Skip to main content

heaven is at hand

Matthew 3:1&2
"1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

We are in the Second week of Advent. Jesus reigns over all creation! He has always been along side GOD the Father and the Holy Ghost. Part of the Holy Trinity. And, two thousand years ago Jesus became incarnate through the Virgin birth which we celebrate each and every Christmas! This is when Jesus came to save the world. And, one day Christ will come again in judgment of the living and the dead. All of this is what we remember and celebrate in the season of Advent. 

Today we return to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter three, verse one, where the cousin of Jesus is proclaiming the arrival of the Messiah! "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea," On the banks of the river Jordan where he was preaching, teaching and baptizing. This is the border between the civilized world and the wilderness. 

Here he delivered the message from GOD; "saying, Repent ye: for the KINGDOM of HEAVEN is at hand." This expression can be best translated, "the reign of God draws near." It's a little strange to think of a "kingdom" that is on the move. But, when we understand that it is the Son of GOD that is approaching and will be introduced it all makes perfect sense. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

to be taller

Matthew 6:27 "27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" Jesus has questions... Beginning our study this week with "Why Do You Worry?" Questions have always been a cornerstone of education, used to assess students’ knowledge, promote comprehension, and stimulate critical thinking. Well-crafted questions lead to new insights, generate discussion, and promote the comprehensive exploration of the subject. It makes sense that GOD would use questions VERY effectively. In yesterday's verses, Jesus asked "Are you not MUCH BETTER than birds?" His questions do not end there. In today's verse we read another one, "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" This is a sentence our culture needs to learn. No anxiety, no thinking, no wanting will alter our bodily height, or any other condition of our life that is fixed by God’s laws. We often wish things were different than they are, but our "wo...

we also...

Romans 6:3&4 "3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." In our studies we are striving to understand God’s love and care. God's unconditional love for His followers, appreciating that we are part of GOD’S family! God is with us from cradle to grave. His divine presence is always giving us purpose and guidance. One of the most important milestones in the life of a Christian is baptism. When we are baptized, an indelible mark is made on our soul. This mark signifies a permanent transformation and dedication of the individual to God. The act of Baptism involves water and the invocation of the Holy Trinity. This ritual is seen as a symbolic washing away of original sin and a new birth into the life of Christ. Baptism is a foundational s...

our daily stress

Matthew 6:11 "Give us this day our daily bread." Last week we focused our studies on “Thy Will Be Done...” We can TRUST in the LORD with ALL our hearts. Let GOD lead us in our daily lives. GOD'S will is for you and me to follow His plan. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Serve Him by helping your friends and neighbors. It's a beautiful way. The rest of this petition is “On Earth as it is in Heaven.” We want God’s kingdom to be established on earth, reflecting the harmony and perfection found in heaven. We can have this in the here and now by prioritizing God’s will, seeking His guidance, and striving to live according to Biblical principles. However, we must keep in mind that we live in a fallen world. Too many will not join in our journey with Jesus. This tension and stress will cause everyone difficulties. This week we will study the fourth petition from the Lord's Prayer. "Give us this day our daily bread." God certainly gives daily bread to every...