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If you have had any Christian experience, you are likely to know the prayer Jesus taught his disciples, the "Our Father, which art in heaven..." prayer.
And it ends with "Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen" Matthew 6:9-13
These things belong to God, the Creator of all, yet much of our human efforts go in to trying to make our own little kingdom of material wealth and comfort; of fighting for our own power - our will to be done, and trying to gain glory or fame. Our natural longings are for the gold, the girls/guys and the glory... Or fame, fortune and females/fellas... These two proverbial sayings leave out "power" - but it's there too...
The church is little better, hiding this "gimme" attitude behind the "Prosperity Gospel" whereby we look to God to provide for us... And He does, as God is the source of all good gifts [James 1:17], but he is more interested in our heart attitude, and our eternal future, than us having a nice life on this world. He is more interested in us sharing His love for mankind than in giving us a good time with no hassles. How many of us would lose our faith if we lost our security and standing in our communities, because we are Christian, or even through unseen circumstances?
Below are some scriptures that show something of God's kingdom, power and glory, and how God wants us to respond to them.
For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 1 Cor. 4:20
But you seek the kingdom of God first, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:31
This instruction Jesus gave us bears looking at in context:
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, How shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the unbelievers seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things.But you seek the kingdom of God first, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. So don't worry about tomorrow: for tomorrow shall be time to think about things you need. It is enough to deal with the problems ve for this day. Matthew 6:31-34And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be anxious. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
But rather seek the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added to you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's delight to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the poor; make yourselves bags which don't wear out, a treasure that never runs out in the heavens, where no thief can get near, nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:29-34
Jesus came to tell us about the Kingdom of God:
Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: you repent, and believe the gospel. Mark 1:14-15
And who can come in:
But when Jesus saw it, he was very displeased, and said to them, Let the little children to come to me, and don't forbid them: for of such is the kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, Whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter in there. Mark 10:14-15; Luke 18:16The kingdom of God is referred to as a mystery or secret, and there are things that go beyond human logic, knowledge and understanding, perhaps that's why we need that childlike wonder and faith to perceive it:And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. Luke 13:29 (KJV)
Listen, my beloved brethren, Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him? James 2:5
And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Matthew 19:24; Mark 10:23; Luke 18:24
And he said to them (his disciples), To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but to them that are outside, all these things are done in parables: Mark 4:11; Matthew 13:11; Luke 8:10Who cannot enter the kingdom?And when the Pharisees demanded of him, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God comes not with observation: Neither shall they say, Look here! or, look there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:20-21 (KJV)
Then Peter said, See, we have left all, and followed you. And he said to them, Truly I say to you, There is no man that has left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive much more in this present time, and in the world to come everlasting life. Luke 18:28-30 (KJV)
Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:3-6
Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Cor. 6:9-10Finally, two verses with beautiful promises that talk of God's kingdom and glory:Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 1 Cor. 15:50
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:21
For this you know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Ephes. 5:5
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then comes the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he has put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 1 Cor. 15:22-26
As you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father does his children, That you would walk worthy of God, who has called you into his kingdom and glory. 1 Thes. 2:11-12
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35But it is clear that Jesus was filled with power, which he gave us to share with others who believe. In this story from Acts, we see what happens when God's Holy Spirit fills people - remembering that we get the word 'dynamite' from the same Greek word as 'power':And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did... Luke 9:43
After this shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Luke 22:69
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12
"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, you know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly; Not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whoever believes in him shall receive remission of sins.Two scriptures from the Old Testament tie God's provision and power together beautifully:
While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision (Jews) which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles (non-Jews) also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." Acts 10:34-46
Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of them, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. Eccles. 5:19
Who fed you (the children of Israel) in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers knew not, that he might humble you, and that he might prove you, to do you good at your later end; And you say in your heart, My power and the might of my hand has got me this wealth. But you shall remember the Lord your God: for it is he that gives you power to get wealth, that he may strengthen his agreement which he made with your fathers, as it is this day. Deut. 8:16-18
Do you recognise these words sung by thousands of angels from the Christmas story?
And to Martha, just before he called her brother Lazarus from the tomb, Jesus said: "Didn't I tell you that, if you would believe, you should see the glory of God?" John 11:40
Steven was being judged guilty of death for being a Christian when "he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadily into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. Acts 7:55
None of us can meet God's standard: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:" Romans 3:23-24. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2
For if Abraham were justified by works, he has reason to glory; but not before God. For what says the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness. Romans 4:2-3. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; Romans 4:20
We thank God that he provided a way for us to reach out and touch him, to have a relationship with him that has no barriers, and to live a life of love, by his power, for his glory!
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 4:6
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: Ephes. 1:17
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philip. 1:11
That you would walk worthy of God, who has called you into his kingdom and glory. 1 Thes. 2:12
But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1 Peter 5:10
Whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Cor. 10:31
The results of not recognising God's glory:
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Romans 1:23
Or do you despise the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But for your hardness and unremorseful heart you treasure up to yourself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will give payment to every man according to his deeds: Romans 2:4-6
And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. Acts 12:21-23
For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. Philip. 3:18-19
And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, who has power over these plagues: and they did not repent and give him glory. Rev. 16:9
And there are rewards for giving him glory:
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Philip. 4:19-20
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles (non-Jews); which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Col. 1:27
Yes, our God is worthy of all glory!
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Tim. 1:17For he (Jesus) received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 2 Peter 1:17
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philip. 2:11
To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Romans 16:27
To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:25
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. Rev. 7:12
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: Rev. 19:1
And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. Rev. 21:23
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14
By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
He gathers the waters of the sea together in a heap: he lays up the depths in storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
For he spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
The Lord brings the counsel of the unbelievers to nothing: he makes the devices of the people of none effect.
The counsel of the Lord stands for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord: and the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance.
The Lord looks from heaven; he sees all the sons of men.
From the place of his habitation he looks upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
He fashions their hearts alike; he considers all their works.
There is no king saved by the multitude of a host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
A horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
See here, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.