[gromitt82]

To illustrate how difficult is to follow the right way, please read today's Gospel:

As Jesus and his disciples went on their way, a man said to him, «I will follow you wherever you go». Jesus said to him, «Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head». To another Jesus said, «Follow me». But he answered, «Let me go back now, for first I want to bury my father». And Jesus said to him, «Let the dead bury their dead; as for you, leave them and proclaim the kingdom of God». Another said to him, «I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to my family». And Jesus said to him, «Whoever has put his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God». (Lk 9:57-62):

As the commentator explains "Our Lord's words admitt no excuses, delays, conditions or betrayals... Christian life demands this radical following of Jesus. Radical, not only because it must be guided, all the way, by the Gospel (hence, to last all our life), but, mostly, because all their aspects —from the most extraordinary to the most ordinary ones— want to be and must be the manifestation of the Spirit of Jesus Christ inspiring us."

Simple. But at the same time, how difficult!

[Choux]

Jesus was very direct... the most important thing in a person's life was to build the Kingdom of God on Earth and the Kingdom of God Within.

No distractions from a life before commitment to Jesus' Kingdom were allowed; all ties to the past had to be severed.

Today, the ties are emotional.

[cogs]

....the most important thing in a person's life was to build the Kingdom of God on Earth and the Kingdom of God Within.

We should try to enter this kingdom,

...must be the manifestation of the Spirit of Jesus Christ inspiring us."

With the spirit of god. The hard part is putting our hand to the plow, and beginning this work. It's lonely and there's no help sometimes.

[Choux]

No, cogs, the Kingdom of God was to be built... a spiritual Kingdom full of people who followed Jesus' teachings. :)

[cogs]

Yes, I can see the point of view of a kingdom being built by evangelism. Lol, to some it's like a multi-level-marketing program, with one bringing two, bringing four, etc. to me, it's sort of like a man with a sign, that everyone passes by, reads, understands, then goes right back to what they were doing. This kingdom has to be individual, before it can be anything.

[ordinaryguy]

Jesus was very direct....the most important thing in a person's life was to build the Kingdom of God on Earth and the Kingdom of God Within.

No distractions from a life before committment to Jesus' Kingdom were allowed; all ties to the past had to be severed.

Today, the ties are emotional.

Could you elaborate on this a little bit? Do you mean that carrying around emotional baggage (from dysfunctional family or romantic relationships) inhibits the building of the Kingdom of God?

Is there a difference between the Kingdom of God on Earth and the Kingdom of God Within?

[cogs]

Could you elaborate on this a little bit? Do you mean that carrying around emotional baggage (from dysfunctional family or romantic relationships) inhibits the building of the Kingdom of God?

Is there a difference between the Kingdom of God on Earth and the Kingdom of God Within?

Great question. Jesus said that the kingdom of god is at hand. Imo, if we are on our way there, we are on a very narrow path. Jesus is the gate. The holy spirit is our guide.
Also, jesus is full of glory, and the bible relates to us that he will return. I don't know exactly how this will come about, but we have clues in the bible. As far as the kingdom of god on earth, or within, it's hard because they seem to overlap. Jesus gives parables about both. I'm not sure anyone can pinpoint the return of heaven to earth, or the great tribulation, just as they had great trouble understanding the messiah's appearance, even though they had prophecy.

[gromitt82]

great question. jesus said that the kingdom of god is at hand. imo, if we are on our way there, we are on a very narrow path. jesus is the gate. the holy spirit is our guide.
also, jesus is full of glory, and the bible relates to us that he will return. i don't know exactly how this will come about, but we have clues in the bible. as far as the kingdom of god on earth, or within, it's hard because they seem to overlap. jesus gives parables about both. i'm not sure anyone can pinpoint the return of heaven to earth, or the great tribulation, just as they had great trouble understanding the messiah's appearance, even though they had prophecy.

As there seems to be some debate regarding what the Bible calls the Kingdom of God, I'm quoting the following explanation:

Quote:
Question: "What is the Kingdom of God?"

