We
learn two main things about this subject:
1. Jesus calls us to enter
the kingdom of God
When
Jesus begins to preach the gospel of the kingdom he says, "Repent, and
believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). To enter the kingdom these two responses
are needed: we must repent and we must believe.
a.
Repent.
What is true repentance? Many are sorry that they are caught in an evil act because
they will be punished. But this by itself is not true repentance. We must leave
our sin and turn to God. We must give our life to Jesus and live a new life.
This true repentance.
b. Believe
in the gospel. Jesus preaches the gospel of the kingdom of God and announces
that God reigns, that Jesus is God's anointed king that Jesus is master of a
person's whole life. We must believe all these things. In this present evil age
it is not easy to see the kingdom of God. It is not clearly seen. We must
accept by faith that God reigns.
2. Jesus
calls us to live our life as members of the kingdom of God. A member of God's
kingdom is a disciple of Jesus. In these two ways we must be like Jesus:
a.
We
must learn Jesus attitudes and behavior:
i.
Do
God's will Mark 3:35 Whoever does the will of God is a spiritual brother or
sister of Jesus.
ii.
Lose
one's own life Mark 8:34. If we have taken up our cross our life is finished
because from now on it is not we who live but Christ who lives in us (Galatians
2:20). A disciple of Jesus should not do his own will. If have entered
the kingdom of God we must obey the king.
iii.
Be
humble and serve Mark 9:33-39. It is not good to desire to be great. Jesus does not
serve himself but others. He sets us an example.
iv. Give
full allegiance to Jesus Mark 10:17-21. Just as Jesus fully obeys the will of
God so we too must give our life to Jesus God's Messiah.
v.
Suffer
and be persecuted Mark 10:29-30. If we love Jesus if we obey the will of God the
world will hate us John 15:20. This is something we cannot avoid.
b. We must be involved in Jesus ministry. Jesus
sent the twelve to preach the gospel cast out demons and heal the sick Mark
6:12-13,16:15-18. It is Jesus desire that we too should call people to
enter the kingdom of God.
Quiz
True or false?
1.
True
repentance is being sorry when we are caught in an act wrongdoing.
2.
By
entering the kingdom of God we are protected from a life of suffering.
3.
Jesus
wants all his disciples to become important people.
4.
Jesus
wants all his disciples to become like himself.
5.
After
believing in Jesus it is all right to do what we wish.
6.
We
must lose our life and try to obey the will of God.
7.
It
is easy to enter the kingdom of God.
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