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How Jesus Advances The Kingdom
Brian Mashburn
October 30, 2016
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"I'm With Her"
There is an idea is scripture, made famous by the apostle Paul, that the church is the "bride of Christ". Imbedded in this imagery is a declaration of Jesus - of God Himself. Picture him saying, with all of his power and glory and kingship, while pointing at the church, "I'm with her."
In our current political season, when those words are spoken of Hillary Clinton, it means that there person speaking has given their support and their vote to her.
But when Jesus says it about us - when we allow the Holy Spirit to enlarge in our minds to apprehend all that is intended - it is mind boggling. And in terms of our current study about the Kingdom, about God's agenda at bringing His rule and His reign more and more into the Earth, its meaning is deeply significant.
See, for whatever reason, God has decided to bring the Kingdom into the earth with and through us.
Could He do it alone? Sure. But does He? No.
Example after example, and parable after parable, as Jesus is explaining what the Kingdom is like, he shows that God does indeed want to bring His kind and good rule and reign into every corner and crevice of the world. He wants to bring peace where there is none, fairness where it lacks, love everywhere, salvation into lostness. Could He do it without us? Yes. Does He? Evidently, no.
What does this mean for you and for me?
We must participate. We must co-operate with God. We must pray for Him to work in the world, and then allow Him to answer by sending us.
The keys to the Kingdom are in your hands. Are you using them?