I believe in God's kingdom on earth. 

I believe it's possible to step into that kingdom and begin living life that has a quality of eternal life in the presence of our God. 

That life is possible through faith in Christ.  It's possible through walking with Jesus Christ on the path we know as the "way, the truth, and the life."  That journey is called discipleship.    

Jesus had disciples during his ministry on earth.  We can name the 12.  Then there were the 70 disciples he sent out to cast out demons and heal the sick. There were many more.

From what source did they -- these disciples -- draw their strength and power?  Luke tells us in his gospel that "[w]hen Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick."  (Lk 9:1-2).

The source of the power of any disciple Christ is ... Jesus Christ.  Those who walk in close fellowship with our Lord and Savior, who know his commands and obey them, and who continue to live this "way, the truth and the life," access the kingdom of God.  In the kingdom, it's not just their power they exercise but the power given them by God.  It's the same power whereby the disciples in Jesus' time were able to cast our demons, heal the sick, and mend the broken hearted.

This week's challenge is to review your life of discipleship.  What condition is it in?  Does your life run on God's power?  "God has not given to us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind."  2 Tim. 1:7.  I hope you know that kingdom life and power are available to you now.  These are God's gifts to us.  Remember my sermon illustration concerning the ship.  Jesus Christ's invitation to us is to "come aboard."   

Have a great study and I pray that you find this study challenging, and more than ever before, that you begin to apply its truths to your life.      

Blessings,

Pastor Michael