Do You Know the Secret of the Kingdom of God?

Then he said, "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand." Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant. He replied, "You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled: 'When they see what I do, they will learn nothing. When they hear what I say, they will not understand. Otherwise, they will turn to me and be forgiven.'" Then Jesus said to them, "If you can't understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables?" Mark 4:9-13

Do you know the secret of the Kingdom of God? Jesus was revealing it to His disciples and other followers as He told them the parables—but some of them just didn’t get it. The Kingdom of God begins with forgiveness. This same forgiving is the wording that Jesus used in the Lord’s Prayer…

'And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. ... For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. Matthew 6:12, 14-15 NASB

Jesus came from heaven to earth to be the sacrificial lamb—so that our sins could be forgiven. The Kingdom of God is a heavenly spiritual realm—created by God for an eternity with those who believe in Him…and in His Son, Jesus. This is illustrated by Jesus’ discussion with a Pharisee named Nicodemus.

Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." ... Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and 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. Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'" John 3:1-3, 5-7 NASB

Do you believe? Can you envision a spiritual realm—that you can be a part of one day…even today if you trust God to forgive you for your sins—past, present and future. Jesus has already died on the cross for those sins…so you just need to ask for forgiveness…and ask that Jesus blood, shed for you, cover your sins, washing them away.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, forgive me. "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. If you consent and obey, You will eat the best of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You will be devoured by the sword. Truly, the mouth of the LORD has spoken." Isaiah 1:18-20 NASB

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 6

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

We recently had a wonderful bread dipping oil with pesto at BoneFish Grill. It was a great quality extra virgin olive oil with pesto. Try it for yourself at home with the recipe below.

Prepare about 1/4 cup fresh pesto (or use purchased pesto) using chopped fresh basil, parsley, garlic, thyme, oregano, black pepper, rosemary, fresh ground salt and pepper, red pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl.

Add:  

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil.

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve with sliced baguette bread. Enjoy before or during your meal.

© 2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted

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