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<channel>
	<title>a Christian blogger</title>
	
	<link>http://www.achristianblogger.com</link>
	<description>the thoughts of a Christian blogger</description>
	<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:46:53 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>free Christian resources in February</title>
		<link>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2009-03/free-christian-resources-in-february</link>
		<comments>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2009-03/free-christian-resources-in-february#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:46:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David (a Christian blogger)</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[general]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[easter]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[esv]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[free Christian resources]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[music]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.achristianblogger.com/?p=43</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As ever there has been some great free resources reviewed over the last month at free Christian resources.  Here is the pick of the bunch&#8230;
Free Paul Baloche music and training
Paul Baloche has provided an amazing website with lots of free songs, articles on worship, training videos and much more.
Free ESV bible on Amazon’s Kindle
If [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As ever there has been some great free resources reviewed over the last month at free Christian resources.  Here is the pick of the bunch&#8230;</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.freechristianresources.org/2009-02/paul-baloche-worship">Free Paul Baloche music and training</a></strong><br />
Paul Baloche has provided an amazing website with lots of free songs, articles on worship, training videos and much more.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.freechristianresources.org/2009-02/esv-kindle">Free ESV bible on Amazon’s Kindle</a></strong><br />
If you own a Kindle then you can download the ESV bible free.  It is the number one &#8220;seller&#8221; at the moment of all Kindle books!</p>
<p>And also various free Easter things:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.freechristianresources.org/2009-02/easter-pictures">Easter pictures and clip art</a></strong><br />
If you want to add some good Easter pictures to your website then this post should help you</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.freechristianresources.org/2009-02/easter-cards">Easter cards</a></strong><br />
Send a card this Easter to remind each other of Jesus&#8217; sacrifice</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.freechristianresources.org/2009-02/easter-sermons">40 Easter sermons</a></strong><br />
Here is a collection of forty amazing sermons both from past preachers and current teachers.  From Spurgeon to Piper there is something here to feed you.</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Best free Easter clip art!</title>
		<link>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-03/best-free-easter-clip-art</link>
		<comments>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-03/best-free-easter-clip-art#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:05:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Sawyer</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[blogging]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-03/best-free-easter-clip-art</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Free Christian resources has just released a great post highlighting the best websites to find high quality, free Easter clip art.


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]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Free Christian resources has just released a great post highlighting the <a href="http://www.freechristianresources.org/2008-03/free-easter-clip-art">best websites to find high quality, free Easter clip art.</a></p>
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		<title>Weekly devotion - Speak to the sources - not the problem</title>
		<link>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-03/weekly-devotion-speak-to-the-sources-not-the-problem</link>
		<comments>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-03/weekly-devotion-speak-to-the-sources-not-the-problem#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:42:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Sawyer</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[weekly devotion]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Christian]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[The Word for Today]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-03/weekly-devotion-speak-to-the-sources-not-the-problem</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#8216;DRY BONES, HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD&#8230;LIVE&#8230;AND KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD.&#8217;
EZEKIEL 37:4


Bones in Hong KongPhoto by David Sawyer

When Ezekiel obeyed God and proclaimed, &#8216;Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord&#8230;live &#8230;and know that I am God&#8217; the Bible says: &#8216;The bones&#8230;came together &#8230;lived, and stood up&#8217; (Ezekiel 37:7-10 TLB). There is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p>&#8216;DRY BONES, HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD&#8230;LIVE&#8230;AND KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD.&#8217;<br />
<em>EZEKIEL 37:4</em></p></blockquote>
<div class="photoright">
<p><img src='http://www.achristianblogger.com/theblog/wp-content/gallery/animals/bone_feet.jpg' alt='Bones in Hong Kong' title='Bones in Hong Kong' width="200" height="301"/></p>
<p>Bones in Hong Kong<br /><a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/photos/">Photo by David Sawyer</a>
</div>
<p>When Ezekiel obeyed God and proclaimed, &#8216;Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord&#8230;live &#8230;and know that I am God&#8217; the Bible says: &#8216;The bones&#8230;came together &#8230;lived, and stood up&#8217; (Ezekiel 37:7-10 TLB). There is a lesson here for us; only the living Word of God can:<br />
a) create order out of the chaos in our lives<br />
b) give stature, strategies and strength to the church, which is the Body of Christ in the earth<br />
c) unite the dry bones of division and discouragement. Without it we have &#8216;form,&#8217; but no force and no fire!</p>
<p>You will notice that when Ezekiel prophesied initially, although the bones came together, &#8216;there was no breath in them&#8217; (v8). So at that point He ceased talking to the dry bones and went directly to the source - the wind, which represents God&#8217;s Spirit, saying: &#8216;Breathe upon these slain, that they may live&#8217; (v9). You will never experience a divine visitation or a supernatural solution by looking to flesh and blood; that kind of experience comes only from God Himself. When you need His help, you must go directly to the source!</p>
<p>Today if you are struggling with financial pressures, health issues, addictions, or relationship problems, you need a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit. Job said, &#8216;The breath of the Almighty gives me life&#8217; (Job 33:4 NIV). So call &#8216;time out,&#8217; get alone and pray, &#8216;Holy Spirit breathe on me.&#8217; </p>
<hr />
<p><em> This article was provided courtesy of UCB, from The Word for Today publication.  Free issues of this daily devotional are available in the UK and Republic of Ireland, or from the website link below.<br />
PO Box 255, Stoke-on-Trent,ST4 8YY.<br />
<a href="http://www.ucb.co.uk/biblehelps" target="_blank">http://www.ucb.co.uk/biblehelps</a></em></p>
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		<title>free Christian resources redesign</title>
		<link>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-03/free-christian-resources-redesign</link>
		<comments>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-03/free-christian-resources-redesign#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:33:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Sawyer</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[general]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[free Christian resources]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-03/free-christian-resources-redesign</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[free Christian resources has undergone a big overhaul recently.  Firstly it has moved its domain to &#8216;www.freechristianresources.org&#8217;, and secondly it has been given a sparkly new home page.
Below is a picture of the new homepage, so if you are interested in finding high quality free Christian resources check it out!



