1. Looking Ahead!

2. Two Main Themes  Prayer Prayer Diary  The Kingdom of God (Heaven) Jesus’ primary focus Inter-linked – a common thread

3. Mark 1: 14-15 (NIV) After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

4. The Kingdom  Now but not yet  Freewill can thwart God’s power  Pull or Push? Pulled by attraction Not pushed by compulsion

5. Luke 17: 20-21 (NIV) Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.”

6. Making the Kingdom a Reality John 18: 36 (NIV) “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

7. Making the Kingdom a Reality  Being born again into a new kingdom – the Kingdom of God – and starting afresh  Being ‘born of water’ and ‘born of the Spirit’  Renewing of our minds  Changing of hearts and attitudes – our wills

8. Making the Kingdom a Reality “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” – Matthew 6: 33 (NIV)

9. Matthew 5: 3-12 (NIV) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

10. Matthew 5: 3-12 (NIV) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

11. Matthew 5: 3-12 (NIV)  Humility  Mourning – for sin  Meekness  Hunger and thirst after righteousness  Mercy towards others  Purity of heart (desiring holiness)  Peacemakers  Enduring persecution

12. Points to Ponder “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these (other) things will be given to you” – Matthew 6: 33 (NIV)  Is it our eternal salvation?  Is it our relationship with God?  Is it God’s Kingdom?