Wednesday, January 8, 2025

My Kingdom


Certainly many Christians over the years have become convinced that God wanted them to take up arms to fight "for Jesus".  But while Jesus was absolutely proclaiming a Kingdom, I do not see that either then or now He meant for that Kingdom to be established either by the force of arms or by passing laws to compel people to do His will.

My Kingdom 

My Kingdom
Is not of this world
If it were, my followers 
Would fight for me.
But as it is,
My Kingdom is not from here.

All authority in heaven and earth
Has been given to Jesus;
He is the King of Kings.

And He said,
My Kingdom 
Is not of this world.
If it were, my followers
Would fight for me.
But as it is,
My Kingdom is not from here.

Jesus said that those who would be great
Must become the servants
His Kingdom is not like ours.

And He said
My Kingdom
Is not of this world.
If it were, my followers
Would fight for me.
But as it is,
My Kingdom is not from here.

Jesus said His Kingdom was inside
the hearts of His people.

It's righteousness, peace, and joy.

And He said
My Kingdom
Is not of this world
If it were my followers
Would fight for me
But as it is,
My Kingdom is not from here.




For any who wonder, "My Kingdom . .. ." is taken from what Jesus said to Pilate.  John 18:36.
"All authority in heaven and earth..." Matthew 28:18.
Those who would be great... Matthew 20:26; 23:11
Kingdom in God's people Luke 17:21
Righteousness peace and joy Romans 14:17

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Sending

A while back I woke up singing the chorus of this song.

I guess part of this song is a response to my personal conviction that the United States is about to enter a pretty grim time, and that the Church is going to be required to step up and step out in ways that most of us haven't managed quite yet. My prayer is that I and the part of the church that I am involved with will be equipped to walk in a way that is worthy of the Master.

Sending

Sending, sending, sending
You are sending us out
Sending, sending, sending
You are sending us out
Sending, sending, sending
You are sending us out
To be salt and light

You send us into the world as sheep
Knowing wolves will be there.
Help us to trust that we
Are under the Shepherd's care.
Help us be wise as snakes,
But gentle as doves.
Help us remember
We're serving a God who loves.

Sending, sending, sending
You are sending us out.
Sending, sending, sending
You are sending us out.
Sending, sending, sending
You are sending us out
To be kings and priests.

Help us to share the truth
That gave us new birth
Praying Your Kingdom
Will fill the earth.
Sharing the Gospel truth
That sets people free.

Sending, sending, sending
You are sending us out.
Sending, sending, sending
You are sending us out.
Sending, sending, sending
You are sending us out
To be children of God

Sending, sending, sending,
You are sending us out
To be daughters and sons of God.