What actions should we take while "the kingdom of God is near"? The Call of the Near Kingdom “ ‘The time is fulfilled,’ He said. ‘The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!’ ” (Mark 1:15) Recognize the Moment’s Urgency • God’s timetable is already “fulfilled” (Mark 1:15). • Nearness demands immediate response, not someday intentions (Luke 21:31). Turn from Sin: Repent • Repentance is a change of mind that leads to changed living (Acts 3:19). • “Unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke 13:3). • Confess known sin, renounce hidden sin, and break with habitual sin (Proverbs 28:13). Trust the Good News: Believe • Faith rests in Christ’s finished work (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10). • Ongoing belief keeps us “standing firm” and “holding to the word” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2). Live Watchful and Ready • “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35). • Guard against spiritual drowsiness (Matthew 25:1-13). • Evaluate priorities in light of Christ’s imminent return (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Proclaim the Kingdom • Jesus sent His disciples to say, “The kingdom of God has come near” (Luke 10:9). • Share the gospel plainly, urgently, lovingly (2 Timothy 4:2). • Use everyday conversations, acts of kindness, and public testimony. Persevere in Holiness • “Since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28). • Pursue purity in thought, speech, and conduct (1 Peter 1:15-16). Serve with Kingdom Generosity • Invest in people, not merely possessions (Matthew 6:19-21). • Use gifts and resources to advance gospel work (1 Peter 4:10). • Serve “the least of these” as service to the King Himself (Matthew 25:40). Pray Without Ceasing • Pray for boldness, wisdom, and open doors (Colossians 4:2-4). • Ask for the Lord’s will to be done “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Gather and Encourage One Another • “Let us not neglect meeting together… but encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Spur fellow believers toward love and good works. Stand Firm Under Opposition • Trials refine faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). • “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Fix Your Hope on the Coming King • The nearness of the kingdom anchors present endurance (Titus 2:13). • Look forward to the day when “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15). |
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