"Positive Aggressiveness"

"The law and the prophets were until John.  Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it." (Luke 16:16)

There are two kingdom principles which the Lord Jesus Christ is teaching us here.  First, He is not saying that the, "kingdom of God," message is a replacement of, "the law and the prophets."  Rather, "The law and the prophets," point us to, bring us to, "the kingdom of God."  Put another way, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is [now] at hand," a fulfillment of, "the law and the prophets."  The reality of the, "kingdom of God," is that, "the law and the prophets," reveal that kingdom before the first appearing of Jesus Christ.  Take off the "Sunday School" glasses and read the Bible again.  You will see that it speaks of the establishment of a family, out of which God established a Kingdom, a nation.  Modern Christendom speaks practically nothing of this.  Jesus is the King of, "the Kingdom of God," or, "The Kingdom of Heaven."  Just as in the "type" and "foreshadow" kingdom of the Old Testament, Christ's Kingdom has everything which is contingent in nations, governments of the world.  The difference is that there is eternal salvation in this Kingdom; we have, "all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him...."

Second, "everyone is pressing into it," i.e., "the kingdom of God."  Really?  I pray so for you and me.  The Greek word which is translated here, "pressing into it," is the same word used in the very familiar and oft quoted passage, "....the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force."  The misconception which I have heard over the years is that somehow I can "force" my way into the things of God-- ridiculous.  According to The Greek Study Bible, the word means, "laying hold of something with positive aggressiveness."  Okay, now I can do that.  "Laying hold of" Jesus Christ and His Kingdom "with positive aggressiveness" is the call of the "God-Breathed" Word.  There is no greater call, no greater ambition, no greater "ministry."  If I fulfill this call of God, I will fulfill all other "calls."

"The Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ," is among us, is here.  History is headed toward the day when, "the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever." 

All we now do in our personal life, our corporate life is "preparing," is bringing us closer to, "That Day."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray that I can bring as many people as I can with me into Your Kingdom, into You------- before, "That Day."  Amen.

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Two New Articles at:  www.apf327.blogspot.com

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"

Hebrews 12