Scripture

If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you. Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’

Luke 10:8-9, NLT

Quote

The kingdom has been here as long as we humans have been here but now it has been made available to us through faith in Christ.

~Dallas Willard

I was born in 1949 and we did not get an indoor toilet until 1955. I remember the slop jar and the outdoor toilet. Our outhouse was a one seater but the one at church could seat four at a time. No petitions or doors. It was the original side-by-side. Getting running water into the house and having a commode that flushed was a big deal. I can’t remember not having electricity but my parents could. They grew up with coal oil lamps. When electricity did come to the Tennessee Valley {1930-40’s}, not everyone took advantage. Some refused to hook up because they didn’t understand how it worked and were afraid; others simply did not want to change, and some did not want to pay the bill. My question is: Did we invent electricity or discover it? We invented the light bulb but not electricity. Electricity has always been here, just not available.

It is the same with the KINGDOM OF GOD, it has always been here, just not available. The incarnation was a part of God’s kingdom coming to earth. The kingdom has been inaugurated but not consummated, but it will in time. Jesus prayed, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Every kingdom has a ‘king’ and a ‘dom’ or domain. The King paid a visit to His domain. It was a brief visit but He will return and fully establish His Kingdom on this earth.

Who were those who refused electricity? They were ignorant people who  were afraid of something good. Their fear dominated their thinking, and they refused to turn from coal oil and candles to electricity. Some of them came to the light over time but others died in darkness. Unfortunately, the same is true with people’s response to the gospel. Some come to the light, others choose to remain in darkness.

Extra

Amazing grace, that is what it is, that blessed a wretch like me. God is good and His mercy never ceases to amaze me. Doug did a great job with our praise and worship yesterday and due to God’s infinite mercy, we had yet another good service. I entered His gates with problems on my mind but I departed giving thanks. Thank YOU Jesus!

No feed back on anything so we will proceed with the March 12th dedication service and will have the sign up sheet out by this Sunday. We will also change the 49er fellowship from a lunch to a breakfast 9:30 Friday morning February 28. We are also planning A MENS BREAKFAST for Saturday morning March 1. It will probably begin at 8:00.

I was pulling for the Eagles but I did not expect a blowout. Threepeats are difficult: ask Kirby Smart and Saban. The free safety {32} for the eagles graduated from June’s alma mater West Limestone. He played college at Middle Tennessee.

Soccer today at 2:00: so excited. Brewer plays Thursday at 10:30 at Wallace.

Have a good day and thanks for reading the blog.