Hallowed Be Thy Name - Part 1094

Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be THY NAME. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread ..." (Matthew 6:9-11)

Jesus instructs us -- that after this manner should we pray. But there is much more to learn concerning spiritual matters We are to taste of the heavenly gift, and to likewise be made partakers of the Holy Ghost. (Hebrews 6:1-3) Indeed, as evidenced also in Hebrews 6, we are -- at some point in our faith journey to move forward from the first principles of the doctrine of Christ.

"Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement." (Hebrews 6:1-2)

The apostles added -- "and this will we do, if God permit." (Hebrews 6:3) However, I suspect that these were facing the same problems with wolves in sheep's clothing as we are experiencing in our modern day religious culture. That is, "certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ." (Jude 1:4)

Paul wrote to the Galatians: "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, "If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

Instead, we are instructed to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 1:3) We are to continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:37-42) How do we do this? By seeking Jesus through His Word with all our heart, soul, mind and strength so that we begin to understand why His name is so critical to our salvation. Why we should pray continually -- Hallowed be THY NAME. (Matthew 6:9-11)

Jesus commanded us to "seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

(For those who have not yet asked Jesus to become Lord in their life, note what Jesus said: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:15) Further, on the day of Pentecost, when the first 3,000 came to believe that this same Jesus who had been crucified was both Lord and Christ, had been listening to Peter, standing with the eleven. They were pricked in their heart and asked, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Then Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-38) Note also that whenever a new believer was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in the scriptures, it was at the first possibility of finding water and not when the baptismal tank is warmed. But I digress.)

Getting back to seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness -- "And when He was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, [Jesus] answered them and said, "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation, neither shall they say, "Lo here! or, lo there!" for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)

Similarly, Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from hence." (John 18:36)

But rather -- "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, for he that in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved of men." (Romans 14:17-18)

"To be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Romans 8:6)

Because "if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you. For if ye live after the flesh ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body ye shall live -- for as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the sons of God -- for ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry -- Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together ..." (Romans 8:11-17)

There are numerous other scriptural references to the kingdom of God as well.

"Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him." (Acts 28:31)

"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world ..." (Matthew 25:34)

"Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)

Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3)

"Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10)

And as ye go, preach, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 10:7)

Verily I say unto you, "Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." (Mark 10:15)

"But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you." (Luke 11:20)

And then Jesus' parable -- "Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened ..." (Matthew 13:33)

There are so many treasures within the scriptures, but like a children's treasure hunt whereby the young ones search for a worthy treasure, you too have to seek the scriptures in order to taste His goodness. Rejoice in the Lord greatly and let "the peace of God which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:7)

Stand in the offering plate.