The Kingdom

[Gatekeeper]

The kingdom is within us, and among us - Indeed, the kingdom is at hand. I believe the 'established' kingdom will be on this very earth. Why do we wait when it is within our grasp, right here, right now - in this life? I experience glimpses of its perfection; then there are days when I doubt, and my eyes are clouded to its reality. Heaven is a state of mind, but much more than that. It is a goal to strive for, to work towards, so that all man might know that it can be achieved on this earth - within themselves, and across this world.

I believe that all man can recieve, but I know that not all will. Life can leave a bad taste in one's mouth, and it is very difficult to sweeten the bitter with truth - even when one has experienced that truth within themselves. Christ, the great physician, and the great sower of truth - has planted His seed in the chosen. Now, His chosen are charged with doing the same across the divides of religion, and this dangerous, and somtimes scary world.

Are you willing to stand with the saints, and be counted among the brave - In all meekness, and humilty, and with a love that no man can take away? Are you willing to die for what you believe in - to help usher in the kingdom on earth? ask myself these questions; at one time I would have said yes to them all, and w/o hesitation. Now, as I see the reality of what lies ahead me/us, I am not so eager to give up what God has given to me. I know in the end, that I would sacrifice my own, for the one I love so dearly, and for those who will come after me - those who will inherit this world. My hope lies in the now, as well as in the future, and in my resurrection. Assuming of course, I am found worthy to be blessed enough to take part in God's established kingdom.

I can see the coming kingdom as clearly as I see my face in a mirror. It is happening, yet we still turn a blind eye - We fall away from God's grace, and we turn a deaf ear to the truth that is, yet is not. That is to say, we often times resist our charge, and keep silent, when we should be planting the seeds of His Love. Will God's kingdom manifest on this earth, or will man continue always in their destructive ways? I am hopeful, but my faith ebbs, and flows like the tides. May God strengthen me, and restore my faith - and may He lead us all into His righteouness, so that His kingdom might be seen in those whom love Him.


James

 

[17th Angel]

Thank you James... Sort of along my line of thinking, to a degree... I enjoyed reading this, Thank you brother. Two things...

The kingdom is within us

the 'established' kingdom will be on this very earth.

It is within us? Or it will be within us? Which is it?

Assuming of course, I am found worthy to be blessed enough to take part in God's established kingdom.

Who chooses if you are ALLOWED to Love? And also, what makes you worthy of the kindom that is already within you? If you perhaps looked at it, what would you think?

Love.
Alex.

 

[Gatekeeper]

Thank you James... Sort of along my line of thinking, to a degree... I enjoyed reading this, Thank you brother. Two things...





It is within us? Or it will be within us? Which is it?



Who chooses if you are ALLOWED to Love? And also, what makes you worthy of the kindom that is already within you? If you perhaps looked at it, what would you think?

Love.
Alex.

I think we experience 'glimpses' of the kingdom within us, [Some more than others] but the Lord's kingdom will not be established until all on earth have been changed. I suppose I experience what I do becuase God has allowed it, but my hope isn't just for this lifetime, but also the next. I'm not sure I understand your last question, but I can see the kingdom coming, and in many people today. I think it is these people who will help others realize the kingdom within.

You seem familiar, Alex - but I'm not sure I've seen you here before.

Love

James

 

[17th Angel]

Wow thanks man, enjoyed the post, liked your take on things, Oh yeah kind of new been on here now and then though, Hows you?

 

[Gatekeeper]

Strawberry fields, man. Welcome to CR, brother! Lots of great people here to chat with. I come, and I go but I love discussing things whith the people that post here. Soem are more mainstream than others, while some are most liberal in their views - I think we all have an essence of truth to witness, but I don't think any have it all right. Maybe someday, eh?

Love

James

 

[17th Angel]

Why thank you my brother. Yeah James I agree with that we all have in essence, got the idea, but we fail to see that we, in essence, ALL do have the idea... Thanks, and indeed there are alot of amazing people here, I wouldn't wish to be learning amonst a better group of people. MAN! I just noticed you have got me doing the essence word... Isn't it a pretty sweet word though? Essence... Nice, oh yeah man, I am Loving the view from the fields of Strawberries...

Trust in Love.
Alex.

