Words of LIFE: Enter The Kingdom

Enter The Kingdom by Randy Robison Share Tweet +1 Forward Enter The Kingdom by Randy Robison When we think of the kingdom that Jesus established – the one that is "not of this world" – it can seem distant and far away. But Simon Peter, ever the practical guide, wrote very specific instructions to help us walk in this new kingdom. In his second letter, written to fellow believers, he provides a list of things to practice because it is "in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you" (1 Peter 1:11, NASB). Keep in mind that he is writing to believers, so this is not a list of rules for us to obtain salvation, but practical steps to grow in our faith and experience all that Christ has prepared for us. Here are the instructions he provides: "…applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love" (v 5b-8). Of course, we cannot do these things on our own, for they are "precious and magnificent promises" that "He has granted to us" (v4). They are obtained by abiding in Christ, surrendering to the Holy Spirit, and, according to Peter, "practicing" them (v10). The word translated as "practice" can also be translated as "carry out, execute, construct." This implies a purposeful discipline on our part. Let's take a closer look at his list. First, he urges us to do this with "all diligence." This implies "haste" and "earnestness." Don't just think about it, read about it, or talk about it. Do it and do it now! He starts with "moral excellence," which is an all-encompassing idea, but it's important to note that these virtues are not determined by man. They come from our faith in the truth revealed through Jesus Christ. The world's virtues can change or be in conflict with God's virtues. The only morality that is excellent is that which is rooted in the grace and truth that Christ fully exhibited and taught. Next, Peter emphasizes "knowledge." Harkening back to the book of Proverbs, we are urged to study the truth God has revealed, seek understanding, and grow in wisdom. This is where scripture, community, and wise counsel play an important role. The Bible forms our foundation. Gathering with other believers builds on that foundation. Discussing biblical concepts with mature, stable Christians helps shape a proper view and implement them into our core being. Interestingly, he follows that with "self-control." This means conquering the base desires that come from our fallen humanity, even after being born again. Again, this requires effort on our part. In the knowledge from the pages of scripture, we learn the process of temptation (see James 1:13-15) so that we can recognize it in ourselves and take such thoughts captive, force them into submission to the Holy Spirit, and overcome the sin that lingers. This practice of self-control is a prerequisite to the virtue of perseverance. The testing of our faith produces endurance, James tells us, so temptation will be a part of our sanctification. We don't fall into guilt or shame, but rather we "count it all joy" as we grow steadfast in our faith. Remember, Jesus was tempted in all things, but never sinned. When temptation comes our way, we must learn to utilize it as a tool to grow in perseverance. This step leads to "godliness," which is a deep reverence for the ways of our Lord. Paul told his protégé Timothy that "godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come" (I Timothy 4:8). Part of the promise in this present life is that it ushers us into Christ's eternal kingdom even in this fallen world. "Your kingdom come," Jesus taught us to pray. "Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). When God's will is done in our lives, His heavenly kingdom is manifest here on earth. Then comes "brotherly kindness" and "love." This is often where we wish to start, but I believe there is purpose in Peter's progression. We must first practice the excellence of Godly morality, grow in our knowledge of His word, stand firm against the sin that so easily entangles us, and attain a deep, controlling reverence for God before we can exhibit true kindness to others and the agape love indicative of His nature. Each habit and characteristic builds on one another. It provides a roadmap to kingdom living. Again, we embark on this journey of spiritual growth not to earn our salvation. That is a free gift to be received through faith. It is so that we may become "partakers of the divine nature," according to Peter (v4). He later adds this beautiful promise: "for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble" (v10). If you want to experience heaven on earth and impact others with the presence of Christ's kingdom, take Peter's instructions to heart. Start at the beginning and work diligently every day to cultivate them in your life. The path to His kingdom has been laid out for you. Now walk in it. Featured Videos Betty Robison Betty emphasizes the need to step out in faith to impact the world for Jesus Christ. Be encouraged now. James Robison James points to Jesus' words to urge a supernatural unity among believers. Hear his call. Andrea Herzer A woman shares her litany of illness and pain to emphasize God's presence through every circumstance. Listen to her testimony. Dr. Alison Cook A therapist and author of "I Shouldn't Feel This Way" names the emotions that tangle us up and undermine our purpose. Watch the exclusive interview. Facebook Twitter Featured Videos Words of LIFE Archive Copyright © 2024 LIFE Outreach International, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have communicated with LIFE Outreach International in the past. To help us manage our emails, please follow the instructions contained in the email and adjust your myLIFE subscriptions. Our mailing address is: LIFE Outreach International PO Box 982000 Fort Worth, TX 76182-8000 Add us to your address book

