tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7107887.post7523288517334884230..comments2024-03-27T08:37:26.489-04:00Comments on Not Another Episcopal Church Blog: Where Do You Find The Kingdom?Undergroundpewsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10182191422663119484noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7107887.post-80408787806866512852011-07-24T20:04:25.671-04:002011-07-24T20:04:25.671-04:00Thanks ya'll. That really helps.Thanks ya'll. That really helps.Undergroundpewsterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10182191422663119484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7107887.post-83495708353822560082011-07-24T19:55:44.243-04:002011-07-24T19:55:44.243-04:00The way Jesus gives us "then and now" by...The way Jesus gives us "then and now" by simply shifting the subject in one of the parables was the core of my sermon today:<br /><br />Then: "the treasure" is the subject of the kingdom, the something we are aware of out there, hidden from sight, and for which we are willing to give up all that we have...<br /><br />Now: "the merchant," the seeker, is the subject of the kingdom. In the process of giving up all of our current treasure to obtain that perfect pearl, the kingdom is here and now, transforming us.<br /><br />The kingdom <i> is </i> glimpsed in the here and now, but its fullness is definitely out there in the "then." Like the treasure/pearl, we don't "own it" until all that we currently hold is surrendered - including our life in this age.TLF+https://www.blogger.com/profile/01650010433581488888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7107887.post-53236105225366731682011-07-24T17:00:40.664-04:002011-07-24T17:00:40.664-04:00The "observable" portion of the Kingdom ...The "observable" portion of the Kingdom of God has to do with seeing those whose steadfast faith has led to the fruits of the Spirit, methinks.<br /><br />At least, that's the way I've always thought about it.<br /><br />Yes, we can see God's hand in the world in other things, but the specific "Kingdom" is a reference to Godly men and women, both from history and with us today.<br /><br />Cheers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com