 

[Gatekeeper]

Why thank you my brother. Yeah James I agree with that we all have in essence, got the idea, but we fail to see that we, in essence, ALL do have the idea... Thanks, and indeed there are alot of amazing people here, I wouldn't wish to be learning amonst a better group of people. MAN! I just noticed you have got me doing the essence word... Isn't it a pretty sweet word though? Essence... Nice, oh yeah man, I am Loving the view from the fields of Strawberries...

Trust in Love.
Alex.

I have a feeling you, and I will be getting along wonderfully, lol. Yup - I think Lennon had it right all along, bro. "Love is the answer" I'm reminded of 1 Corinthians 13 I don't think there has been a more profound musing on the importance of love since. [Love remains forever]

God bless

James

 

[path_of_one]

Hi, James- as per usual, I'm in agreement with you. I believe the kingdom of heaven is within us, and as that kingdom gains enough momentum as collective consciousness, it will become increasingly manifest on earth. The internal essence drives the external form.

I don't think, though, that it will be as much a struggle as I used to. I have increasingly found that the more I love, the more openly I share this love with others, the easier it gets. In feats of synchronicity, I am constantly led to those who will help me on my path, and those who are ready to receive what help I can give. I just have to be in the right consciousness- the right awareness of unity with others- and be brave enough to step out of our socially conditioned roles and reach out in love. But if we can but see Christ in all things, automatically it follows that we wish to run to and embrace Him.

Many Christians see this time as a battle, a war on evil. I choose to see it as a peace rally. Evil is darkness. You can't fight the darkness. But the solution is so much easier, so much simpler- just turn on the light. The darkness retreats automatically.

 

[Gatekeeper]

Hi, James- as per usual, I'm in agreement with you. I believe the kingdom of heaven is within us, and as that kingdom gains enough momentum as collective consciousness, it will become increasingly manifest on earth. The internal essence drives the external form.

Yes, I like to call it a snowball effect. I think as it gains 'momentum' the more others see the reality of the kingdom, and follow suit - live their lives accordingly. I get discouraged, tho. There are many hell bent on seeking to convert others to thier view of doctrine, and they refuse to stand on that which can, and will change the world - Love. I belive love crosses the boudaries of religion, and bridges the gap between us and our creator. I believe love is Spirit, and that which was manifest in Christ Jesus. He showed us the way, all we need do is follow His ways.

I don't think, though, that it will be as much a struggle as I used to. I have increasingly found that the more I love, the more openly I share this love with others, the easier it gets. In feats of synchronicity, I am constantly led to those who will help me on my path, and those who are ready to receive what help I can give. I just have to be in the right consciousness- the right awareness of unity with others- and be brave enough to step out of our socially conditioned roles and reach out in love. But if we can but see Christ in all things, automatically it follows that we wish to run to and embrace Him.

Indeed, I have been lead to so many wonderful people, those whom value what I value so dearly. [It is God's hand that leads us] Courage to love at all times, is something I fall short in, tho. It is easy to voice one's views on-line, but in real world situations, when face to face with those who value violence over peace, it is difficult, ya know?

I've never been one to just sit back and take a beating, so my dark side comes out, and I tend to fall backwards. When I am put in a situation where I feel the need to defend myself, or others, I haven't the courage to simply show love to my enemies, or to 'turn the other cheek'. I had this conversation the other day with a friend - "How do we deal with "bullies"? I think we both fell short of truly loving our enemies. I think Gahndi was a great example for us, also. Have you seen the movie? Great flick!! It's an old one, but very good...

Many Christians see this time as a battle, a war on evil. I choose to see it as a peace rally. Evil is darkness. You can't fight the darkness. But the solution is so much easier, so much simpler- just turn on the light. The darkness retreats automatically.

You see it the way it is, then. [IMO] Where there is light, the darkness fades. The problem is being that light, even in situations where the darkness is so prevelant.

Love & Blessings

James

 

[mee]

Christ, the great physician, and the great sower of truth - has planted His seed in the chosen. Now, His chosen are charged with doing the same across the divides of religion, and this dangerous, and somtimes scary world.

Are you willing to stand with the saints, and be counted among the brave - In all meekness, and humilty, and with a love that no man can take away?

