The kingdom of God is about power, not words
Some of us have had the opportunity to listen to some excellent sermons. We might have even come away feeling very spiritual. Did you know that even Herod liked to listen to John the Baptist – the same John the Baptist that Herod later beheaded?
Mk 6:20 for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him.
Just because we listen to a righteous man it doesn't mean we become righteous too. Even if you fellowshipped with Jesus and listened to His preaching, it doesn't get you anywhere in the kingdom of God.
Lk 13:26-27 26 "Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets'; 27 and He will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM ME, ALL YOU EVILDOERS.'"
Some of us may have preached righteous messages and captivated our audience. After the message, people may have come to us and told us what a wonderful message it was. Perhaps that may have made us feel spiritual. But even preaching excellent messages doesn't buy us anything in the kingdom of God. Paul understood that, and that is why he wrote 1 Cor 9:27.
1 Cor 9:27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
One can get disqualified even after preaching excellent messages and inspiring others to live for God.
Some of us may have moved powerfully in the Holy Spirit, healing others and casting out demons. After doing such things we may feel that we are really important in the kingdom of God. Alas, even such abilities and acts get us nowhere in the kingdom of God. Jesus Himself said so.
Mt 7:21-23 21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'"
Some churches and Christian organizations are nothing more than social clubs centered on religion. People form groups or cliques, and each one hosts a party every once in a while and they get together and eat and drink and enquire about each other. But the kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking either.
Rom 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
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