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]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.freechristianresources.org/">free Christian resources</a> has undergone a big overhaul recently.  Firstly it has moved its domain to &#8216;www.freechristianresources.org&#8217;, and secondly it has been given a <a href="http://www.freechristianresources.org/">sparkly new home page</a>.</p>
<p>Below is a picture of the new homepage, so if you are interested in finding high quality free Christian resources check it out!<br />
<a href="http://www.freechristianresources.org/"><img src="http://www.freechristianresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/fcr-home.jpg" alt="feee Christian resources homepage" width="475" height="248" /></a></p>
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		<title>Weekly devotion - By degrees</title>
		<link>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/weekly-devotion-by-degrees</link>
		<comments>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/weekly-devotion-by-degrees#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2008 22:42:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Sawyer</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[weekly devotion]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Christian]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[The Word for Today]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/weekly-devotion-by-degrees</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#8216;WE&#8230;ARE BEING TRANSFORMED&#8230;FROM GLORY TO GLORY&#8230; BY THE SPIRIT.&#8217;
2 CORINTHIANS 3:18 [NKJV]


By degreesPhoto by txpotato

Are you able to evaluate your progress without getting discouraged or feeling condemned? Can you look at how far you still have to go, yet be able to appreciate how far you have already come? Where you are now, is not [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p>&#8216;WE&#8230;ARE BEING TRANSFORMED&#8230;FROM GLORY TO GLORY&#8230; BY THE SPIRIT.&#8217;<br />
<em>2 CORINTHIANS 3:18 [NKJV]</em></p></blockquote>
<div class="photoright">
<p><img src='http://www.achristianblogger.com/theblog/wp-content/gallery/misc07/twenty_degrees.jpg' alt='twenty degrees' title='twenty degrees' width="200" height="133"/></p>
<p>By degrees<br /><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/profile/txpotato">Photo by txpotato</a>
</div>
<p>Are you able to evaluate your progress without getting discouraged or feeling condemned? Can you look at how far you still have to go, yet be able to appreciate how far you have already come? Where you are now, is not where you are going to be. You must have a clear view of the finish line or you will never get out of the starting gate. In the Amplified Bible Paul states that God changes us from one degree of glory to another. Notice, the improvement takes place by degrees, not giant leaps! &#8216;But why do I keep falling?&#8217; you ask. Why did you keep falling after your first birth? Because you were not born wearing walking shoes! No, you had to learn, and at first you stumbled more than you walked. The truth is, some of us just grow up faster than others.</p>
<p>We are too hard on ourselves; we would grow faster if we relaxed more. We cannot live by our feelings in these matters. Satan will make sure we frequently feel like &#8216;an unredeemable mess,&#8217; or that God is not working in our lives. That is a lie! We must learn to live by God&#8217;s Word, not by how we feel; for His Word states that as long as we believe, He is working in us. Listen: &#8216;The Word of God&#8230;is effectually at work in you who believe, [exercising it's superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it]&#8216; (1Thessalonians 2:13 AMP). So rise up and announce, &#8216;God is at work in me today, changing me by degrees.&#8217;</p>
<hr />
<p><em> This article was provided courtesy of UCB, from The Word for Today publication.  Free issues of this daily devotional are available in the UK and Republic of Ireland, or from the website link below.<br />
PO Box 255, Stoke-on-Trent,ST4 8YY.<br />
<a href="http://www.ucb.co.uk/biblehelps" target="_blank">http://www.ucb.co.uk/biblehelps</a></em></p>
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		<title>Prayer in crisis - Life in Christ</title>
		<link>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/prayer-in-crisis-life-in-christ</link>
		<comments>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/prayer-in-crisis-life-in-christ#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:13:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Sawyer</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Life in Christ]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[study]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Martin Lloyd-Jones]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[prayer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/prayer-in-crisis-life-in-christ</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In a time of crisis should we immediately turn to prayer?  Is prayer the answer to all our problems?  Martyn Lloyd-Jones says:
Therefore, in a situation of difficulty and of crisis, the first thing we must do is to make sure that we have grasped the New Testament teaching.  I do not want [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In a time of crisis should we immediately turn to prayer?  Is prayer the answer to all our problems?  Martyn Lloyd-Jones says:</p>
<blockquote><p>Therefore, in a situation of difficulty and of crisis, the first thing we must do is to make sure that we have grasped the New Testament teaching.  I do not want to be controversial, and I am particularly anxious not to be misunderstood, but if I may put it in a phrase, in order to call attention to what I have in mind, I would say that in a situation of crisis the New Testament does not immediately say, &#8216;Let us pray&#8217;.  It always says first, &#8216;Let us think, let us understand the truth, let us take a firm hold of the doctrine.&#8217;  Prayer may be quite useless and quite void.  The bible has a great deal to tell us about prayer and as to how it should be made.  Prayer is not a simple thing in one sense; it may be very difficult.  Prayer is sometimes an excuse for not thinking, an excuse for avoiding a problem or situation.<br />
<em>Martyn Lloyd-Jones,&#8221;Life in Christ&#8221;: Ch 1&#8242; The Christian and the World&#8217; </em></p></blockquote>
<p>He then goes on to suggest that often when we have been in difficulty we pray to God to deliver us rather than putting something right in our lives as we should have.  Instead of facing our troubles as we knew we should have, we prayed.  By praying in crisis we may have the appearance of being spiritual, when actually we are using prayer to avoid a difficult situation.</p>
<p>This is a provocative statement and if taken at face value could be seen as limiting the power of prayer.  However when read in the context of the chapter it is actually an astute observation of how we can take something good, powerful and spiritual (prayer) and then use it in the wrong way to make it impotent and worthless.</p>
<h3>Can prayer be a waste of time?</h3>
<p>At best praying in these situations will simply be a waste of time.  What are we praying for?  We already have the answer to our prayers, we just need to act! At worst though, it could be much more damaging and demotivating.</p>
<div class="photoright250">
<p><img src='http://www.achristianblogger.com/theblog/wp-content/gallery/misc07/japanese_prayer.jpg' alt=' how to pray the japanese way' title=' how to pray the japanese way' width="250" height="250"/></p>
<p>Japanese prayer<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eelssej_/">Photo by kalandrakas</a>
</div>
<p>Firstly, the crisis may worsen because we may not take action quick enough to solve the crisis at hand.  Worse though, it may lead to many of what we assume are unanswered prayers.  We ask why God does not help us in our crisis when he already has!  We wonder why our prayers are not answered when they already have been!  This is the crux of why these prayers may be “quite useless and void”.  We may be praying for something that God has already given us the power to solve, but that we are too scared, worried or lazy to confront.</p>
<p>Now of course, this is not to say we do not pray for God to help us have courage in a crisis, to help us be righteous and strong when it seems so difficult.  But this is a different prayer.  This is facing up to the problem and admitting our own weakness rather than using prayer as an excuse to avoid an issue.</p>
<p>Prayer is not first and foremost and opportunity for us to bring our shopping list of wants and desires to God so that He can tick them off.  If it becomes this, then there is a risk that our prayer will become, even if only partly, a waste of time .</p>
<p>This is a challenging argument.  We should not hide behind prayer but use it to bring us closer to God.  We should not use prayer as an excuse to stop thinking, but as a source of strength.  Above all we should not abuse the gift of prayer, but cherish its awesome power.</p>
<hr />
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<a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/?page_id=21">This study is part of a series based on the reading of Martyn Lloyd-Jones&#8217; &#8220;Life in Christ&#8221;.</a></p>
<p>For further posts, please visit <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/?page_id=21">the &#8220;Life in Christ&#8221; page </a>on this website, or go to the <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/category/study/life-in-christ">&#8220;Life in Christ&#8221; category</a>.</p>
<p><em>“The glory of the gospel is that when the church is absolutely different from the world, she invariably attracts it.”<br />
Martyn Lloyd-Jones</em><br />
<br clear="all"><br />
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		<title>Weekly devotion - Real relationships</title>
		<link>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/weekly-devotion-real-relationships</link>
		<comments>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/weekly-devotion-real-relationships#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:39:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Sawyer</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[weekly devotion]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Christian]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[The Word for Today]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/weekly-devotion-real-relationships</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#8216;GOD HAS GIVEN US&#8230;THIS MINISTRY OF RESTORING RELATIONSHIPS.&#8217;
2 CORINTHIANS 5:18 [GWT]


