As they preached and healed, the twelve disciples were to say, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (Matt 10:7)

There is both good news and an urgency in this message. “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” should cause us to wake up and notice a powerful Kingdom is indeed at hand.

This knowledge should cause a change of mind, affections, and direction in our lives.

To truly comprehend this new and better Kingdom, is to certainly be affected by it.

For if we look to the new and better Kingdom we should understand only those who have turned from their sin to be saved by the blood of the Lamb are truly citizens there.

The lost may glimpse the Kingdom of God around us as they see Christ moving in His people and His church. Their emotions may be touched as they attend a church service or ministry gathering.

But observation and emotion are not salvation.

Earlier in Matthew, John, the Baptist said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”(3:2)

Kevin DeYoung, writing for TGC, says-

“Repentance means you change your mind. That’s what the Greek word metanoia means– a changed (meta) mind (noia).

You change your mind about yourself: “I am not fundamentally a good person deep down. I am not the center of the universe. I am not the king of the world or even my life.”

You change your mind about sin: “I am responsible for my actions. My past hurts do not excuse my present failings. My offenses against God and against others are not trivial. I do not live or think or feel as I should.”

And you change your mind about God: “He is trustworthy. His word is sure. He is able to forgive and to save. I believe in his Son, Jesus Christ. I owe him my life and my allegiance. He is my King and my Sovereign, and he wants what is best for me. I believe it!”

When we truly repent and believe the kingdom of Heaven is at hand, we think differently, and we will act differently.

If we are not impacted by this glorious truth we may need to check to see if we are truly citizens of the kingdom of Heaven.

readMatthew

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