Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

John the Baptist said,

"Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matthew 3:2

So did Jesus. Matthew 4:17, 10:7

Kingdom entrance, however, is limited...

Only he who does the will of God will enter. Matthew 7:21

Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter. Matthew 18:3

There are keys to this kingdom. Matthew 16:19

It's about binding and loosing. Matthew 16:19 and Matthew 18:18

It's about confessing of sins. Matthew 3:6

It's about producing fruit in keeping with repentance. Matthew 3:8

By their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:16

A tree is recognized by its fruit. Matthew 12:33

Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks...that's one type of fruit. Matthew 12:34

Jesus re-emphasizes this thought...

The things that come out of the mouth come from the heart. Matthew 15:18

Jesus went about teaching and preaching kingdom principles and demonstrating the principles by healing every disease. Matthew 4:23

A lot of kingdom living is done in secret.

Giving to the needy in secret. Matthew 6:3

Praying in secret. Matthew 6:6

Fasting in secret. Matthew 6:17-18

The kingdom is to be pursued...

Seek first His kingdom. Matthew 6:33

Kingdom living involves persistence.

Ask, seek, knock. Matthew 7:7

The thought here is keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking.

Faith is a major component of kingdom.

Your faith has healed you. Matthew 9:22

There's little faith. Matthew 7:26, Matthew 16:8, Matthew 17:20

And then there's great faith. Matthew 7:10. Matthew 15:28

Jesus asked, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?' Matthew 9:28

According to your faith will it be done to you. Matthew 9:29

Selfless living is a big part of kingdom.

"Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 10:39, Matthew 16:25

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24

Jesus is asking the same question He asked back then...

"What do you want me to do for you?" Matthew 20:32

Do you want to participate in His kingdom here and now on this earth and later in heaven?

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22