Answer: The kingdom of God is the rule of an eternal sovereign God over all creatures and things (Psalm 103:19; Daniel 4:3). The kingdom of God is also the designation for the sphere of salvation entered into at the new birth (John 3:5-7), and is synonymous with the “kingdom of heaven.”

The kingdom of God embraces all created intelligence, both in heaven and earth that are willingly subject to the Lord and are in fellowship with Him. The kingdom of God is, therefore, universal in that it includes created angels and men. It is eternal, as God is eternal, and it is spiritual—found within all born-again believers. We enter the kingdom of God when we are born again, and we are then part of that kingdom for eternity. It is a relationship "born of the spirit" (John 3:5), and we have confident assurance that it is so because the Spirit bears witness with our spirits (Romans 8:16).

God is sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient and the ruler over all of His creation. However, the designation "the kingdom of God" compasses that realm which is subject to God and will be for eternity. The rest of creation will be destroyed. Only that which is part of the "kingdom of God" will remain. Unquote.

Recommended Resource: The Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns.

All concepts related to GOD are difficult to define, partly due to our own human limitations and partly because the mere idea of GOD es elusive. If we cannot explain GOD or GOD's attributes how can we understandably give a proper account of something like the Kingdom of God or Heaven? Being able to finally see and understand the Glory of God when we are called before HIM must be the summit of all possible happiness. Thus, HIS Kingdom, which some are fortunate enough to start partially enjoying down here!;)

[ordinaryguy]

Here's something I wrote a few years ago in an attempt to understand what it means:

As I read the gospel accounts of Jesus' life and teachings, the concepts of the kingdom of heaven and doing the Father's will stand out as central themes. I am always trying to better understand what he was really trying to convey and how he intended for these teachings to be applied to daily life.

He was obviously aware that he had a real challenge on his hands trying to explain it, so he kept coming at it from all different angles. There are so many parables that begin "The kingdom of heaven is like..." A common theme is that it isn't dramatic or obvious: "...the smallest of all seeds...leaven hid in three measures of flour..treasure hidden in a field...a lost coin...a pearl of unrecognized value..." I suppose one reason why it so often goes unnoticed and unappreciated is that its sphere of operation makes it inaccessible to our usual powers of observation: "The kingdom of God does not come by looking for it, nor can you say 'See, here it is!' or 'Look! Over there!' For behold, the kingdom of God is within you." Not that it's immediately obvious exactly what that means or how to apply it, but at least it keeps us from looking in the wrong places.

Another common theme is that it doesn't seem fair: "...to him who has, more will be given, and from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away"... laborers who worked only an hour paid as much as those who toiled all day... a steward who earned five talents rewarded equally to one who earned ten... a net cast into the sea that gathered some of every kind... wedding guests gathered from the highways and byways... The point, I take it, is that the Father deals with each of His children on an individual basis, He doesn't necessarily judge everybody by the same outward standards, and entering the kingdom depends on having motives that are pure, not beliefs that are correct. "Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord!' shall enter the kingdom, but he who does the will of my Father." Not that it's necessarily obvious exactly what that means or how to apply it, but at least it keeps us from asking the wrong questions.

Another key point I take from Jesus' teaching about the kingdom of heaven, is that it is "at hand". To me, this doesn't mean that the coming of the kingdom is a "world event" that is about to happen. It means that the spiritual world, including full communion with the Father, is accessible right now, in the present, for each person individually. It is freely available, readily attainable, unobstructed, close to home, nearby, not elsewhere in either time or space. Everything necessary for our full access has already been provided. Being willing to do the Father's will is the only requirement. Not that that makes it easy, but at least it shows us the cause of any delays.

When I pray "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven" I am asking for the spiritual and material realms to be brought into harmony so that the material world (starting with my physical body, and all the sensations, emotions and thoughts associated with it) responds appropriately and immediately to the needs of the Spirit at this particular time and place. Thus, the coming of the kingdom and the doing of the Father's will become an ongoing cycle of listening and acting; a process, not an event. That the Father has needs within the material world that can be satisfied only by my willing participation is indeed a mystery.