RelationshipsPhoto by Avolore

The purposes of God in your life are tied to certain relationships. To succeed, you must learn to recognise them! Remember Jonathan, who loved David even at the cost of his own life? Or Ruth, who loved her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, and gave [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p>&#8216;GOD HAS GIVEN US&#8230;THIS MINISTRY OF RESTORING RELATIONSHIPS.&#8217;<br />
<em>2 CORINTHIANS 5:18 [GWT]</em></p></blockquote>
<div class="photoright">
<p><img src='http://www.achristianblogger.com/theblog/wp-content/gallery/misc07/friendship.jpg' alt='Friendship 1' title='Friendship 1' width="200" height="149"/></p>
<p>Relationships<br /><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/profile/Avolore">Photo by Avolore</a>
</div>
<p>The purposes of God in your life are tied to certain relationships. To succeed, you must learn to recognise them! Remember Jonathan, who loved David even at the cost of his own life? Or Ruth, who loved her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, and gave her a reason to live again? God has people like that, and you need them. He would not say, &#8216;It is not good that man should be alone&#8217; (Genesis 2:18), then tell you to do it all by yourself.</p>
<p>But some areas may need to be healed before you can enter these relationships. For example, you must learn to differentiate between &#8216;using&#8217; relationships and &#8216;heart-ties.&#8217; Even blood-ties do not wear as well as heart-ties.</p>
<p>So allow God to work on you. When you are ready He will make all the necessary introductions. In the meantime get to know Him better. Make His opinion the source of your self-worth, for it is the only one that really counts. If your last relationship stripped you of your identity and drained you spiritually, use this precious time to get back on your feet. You may never have it again!</p>
<p>Begin today to love like God loves. He sees your imperfection, handles your rejection and loves you regardless. That should help you not to throw away a good person just because they did a bad thing. Would you discard your car over a leaky radiator? If God forgave you as you forgive others, what shape would you be in? Today, ask God to teach you about real relationships.</p>
<hr />
<p><em> This article was provided courtesy of UCB, from The Word for Today publication.  Free issues of this daily devotional are available in the UK and Republic of Ireland, or from the website link below.<br />
PO Box 255, Stoke-on-Trent,ST4 8YY.<br />
<a href="http://www.ucb.co.uk/biblehelps" target="_blank">http://www.ucb.co.uk/biblehelps</a></em></p>
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		<title>King with a Kingdom : Part 3 of 3</title>
		<link>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-3</link>
		<comments>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-3#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:10:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Sawyer</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[preaches]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[king]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[kingdom]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[preach]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-3</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

King with a kingdomPhoto by Woodsy

This is a transcript from the &#8216;King with a Kingdom&#8217; preach by David Sawyer.  The posts in this series include:

