God's Kingdom Now!

This week we're reading Chapter 43, 'God's Kingdom First', from 'Following the Call - Living the Sermon on the Mount Together' a collection of writings by more than a hundred writers who "call for the formation of a fellowship of disciples who will simply live as Jesus taught us to live." In this chapter, selections from Leonard Ragaz and Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt. Every week we'll be reflecting on a new chapter. Get yourself a copy and read along with us. www.plough.com/en/topics/fait...
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What is the Bruderhof?
The Bruderhof is an intentional Christian community of people living in radical discipleship in the spirit of the first church in Jerusalem. We gladly renounce private property and share everything in common. Our vocation is a life of service to God, each other, and you. Learn more by subscribing to our channel: → kzbin.info...
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[@machyndman9933]

Well. My year living with the Bruderhof has come to an end. What a wonderful time with such amazing people in Darvell. I was so privileged to have the opportunity to spend so much time with these lovely people. Wishing all at the Bruderhof a wonderful Christmas and a wonderful new year. Thanks for all the lovely memories!!

[@Bruderhof]

Best wishes to you as well!

[@rebelfrog3]

Are you considering becoming a member?

[@andrewdewitt7234]

Interesting that Jesus instructs us to SEEK the kingdom, which is what we have been doing in these discussions....

[@edwardsolecki6036]

'Seeking the Kingdom' requires more effort Andrew, something like this; "if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure". Prov.2.3 Bereans got it, but there is too much love of the 'status quo' here, than the 'love of the Truth'. Everybody is just quoting a few "established authorities" without challenge, without comparing it with the Scripture. All withing the "accepted doctrines" of the 'Babylonian Church'

[@edwardsolecki6036]

What is religion? Is God ok with religion? Is 'order' and 'structure' a religion? Those a very vital questions for Christians. You are right saying (quoting) that Jesus put to an end the only God approved religion (that is Judaism), when He said "a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth," John 4.23. And confirm that few decades later by destroying the Temple and 'sealing' the place by allowing to build the mosque in that same location. Worship in Spirit and i Truth has nothing to do with anarchy, but with Freedom, if only we are mature enough to "handle the truth" John.8.32 God hates the religion. He made it very clear by the prophets; Is.1;10-15. He made it very clear by Jesus and Paul Col.2;18 as religious rituals (celebrities, sacraments, holidays etc) "are a shadow of the things that were to come; not the reality," Col.2;17. The only "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 The next question will be why we tend to 'drift' towards religiosity?

[@edwardsolecki6036]

Since no one is attempting to answer my question, I will propose the answer, perhaps this may provoke some discussion; “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” Gal.5.9. So, until we find and feed our souls with 'unpolluted milk' we will always derail from the "narrow path that leads into the life" Matt.7.14 For some "Christians" reformation end up with Luther discoveries of the Catholic heresies. Some think Calvin hit the nail in the head with his doctrines and Presbyterian churches are still full of Calvin's followers. And the list of "reformers" goes on and on. But all the "Fathers" carried, (some more some less) the "yeast" of "another gospel", with widely accepted "salvation by faith" doctrine that killed successfully any need for spiritual growth, - because 'we are already saved', as says the doctrine. Some other "Christians" believe that 'Nicene Creed' will lead them to the Kingdom despite of the 'fruits' (murders) of 'Catholic and Protestant Inquisitions'. But the Reformation will not end "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ". Ephesians 4:13. This is not existing in Christianity today! Consequently many 'saved by faith" will "perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved". 2Thes.2.10

[@melfros7100]

Edward asks, "What is religion?" In the Western context, religion is a set of propositions to which adherents give their consent. Spirituality is quite different: it is the language of the heart. I prefer the latter over the former. There is nothing wrong embracing a religion that provides meaning to human existence. It’s what one does with one’s religion-of-choice that matters! For Doreen and Rich their existence is enhanced by the practice of Bruderhof Christianity. I encourage them to carry on. I prefer to understand the Jesus of history through the Jewish lens, since he was and died a Jew. From this vantage point Jesus’ message indeed had a strong communal-socialist bent. Please do not misunderstand; I am not talking about communism; rather I am talking about a sustainable economic system that cares for the well-being of all. In this sense the so-called “kingdom of God” is made tangible in ACTION and not necessarily through belief. Belief and action are good things, but action is the more important. This is the approach favored by Christian socialists Ragatz and Blumhardt. Aside: Doreen, if I am reading your facial expressions correctly, there seem to be things you want to say that remain unsaid. Would it be possible for you to take the lead in, and provide a framework for the discussion? Just a thought. Thank you.

[@edwardsolecki6036]

It is nothing wrong for children playing in the sandpit, pretending and playing roles, but as with religion, it is just the "shadow of the reality" Col.2.17. Can substitute provide a meaning to human existence? From human perspective possibly, as anything else can. The problem is that from God's perspective any and every religion is unnecessary distraction from the goal He set up for humans - spiritual maturity, manifested in fullness of Christ, the spiritual perfection in love. There is no religion that provides that, as it is not possible to circumcise the heart by any religious practice. Paul is even more define in his opinion; "you have fallen away from grace". Gal.5.4 One religious tradition - the circumcision- and Christ can't help you...