Hi guys
Now that we know about the "trooth" and the bookeseller WTBTS.....
Do you still belive in the Kingdom??????????? Either here on earth or in heven or is it just a falacy??
Or have you replaced it with beer and sandwiches????
What does the "KINGDOM" mean to you?????
by Aikon 7 Replies latest jw friends
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Stefanie
Yup they are both Fruity.
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dustyb
72 virgins =P
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JamesThomas
Throughout history there has been people of extremely diverse backgrounds that have discovered the unifying truth that "the Kingdom of God is within you". Christians don't own this; not that many of them take it seriously anyway. The word "Kingdom" is confusing. It seems to imply a intricate structure of some sort. Perhaps the word was used in interpretation because those who were doing the translating did not have a clue what was be spoken or alluded to. Better said: the Allness of God, or the Actuality of God, or simply "the Truth is within you"; and not as something separate and apart, but rather discovered as the very same consciousness which reads this right now. Spiritual truth and interpretation of such is not about space and time; but rather the most intimate within us right here, right now. That, is the beauty of It. j
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Leolaia
My understanding of the kingdom of God from the gospels is that the eschatological future that the Jews have waited for, presence of God among men and the blessings that were promised by the prophets of old, HAS ALREADY ARRIVED and can be obtained by seeking love, justice, and forgiveness in each other. Here is my own catena on the kingdom from the gospels (my own additions are in parentheses). You can read it as a sermon on the kingdom that is based on logia of Jesus that includes some statements from the Epistle of James:
"The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, it will not come by waiting for it. It will not be a matter of saying, 'Here it is' nor 'There!' for behold! The kingdom of God is in the midst of you! If those who lead you say to you, 'See the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds will precede you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea', then the fish will precede you. Rather the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. The kingdom is spread out upon the earth, and men do not see it. What you look forward to has already come, but you do not recognize it. Recognize what is in your sight, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. You know how to interpret the apperance of the sky, but you have not recognized that which is before you and you do not know how to interpret this very moment.
"But now the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom is being given to you, for the kingdom of God has come upon you. What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field; it is (barely visible as) the smallest of seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches. For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. The good man out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil man out of his evil heart produces evil. Those who hear this word and hold it fast in an honest and good heart bring forth fruit with patience. The kingdom of God is like yeast that a woman hides inside a large amount of flour, (it is not seen but eventually makes itself manifest) until all the dough is leavened. The kingdom is also like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had to buy that field. This is what the kingdom of God is like.
"Do not be afraid, for you are not far from the kingdom of God; your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be of anxious mind about your body or what you shall put on. All the nations of the world seek these things and your Father knows that you need them. But if you instead seek his kingdom, all these things will be yours as well. Life is about more than just food or clothing. The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace, and joy. Give to the poor, sell your own material treasures, and you will have treasure in heaven. It is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, for the first will be last and the last will be first. But truly I say to you, if you love your brother like your own soul, humble yourself like a child, and seek first the kingdom and righteousness, you will enter the kingdom of God. Seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you. But anyone who does not approach the kingdom like a little child will not enter it. Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for being righteous, for theirs is the kingdom of God. Leap for joy, for behold! Your reward is great in heaven! Give to the poor in secret and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Fast in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. But also let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. So whatever you wish that men do for you, do likewise for them. If you forgive men their trespasses, your Father in heaven will forgive you. Treat everyone with equal kindness; never repay evil with evil. All the commandments are summed up in this single command: You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, and mind, and soul, and you must love your neighbor as yourself. Follow this supreme command of scripture, for faith without good deeds is useless. Whoever practices and teaches my commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. And so I confer on you a kingdom, as my Father conferred one on me.
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Carmel
Havin me own fig tree!
cavedweller