Preach Summary
Part 1 : Jesus is the King and the kingdom of God in the old and new testament
Part 2 : The kingdom of God at the second coming, and [...]]]></description>
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<p><img src='http://www.achristianblogger.com/theblog/wp-content/gallery/misc07/king_chess_piece.jpg' alt='Chess Pieces 6' title='Chess Pieces 6' width="200" height="133"/></p>
<p>King with a kingdom<br /><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/profile/woodsy">Photo by Woodsy</a>
</div>
<p><small><em>This is a transcript from the <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-preach">&#8216;King with a Kingdom&#8217; preach by David Sawyer</a>.  The posts in this series include:</em></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-preach">Preach Summary</a></li>
<li>Part 1 : <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-1">Jesus is the King and the kingdom of God in the old and new testament</a></li>
<li>Part 2 : <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-2">The kingdom of God at the second coming, and what influence should it have</a></li>
<li>Part 3 : <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-3">How the kingdom of God influences society</a></li>
</ul>
<p>You may also wish to download all the entire preach rather than reading it on this blog:<br />
<a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/theblog/wp-content/uploads/2008/King_with_a_kingdom_preach.pdf"><img src="http://www.achristianblogger.com/images/icons/page_white_acrobat.png" alt="Download pdf document" class="alignleftsb" width="16" height="16" />Download the preach in pdf format</a><br clear="all"><a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/theblog/wp-content/uploads/2008/King_with_a_kingdom_preach.doc"><img src="http://www.achristianblogger.com/images/icons/page_white_word.png" alt="Download Word document" class="alignleftsb" width="16" height="16"  />Download the preach in Word format</a></small></p>
<hr />
<p><a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-2">Continued from Part 2</a><br />
<h2>HOW THE KINGDOM INFLUENCES SOCIETY</h2>
<p>So the kingdom of God has an influence on all society and it is very likely that influence will flow through us – but how does it actually influence society?</p>
<p>We are going to finish by looking at how the power of the kingdom of God influences society and how this can be applied to our lives.</p>
<p><strong>What can our society think?</strong></p>
<p>Our western society often takes all of the power out of the kingdom of God.  Any benefits that our society perceives the Church brings are explained away as the positive impact of better morals or teachings on how to be good people.</p>
<p>The bible is clear though; that the reason the kingdom of God has influence is because it is powerful.  In 1 Cor 4 Paul when writing to a church where he is being bad-mouthed by some people says:</p>
<blockquote><p>
<strong>1Co 4:18-20 ESV </strong> Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.  (19)  But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power.  (20)  For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.</p></blockquote>
<p>And in Romans we see:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Rom 15:18-19 ESV</strong>  For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience&#8211;by word and deed,  (19)  by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God&#8211;so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ;</p></blockquote>
<p>Lets just look at two phrases there:</p>
<ul>
<li>“The kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power”</li>
<li>“By the power of the Spirit of God”</li>
</ul>
<p>The bible clearly shows that the reason the kingdom of God CAN influence society is because it is backed by power.</p>
<p>And whilst I touched on earlier that we play a vital role – thankfully it is not our power.  The power of the kingdom of God is directly from God.  We’ll be seeing some examples in a minute of this power.</p>
<p>This is so exciting for us as Christians.  No matter how clever, or strong, or sociable we are, or are not, we can all have a part to play.  Because the power of the kingdom that influences society is not due to our own strength but due to the strength of God.</p>
<p>This is not some faceless authority’s power though, steamrollering all in its path.  All of the power God dispenses is underpinned by the power of love.</p>
<p><em>– and it is a curious thing:</p>
<p>Make one man weep, make another man sing<br />
Change a hawk to a little white dove<br />
More than a feeling that’s the power of love.</em></p>
<p>I can’t find the scripture reference for that, but I’m sure its there somewhere…<br />
http://www.flickr.com/photos/linnybinnypix/<br />
Our aim to see the power of Jesus’ kingdom in our lives changing society should not be driven for the desire to see or have power.  But it should be driven by love and compassion</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>1Co 13:1-2 ESV </strong> If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  (2)  And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.</p></blockquote>
<p>Lets just think about that statement because it is very powerful.</p>
<ul>
<li>Love is more important than the spiritual giftings such as prophecies</li>
<li>Love is more important than understanding all of theology and mysteries of life</li>
<li>Love is even more important than having a supreme amount of faith.</li>
</ul>
<p>Not that these are not important things.  But without love they lose their importance.</p>
<p>So how does the kingdom of God influence society with power and love through us?</p>
<p>We are going to look at three areas where the kingdom of God has an influence over society.  When we look at the miracles and teachings of Jesus, and the miracles of the disciples – many will fit into these categories.</p>
<h3>4a – Power over Satan/demons</h3>
<p>The fullness of the kingdom of God will only occur when Satan is destroyed.  It can be difficult with our western mindset to grasp the importance of this.</p>
<p>Much of Jesus’ ministry included casting out demons – and as we have already touched upon, the kingdom of God is in direct conflict with the kingdom of Satan.</p>
<p>You can find several examples in the new testament of demons being cast out (Mar 1:21-27), of direct attacks by Jesus and the disciples against Satan’s kingdom, and in the lords prayer we pray “Deliver us from evil” (Mar 6:13)</p>
<p>What is really interesting is that in the old testament times nowhere does any king, priest, prophet or wise man cast out any demons.  When the kingdom comes though – a new power is unleashed.</p>
<p>In fact, Jesus in Matthew 10.1 gave the disciples authority over unclean spirits, and told them to cast them out.</p>
<p>In our lives, we are likely to find that the more on fire for Jesus we get – the more the spiritual attacks will grow.  Satan is powerful, and should not be underestimated.  He still has a powerful kingdom which is in direct conflict with the kingdom of God.</p>
<p>When we come under attack is important that we:</p>
<ul>
<li>Trust that Jesus has power and authority over all demons and Satan</li>
<li>Trust that he has given this authority to the Church</li>
<li>Pray for safety and deliverance, and get other to pray with and for you (don’t make it a private prayer point!)</li>
</ul>
<p>As long as Satan still has his kingdom – we are at risk of attack from him.  However – we need to remember that our God is an awesomely powerful God, and that when Jesus was crucified on the cross the decisive battle was won in favour of the Kingdom of God.</p>
<h3>4b – Power over worldliness</h3>