BIBLE VERSE Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. - Jeremiah1:5 Get $100 off a Logos 10 base package (first-time base package purchasers only)   Shop The Exclusive Offer for Logos 10 Save up to 20% on a Logos package, plus get five free bonus books.  10% off of various Logos packages + 5 free digital books  Shop for Publisher Spotlight Logos Monthly Free Books, Ebooks and Audio Books For month of May 2024 May's free Book God’s Word for Today’s World Additional May free book Justice and Loyalty a commentary on the book of Micah MAY'S FREE EBOOK Psalms for the Anxious Heart: A 30-Day Devotional for Uncertain Times MAY'S FREE AUDIOBOOK Keep a Quiet Heart (audio) Ongoing Free item strategy: Try this link: https://www.logos.com/free-book Now this link: https://www.logos.com/free-ebook Next try this link: https://www.logos.com/free-audiobook    Try these Logos Bible Software Discount codes GOLL   WGR9    Shop for Logos Monthly Sale Faith Gateway: Discount will be taken with code TY5   Furnished by Rick Livermore Webmaster220 San Juan Capistrano California –  Publisher Information This blog post was furnished by Webmaster220 Bible Study Blog  other blogs by the same person: The_New_Rick_Livermore_Site (Discontinued) Discontinued Rick Livermore Webmaster220 on Twitter (x)

Links to the Lexham Survey of Theology: Human Nature chapter

  Human Nature

“The Human Constitution,”  

    The Origin of the Soul

    Immortality of the Soul

  Human Capacities

    

Human Reason

    

Human Emotions

 

Human Will

Mark Ward et al., eds., Lexham Survey of Theology (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018).

Shop for Lexham Survey of Theology on Logos

The book is not available on Faith Gateway or Alibris

BIBLE VERSE Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. - Jeremiah1:5 Get $100 off a Logos 10 base package (first-time base package purchasers only)   Shop The Exclusive Offer for Logos 10 Save up to 20% on a Logos package, plus get five free bonus books.  10% off of various Logos packages + 5 free digital books  Shop for Publisher Spotlight Logos Monthly Free Books, Ebooks and Audio Books For month of May 2024 May's free Book God’s Word for Today’s World Additional May free book Justice and Loyalty a commentary on the book of Micah MAY'S FREE EBOOK Psalms for the Anxious Heart: A 30-Day Devotional for Uncertain Times MAY'S FREE AUDIOBOOK Keep a Quiet Heart (audio) Ongoing Free item strategy: Try this link: https://www.logos.com/free-book Now this link: https://www.logos.com/free-ebook Next try this link: https://www.logos.com/free-audiobook    Try these Logos Bible Software Discount codes GOLL   WGR9    Shop for Logos Monthly Sale Faith Gateway: Discount will be taken with code TY5   Furnished by Rick Livermore Webmaster220 San Juan Capistrano California –  Publisher Information This blog post was furnished by Webmaster220 Bible Study Blog  other blogs by the same person: The_New_Rick_Livermore_Site (Discontinued) Discontinued Rick Livermore Webmaster220 on Twitter (x)

You’re Not Just Wanted—You’re Needed!

