The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven are the same. One of the first messages that Jesus taught on was on the Kingdom. The term sometimes refers to the Kingdom as prophesied in the Old Testament. To stay fixed and focused we preach or teach about the Kingdom and the King. Life can get complicated or messed up. It probably is right now for you. Don't get distracted.
We face life threatening situations more and more in modern times. Modern times are supposed to be better with more freedom and opportunity for all equally. Yet, Christians are still dying due to persecution all over the world. Christians are the most persecuted in the world. And extremism has increased although education is more available.
You can probably relate to John the Baptist who faced a life and death situation when you put on a mask to go outdoors, hear about terrorism in your country or a burglary gone bad. But we learn from John as he stayed focused on the Kingdom;
...and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matthew 3:2
Was this a man in the wilderness thing? No. The Old Testament referred to the Kingdom and used the same words associated with the Kingdom. If you are made in God's image you are a ruler with dominion. All references to God's reign or rule or even Him as King supports the concept of the Kingdom of God.
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Genesis 1:26
It is not just an Old Testament concept either. Forever and ever means it is always a present truth and goes on for all time. In New Testament time and current time. In the time after the return of Jesus;
But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.’ Daniel 7:18
The message of the Kingdom continued in Jesus. It was foretold to Mary His mother;
“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” Luke 1:31-33
Now, not only did the Kingdom continue in Jesus but Jesus taught on the Kingdom. He announced that the Kingdom was with Him. He is the King of Kings for sure.
Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15
“The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. Luke 16:16
Most everyone want to be part of God's Kingdom. But to be in it you have to be a citizen and do as Jesus did. We try to be Kingdom minded. Tell others about the Kingdom. See things the way God sees it. This guides how we respond to anything coming in our life. Seeking after God and submitting to God's will in our lives;
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33
Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10
As citizens we act as ambassadors, in love with our King and Kingdom. We tell others about the gospel of the Kingdom. Remember John the Baptist? John the Baptist preached about the kingdom of heaven knowing that the Messiah was coming.
...and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matthew 3:2
The disciples were imprisoned, murdered and faced persecution yet they spoke about Jesus. We too have to do this. Instead of seeing that people mock or laugh at our message think of how horrid hell is for anyone to go there. By focusing on the Kingdom we can receive our blessings too. This I think is how we work out our salvation.
Being Kingdom minded teaches us to have a heart for others. We can become selfless. Giving to the Kingdom, to build it in the hearts of others. We become ambassadors ourselves of the Kingdom of God.
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Philippians 3:20-21
Like an embassy. You can be a Russian citizen visiting another country. While you in that country you are subject to the laws of that country. But if you go to the Russian embassy in that country you are subject to the laws of Russia in that embassy. It is possible to live in one country but be Kingdom minded. Like John we have opportunity to talk about the coming of Christ. His second coming!
I pray you can see things the way God sees it. I pray you have courage in Christ and hope in His promises in Jesus name.
If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour you may say this prayer;
Dear Heavenly Father,
I ask you to forgive my sins in knowledge or ignorance. Please forgive me. I accept Jesus as my Saviour. I ask that Jesus comes into my life as I live to be a witness for Him. Please change my life and make me into the person you want me to be, in Jesus name I pray. Thank you.
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