<p>In many ways this is similar to the first point in that it means you are acting more in the spirit of the kingdom of Satan and the world than the kingdom of God.</p>
<p>Most likely though, we will all find it easier to apply to our lives.</p>
<p>We know the kingdom of God is in direct conflict with the kingdom of Satan and worldliness – so it is no surprise that God will have an influence over it.</p>
<p>These verses superbly sum up the issues of worldliness.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Gal 5:16-21 ESV</strong>  But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  (17)  For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.  (18)  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  (19)  Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,  (20)  idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,  (21)  envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.</p></blockquote>
<p>When we slip into the worldly ways such as jealousy or impurity as mentioned – “it keeps us from doing the things we want to do”.  Worldly desires are opposed to the desires of the spirit, they are opposed to the kingdom of God.</p>
<p>We cannot serve two masters, and eventually if allowed to take hold the worldly desires will displace our spiritual desires.</p>
<p>I’m sure we can all think of something worldly that we do or have struggled with.  The verse we read had 15 examples – and then said there was more too – no doubt things such as laziness, unforgiveness and gluttony would easily be added to the list.</p>
<p>For us this verse is both great news and a warning.  It is great news because the influence of the kingdom of God will have a personal impact on us.</p>
<p>Jesus’ kingship is so loving that He cares about all the issues we may have in our lives from sexual immorality to fits of anger.</p>
<p>Simply put the opening line said:</p>
<ul>
<li>“walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh”</li>
<li>
As we mentioned earlier the Kingdom of God’s power comes “By the power of the Spirit of God”.  It is the same spirit that helps us overcome our sinful desires</li>
</ul>
<p>The phrase walk by the spirit reminds us we need to be continually looking to God, the Spirit, for guidance.  Daily we need to live our lives alongside the Spirit, drawing strength and grace and wisdom</p>
<p>God has made it clear He wants us getting involved with all of society, so it is fitting that he will also be there to guide us.  Lets make sure we do not ignore His help.</p>
<p>We have a powerful god to help us!!!  Lets not waste it as it so easy to do.</p>
<p>However as well as being great news, it is also a warning.  We still live in a world full of sin, and as Christians we still sin.  We can go back to the “already not yet” saying.  As the kingdom of God is present we can walk by the spirit and not rely on our own strength.  But at the same time, the kingdom of the earth is waiting very close by to catch us out.</p>
<p>If we want the kingdom of God to influence society through us we need to be diligent and continually come back to the Spirit, otherwise our flame will burn out and we will no longer be the light that Jesus wants us to be in this world.</p>
<h3>4c – Power over sickness/disease</h3>
<p>The miracles of the new testament also show that the kingdom of God should have an influence over sickness and disease in our society.  </p>
<p>This was a really important part of Jesus’ ministry.  He almost continually healed the sick and preached about the kingdom.  </p>
<p>When Jesus sent out the 72 disciples he said to them</p>
<blockquote><p>
<strong>Luk 10:8-9 ESV</strong>  Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you.  (9)  Heal the sick in it and say to them, &#8216;The kingdom of God has come near to you.&#8217;</p></blockquote>
<p>There is a real connection between the power of the kingdom and the healing of the sick.  This wasn’t something Jesus did as an aside.  When he preached about the kingdom – he healed people.  When he told others to preach the kingdom – he told them to heal people.</p>
<p>Many in this congregation have been healed in the past, or seen someone be healed.</p>
<p>But we have still have death and illness in this world.  Not all of the people we pray for will be healed (this was even the case for the apostles).  This can be disheartening and challenging to accept.</p>
<p>We don’t have time to go into detail as to why some people will be healed and others not.  But it is worth remembering that healing is a gift from God – not a stone-clad promise for every circumstance.</p>
<p>We should pray for those with illnesses with faith and hope that they will be healed.<br />
We should show our love for each other by praying diligently and with compassion.</p>
<p>Ultimately it is Gods power that will heal someone – and sometimes whilst we may not be able to fathom why – it may not be in His will to heal someone</p>
<p>We need to trust though that God knows best – because he does!</p>
<h2>(5) CONCLUSION</h2>
<p>In conclusion, what we’ve seen today is that the </p>
<ul>
<li>kingdom of God is a present reality – it is here</li>
<li>kingdom of God is in conflict with the kingdom of Satan and many of the promises of the kingdom are not fully consummated in this world because of that.</li>
<li>kingdom of God is powerful and should be influencing all of society.</li>
</ul>
<p>In revelation 1:6 John says</p>
<blockquote><p>[Jesus has] made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.</p></blockquote>
<p>The exciting truth is that Jesus has made us priests in this kingdom:</p>
<ul>
<li>As priests we can draw close to God and “walk with the Spirit”</li>
<li>
As priests we have a supreme and massive aim in life – to further the kingdom of God.</li>
<li>As priests our lives our not futile or worthless</li>
<li>As priests we are expected to have an influence on those around us</li>
</ul>
<p>If the kingdom had not yet come we would not have these privileges. </p>
<p>More exciting though is who we are a priest to:</p>
<ul>
<li>
We are priests to a powerful God who has authority over demons, sickness, and death</li>
<li>We are priests to a powerful God that loves us dearly</li>
<li>We are priests to a powerful God that deserves our worship…</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>“To him be the glory and dominion forever and ever – Amen”</strong></p>
<hr />
Other posts in this series:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-preach">Preach Summary</a></li>
<li>Part 1 : <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-1">Jesus is the King and the kingdom of God in the old and new testament</a></li>
<li>Part 2 : <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-2">The kingdom of God at the second coming, and what influence should it have</a></li>
<li>Part 3 : <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-3">How the kingdom of God influences society</a></li>
</ul>
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		<title>Weekly devotion - When the answer is delayed</title>
		<link>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/weekly-devotion-when-the-answer-is-delayed</link>
		<comments>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/weekly-devotion-when-the-answer-is-delayed#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:41:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Sawyer</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[weekly devotion]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Christian]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[The Word for Today]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/weekly-devotion-when-the-answer-is-delayed</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#8216;&#8230;NEITHER ARE YOUR WAYS MY WAYS.&#8217;
ISAIAH 55:8 [NIV]


