Kingdom

In the first century, being a part of the promised kingdom of God was highly desired and expected by the Jews, at sometime in the future. However, when the kingdom of God was revealed, it was not what they had grown to expect. Because it was outside their expectations, revealing it and finding those that desired this kind of unchanging kingdom required a very long time to change the long expected reality. This revelation and mindset change became a process of convincing the people that the long awaited, promised kingdom was not physical, but spiritual. Because it is attached so closely to God, the restored kingdom status is no longer shakable by outside forces. The writer of Hebrews reminds his readers, ”At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that God has made - in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” - Heb. 12:27-28 (ESV). This unshakeable kingdom was promised long ago and began at the first Pentecost after Jesus’ death. This kingdom is unshakeable because Jesus’ death destroyed the deception and claims of Satan, the kingdom’s main enemy. This kingdom is still expanding today, around the world, in all cultures. God has called or invited all people; for those who accept, they become part of what is described by the Greek word ekklesia, God’s called out into a kingdom people, church. As part of this kingdom, we need to seek ways to glorify God and allow the Holy Spirit to use us as a tool to guide others and aid increase in numb of people belonging to this kingdom. We should always be grateful and joyful for cleansing of our sins and adoption into this kingdom. We should worship our God as Father God, God’s son Jesus as Savior, and the Holy Spirit as our seal of citizenship in this kingdom.