We all have some idea of what it takes to be a good citizen in the country in which we live, even the state or city. We have laws that we must obey to the best of our ability (even those pesky ones, like speed limits). We get to know the rules regarding operating a business, and adhere to them as an owner, and hold owners accountable to the regulations that were agreed upon. We try our best to honor the public servants, who are often our neighbors, such as the local fire and police officers, and call on them when the need arises. We try to get to know our neighborhood schools and attend the sporting games of our children. We vote when an election comes up, trying our best to understand the issues at hand. So: What about God’s Kingdom? We have laws in this kingdom too, and we try our best to keep them. If we do not, we have a gracious King and can appeal to his mercy – over and over again as needed. We have work to accomplish, and it is organized according to the dictates of God’s Holy word. We try our best to know the guidelines for responsible leadership and giving and caring. We try our best to honor those who serve, and join them when the need arises. We try our best to know our neighbors, and to love them in tangible ways. We actually love to invite others to join the community with us – the more the merrier. We don’t vote, exactly, but we dig deeply in the truths of God and the world he made, and we encourage stimulating reasoning together about the important issues of life. We vote with our very lives, the way we live each day. There are some similarities here. Differences too. I spend my days trying my best to be a good citizen of both my country of birth, and my Kingdom of my new birth. I have found that what I do in this country, in my day to day life, has enormous ramifications in God’s Kingdom, both now and into eternity. Isn’t that amazing?
I would anticipate that there are some that would be quick to say, “Alright, you believe in this Kingdom of God. That’s nice, good for you. Now why should any reasonble, fair minded, non-psychotic individual believe in this Kingdome of yours?” That is, are there any good reasons to base my belief in an actual Kingdom of God? Is it a blind leap in the dark? Is it merely Santa Claus for grown ups who need that kind of a crutch to get through the day? I welcome any and all such questions. If you are not already a believer and follower of Christ, I would not expect you to acknowledge His Kingdom and authority. But I am confident in one thing, if nothing else – my belief is founded on some very solid, reasonable, and yes, even logical grounds. And right there, in the midst of it all, is the person of Jesus Christ. If one properly understands who Jesus is, then everything else will begin to fall into place. So this my challenge to any and all who will join the great conversation: dare to investigate the person of Jesus Christ. Check out his credentials. See if he should have the authority, the power to proclaim His Kingdom. Read through one of the gospel accounts and come face to face with the God-man who is Jesus. In Him all things are reconciled. In Him the universe begins to make sense. In Him can be found all the answers you have been searching for. Of this I am sure. Will you join me on this quest?
Greetings and welcome to my blog. I am your host, Wally Keller. I am an evangelical Christian, and I quite literally believe in The Kingdom of God. I believe that Jesus Christ came, in the flesh, 100% God and 100% man, the great mystery of the incarnation. Clearly Jesus proclaimed his Kingdom, the Kingdom of God, also referred to as the Kingdom of Heaven (a more respectful way for an orthodox Jew to state this), and he said it was “at hand.” That is to say, it is available, right here and right now, from this time forth. However, this Kingdom was actually designed by God from the beginning of time, and it will endure forever. And, by an amazing miricle of grace, I have been invited to be a part of this Kingdom. And not only I, but any who choose to follow Jesus Christ. I can think of no more important or interesting event in all of human history. Living my life, each and every day, in the reality of this Kingdom fills me with purpose, joy and passion. The implications of such a topic requires a dialogue of great length. So, it seemed that a Blog would accomodate such an extended conversation. So that’s my proclomation – I am an dual citizen. I live at this moment in one of the best countries that has ever existed, and gratefully so. And yet, the Kingdom of God is my true home, and my hopes and faith are placed firmly in the security of an eternal existence in the presence of the God who created all that exists, and loves me, and invites me to an adventure like no other. What about you?