Delayed answerPhoto by Clix

Children rank the words &#8216;not yet&#8217; as some of the most awful in the English language. There is an impatient child in each of us that wants God to grant every request immediately. When our all-wise, loving Heavenly Father says, &#8216;Not yet,&#8217; what is our [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p>&#8216;&#8230;NEITHER ARE YOUR WAYS MY WAYS.&#8217;<br />
<em>ISAIAH 55:8 [NIV]</em></p></blockquote>
<div class="photoright">
<p><img src='http://www.achristianblogger.com/theblog/wp-content/gallery/misc07/clock.jpg' alt='Clock' title='Clock' width="200" height="267"/></p>
<p>Delayed answer<br /><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/profile/clix">Photo by Clix</a>
</div>
<p>Children rank the words &#8216;not yet&#8217; as some of the most awful in the English language. There is an impatient child in each of us that wants God to grant every request immediately. When our all-wise, loving Heavenly Father says, &#8216;Not yet,&#8217; what is our mature adult response? &#8216;But God, You do not understand, I need it right now. Read my lips, I said now!&#8217; But God is neither impressed nor intimidated; He simply says, &#8216;Kick and scream if you must, but you cannot have it yet. Trust me, I know what I am doing.&#8217;</p>
<p>Be wary of insisting that you know better than God! His delays usually are not His denials. Sometimes He delays in order to test our faith, other times so that we can alter our requests. As we come to understand the situation better, we may be glad to modify our prayer and make it more in line with His will. Sometimes God delays so that He can develop in us qualities like discipline, trust, compassion and submission. Most spiritual gains come only through struggle. If we had our way, how long would any of us put up with these character builders without asking God to remove them?</p>
<p>Often we are not able to see the reason for the delay. But that is not surprising. God says, &#8216;Neither are your ways my ways.&#8217; Often we think God&#8217;s saying &#8216;No&#8217; only to discover that He is saying &#8216;Not yet,&#8217; so that He can orchestrate an even greater result than we had the faith to believe for.</p>
<hr />
<p><em> This article was provided courtesy of UCB, from The Word for Today publication.  Free issues of this daily devotional are available in the UK and Republic of Ireland, or from the website link below.<br />
PO Box 255, Stoke-on-Trent,ST4 8YY.<br />
<a href="http://www.ucb.co.uk/biblehelps" target="_blank">http://www.ucb.co.uk/biblehelps</a></em></p>
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		<title>King with a Kingdom : Part 2 of 3</title>
		<link>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-2</link>
		<comments>http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-2#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 Feb 2008 23:41:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Sawyer</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[preaches]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[king]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[kingdom]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[preach]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-2</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

