Northfield YA

Matthew 4 vs 19 “Jesus said, ‘Come, follow me’”.

These are he words of Jesus to Simon/Peter and his brother Andrew and later to James and John. In Mark 2 vs 14 it says, “Jesus told him, (Matthew) ‘Follow me’”. Jesus is constantly inviting people into relationship with Him and He continues to do so today. Where is Jesus calling you to follow Him?

John 3 vs 16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”.

The Jesus Journey - it’s not about me!

Genesis 2vs 18 “The Lord God said, ‘It I not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him’”.

The simple fact of the matter is that, very early on, we learn that man is created for relationship. By virtue of the fact that he is a created being he has a relationship with his Creator but we are told that the relationship that man has with God is unique.

If God created man for relationship we can then assume that He has a plan for these relationships. The question that we as Christians need to be asking ourselves is “what is God’s plan for our relationships” and secondly “how does his differ from what the world is saying about relationships”. If God is God of our lives then His kingdom must come in our relationships and our faith should be making a difference in our relationships.

Hebrews 12:28

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe

The world as we know it will come to an end. Jesus the King will come in judgment. Everything we know on earth will disappear, our lives , our possessions, everything except who we are in Jesus Christ.

What will matter is who we say our King is and if we are living in his Kingdom and waiting to enter with Him into his Kingdom for eternity!

Have you checked what foundation your life is on, where the cracks are?

How thankful are you to God for this Kingdom He has given you?

Lord, as King we come to you in reverence and awe. Thank-you for sending your son to save us, to bring us into your Kingdom, and offer us a Kingdom to live in with you as our King!

How majestic is your name in all the earth!

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit

The Kingdom of God is not physical it is spiritual.

It is a place in our hearts where we meet with the Holy Spirit, where aspects of our character are shaped and formed!

Where do you spend most of your time in the Kingdom of God , or Satan’s Kingdom?

Hope this helps you to see the kingdom as here now and also someplace in the future as well.

Salvation:

We are already saved, but the fullness of our salvation is yet to come. (Eph 2:5, 1 Pet 1:5)

Eternal Life:

It has been given to us, but the fullness will only be given when we die. ( John 3:35, Mark 10:30)

Like Christ:

We will be like Christ, yet Christ is already formed in us now.

(Phil 3:21, 2 Cor 5:18)

With God:

We will live with God forvever, but He already lives within us.

( 1 Thess 4:17, 1 John 4:13)

‘Not only future gifts , but blessings we already enjoy in part,’

Lord , thank-you that you gave shown us so many things to help us understand your Kingdom.

Colossians 1:13

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves

God sent Jesus to save us from the darkness of this world and bring us into his Kingdom today on this earth, not just for when we die.

What are you doing about the people around you living in darkness?

It’s a hard question and people can easily be frightened into just becoming Christians so that they don’t go to Hell, but the Kingdom of Heaven is here on earth as well!

Lord, help us to see that outside of our walk with you, people around us are living in darkness!

Matthew 10:7

As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’

The Kingdom of heaven is near, Jesus said.

The Kingdom of heaven on earth is in our hearts, the faithful followers of Jesus.

The Kingdom is where the King dwells and reigns. We know from the Bible that that place is our hearts. It is not in the world , satan’s kingdom is in the world. It is up to us to bring Jesus kingdom to those in the world.

How do you carry Jesus the King in your heart?

Lord, help us to make our hearts somewhere you want to live and reign!

It is interesting to note the different names used for Jesus in Revelation. Page thru the book and see if you can find them.

* Faithful and True
* Word of God
* King of Kings
* Lord of Lords
* The Lamb
* Son of God
* Lion of the tribe of Judah
* Root of David

And notice also the Rev 19:11 verse that Jesus has his own name for himself that we do not know ,He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself’

So not only will we receive a new name , but Jesus has one too!

What are your thoughts on that? Try use these names in your prayers!

Lord, as we see you as so many things, help us to put them together in a clearer understanding of you.

Revelation gives us a picture of the second coming of our King , Jesus Christ.

His first appearance on earth, he came as the lamb, to be sacrificed for the sins of all mankind!

His second appearance will be as a conqueror and King to execute judgment on earth before he takes his faithful followers to the kingdom he has prepared for us.

Forgiveness vs. Judgment

The lion and the lamb. The duel nature of Jesus.

How is your picture of Jesus changing and growing?

Lord, help us to see you as both the loving compassionate Jesus, and also a The King to be feared.

Revelation 19:11

11I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

Jesus as the Warrior , symbolizes victory!

Just meditate on this verse today , form a picture of Jesus as this awesome warrior in your mind!