Saturday, January 28, 2023

SPIRIT and the KINGDOM of GOD

 

Genesis 1:1-3

King James Version

1 In the beginning 

God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, and void; 

and darkness was upon the face of the deep. 

And the Spirit of God 

moved upon the face of the waters.

3 And God said, 

Let there be light: 

and there was light.


In the previous post, we learned that when JESUS cast out demons, through the "Spirit of God", and through the "finger of God", the "kingdom of God" had "come unto/upon us".

In another post He also says the "kingdom of God" is "within us":

Luke 17:20-21

King James Version

20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, 

when the kingdom of God should come, 

he answered them and said, 

The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

21 Neither shall they say, 

Lo here! or, lo there! 

for, behold, 

the kingdom of God is within you.


From another article SPIRIT inspired me to write on 4 February 2021, I also learned the following:

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

King James Version

16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, 

and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

17 If any man defile the temple of God, 

him shall God destroy; 

for the temple of God is holy, 

which temple ye are.


1 Corinthians 6:19-20

King James Version

19 What? 

know ye not that your body 

is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, 

which ye have of God, 

and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price: 

therefore glorify God in your body, 

and in your spirit, which are God's.


No wonder, the Bible says:

Romans 12:1

King James Version

12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, 

by the mercies of God, 

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, 

holy, acceptable unto God, 

which is your reasonable service.


1 Corinthians 6:18

King James Version

18 Flee fornication. 

Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; 

but he that committeth fornication 

sinneth against his own body.


Galatians 5:16-26

King James Version

16 This I say then, 

Walk in the Spirit, 

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, 

and the Spirit against the flesh: 

and these are contrary the one to the other: 

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, 

ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, 

which are these; 

Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, 

emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, 

revellings, and such like: 

of the which I tell you before, 

as I have also told you in time past, 

that they which do such things 

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit 

is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, 

gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: 

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ's 

have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, 

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, 

provoking one another, envying one another.


Thus, we gathered:

-- The SPIRIT of GOD dwells in us.

-- Our bodies are the "temple of the Holy Ghost".

-- We must present our bodies as "a living sacrifice".

-- Our bodies must be "holy, acceptable unto God".

-- Because the "kingdom of God" is "within" us.


We must then all honor our bodies, and that of others, that we may all honor the SPIRIT of GOD within us.


Related material:

The HOLY SPIRIT

SINS of the FLESH

Sin AWARENESS


Image: Nice Png


JESUS and the KINGDOM of GOD

 

JESUS told 70 disciples:

Luke 10:9

King James Version

9 And heal the sick that are therein, 

and say unto them, 

The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.


JESUS made a powerful declaration about the "kingdom of God".

Apart from many others you'll find on this blog.

First, let's know what power JESUS had:

Isaiah 9:5-7

King James Version

5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, 

and garments rolled in blood; 

but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.

6 For unto us a child is born, 

unto us a son is given: 

and the government shall be upon his shoulder: 

and his name shall be called Wonderful, 

Counsellor, The mighty God, 

The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace 

there shall be no end, 

upon the throne of David, 

and upon his kingdom, 

to order it, 

and to establish it with judgment and with justice 

from henceforth even for ever. 

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.


Matthew 28:18

King James Version

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, 

saying, 

All power is given unto me 

in heaven and in earth.


John 17:1-4

King James Version

17 These words spake Jesus, 

and lifted up his eyes to heaven, 

and said, 

Father, the hour is come; 

glorify thy Son, 

that thy Son also may glorify thee:

2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, 

that he should give eternal life 

to as many as thou hast given him.

3 And this is life eternal, 

that they might know thee the only true God, 

and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

4 I have glorified thee on the earth: 

I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.


Colossians 1:12-19

King James Version

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, 

which hath made us meet to be partakers 

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us 

from the power of darkness, 

and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, 

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, 

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created, 

that are in heaven, and that are in earth, 

visible and invisible, 

whether they be thrones, or dominions, 

or principalities, or powers: 

all things were created by him, and for him:

17 And he is before all things, 

and by him all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: 

who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; 

that in all things he might have the preeminence.

