Forthright Magazine http://www.forthright.net Straight to the Cross Richard Mansel goes to the Bible to answer ... "The Most Important Question." Great for classes, groups, evangelistic studies and individuals. http://forthrightpress.com/#MostImportant COLUMN: LIVING THE FAITH The Sanctified Kingdom by Richard Mansel, managing editor When we live in a kingdom, we must abide by the laws of the land. We must be cognizant of the manner of life in our new world. It has its own code of conduct and speech. As Christians, we must be aware that we are citizens in a unique kingdom and act accordingly. Jesus built a kingdom that would be separate from the kingdom of men. Jesus said, "I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18, NKJV). His kingdom is his body, the church (Ephesians 1:22- 23). To enter this spiritual kingdom, we must be born of the Spirit (John 3:3-5). We are added to the kingdom when we repent and submit to baptism for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38,47). When we enter the spiritual kingdom of Christ, through baptism, we begin to exist in a spiritual world. We still walk, live and work in a fleshly world, but we are citizens of the spiritual kingdom (John 17:14-16). We are visitors to this land, while our citizenship is in the kingdom of Christ (Philippians 3:20). We maintain a spiritual connection with Christ through our manner of living, worship, speech, habits, etc (Romans 12:1-2). "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called" (Ephesians 4:1). "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). We must realize that the ways of the kingdom of our Lord are far different from those of the fleshly world. The coin of the realm is a phrase that literally refers to the currency in a country. However, "The phrase developed into a figurative sense: something valued or used as if it were money in a particular sphere.”/1 The coin of the realm in the fleshly world is to get ahead, by any means, and to indulge in as much pleasure as the law will allow. By whatever means, we seek after anything our appetites desire, no matter the price to our emotional, mental and spiritual health. The coin of the realm in the spiritual kingdom is to do whatever we can to bring glory to Christ, the king. "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21). We must keep this charge before our eyes perpetually. It is our mission statement and our daily fuel. It carries us through the valley of evil and onto the mountaintop of joy and grace. Through its words, we find the impetus to be sanctified and to be characterized by holiness through humility (James 4:10). Living out the mission of our Lord in a spiritual kingdom is very challenging. Yet, we are not alone. We walk with the strength of a champion. We are told that, "He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man" (Ephesians 3:16). Sanctification is a profound challenge. However, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). Amen. ______________ 1/ http://tinyurl.com/yehgoux ---- Read this article online, write your reaction, and read others' comments as well. Click here: http://tinyurl.com/yk46f9f You can help get the word out. Here's how: http://www.forthright.net/editorial/lend_a_hand.html