This is the final section on the coming kingdom of God.

What do we know about the kingdom of God?

We know God’s kingdom is “now”-God is everywhere present, He is sovereign all things are His. The kingdom of God is within every person who believes in Jesus and lives for Him. Everyday of our lives, God’s kingdom is “now.”

It is “not yet”-Jesus was born in Bethlehem, lived on the earth He made, was crucified on a cross of wood, (He created the tree.) He died conquering sin and death AND He rose alive from the dead. The “not yet?” Jesus is returning to earth. We do not know the day or hour. On that day Jesus will establish His visible kingdom. The Bible says on that day, “every eye will see Him.” He will come to judge the living and the dead. All of this and more…is “not yet.”

We know that the day and hour this will happen are unknown to humans. That Jesus will return is certain.

The verses we have come to for today give examples which enable us to understand that because we do not know when Jesus will return, we are to be ready before He comes. And we are ready when we believe in Him and live for Him.

“On that day a person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return home. Remember what happened to Lot’s wife! If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it. That night two people will be asleep in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour together at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.” “Where will this happen, Lord?” the disciples asked. Jesus replied, “Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.” Luke 17:31-37

And what did Jesus mean when He spoke of clinging to life and losing it? Of letting your life go and saving it? Try this explanation…those who “cling” to life live life for “now.” It’s about self and things of the world. Those who lose their life live for the “not yet.” When we give up our “self-centered rebellion” against God, believe and live for Jesus, we “lose our life.” We gain life forever.

Think of it…why do we cling to the things of this world? Everything in the “now” will be gone when Jesus returns. The things of this world will be replaced with the glorious perfect reign of Jesus. His reign infinitely exceeds everything we know…in peace, hope, love and His riches are unsearchable. This is the “not yet.”

If we are not prepared, we should be afraid.

If we are ready we can anticipate the BEST thing that has ever happened…(Besides Jesus coming the first time.)

He made you and me to live in a perfect relationship with Him.

Three times we have been reminded-Jesus is coming again.

Believe

Be ready.