King with a kingdomPhoto by Woodsy

This is a transcript from the &#8216;King with a Kingdom&#8217; preach by David Sawyer.  The posts in this series include:

Preach Summary
Part 1 : Jesus is the King and the kingdom of God in the old and new testament
Part 2 : The kingdom of God at the second coming, and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="photoright">
<p><img src='http://www.achristianblogger.com/theblog/wp-content/gallery/misc07/king_chess_piece.jpg' alt='Chess Pieces 6' title='Chess Pieces 6' width="200" height="133"/></p>
<p>King with a kingdom<br /><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/profile/woodsy">Photo by Woodsy</a>
</div>
<p><small><em>This is a transcript from the <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-preach">&#8216;King with a Kingdom&#8217; preach by David Sawyer</a>.  The posts in this series include:</em></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-preach">Preach Summary</a></li>
<li>Part 1 : <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-1">Jesus is the King and the kingdom of God in the old and new testament</a></li>
<li>Part 2 : <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-2">The kingdom of God at the second coming, and what influence should it have</a></li>
<li>Part 3 : <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-3">How the kingdom of God influences society</a></li>
</ul>
<p>You may also wish to download all the entire preach rather than reading it on this blog:<br />
<a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/theblog/wp-content/uploads/2008/King_with_a_kingdom_preach.pdf"><img src="http://www.achristianblogger.com/images/icons/page_white_acrobat.png" alt="Download pdf document" class="alignleftsb" width="16" height="16" />Download the preach in pdf format</a><br clear="all"><a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/theblog/wp-content/uploads/2008/King_with_a_kingdom_preach.doc"><img src="http://www.achristianblogger.com/images/icons/page_white_word.png" alt="Download Word document" class="alignleftsb" width="16" height="16"  />Download the preach in Word format</a></small></p>
<hr />
<p><a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-1">Continued from Part 1</a></p>
<p><strong>3. Second coming </strong></p>
<p>However we are also faced with the dilemma that often it just doesn’t look like the kingdom of God is here.</p>
<p>A couple of the promises of the kingdom are:</p>
<ul>
<li>We will be free from sickness (1 Peter 2:24; Matthew 8:17)</li>
<li>We will be free from sin (1 Peter 2:24, Romans 5:1),</li>
</ul>
<p>But that does not tally with what we see.  </p>
<ul>
<li>We still go through the pain of illness and see the devastation it places on families and communities when sicknesses cannot be healed.</li>
<li>As Christians we still struggle with sin, and live in a world where sin surrounds us.</li>
</ul>
<div class="photoright250">
<p><img src='http://www.achristianblogger.com/theblog/wp-content/gallery/misc07/famine.jpg' alt='Famine Statue 3' title='Famine Statue 3' width="250" height="167"/></p>
<p>Famine<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/munksynz/">Photo by munksynz</a>
</div>
<p>You just have to look at any news report, or at any of our lives to see that the promises of the kingdom of God have not been fully completed on this earth.</p>
<p>So we are in a dilemma in that on the one hand we are saying the kingdom of God is present, and in our midst.  And on the other hand it just does not look like the bible says it would.  Is the kingdom not as powerful as expected?</p>
<p>This is where we can come back to the “already not yet” saying.  In reality we are living in an age of two kingdoms.</p>
<p>Firstly, we have the kingdom of God.  This kingdom is present.  It is here now.  It is real and it will break all other kingdoms to pieces.  However, it is not yet fully consummated or completed.</p>
<p>Secondly we have the kingdom of the world, or Satan.. This kingdom is also real, and is biblical.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>1Jn 5:19 ESV</strong>  (19)  We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.</p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><strong>Gal 1:3-4 ESV </strong> Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,  (4)  who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,</p></blockquote>
<p>[see also Mat 12:22-30]</p>
<p>At the crucifixion of Jesus the decisive battle over sin, sickness, death and Satan was won.  But the war is not over.  These kingdoms are in conflict.  Jesus’ ministry on earth was a direct battle against this worldly kingdom – and it continues with the Church today.</p>
<div class="photoright250">
<p><img src='http://www.achristianblogger.com/theblog/wp-content/gallery/misc07/monopoly.jpg' alt='Monopoly' title='Monopoly' width="250" height="188"/></p>
<p>Monopoly<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/r80o/">Photo by r80o</a>
</div>
<p>I have a really silly example to explain it.  It is a bit like a game of monopoly.  After a few times round the board you opponent has got Mayfair and Park Lane,   Bond Street, Regent Street and Oxford Street  and has hotels on them all..  The only complete set you have is Whitechapel and Old Kent Road.  At that point – for all intents and purposes the game is over.  You know who is going to win – the decisive battles and dice rolls have been made.  Yet, you battle on for hours, and hours, and hours… trying to overcome your friend.  You may even resort to cheating but eventually you will succumb</p>
