Pastor Baker's Blog

Entry for September 8, 2006

Daily Reading: Matthew chapters 1 thru 4

Key Verse: Matthew 3:1-2

This verse is about submission. John the Baptist could have been revered because he was the messenger that had been prophesied about in Malachi 3:1. However, John never preached self. He preached Jesus, the One to come. He did not wear crocodile sandals and Versace loin cloths. In fact, he could be described as a vagabond reminiscent of today's homeless people. When approached by Jesus, John totally submitted to His authority. John felt unworthy to baptize Jesus.

John preached "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matt. 3:1). John was simply calling all people, including the religious authority of that time, to turn from their sinful ways because the One who is to come will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Repent means to change your mind. It is an expression given to God's people as a challenge to turn around. The kingdom of heaven is the sphere in which God's rule is acknowledged. Wherever people submit to the rule of God, there the kingdom of heaven exists. The kingdom is not the same as the church. The kingdom began when Christ embarked on His public ministry; the church began on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). The kingdom will continue on earth until the earth is destroyed; the church continues on earth till the Rapture.

Who rules in our land, in our churches and in our homes? Is there evidence of the kingdom of heaven in today's society?

2006-09-08 15:10:24 GMT

Comments (2 total)

Author:Anonymous

At first glance, it would appear that satan has a pretty firm hold on our land, churches and our homes. It's so easy to submit to things that make us feel good as opposed to being obdient to God's word and allowing Him to rule in our lives. So often we ask God to forgive our sins, but we don't truly repent of our sins and turn away from them. We are not taught that it's a process to becoming whole and is in fact a life long journey. So you ask the question is there evidence of the kingdom of heaven in today's society and my honest answer is that it's hard for me to see it. Although I know that the kingdom exist (it is evident in my life), the lines of kingdom living and carnal living have become blurred. We must rely on our heavenly father to guide us.
--Amira

2006-09-11 00:04:22 GMT

Author:Anonymous

I agree with Amira when she speaks about Satan having a pretty firm hold on our society today. It is definitely hard to look into society and see the kingdom of God because "kingdom living" is lacking. For this reason, I believe that a lot of people shy away from Christ as well as the church because they don't see people walking out that Christian life. In fact, Mahatma Gandhi once said, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” These words are so powerful and very true in several instances within the church today.

--Stephanie

2006-09-11 02:53:39 GMT

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		Pastor Baker's Daily Devotional

		Entry for September 8, 2006 Daily Reading: Matthew chapters 1 thru 4 Key Verse: Matthew 3:1-2 This verse is about submission. John the Baptist could have been revered because he was the messenger that had been prophesied about in Malachi 3:1. However, John never preached self. He preached Jesus, the One to come. He did not wear crocodile sandals and Versace loin cloths. In fact, he could be described as a vagabond reminiscent of today's homeless people. When approached by Jesus, John totally submitted to His authority. John felt unworthy to baptize Jesus. John preached "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matt. 3:1). John was simply calling all people, including the religious authority of that time, to turn from their sinful ways because the One who is to come will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Repent means to change your mind. It is an expression given to God's people as a challenge to turn around. The kingdom of heaven is the sphere in which God's rule is acknowledged. Wherever people submit to the rule of God, there the kingdom of heaven exists. The kingdom is not the same as the church. The kingdom began when Christ embarked on His public ministry; the church began on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). The kingdom will continue on earth until the earth is destroyed; the church continues on earth till the Rapture. Who rules in our land, in our churches and in our homes? Is there evidence of the kingdom of heaven in today's society? 2006-09-08 15:10:24 GMT Comments (2 total) Author:Anonymous At first glance, it would appear that satan has a pretty firm hold on our land, churches and our homes. It's so easy to submit to things that make us feel good as opposed to being obdient to God's word and allowing Him to rule in our lives. So often we ask God to forgive our sins, but we don't truly repent of our sins and turn away from them. We are not taught that it's a process to becoming whole and is in fact a life long journey. So you ask the question is there evidence of the kingdom of heaven in today's society and my honest answer is that it's hard for me to see it. Although I know that the kingdom exist (it is evident in my life), the lines of kingdom living and carnal living have become blurred. We must rely on our heavenly father to guide us. --Amira 2006-09-11 00:04:22 GMT Author:Anonymous I agree with Amira when she speaks about Satan having a pretty firm hold on our society today. It is definitely hard to look into society and see the kingdom of God because "kingdom living" is lacking. For this reason, I believe that a lot of people shy away from Christ as well as the church because they don't see people walking out that Christian life. In fact, Mahatma Gandhi once said, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” These words are so powerful and very true in several instances within the church today. --Stephanie 2006-09-11 02:53:39 GMT Site Home