19 For it pleased the Father 

that in him should all fulness dwell;


Colossians 2:8-10

King James Version

8 Beware lest any man spoil you 

through philosophy and vain deceit, 

after the tradition of men, 

after the rudiments of the world, 

and not after Christ.

9 For in him dwelleth 

all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

10 And ye are complete in him, 

which is the head of all principality and power:


Is it any wonder then, that the LORD JESUS can make the following declarations?

Matthew 12:28

King James Version

28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, 

then the kingdom of God is come unto you.


Luke 11:20

King James Version

20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, 

no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.


Those two are the same verses on how JESUS casts out demons.

ALWAYS through the SPIRIT of GOD.

Whether by Matthew's "Spirit of God", or by Luke's "finger of God", JESUS' statement is the same:

"the kingdom of God is come unto/upon you"


We are trying to see how the Bible connects the "kingdom of God" with JESUS, and the HOLY SPIRIT.

More on SPIRIT on the next page.


Image: Free Bible Images


Friday, January 27, 2023

2 KINGDOM verses

 

Mark 4:31

King James Version

31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, 

which, when it is sown in the earth, 

is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:


Since writing "KINGDOM of HEAVEN" on 2 May 2021, I've wondered  if "kingdom of heaven" was the same as "kingdom of God".

Apparently in these two sets of verses, it's the same.

Apostle Matthew has consistently used "kingdom of heaven", while apostles Mark and Luke used "kingdom of God".

Consider the following verses.


On the MUSTARD SEED parable:

Matthew 13:31-32

King James Version

31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, 

The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, 

which a man took, and sowed in his field:

32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: 

but when it is grown, 

it is the greatest among herbs, 

and becometh a tree, 

so that the birds of the air come 

and lodge in the branches thereof.


Mark 4:30-32

King James Version

30 And he said, 

Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God?

 or with what comparison shall we compare it?

31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, 

which, when it is sown in the earth, 

is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

32 But when it is sown, 

it groweth up, 

and becometh greater than all herbs, 

and shooteth out great branches; 

so that the fowls of the air may lodge 

under the shadow of it.


Luke 13:18-19

King James Version

18 Then said he, 

Unto what is the kingdom of God like? 

and whereunto shall I resemble it?

19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, 

which a man took, and cast into his garden; 

and it grew, and waxed a great tree; 

and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.


ANOTHER verse that speaks of both kingdoms can be found here:

Matthew 19:23-24

King James Version

23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, 

Verily I say unto you, 

That a rich man shall hardly enter 

into the kingdom of heaven.

24 And again I say unto you, 

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, 

than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.


Mark 10:23-25

King James Version

23 And Jesus looked round about, 

and saith unto his disciples, 

How hardly shall they that have riches 

enter into the kingdom of God!

24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. 

But Jesus answereth again, 

and saith unto them, 

Children, 

how hard is it for them that trust in riches 

to enter into the kingdom of God!

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, 

than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

(*Interestingly in Mark's gospel, JESUS emphasizes "kingdom of God" three times.)


That sets the matter to rest.

"Kingdom of heaven" and "kingdom of God" mean the same thing.

Even as the article "KINGDOM of GOD" invites further study.

More articles here.


Image: Joshua Lanzarini


PARABLES on HEAVEN

 

Matthew 18:3

King James Version

3 And said, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Except ye be converted, 

and become as little children, 

ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.


Children love stories.

Every day people could use stories.

That the WORD of GOD would be easily understood.

JESUS often taught every day people, through parables.

Why did He do so?

Matthew 13:10-11

King James Version

10 And the disciples came, 

and said unto him, 

Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

11 He answered and said unto them, 

Because it is given unto you 

to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, 

but to them it is not given.


The LORD wants all of us to know about the "kingdom of heaven".

Thus, he made everything simple, through parables.

Such as what He said about the "kingdom of heaven":

Matthew 13:24-30

King James Version

24 Another parable put he forth unto them, 

saying, 

The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man 

which sowed good seed in his field:

25 But while men slept, 

his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, 

and went his way.

26 But when the blade was sprung up, 

and brought forth fruit, 

then appeared the tares also.

