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

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

Who can ENTER the KINGDOM of GOD?

 

Mark 1:14-15

King James Version

14 Now after that John was put in prison, 

Jesus came into Galilee, 

preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

15 And saying, 

The time is fulfilled, 

and the kingdom of God is at hand: 

repent ye, 

and believe the gospel.

Who can see the "kingdom of God"?

What does the Bible say?

Mark 10:17-25

King James Version

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, 

there came one running, and kneeled to him, 

and asked him, 

Good Master, 

what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, 

Why callest thou me good? 

there is none good but one, 

that is, God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments, 

Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, 

Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, 

Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

20 And he answered and said unto him, 

Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him,

and said unto him, 

One thing thou lackest: 

go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, 

and give to the poor, 

and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: 

and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22 And he was sad at that saying, 

and went away grieved: 

for he had great possessions.

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.

Luke 9:61-62

King James Version

61 And another also said, 

Lord, I will follow thee; 

but let me first go bid them farewell, 

which are at home at my house.

62 And Jesus said unto him, 

No man, having put his hand to the plough, 

and looking back, 

is fit for the kingdom of God.

Luke 18:26-30

King James Version

26 And they that heard it said, 

Who then can be saved?

27 And he said, 

The things which are impossible with men 

are possible with God.

28 Then Peter said, 

Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

29 And he said unto them, 

Verily I say unto you, 

There is no man that hath left house, or parents, 

or brethren, or wife, or children, 

for the kingdom of God's sake,

30 Who shall not receive manifold more

in this present time, 

and in the world to come life everlasting.

John 3:3

King James Version

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born again, 

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:5-7

King James Version

5 Jesus answered, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, 

Ye must be born again.

Acts 14:22

King James Version

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, 

and exhorting them to continue in the faith, 

and that we must through much tribulation 

enter into the kingdom of God.

Romans 14:17

King James Version

17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; 

but righteousness, and peace, and joy 

in the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

King James Version

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous 

shall not inherit the kingdom of God? 

Be not deceived: 

neither fornicators, nor idolaters, 

nor adulterers, nor effeminate, 

nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, 

nor revilers, nor extortioners, 

shall inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 15:47-49

King James Version

47 The first man is of the earth, earthy; 

the second man is the Lord from heaven.

48 As is the earthy, 

such are they also that are earthy:

 and as is the heavenly, 

such are they also that are heavenly.

49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, 

we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

1 Corinthians 15:50

King James Version

50 Now this I say, brethren, 

that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; 

neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

Galatians 5:19-21

King James Version

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.

Ephesians 5:1-5

King James Version

5 Be ye therefore followers of God, 

as dear children;

2 And walk in love, 

as Christ also hath loved us, 

and hath given himself for us an offering 

and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

3 But fornication, 

and all uncleanness, or covetousness, 

let it not be once named among you, 

as becometh saints;

4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, 

which are not convenient: 

but rather giving of thanks.

5 For this ye know, 

that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, 

nor covetous man, who is an idolater, 

hath any inheritance 

in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Colossians 1:12-13

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:

We wrote another post that explains a verse on the "kingdom of God" which may be subject to misinterpretation.

Click here to read "The OFFENDING eye".

Related material:

WORKS of the FLESH

Image: Clipart Library

Who can ENTER the KINGDOM of HEAVEN?

 

Luke 12:32

King James Version

32 Fear not, little flock; 

for it is your Father's good pleasure 

to give you the kingdom.

Who can enter the "kingdom of heaven"?

What does the Bible say?

Matthew 5:3

King James Version

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: 

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:8

King James Version

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: 

for they shall see God.

Matthew 5:10

King James Version

10 Blessed are they 

which are persecuted for righteousness' sake:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:11-12

King James Version

11 Blessed are ye, 

when men shall revile you, 

and persecute you,

 and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, 

for my sake.

12 Rejoice, 

and be exceeding glad: 

for great is your reward in heaven: 

for so persecuted they the prophets 

which were before you.

Matthew 5:20

King James Version

20 For I say unto you, 

That except your righteousness shall exceed 

the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, 

ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 7:21-23

King James Version

21 Not every one that saith unto me, 

Lord, Lord, 

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; 

but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, 

Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? 

and in thy name have cast out devils? 

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, 

I never knew you: 

depart from me, 

ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 18:3-7

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.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself 

as this little child, 

the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoso shall receive 

one such little child in my name receiveth me.

6 But whoso shall offend 

one of these little ones which believe in me, 

it were better for him that a millstone 

were hanged about his neck, 

and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

7 Woe unto the world because of offences! 

for it must needs be that offences come; 

but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Matthew 19:13-15

King James Version

13 Then were there brought unto him little children, 

that he should put his hands on them, 

and pray: 

and the disciples rebuked them.

14 But Jesus said, 

Suffer little children, 

and forbid them not, to come unto me: 

for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

15 And he laid his hands on them, 

and departed thence.

John 14:1-4

King James Version

14 Let not your heart be troubled: 

ye believe in God, 

believe also in me.

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: 

if it were not so, I would have told you. 

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, 

I will come again, and receive you unto myself;

 that where I am,

 there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know, 

and the way ye know.

2 Peter 1:10-11

King James Version

10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, 

give diligence to make your calling and election sure: 

for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

11 For so an entrance 

shall be ministered unto you abundantly 

into the everlasting kingdom 

of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Revelation 21:27

King James Version

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it 

any thing that defileth, 

neither whatsoever worketh abomination, 

or maketh a lie: 

but they which are written 

in the Lamb's book of life.

Now, we know who can enter the "kingdom of heaven".

It's now time to see who can enter the "kingdom of God" on the next post.

Image: Wallpaper Cave

KINGDOM of GOD

 

Romans 14:17

King James Version

17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; 

but righteousness, and peace, and joy 

in the Holy Ghost.

What is the "kingdom of God"?

What does the Bible say?

More precisely, what does JESUS say?

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.

Mark 1:14-15

King James Version

14 Now after that John was put in prison, 

Jesus came into Galilee, 

preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

15 And saying, 

The time is fulfilled, 

and the kingdom of God is at hand: 

repent ye, 

and believe the gospel.

Mark 4:26-29

King James Version

26 And he said, 

So is the kingdom of God, 

as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

27 And should sleep, 

and rise night and day, 

and the seed should spring and grow up, 

he knoweth not how.

28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; 

first the blade, then the ear, 

after that the full corn in the ear.

29 But when the fruit is brought forth, 

immediately he putteth in the sickle, 

because the harvest is come.

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 10:9-12

King James Version

9 And heal the sick that are therein, 

and say unto them, 

The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, 

and they receive you not,

 go your ways out into the streets of the same, 

and say,

11 Even the very dust of your city, 

which cleaveth on us, 

we do wipe off against you: 

notwithstanding be ye sure of this, 

that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

12 But I say unto you, 

that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, 

than for that city.

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.

Luke 16:16

King James Version

16 The law and the prophets were until John: 

since that time the kingdom of God is preached, 

and every man presseth into it.

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.

JESUS says the kingdom of GOD is within us.

What an amazing declaration!

Who can enter the kingdom of heaven?

That's for the next post.

Image: Wallpaper Cave