We recently went to the New Frontiers regional conference, 'Envision'. It was a great time to be challenged again about the great commission and the world that surrounds us here and abroad and their need of a saviour. One of the speakers reminded us about the short time that Jesus spent with his disciples after he was ressurected and how Jesus taught for these 40 days about what was most important in the kingdom of God. It prompted me to read the four gospel accounts afresh to see for myself what exactly Jesus taught. If it was important to the first group of Christians back then, then it must be as important to all Christians that have followed since.
As I read the gospel accounts I could see that firstly Jesus spent time with people again, explaining the scriptures and how he was the fulfillment of them, and proving that he was indeed fully God and fully man. He was gentle, kind and compassionate to those who were doubting, helping to produce faith in them. His grace and kindness continued as he proved that he was a loving and forgiving saviour, particularly revealing this to Peter who had denied him. He showed that he was both God and man by performing miracles, appearing and disappearing suddenly and yet resuming normal activities such as eating with them. He then breathed on them to receive the Holy Spirit, allowing them to experience his life and power. Finally he commissioned them to go into all the world and tell everyone, from every place, about himself, and his plan of salvation for mankind.
I was reminded that his plan for his church has not changed and he still longs for his bride to increase. The kingdom of God is a place of security and love, where Jesus will receive anyone who comes to him and asks for forgiveness. What a wonderful kingdom and what a wonderful King. As we live in this kingdom, aliens and strangers to the world but accepted and cherished by the God who made it, we too have a great high calling. We too, once we understand who Jesus is and have entrusted our lives into his safe hands, can share his life and love with people around us. We may never venture further than our little Jerusalem but we can still love people, care for others and offer them a hope that is real and living. The kingdom of God is not complicated, it really is so simple. We invite Jesus into our lives and let him live his life through us, in whatever way he chooses. Its a privilege to belong to his kingdom and a privilege to love and care for others, both in our own backyard or further afield if he calls us there.
As I read the gospel accounts I could see that firstly Jesus spent time with people again, explaining the scriptures and how he was the fulfillment of them, and proving that he was indeed fully God and fully man. He was gentle, kind and compassionate to those who were doubting, helping to produce faith in them. His grace and kindness continued as he proved that he was a loving and forgiving saviour, particularly revealing this to Peter who had denied him. He showed that he was both God and man by performing miracles, appearing and disappearing suddenly and yet resuming normal activities such as eating with them. He then breathed on them to receive the Holy Spirit, allowing them to experience his life and power. Finally he commissioned them to go into all the world and tell everyone, from every place, about himself, and his plan of salvation for mankind.
I was reminded that his plan for his church has not changed and he still longs for his bride to increase. The kingdom of God is a place of security and love, where Jesus will receive anyone who comes to him and asks for forgiveness. What a wonderful kingdom and what a wonderful King. As we live in this kingdom, aliens and strangers to the world but accepted and cherished by the God who made it, we too have a great high calling. We too, once we understand who Jesus is and have entrusted our lives into his safe hands, can share his life and love with people around us. We may never venture further than our little Jerusalem but we can still love people, care for others and offer them a hope that is real and living. The kingdom of God is not complicated, it really is so simple. We invite Jesus into our lives and let him live his life through us, in whatever way he chooses. Its a privilege to belong to his kingdom and a privilege to love and care for others, both in our own backyard or further afield if he calls us there.