[gromitt82]

Ordinary guy!

It is all right to try to understand the different parables and messages Jesus told us through his Gospels.
However, we should try to bear in mind always a few things in order to simplify them and make them more understandable:

A) Jesus spoke to the Apostles and to His followers in Aramaic, which is a language kind of flourished as most Semitic and Arabic languages. The Gospels, however, were probably written in Greek, for many Israelites were fluent in this language, and the evangelists were trying to reach as many people as possible. This translation from the oral Aramaic (a Semitic language, as I said) to the written Greek (an entirely different syntaxis) must have forced the Apostles to write down their own interpretation of Jesus' words.

B) From Greek, the Gospels were translated into Latin (again a different syntaxic structure) which must have forced the translators to adapt the Greek text as much as possible trying to respect its contents.

c) In addition to that (and speaking only of the English translations) right now you know there are many slightly different texts for the same Gospel, depending upon the Bible you have.

d) Consequently, in my opinion, the best way is to stick to the substance of Jesus' message trying to avoid unnecessary interpreations which should be left to exegetes and theologians. And Jesus' main message is very clear: "Love one another as I have loved you"

By following this behavior and by fulfilling His commandments, we can be rather sure to finally reach His Kingdom, whatever It may be!:)

[michealb]

You know it's interesting that Jesus told his followers they needed to cut ties with their family because that is exactly what cult leaders do today.

[gromitt82]

You know it's interesting that Jesus told his followers they needed to cut ties with their family because that is exactly what cult leaders do today.

From a strict human point of view Jesus’ words do sound radical and even cruel. It is therefore a logical reaction to respond somewhat angrily.

However, as I see it, the answer is very simple. It is a matter or establishing priorities.
If two people were drowning in a lake, one our best friend and the other one our son, there is no question that most people would FIRST try to save their son. This does not mean that he/she does not love his/her friend. It simply means that in a range of priorities, the son must come first.

In this parable, Jesus is clearly establishing what and where our priorities are. He is not saying we should not love our dearest ones. He is just telling us that when it comes to choose between His Glory and the most precious worldly treasure –as our families- His Glory should be first, which makes sense, for His Glory is eternal and our lives here, are not.

Non believers cannot, of course, understand it. For them, their life ends here and consequently, they want to enjoy it as much as possible. And yet, many can understand to abandon their families to fight for their country…! Which is more important, our country or GOD’s kingdom?

Many Hindus -whose mysticism is notorious – do not hesitate, at a certain age and when their families are well established and secure, to abandon them and everything retire to any solitary place to prepare themselves for the other life.

This is exactly what Siddhartha Gautama Buddha –who was a prince- did when, at 29, he escaped his palace, his parents and his wife, accompanied by Channa, his royal servant, aboard his horse Kanthaka, leaving behind this royal life to become a mendicant.

No wonder that he has been considered by millions of Hindus the best example to follow.
The great advantage they have over us westerners is that they attach less importance to material things than we do.

But, if we make a mental effort to try to understand what may lie ahead of us FOREVER AND EVER, WE THEN MAY, PERHAPS, UNDERSTAND WHAT JESUS’ PARABLE ACTUALLY MEAN.:)

[ordinaryguy]

But, if we make a mental effort to try to understand what may lie ahead of us FOREVER AND EVER, WE THEN MAY, PERHAPS, UNDERSTAND WHAT JESUS’ PARABLE ACTUALLY MEAN.:)

I prefer an interpretive approach that looks to find their meaning and application in the context of this life, rather than the next one.

[gromitt82]

I prefer an interpretive approach that looks to find their meaning and application in the context of this life, rather than the next one.

Your privilege, of oourse. Still, I think that this life being so short it does not pay to put too many expectatives in it. Mostly, because in NO TIME AT ALL (maybe 60 or 70 years, if you are in your 40s, and in my case in 10, at the very best) we shall have the answer to ALL our problems.