Stories about the kingdom

The utmost goal for being a child of God and living as citizen of heaven is to expand and make it to God's kingdom. John 3:3 - Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, very, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. The followings are discussed: Who Enters the Kingdom? The Kingdom Grows; and Christ will Cleanse the kingdom.

Who enters the Kingdom ? When Jesus was asked this question, he said that being born again (John 3:3,5) or spiritual rebirth (2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5-6) through him is the only requirement for entering into the kingdom of God. He stressed the need for Water and Spirit to do the cleansing and bring about spiritual renewal as contained in the Old Testament prophesies (Ezekiel 36:25-27; Joel 2:28). Before asking the question, Nicodemus, Jewish religious leader thought that doing good or when good deeds outweighed bad deeds a person would enter the kingdom of God. But Jesus answer pointed to complete transformation as the qualification to enter God's kingdom.

The spiritual renewal required for living as citizens of God's kingdom comes after genuine repentance and determination to do the will of God. Jesus used a parable showing responses of two sons to assignments given by their father as a test for examining condition of the heart. The son that disobey the father later repented and did the work while the other who seemed to be obedient and gave full assurance to do the work didn't act according to his statement (Mathew 21:28-32). Jesus said this parable to show that, if lifestyle of those claiming to be religious and obedient to God doesn't match their claim they won't make it to heaven. And that those who are disobedient and rebellious can make it to heaven if they repent and follow him after hearing the gospel.

The Kingdom grows: Living as citizens of heaven brings about a mysterious growth that can be compared to the process that transforms a seed to plant (Mark: 26-29). God transforms lives of those who accept Christ as Saviour and will sustain them for spiritual growth. Christians are expected to continue sowing the seed of gospel for which there would be an eternal harvest - harvest of souls. Only those who accept the kingdom of God and live as citizens of the kingdom will become part of the kingdom and receive the eternal blessing (Joel 3:13).

Jesus also described the kingdom of God as a mustard seed which is so small but produce huge plant. He stated the parable to let believers  know that small beginning in him will led to a great growth by the power of God(Mark 4:30-32). The gospel started with twelve disciples, the number increased to one hundred and twenty (120) in the 'upper room' and them to 3000 and 5000 from Jerusalem and number has been growing since by the power of God. Those already doing the kingdom work must reach others, sharing the word of God and helping them to become part of His kingdom.

Christ will Cleanse the Kingdom: In another parable Jesus described cleansing that would be done about the kingdom. He showed that God has allowed good and bad people to live together until the day He will separate them. Good people are described as seeds sowed by Christ while the wicked and evil ones are sowed by the devil (Mathew 13:24-30). God doesn't eliminate the bad ones, rather He gives opportunity to those who want to turn to Him and become good. However, those who prefer to live as His enemy will be gathered for judgement. Their end will be like the gathering and destruction of weeds at harvest. Even if evil is flourishing God will give grace to those who are doing His work and rescue them from evil.

As illustrated in the parable, the enemy will always be provoked to bring opposition against growth and expansion of God's kingdom. Jesus declared that there would be spiritual clash as Satan and his followers are trying to hinder the growth of God's kingdom. Therefore believers must be prepared for the battle against evil in the ongoing struggles between the two spiritual kingdoms (Mathew 13:36-43). God is working through all happenings to fulfil his plan and people are turning to Him. It is up to us to live as His people and keep focusing on the His eternal rewards. Lesson texts: Mathew 13:24-30; 30-43; 21:28-32; Mark 4:26-32; John 3:1-5.