<p>Today we are in that painful part of life we have all experienced when you play for hours in monopoly despite knowing the winner.  Of course – the great news is the winner is Jesus.  The winner is the kingdom of God!  But nonetheless it still makes those hours playing a pain.</p>
<p>The final victory and the full consummation of the kingdom of God will happen when Jesus comes again.</p>
<p>But always, we must remember the ‘already not yet’ saying.  To say that the kingdom of God is NOW and is present today is true.  But we must remember always the final victory is not yet won, the kingdom of God is not completed, the kingdom of Satan still has a massive influence over the world.</p>
<ul>
<li>We can be grateful that “We have tasted the &#8220;powers of the age to come&#8221; (Hebrews 6:5).</li>
<li>We can be thankful that we are not left to live in the evil kingdom of this world – but today we can be a part of the kingdom of God</li>
<li>We can live in hope of a time when the kingdom of God will be complete and sin and suffering will have no place in our lives.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong><br />
(3) THE KINGDOM INFLUENCES ALL OF SOCIETY</strong></h2>
<p>So the kingdom of God is here.  What does this mean for us in our lives?  What does it mean for those around us?  The main thing to realise is that the kingdom of God should have an influence on all areas of our life, and on all society.</p>
<p>There are two verses I think are important to show broadly that the kingdom of God is all about influencing our society.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Luk 13:20-21 ESV</strong>  And again he said, &#8220;To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?  (21)  It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.&#8221;
</p></blockquote>
<p>Leaven is a small lump of highly fermented dough, and when it was mixed with fresh dough it would eventually spread its quality through all of the fresh dough, and make it rise.</p>
<p>Jesus uses this as an example to describe both the growth of the kingdom of God, and the how the kingdom of God influences society.</p>
<ul>
<li>For the leaven to spread through the flour, it needed to be in contact.  Similarly the kingdom of God only influences our society because it is in contact with it.</li>
<li>It actually changes the flour.  It isn’t that the leaven slowly multiplies and spreads amongst the flour – but the flour is transformed to be like the leaven.</li>
<li>There is no area of the flour that cannot come under the influence of the leaven.  In other words, there are no barriers to the kingdom of God.  Its influence doesn’t stop at the gates of a prison or a school.  There is no part of our lives or society that can’t be impacted by the power of the kingdom.</li>
</ul>
<p>We’ll look at another verse key to the influence of the kingdom of God</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Mat 5:14-16 ESV</strong> You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  (15)  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  (16)  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.</p></blockquote>
<div class="photoright250">
<p><img src='http://www.achristianblogger.com/theblog/wp-content/gallery/misc07/lamp_nancy.jpg' alt='Place Stanislas, Nancy, France' title='Place Stanislas, Nancy, France' width="250" height="206"/></p>
<p>Let your light shine<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spigoo/">Photo by spigoo</a>
</div>
<p>This is the same as the point that the leaven is in direct contact with the flour when it is working.  However this verse makes it clear that Jesus expects us, as the Church and individuals within it, to share the blessings and knowledge of the kingdom of God.  We are not to live our lives like hermits.  We shouldn’t cling onto what we know and believe or be ashamed of it,</p>
<p>It is vital we understand that it is our role to get the kingdom of God into the society.  God can and does break into peoples lives without the church directly, but invariable he uses us individuals as part of the church, to spread the message and impact of the kingdom.  You just need to look through the book of acts to see that the majority of miracles God performs are not through lightening bolts from the sky – but through the actions and words of the disciples and early Christians.</p>
<p>The challenge for us is to live our Christian lives openly in our society.  Whether at work or shopping our actions and words should be promoting the kingdom.  We need to let our light shine before others.</p>
<p>When Jesus was preaching about the kingdom of God it would invariable be backed up by the power of the kingdom.  The kingdom is not here for no reason or just as a little play thing for Jesus.</p>
<p>One of the key reasons the kingdom needs influence is to grow the kingdom through the salvation of people.  Now there is a whole preach on the growth of the kingdom in a week or so, so I do not want to say too much on the matter.</p>
<p>But it will suffice for now to say that when we look at the way the kingdom of God influences society – remember that often it will be as a part of bringing the gospel of the kingdom to people.</p>
<hr />
Other posts in this series:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-preach">Preach Summary</a></li>
<li>Part 1 : <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-1">Jesus is the King and the kingdom of God in the old and new testament</a></li>
<li>Part 2 : <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-2">The kingdom of God at the second coming, and what influence should it have</a></li>
<li>Part 3 : <a href="http://www.achristianblogger.com/2008-02/king-with-a-kingdom-3">How the kingdom of God influences society</a></li>
</ul>
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