When John the forerunner of God’s Anointed then that Anointed One Himself began preaching, their basic message was “Repent. Change your thinking. God’s Kingdom is within reach”
In The Beginning – God’s Original Thinking
The Creator made a very good world, bringing order out of chaos. Then He put Humanity in charge and told them to bring more order out of the remaining disorder (Genesis 1:28, 31).
However, Humanity bought the Enemy’s idea that they could be independent of God’s rule. They disobeyed His ban against knowing right from wrong…in their eyes. They rebelled against accepting God’s way of thinking about right and wrong. (Gen 3)
Original Sin
Ever since then, according to Church theologians, every person is born unable to decide what is truly right. God’s Enemy deceives us from Day 1. If people do listen to God and believe His notions of right and wrong, they are incapable of behaving that way. (Original sin)
Paul wrote,
I know that in me, that is, in my fallen human nature, there is nothing good. I can will myself to do something good, but that does not help me carry it out. I can determine that I am going to do good, but I don’t do it; instead, I end up living out the evil that I decided not to do. (Romans 7:18-19).
There is a fundamental flaw in human nature that warps our thinking and makes us unable to obey God perfectly.
Plan Of Redemption And Restoration
Yet, God has been working a plan to bring people back into relationship with Him and back to living in obedience to Him. This requires that people
- believe what He has said – Abraham was counted as righteous (Genesis 15:6) and God’s thinking is so much higher than people’s (Isaiah 55:7-9).
- obey His instructions (Hebrew “Torah”) how to live (Joshua 1:7-8).
- obey His voice of command (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)
- by the power of His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).
- live by His favor (Romans 5:17).
Repent. Turn To Thinking God’s Way
Jesus proclaimed, “Turn from your own thinking. God’s Kingdom [and its benefits] are within reach.” He taught and demonstrated the Father’s provision of health, wealth, and wellbeing. He
- healed the sick,
- multiplied the supply of food when needed,
- broke off bondage to demons,
- and taught poor people about the Kingdom’s abundance.
The rabbi from Nazareth taught so many things contrary to typical human thinking:
- Love the Romans, who are oppressing you, and those who beat you (Matthew 5:43-44).
- Do not run after food or clothing or any other needs; the Father knows and will supply (Matthew 6:25-34).
- Do not store up provisions for yourself but be rich toward God (Luke 12:16-21).
- Give. It will be given to you (Luke 6:38).
Do It God’s Way
Cain feared for his life because he had killed his brother. He built a walled city in an attempt to protect himself. Instead, cities became concentrations of all the evils of humanity. God’s way will be to collect all who surrender themselves to Him into a magnificent, new city (Revelation 21:1-5).
So many people, Christians included, believe they have no control over the direction of their lives. They may work hard to improve themselves and their circumstances, but they believe that God, “The Man”, white supremacists, or their pasts will prevent them from rising to the heights of their dreams. However, God’s way is to partner with people, lift them up on wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:27-31). He has a purpose for each person and He wants him or her to pursue that purpose, benefitting the people around. He will bring them prosperity – success in their dreams and the creation of wealth. And He gives them a lot of control over their lives (John 15:7).
Shalom