I can see the coming kingdom as clearly as I see my face in a mirror. It is happening, yet we still turn a blind eye - We fall away from God's grace, and we turn a deaf ear to the truth that is,


James

yes ,and the teaching that Jesus spoke of is happening on a worldwide scale . matthew 28;19-20 matthew 24;14 ........

and helping christs brothers to get the work done is what those who are going to inherit the earth are now doing ,and then they will be classed as SHEEP matthew 25; 31



and this great crowd of people from all nations can see the kingdom so very clearly and they are welcoming its reigning king and recognizing the one that gave Jesus great aurthority REVELATION 7;9-10


Yes as DANIEL 2;44 tells us ,it is this heavenly kingdom of God that will put an end to all of the manmade goverments of man.

it is a real goverment that will bring peace to the earth . but as you mentioned many turn away from the truth and even try to say that man himself will bring peace to the earth .


ONLY GODS HEAVENLY KINGDOM will bring peace ,and it is now well established in the heavens and has been since 1914 inline with bible prophecy and chronology . but many dismiss the truth of the times we are living in , but many do not, because a GREAT CROWD from all nations are waving their symbolic palm branch to welcome Gods king as a reigning king revelation 7;9-10

 

[Gatekeeper]

God's heavenly knigdom starts the the heart of man - I'm reminded of Philippians 4:12-13


Php 4:12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Php 4:13 I [we] can do all things through him who strengthens me [us].


I believe that [we] will be ushering in the kingdom, but only through Him who strengthens [us]. "Him" is Spirit

Joh 14:12 "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Joh 14:13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

and...

Joh 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, Joh 14:17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. Joh 14:18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Joh 14:19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. Joh 14:20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

 

[Pathless]

Great thread.

The kingdom is within us, and among us - Indeed, the kingdom is at hand. I believe the 'established' kingdom will be on this very earth. Why do we wait when it is within our grasp, right here, right now - in this life? I experience glimpses of its perfection; then there are days when I doubt, and my eyes are clouded to its reality. Heaven is a state of mind, but much more than that. It is a goal to strive for, to work towards, so that all man might know that it can be achieved on this earth - within themselves, and across this world.

For some reason, I am reminded of these verses from Matthew:


25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? 28 “And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:28 "And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the

I'm not much of a Bible reader, but there are some passages that I do like--1st Corinthians, "the kingdom of heaven is within you," and this one above. Alan Watts does a great Vedantic Zen spin on the kingdom of heaven being within (and without, and all around, in all things, everywhere) in his book The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are. Part of that book goes:

The point is to know, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that "I" and all other "things" now present will vanish, until this knowledge compels you to release them -- to know it now as surely as if you had just fallen off the rim of the Grand Canyon. Indeed, you were kicked off the edge of a precipice when you were born, and it's no help clinging to the rocks falling with you. And then comes the hitherto unbelievable suprise: you don't die because you were never born. You had just forgotten who you are.

http://www.torrentreactor.net/torre...Book-On-The-Taboo-Against-Knowing-Who-You-Are

I don't know. Just random thoughts...

 

[Gatekeeper]

Great thread.



For some reason, I am reminded of these verses from Matthew:


25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? 28 “And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:28 "And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the

I'm not much of a Bible reader, but there are some passages that I do like--1st Corinthians, "the kingdom of heaven is within you," and this one above. Alan Watts does a great Vedantic Zen spin on the kingdom of heaven being within (and without, and all around, in all things, everywhere) in his book The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are. Part of that book goes:



http://www.torrentreactor.net/torre...Book-On-The-Taboo-Against-Knowing-Who-You-Are

I don't know. Just random thoughts...

Great thoughts, Pathless. I love the scripture you quoted. I would check out the book, but I don't trust torrents, lol. If it is worth reading, maybe I could pick it up at Amazon. I think the kingdom is as plain as day, and I believe the way to realize the kingdom is through the only thing I view to be pure - Love. Have you ever read the parable of the sower? Many takes on this parable, but the seed that is sowed is [imo] Love. I think it was this parable that made the NT click - I've been a Love dove ever since, lol. & after a prayer to the father to show me something of substance.

I like these passages as well...

Heb 12:12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled

Love

James

 

[mee]

According to one rendition of Jesus’ words to wicked Pharisees, he said: "The kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21, King James Version)

Did Jesus mean that the Kingdom was in the wicked hearts of those corrupt men? No. A more accurate translation of the original Greek reads: "The kingdom of God is in your midst." (New World Translation)

Jesus, who was in their midst, thus referred to himself as the future King.

Far from being something that a person has in his heart, God’s Kingdom is a real, operating government having a ruler and subjects.