Current Teaching Series Shaped to Make a Difference

You're Not Just Wanted—You're Needed! By Rick Warren — 05/19/2024 "We are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) The reason you have value is because of what God says about you, not because of what other people say about you. Many people lack self-esteem. They don't feel good about themselves because they're always trying to pump themselves up by the kind of clothes they wear, the kind of car they drive, or the things they say. They're constantly striving to feel better about themselves because they really don't accept themselves—which, really, is rebellion against God. If God wanted you to be somebody else, you wouldn't exist. But God wanted you! He made you to be you. We know as believers that real self-esteem comes from three facts: 1. God created you. 2. Jesus died for you. 3. God's Spirit lives in you. The Bible says, "We are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago" (Ephesians 2:10 NLT). The New Testament was written originally in Greek. The Greek word for "masterpiece" is poema. It's the word we get "poem" from. Essentially, God is saying, "You're my poem. You're my masterpiece. I don't want you copying somebody else. I've put gifts in you—spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences—and I want you to use them." You have worth because of what God says about you and what he has done for you. You're not just wanted. You're needed! The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, "There are different spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. There are different ways of serving, and yet the same Lord is served. There are different types of work to do, but the same God produces every gift in every person" (GW). You are needed. You're needed in your church. You are needed in your community. You are needed in this world. If you weren't needed, God would not have made you. He brought you here to make a contribution with your life. There are no little people in the family of God. Every single person—every part of God's family—is necessary. Do you know what the most important light in my house is? It's not the big chandelier in the dining room. It's the little dinky light I turn on so that when I get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I don't stub my toe. Every role is important. You are important. You have value because God said so and because he paid such a large ransom for your life when he sent his Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for you. You are God's masterpiece. Now go out and live like you believe it! PLAY today's audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over When do you tend to focus on what other people say about you instead of what God says about you? How has your self-esteem grown as you've drawn closer to Jesus? What is your role in your church? In your community? In the world? How are you fulfilling those roles? The post You're Not Just Wanted—You're Needed! appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Get the SHAPE Study Kit when you give a gift to support Daily Hope! God has a unique purpose for your life—a mission only you can accomplish. And we want to help you discover it with the SHAPE Bible study. This six-session video and workbook Bible study, written by Pastor Rick and taught by Erik Rees, will help you discover the unique ways God takes your spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences and uses them all for his glory. The SHAPE Bible study is our thanks for your gift to help more people embrace their God-given purpose through Daily Hope, so request your copy below when you give. GIVE NOW

Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes 6 full-length messages from Pastor Rick's series Shaped to Make a Difference. LEARN MORE

Series Summary Message 1: Why God Shaped You the Way He Did Message 2: Unwrapping Your Spiritual Gifts Message 3: Following Your Heart Message 4: Using Your Abilities Message 5: The Purpose of Your Personality Message 6: Employing Your Experiences PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's devotional? Listen to Pastor Rick's daily audio teaching at PastorRick.com Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church, one of America's largest and most influential churches. Pastor Rick is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Purpose Driven Life. His book The Purpose Driven Church was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th century. Pastor Rick created The PEACE Plan to address the five global giants—spiritual emptiness, self-serving leadership, poverty, disease, and illiteracy—through the power of ordinary people in the local church. His Daily Hope broadcast and daily devotionals are offered around the world. You can listen to the broadcast or sign up for the free devotionals at PastorRick.com. © 2024 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Pastor Rick's Daily Hope, PO Box 80448, Rancho Santa Margarita, California 92688, United States

BIBLE VERSE Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. - Jeremiah1:5 Get $100 off a Logos 10 base package (first-time base package purchasers only)   Shop The Exclusive Offer for Logos 10 Save up to 20% on a Logos package, plus get five free bonus books.  10% off of various Logos packages + 5 free digital books  Shop for Publisher Spotlight Logos Monthly Free Books, Ebooks and Audio Books For month of May 2024 May's free Book God’s Word for Today’s World Additional May free book Justice and Loyalty a commentary on the book of Micah MAY'S FREE EBOOK Psalms for the Anxious Heart: A 30-Day Devotional for Uncertain Times MAY'S FREE AUDIOBOOK Keep a Quiet Heart (audio) Ongoing Free item strategy: Try this link: https://www.logos.com/free-book Now this link: https://www.logos.com/free-ebook Next try this link: https://www.logos.com/free-audiobook    Try these Logos Bible Software Discount codes GOLL   WGR9    Shop for Logos Monthly Sale Faith Gateway: Discount will be taken with code TY5   Furnished by Rick Livermore Webmaster220 San Juan Capistrano California –  Publisher Information This blog post was furnished by Webmaster220 Bible Study Blog  other blogs by the same person: The_New_Rick_Livermore_Site (Discontinued) Discontinued Rick Livermore Webmaster220 on Twitter (x)