Comments on: Meeting Jesus notes 4/27/08

By: Dianne

Dianne — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:45:11 +0000

I was reading in Luke today where Jesus was saying that Kingdom of God was to begin soon and that he would not share another Passover before the new kingdom begain. His resurrection from the dead was the actual beginning of the new Kingdom or the new covenant. Even the verse from the CAG website fits perfectly with what were learning about how the new kingdom would vary from the system of the old covenant or the Old testament law.
Verse of the Day
Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: ‘This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.’ Then he adds: ‘Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.’ And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 10:11-18 NIV Listen (MP3)

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:23:28 +0000

Steve - I definitely agree; the opening chapters of Matthew give the impression that something history changing is about to happen. You get the sense that this is going to be an epic story! I love that.

Dianne - Glad to have helped clear things up! I think often we misunderstand or slightly miss what the Kingdom is really all about. We are not alone in our misunderstandings either! Even the disciples kept thinking that Jesus was going to set up an actual kingdom (Acts 1:6). Yes, God’s Kingdom when it comes in fullness will be a real kingdom (Revelation 21) but the Kingdom now is one which begins in our hearts and flows out into our lives - as individuals and as a community of like minded followers of Christ.

By: Dianne

Dianne — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:22:45 +0000

I wasn’t able to be there Sunday. Thanks for explaining on the blog that The Kingdom of God was also synonomous with truth and eternal life . The expression itself was the problem or roadblock in me moving on and understanding more. Thanks for writing that the priority was now love in God’s kingdom. thanks.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:46:27 +0000

What struck me about the first four chapters in the book of Matthew is its drama. The coming of Christ went back a total of 42 generations to Abraham. When the birth of Jesus was announced, it was difficult to believe. Joseph wanted to quietly end his marriage to Mary, but the Holy Spirit told him not to. The baby in Mary’s womb was the Messiah, the One who would bring salvation to the world.

The wise men calculated where the birth of Jesus would be, and the teachers of the Law of Moses confirmed that calculation. Herod told the wise men he also wanted to worship the baby, but he had other intention. Herod believed Jesus to be a threat to his rule, and had many young babies killed because of his fear. But the plan of God could not be hindered.

John the Baptist also knew the glory and majesty of Jesus by saying he was not fit to carry His sandals. John knew that Jesus carried within Him the greatness and glory of God, for He is God.

When Jesus entered the desert, He met the devil with only the Word of God, which was more than enough. The Word of God sustained Jesus, and it can sustain us through tough times and uncertainity.

When Jesus began to preach, heal and proclaim the Kingdom of God, there was no doubt that He was the Messiah. Today He still proclaims the Kingdom of God, and invites all to come into His kingom. His Kingdom is based on love service and doing the will of the Father. Right now we are part of His Kingdom, which will never end.