27 So the servants of the householder came

and said unto him, 

Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? 

from whence then hath it tares?

28 He said unto them, 

An enemy hath done this. 

The servants said unto him, 

Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

29 But he said, Nay; 

lest while ye gather up the tares, 

ye root up also the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest: 

and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, 

Gather ye together first the tares, 

and bind them in bundles to burn them: 

but gather the wheat into my barn.

(*JESUS explains the meaning of that parable here.)


Matthew 13:31-32

King James Version

31 Another parable put he forth unto them, 

saying, 

The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, 

which a man took, 

and sowed in his field:

32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: 

but when it is grown, 

it is the greatest among herbs, 

and becometh a tree, 

so that the birds of the air come 

and lodge in the branches thereof.


Matthew 13:33

King James Version

33 Another parable spake he unto them; 

The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, 

which a woman took, 

and hid in three measures of meal, 

till the whole was leavened.


Matthew 13:44

King James Version

44 Again, the kingdom of heaven 

is like unto treasure hid in a field; 

the which when a man hath found, he hideth, 

and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, 

and buyeth that field.


Matthew 13:45-46

King James Version

45 Again, 

the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, 

seeking goodly pearls:

46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, 

went and sold all that he had, 

and bought it.


Matthew 13:47-50

King James Version

47 Again, 

the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, 

that was cast into the sea, 

and gathered of every kind:

48 Which, when it was full, 

they drew to shore, 

and sat down, 

and gathered the good into vessels, 

but cast the bad away.

49 So shall it be at the end of the world: 

the angels shall come forth,

 and sever the wicked from among the just,

50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: 

there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.


Matthew 18:21-35

King James Version

21 Then came Peter to him, and said, 

Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, 

and I forgive him? till seven times?

22 Jesus saith unto him, 

I say not unto thee, 

Until seven times: 

but, Until seventy times seven.

23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven 

likened unto a certain king, 

which would take account of his servants.

24 And when he had begun to reckon, 

one was brought unto him, 

which owed him ten thousand talents.

25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, 

his lord commanded him to be sold, 

and his wife, and children, and all that he had, 

and payment to be made.

26 The servant therefore fell down, 

and worshipped him, saying, 

Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

27 Then the lord of that servant 

was moved with compassion, 

and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

28 But the same servant went out, 

and found one of his fellowservants, 

which owed him an hundred pence: 

and he laid hands on him, 

and took him by the throat, saying, 

Pay me that thou owest.

29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, 

and besought him, saying, 

Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

30 And he would not: 

but went and cast him into prison, 

till he should pay the debt.

31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, 

they were very sorry, 

and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

32 Then his lord,

 after that he had called him, 

said unto him, 

O thou wicked servant, 

I forgave thee all that debt, 

because thou desiredst me:

33 Shouldest not thou also 

have had compassion on thy fellowservant, 

even as I had pity on thee?

34 And his lord was wroth, 

and delivered him to the tormentors, 

till he should pay all that was due unto him.

35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also 

unto you, 

if ye from your hearts forgive not 

every one his brother their trespasses.


Matthew 20:1-16

King James Version

20 For the kingdom of heaven 

is like unto a man that is an householder, 

which went out early in the morning 

to hire labourers into his vineyard.

2 And when he had agreed with the labourers 

for a penny a day, 

he sent them into his vineyard.

3 And he went out about the third hour, 

and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

4 And said unto them; 

Go ye also into the vineyard, 

and whatsoever is right I will give you.

 And they went their way.

5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, 

and did likewise.

6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, 

and found others standing idle, 

and saith unto them, 

Why stand ye here all the day idle?

7 They say unto him, 

Because no man hath hired us. 

He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; 

and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

8 So when even was come, 

the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, 

Call the labourers, and give them their hire, 

beginning from the last unto the first.

9 And when they came 

that were hired about the eleventh hour, 

they received every man a penny.

10 But when the first came, 

they supposed that they should have received more; 

and they likewise received every man a penny.

