SOLDIERS WHO LIVE IN PEACE

Everything about God's kingdom is for and because of Jesus Christ. Many may wonder why Christians herald this message to the ends of the earth. To answer, God's Word declares that the kingdom of God also belongs to Jesus; it's His kingdom, and it is spiritual in nature. Before Pilate, Jesus said, "...my kingdom is not of this world, if my kingdom were of this world then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but not my kingdom is not from hence" (John 18:36).

Furthermore, the kingdom of God, which is composed of the church, is a peaceable domain. Note what Paul stated in Romans 14:17: "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit."

But also, in a striking contrast, Christ's kingdom is comprised of battle-ready soldiers. Paul told Timothy, his beloved son in the faith, to "...endure hardship, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (II Timothy 2:3). Yes, citizens of God's kingdom live in a peaceable kingdom, but yet we are at war, in constant battles to thwart the evil schemes and devious tactics of our enemy - Satan, the old serpent, the devil.

We also herald the news of Christ and His kingdom because we are always seeking to help enlist as many soldiers as possible. Once again, it seems like a paradox, but Christians - members of God's church, which is the body of Christ - are soldiers! God's peaceable people are warriors, but are we we truly engaged in the battle? We must be!

Steve Harris