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Thursday, November 14, 2013

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Wisdom 7:22—8:1
Psalm 119:89-91, 130, 135, 175
Luke 17:20-25

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the now and future kingdom

"You cannot tell by careful watching when the reign of God will come." —Luke 17:20

The kingdom of God is coming (see Lk 17:20), and "the kingdom of God is already in your midst" (Lk 17:21, our transl.). We will be ready for the final coming of the kingdom if we are seeking first and living for God's kingdom now (Mt 6:33). The final coming of the kingdom will happen so unexpectedly (Lk 17:20) and quickly (Lk 17:24) that it will be impossible to get ready for it at the last minute. Therefore, we must always be ready for it by living already in God's kingdom as presently established.

We live in God's kingdom by:

  • being born again of water and the Spirit through baptism (Jn 3:5),
  • repenting (Mk 1:15),
  • evangelizing (Mt 10:7),
  • choosing material poverty (Lk 6:20),
  • exposing ourselves to persecution (Mt 5:10; see also 2 Thes 1:5),
  • praying for the final coming of the kingdom (Mt 6:10),
  • healing others and doing miracles in Jesus' name (Mt 10:7-8),
  • driving out demons (Lk 11:20), and
  • seeking God's way of holiness (Mt 6:33).

Sell all that you have to gain the kingdom (Mt 13:44, 46). Seek first God's kingdom (Mt 6:33) and cry: "Maranatha!" "Come, Lord Jesus!" (see Rv 22:20)

Prayer:  "Your kingdom come, Your will be done" (Mt 6:10).

Promise:  Wisdom, "who is one, can do all things, and renews everything while herself perduring; and passing into holy souls from age to age, she produces friends of God and prophets." —Wis 7:27

Praise:  Steve inspired his fellow Christians by leading them in prayers of thanksgiving during times of adversity and struggle.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 22, 2013

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