S10E3 - The Kingdom and Me

If you look up the meaning of the word organic you will find “living, animated, and authentic.” The word Kingdom means “a realm of influence - both of living organisms or groups of people.”

Over the last several years we have learned some things we would have preferred to experience in a tech download. It appears, however, this part of our journey was meant to occur in order to acquire deeper wisdom. Those who read the words of Jesus and His Father know that knowledge is a life-long journey gift, but wisdom arrives through deep testings of the soul and many experiences. Challenges and troubles are used to purify us if we are receptive and willing to allow our great God access to our lives, minds, and hearts.

Peter the Jesus follower gives many insights into this connectivity inasmuch as he 1) gave up everything to follow Him, and 2) was a witness to most if not all of Jesus’ displays of mighty power, and 3) found acceptance and purifying after letting his King down in the most comprehensively humbling of ways (his denial of Jesus). From his first letter we are taught things he learned from his own process, things which he passes on to all who have chosen to “follow.”

Notice the "forever life context" given in Peter's first letter:
          “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This gives us an inheritance which is imperishable and unstained and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been caused pain by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”  (1 Peter 1:3-9) This is God’s part.

The My Life Context:
            “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit and be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.”  (1 Peter 5:6-11)  This is my/our part. Note both passages speak about suffering in our journey. 

Is there anything more encouraging than to know what God wishes us to know, and to “fight the good fight” of continuing to live intentionally in faith, hope, and love? His Kingdom is everywhere, His power is inside of us and everywhere around us, and nothing can snatch us out of His hands. Priceless.

So how do we live organically and authentically effective in faith?

√   Embrace King - Kingdom - Church over any man-made religion

√   Give devoted attention to the cultivation of your faith, setting aside distractions and temporary things

√   Learn how to consult the woven threads of scripture to allow the Word to interpret itself

√   Develop your own foundation built upon the characters of faith provided in the God Story

√   Associate with other men and women who desire the same trajectory and who model depth of pursuit

The Jesus formula:

√   King first: His coming is and was everything (fullness of times).
√   Next Kingdom: Turn away and turn toward 
√   Then Church: Participate in the building of the church - embracing becoming a pure, spotless Bride.

• Ephesians 5:15-32 teaches us the God-man relational matrix!
• Ephesians 5:25-32 - Explain why our families are reflective of the God family
• It is a privilege to walk with those who overcome through humility and faith. 

Thank you for living and loving organically!
Dave and Burnadette

More:
Kingdom Book
All About the Kingdom