Kingdom Living

Kingdom Living

We live in a world that has largely forgotten the God of the Bible.

We live in a world that has largely forgotten the God of the Bible.

Errol WebsterMar 20, 2023, 12:43 AM

American cultural analyst George Barna (www.barna.org) says, “Many Christians are hard-pressed to convert their beliefs into action.”

We live in a world that has largely forgotten the God of the Bible. While people are still quite religious, often their religion is either secularism or a vague form of pantheism (god-is-everythingism). How should a Christian live in such a world?

1. Of which place does the Bible say Christians are citizens?

Philippians 3:20 “Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

2. What are Christians not to love?

1 John 2:15, 16 “Do not love the world or anything in the world.... For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.” “To accommodate to the world spirit about us in our age is nothing less than the most gross form of worldliness . . . we must say with tears that, with exceptions, the evangelical church is worldly and not faithful to the living Christ.”

3. To what are Christians instructed not to conform?

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Phillips's translation, The Messasge, says: “Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould.” Vance Packard warns about advertising: “Many of us are being influenced and manipulated— far more than we realised—in the patterns of our everyday lives . . . typically these efforts [to mould our thinking] take place beneath our level of awareness so that the appeals which move us are often in a sense, ‘hidden'” (The Hidden Persuaders).

4. Whose kingdom should we seek first and what promise is given if we do?

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his [God's] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things [that we need] will be given to you as well.

5. What law of the harvest are we called to remember?

Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” A 30-year New Zealand study on the effects of television viewing found: “Children and adolescents who consistently watch television for two hours or more a day are at an increased risk of being overweight, to smoke, and to have high cholesterol concentrations in early adulthood— substantial risk factors for longterm health problems in later life”. The study also found, “No matter what your intelligence or social background, watching a lot of television during childhood means you do less well academically.”

6. What eight things does Paul give for guiding right thinking?

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

7. What response does God want from us?

Luke 10:27; Luke 16:13 and 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbour as yourself.” Christians need to be discerning and discriminating. Jesus said, “No servant can serve two masters.” Paul counsels, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

1. George Barna, Faith Has a Limited Effect On Most People's Behavior, May 24, 2004.2. Francis Schaeffer,The Great Evangelical Disaster, page 38.3. www.thelancet.com, July 2004.4. www.scoop.com.nz, July 5, 2005.

Secrets of Prophecy

Free PDF Study Guides

Unlock the mysteries of Bible prophecy with the Secrets of Prophecy Study Guides! These step-by-step guides reveal God’s plans for your life, offering clarity on topics like end-time events, the second coming, and the hope of salvation. Perfect for beginners and seasoned Bible students alike, discover the truth that brings peace and purpose. Start your journey today!

Claim Free Offer
Online Bible Study

Join Online Bible Study Group

Join us for an Online Bible Study that will transform your faith journey, restarting January 2025! Explore timeless truths, uncover God’s plan for your life, and connect with a community of seekers like you—all from the comfort of your home. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deeper into God’s Word. Register now and reserve your spot!

Register Now

More Articles

Feeding the homeless or the ego?

When raising awareness about a good deed becomes a shameless brag about one’s own generosity. By Katherine Yap.

Giving Without Spending

Learning to be generous even during difficult financial times

Ready or Not

Mar 20, 2023

Ready or Not

I have often found the second coming of Jesus to be quite a daunting proposition. It somehow felt like Jesus’ return would actually stop me from achieving some of my personal goals.

Violence: Will it ever end?

The 20th century was the most violent in history and the 21st promises to be just as bad. But the Bible holds out hope for a better future.

From Prison to Palace

According to Doug Batchelor, we all have the opportunity to inherit an immense fortune.