Thu, Apr 5th - 7:49AM
His Church His Kingdom
“And preaching the gospel to that city, and having made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, calling on them to continue in the faith, and that through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:21-22
It is through “tribulation” that we are prepared for the Kingdom of God. The word “tribulation” means “to put pressure on.”
Tribulation - G2347
θλίψις thlipsis
Thayer Definition:
1) a pressing, pressing together, pressure
2) metaphorically oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress, straits
This is more than the many daily pressures (tribulations) that we face in our lives. There is a “great tribulation” in which an intense pressure from the enemy will come against us. If we are not presently feeling a measure of this pressure, then we may be less than fully committed to the Lord.
Therefore, there is a positive confession that each of us should make -
“Lord, no matter what you may allow, in order to perfect my life for
Your purposes, I totally submit myself to You, and to these things.”
It is very important that we understand that these pressures are not the result of the Lord being angry with us; nor are they punishment. Rather, He is seeking to produce a quality within us that will enable us to stand and endure, in that day.
There is a progression, a higher calling to His Church that His Kingdom is at hand.
Because the message that will bring us into the Kingdom is different from the message to the Churches, the Lord has repeatedly said,
“Who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:9).
The ministry of the Church is to “Whomsoever.”
The ministry of the Kingdom is to “He who overcomes.”
The message of the Church leads to “Heaven.”
The message of the Kingdom leads to “The Throne.”
The desire of the Church is “Jesus abiding within.”
The desire of the Kingdom is “Jesus taking His place as The Head of His body.
The testimony of the Church is “I have Jesus.”
The testimony of the Kingdom is “Jesus has me.”
The Church operates through “Grace.”
The Kingdom operates under “Government.”
To enter the Church, we need “A message of salvation.”
To enter the Kingdom, we need “A message of preparation.”
http://godsappointedtime.blogspot.com/
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Name: Chang Noi