11 And when they had received it, 

they murmured against the goodman of the house,

12 Saying, 

These last have wrought but one hour,

 and thou hast made them equal unto us, 

which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

13 But he answered one of them, and said, 

Friend, I do thee no wrong: 

didst not thou agree with me for a penny?

14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: 

I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? 

Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: 

for many be called, but few chosen.


Matthew 22:1-14

King James Version

22 And Jesus answered 

and spake unto them again by parables, 

and said,

2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, 

which made a marriage for his son,

3 And sent forth his servants 

to call them that were bidden to the wedding: 

and they would not come.

4 Again, he sent forth other servants, 

saying, 

Tell them which are bidden, 

Behold, I have prepared my dinner: 

my oxen and my fatlings are killed, 

and all things are ready: 

come unto the marriage.

5 But they made light of it, 

and went their ways, 

one to his farm, another to his merchandise:

6 And the remnant took his servants, 

and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.

7 But when the king heard thereof, 

he was wroth: 

and he sent forth his armies, 

and destroyed those murderers, 

and burned up their city.

8 Then saith he to his servants, 

The wedding is ready, 

but they which were bidden were not worthy.

9 Go ye therefore into the highways,

and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

10 So those servants went out into the highways, 

and gathered together all as many as they found, 

both bad and good: 

and the wedding was furnished with guests.

11 And when the king came in to see the guests, 

he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

12 And he saith unto him, 

Friend, how camest thou in hither 

not having a wedding garment? 

And he was speechless.

13 Then said the king to the servants, 

Bind him hand and foot, 

and take him away, 

and cast him into outer darkness, 

there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

14 For many are called, but few are chosen.


Matthew 25:1-13

King James Version

25 Then shall the kingdom of heaven 

be likened unto ten virgins, 

which took their lamps, 

and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 They that were foolish took their lamps, 

and took no oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom tarried, 

they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, 

Behold, the bridegroom cometh; 

go ye out to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose,

 and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise,

 Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, 

Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: 

but go ye rather to them that sell, 

and buy for yourselves.

10 And while they went to buy, 

the bridegroom came; 

and they that were ready 

went in with him to the marriage: 

and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, 

saying, 

Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, 

Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

13 Watch therefore, 

for ye know neither the day nor the hour 

wherein the Son of man cometh.


Matthew 25:14-30

King James Version

14 For the kingdom of heaven 

is as a man travelling into a far country, 

who called his own servants, 

and delivered unto them his goods.

15 And unto one he gave five talents, 

to another two, 

and to another one; 

to every man according to his several ability; 

and straightway took his journey.

16 Then he that had received the five talents 

went and traded with the same, 

and made them other five talents.

17 And likewise he that had received two, 

he also gained other two.

18 But he that had received one 

went and digged in the earth, 

and hid his lord's money.

19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, 

and reckoneth with them.

20 And so he that had received five talents 

came and brought other five talents, saying, 

Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: 

behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

21 His lord said unto him, 

Well done, thou good and faithful servant: 

thou hast been faithful over a few things, 

I will make thee ruler over many things: 

enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

22 He also that had received two talents came and said, 

Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: 

behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

23 His lord said unto him, 

Well done, good and faithful servant; 

thou hast been faithful over a few things, 

I will make thee ruler over many things: 

enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

24 Then he which had received the one talent

 came and said, 

Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, 

reaping where thou hast not sown, 

and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

25 And I was afraid, 

and went and hid thy talent in the earth: 

lo, there thou hast that is thine.

26 His lord answered and said unto him, 

Thou wicked and slothful servant, 

thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, 

and gather where I have not strawed:

27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money 

to the exchangers, 

and then at my coming 

I should have received mine own with usury.

28 Take therefore the talent from him, 

and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, 

and he shall have abundance: 

but from him that hath not shall be taken away 

even that which he hath.

30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: 

there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.


Related material:

Why Does JESUS Speak in PARABLES?

What Do the PARABLES of JESUS Mean?

SCRIPTURE on HEAVEN

KINGDOM of HEAVEN

Who can ENTER the KINGDOM of HEAVEN?


Image: Nice Png


SPIRIT and the KINGDOM of GOD

  Genesis 1:1-3 King James Version 1 In the beginning  God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void;  an...