Via Of First Importance

“In our vision of ultimate reality, who is occupying the throne today? Are we authentic New Testament Christians, whose vision is filled with Christ crucified, risen and reigning? Is guilt still reigning, and death? Or is grace reigning, and life?

To be sure, sin and Satan may seem to be reigning still, since many continue to bow down to them. But their reign is an illusion, a bluff. For at the cross they were decisively defeated, dethroned and disarmed.

Now Christ reigns, exalted to the Father’s right hand, with all things under his feet, welcoming the nations, and waiting for his remaining enemies to be made his footstool.”

—John Stott, The Message of Romans (Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press,  1994), 162

We were at a conference over the weekend focusing on spiritual awakening for the church and the reformation of society.  Here’s the 2nd of several posts underlining several themes.

In Mark 1.15, Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand (lit., has come near); repent and believe in the gospel.”  Jesus said we must be born again to see and enter into His Kingdom (John 3.3-8).  When we are born again in Christ, the DNA of Christ’s Kingdom is birthed within us, awaiting full development and manifestation.

These 3 elements, given to us by our Creator, release a synergistic power and fruitfulness within our sphere of influence:

• The DNA of our natural gifts
• The DNA of our spiritual gifts
• The DNA of the Kingdom within us