It is a heavenly government, for it is called both "the kingdom of the heavens" and "the kingdom of God." (Matthew 13:11; Luke 8:10)

In vision, the prophet Daniel beheld its Ruler as "someone like a son of man" brought before Almighty God and given lasting "rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him." (Daniel 7:13, 14)

Who is this King? Well, the Bible calls Jesus Christ "the Son of man." (Matthew 12:40; Luke 17:26) Yes, Jehovah designated his Son, Jesus Christ, to be King.

 

[Gatekeeper]

According to one rendition of Jesus’ words to wicked Pharisees, he said: "The kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21, King James Version)

Did Jesus mean that the Kingdom was in the wicked hearts of those corrupt men? No. A more accurate translation of the original Greek reads: "The kingdom of God is in your midst." (New World Translation)

Jesus, who was in their midst, thus referred to himself as the future King.

Far from being something that a person has in his heart, God’s Kingdom is a real, operating government having a ruler and subjects.

It is a heavenly government, for it is called both "the kingdom of the heavens" and "the kingdom of God." (Matthew 13:11; Luke 8:10)

In vision, the prophet Daniel beheld its Ruler as "someone like a son of man" brought before Almighty God and given lasting "rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him." (Daniel 7:13, 14)

Who is this King? Well, the Bible calls Jesus Christ "the Son of man." (Matthew 12:40; Luke 17:26) Yes, Jehovah designated his Son, Jesus Christ, to be King.

I think the kingdom starts in the heart, mee. Otherwise, what are we to be seeking for? "Seek ye first the kingdom..." Would you suggest to just sit back, and wait for a better day? I'm of the mind that we are to pursue a change of heart that comes through taking on the mind of Christ?

I don't see a literal "bodily" return of Jesus. I see the return of Spirit, and in the hearts of Man. This is where the kingdom starts [imo] As more people recieve Christ [Spirit] the more the kingdom will manifest on this earth. We are the body of Christ - the church - God's temple - He works throug us....

Love

James

 

[mee]

I think the kingdom starts in the heart, mee. Otherwise, what are we to be seeking for? "Seek ye first the kingdom..." Would you suggest to just sit back, and wait for a better day? I'm of the mind that we are to pursue a change of heart that comes through taking on the mind of Christ?



Love

James

Because of its importance, Jesus counseled his followers: "Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom." (Matt. 6:10, 33) Jehovah’s Witnesses in modern times have given abundant evidence that they endeavor to heed that counsel.

No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. YOU cannot slave for God and for Riches. ​

"On this account I say to YOU: Stop being anxious about YOUR souls as to what YOU will eat or what YOU will drink, or about YOUR bodies as to what YOU will wear. Does not the soul mean more than food and the body than clothing? Observe intently the birds of heaven, because they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses; still YOUR heavenly Father feeds them. Are YOU not worth more than they are? Who of YOU by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span? Also, on the matter of clothing, why are YOU anxious? Take a lesson from the lilies of the field, how they are growing; they do not toil, nor do they spin; but I say to YOU that not even Sol´o·mon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. If, now, God thus clothes the vegetation of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much rather clothe YOU, YOU with little faith? So never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to put on?’ For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. For YOUR heavenly Father knows YOU need all these things.
"Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these [other] things will be added to YOU. So, never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Sufficient for each day is its own badness.​

matthew 6;24-33



yes, as Jesus mentioned seeking the kingdom and its righteousness is the way to go , and in this time period promoting the kingdom is what his followers should give priority, matthew 24;14 matthew 28;19-20 along with the fruits of righteousness

striving for riches leads nowhere , but doing the will of God leads to great blessings

 

[Gatekeeper]

Carpe diem

I think we are more in agreement than you think, mee....

 

[Pathless]

I would check out the book, but I don't trust torrents, lol. If it is worth reading, maybe I could pick it up at Amazon.

Yup, or at a local bookstore. I'm partial to reading things in books or otherwise printed on a page, rather than online. Sitting in front of a computer for long stretches of time, trying to read while the cpu is humming and warbling, stresses me out and makes me a little crazy.

 

[Gatekeeper]

Yup, or at a local bookstore. I'm partial to reading things in books or otherwise printed on a page, rather than online. Sitting in front of a computer for long stretches of time, trying to read while the cpu is humming and warbling, stresses me out and makes me a little crazy.

Already crazy, so ...

But yeah, I like being able to sit back, relax, and enjoy what I am reading. Can't hardly do this on-line, so printed pages in a book is I.D.E.A.L.

Love

James

 

[mee]

Carpe diem

I think we are more in agreement than you think, mee....

nice one , its always good to listen to Jesus