7
SIGNS
The beginning of sorrows – Matthew 24:6-13
The gospel of the kingdom preached in all the world – Matthew 24:14
Great tribulation – Matthew 24:21
Son of man in heaven – Matthew 24:29-31
The man of sin revealed – 2 Thessalonians 2:2-3
CLOSING STATEMENT
This message was supposed to be up on 12/5/2021 but, it was not ready until now.
Let me stress a bit. This world is temporal and, so is our earthy body.
At the return of our Lord and Savior, all that will change speedily. Do not look to the world that looks like they are doing better than you and envy. Wait on God, be encouraged in His word, rejoice in the Lord even in adversity. That may sound easier said than done, but we must not give up HOPE. When Christ returns, our bodies will be glorified, with Him for all eternity. Let us keep the faith and hold on, for Christ will never let us go. His hand is strong enough to keep us through faith in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Be bless.
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