Sword and Shield

Heart Guide for Lesson 3:
The Keys to the Kingdom

In light of this teaching about the Kingdom of God, review the following scriptures—just a fraction of what is in the Bible about this invisible realm of God's reign on earth. Note the dynamic tension that evidently exists between earnestly seeking entry and receiving entry as a gift. Seek to understand the presence and present tense of the Kingdom. Receive it by faith. Let your eyes be open to “see.”

And Jesus said to his disciples, 'Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.' Matthew 19:23-25 ESV

Which of the two did the will of his father? 'They said, 'The first.' Jesus said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.' Matthew 21:31 ESV

'But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.' Matthew 23:13 ESV

"For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."  Luke 12:30-32 ESV

'The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.” Luke 16:16 ESV

Being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, he answered them, 'The Kingdom of God doesn't come with observation; neither will they say, 'Look, here!' or, 'Look, there!' for behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.' Luke 17:20-21 WEB

But Jesus called them to him, saying, 'Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.' Luke 18:16-17 ESV

Return to Keys to the Kingdom: Head to Heart Guide for more ways to go deeper into these truths or stay 'on course' by going to the...