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The Essence of the Kingdom

 The Essence of the Kingdom 

 

Recently I have been doing a deep dive into joy.  As I was searching the Bible to see all that it had to say on the subject of joy I came upon this verse, Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

My thoughts then went to Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you

In looking at both of these verses I see that, logically, what we need to be seeking first is righteousness, peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit.  

Sadly, many today in the church are seeking after so much that is not the kingdom or trying by their efforts to produce a God’s kingdom here on earth through various means but really, they are building their own kingdoms. Luke 17:21, says, “nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”  God’s kingdom is not an earthly kingdom that can be made to come about by political maneuvers and man’s efforts.  True righteousness, peace and Joy can only come from God and therefore can only be evidenced in our lives from our being in Him and He in us.  

 

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