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Only Two Spiritual Kingdoms

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins

Colossians 1.13-14

Only Two Spiritual Kingdoms

Power of Darkness

Kingdom of the SonKingdom of the Son

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Matthew 7.13-14

We all occupy one of three positions:

1. Clearly in Satan’s kingdom2. Clearly in the Kingdom of the Son3. Trying to live on the border

between the two

Two kinds of people living on the border:

1. Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven

So Pharaoh said, “I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only you shall not go very far away. Intercede for me.”

Exodus 8.28

Two areas along the border that Christians need to watch:

1. Areas where the line is clearly marked…

Between honesty and dishonesty…

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Romans 12.17 KJV

Between stealing and honest labor…

Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

Ephesians 4.28

Between lying and truth…

Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.

Ephesians 4.25

Between fornication and marriage…

Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

1 Corinthians 7.2

Two areas along the border that Christians need to watch:

1. Areas where the line is clearly marked…

2. Areas where the line is not so clearly marked…

Between modesty and immodesty…

in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing,

1 Timothy 2.9

Between masculine and feminine…

Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.

1 Corinthians 11.14-15

Between Christian “graces” and their opposites…

Faith…virtue…knowledge…self-control… perseverance…godliness…brotherly kindness…love.

2 Peter 1.5-8

Between things about which we may have doubts and the safe path…

But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

Romans 14.23

Two kinds of people living on the border:

1. Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven

2. Citizens of the kingdom of Satan

Many live their lives near the Kingdom of God, but never IN it…

Like the scribe…

So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength…

Mark 12.32-34

and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God.”...

Mark 12.32-34

Like some of the rulers of the Jews…

Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;

John 12.42

Like Felix…

Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you."

Acts 24.25

Like Agrippa…

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian."

Acts 26.28

Like many good and moral people…

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Matthew 7.21

So close…and yet so far

Moses got close enough to see Canaan – Deuteronomy 34.1-6

Foolish virgins could hear the Lord through the door – Matthew 25.1-12

Rich young ruler close enough to lack only ONE thing – Luke 18.18-24

Where do you live?