“For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”  
Romans 14:17
 
By this very verse even now we can experience the kingdom of God.  Believers, at the time of salvation we were translated into a different  kingdom.  While still living in our earthly bodies, we are sojourners  here on earth.  Let’s see what Scripture tells of this kingdom to which we now belong.
 
John the Baptist came as a forerunner preaching in the wilderness of Judea of the  heavenly kingdom,
“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”  
Matthew 4:1-2
 
Jesus, in Mark 1:14-15, tells us,
“Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent and believe the gospel.’”
 
Before Pilate Jesus, revealed that His kingdom was outside of this world and yes He is a King,
“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world, If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews, but now My kingdom is not from here.’”  
John 18:36
Vs. 37,
“Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘Are You a king then?’  Jesus answered, ‘Your say rightly that I am a king…’”
 
What then are the conditions for entry into this heavenly kingdom?
Humility:
“Blessed are the pour in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  
Matthew 5:10
 
New birth:
John 3:1-8 makes the need to be born again very clear as Jesus gives witness to Nicodemus (Please read the whole message Jesus gave to Nicodemus 1-21).  I will give only a few verses,  
“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God’  Vs. 3
And in Vs. 5-6,
“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  That which is born of he flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’”
 
Did you ever wonder to whom Jesus was speaking to in John 3:16?  As you have read this passage you know now that is was Nicodemus.  And we thank you Jesus for that amazing truth of this verse!
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
 
Endurance is another entry condition of the kingdom:
Paul in his ministering to Believers in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,
“Strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.’”  
Acts 14:22
(Remember, Jesus said to the disciples at the last supper, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me your may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  
John 16:33)
 
James speaks of God’s promise,
“Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”  
James 2:5
Thankfully the answer is yes! 
 
God knows all our needs and in Matthew 6:31-33 tells us,
“Therefore do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?‘ or ‘What shall we drink?‘ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 
For after all these things the Gentiles seek.  For your heavenly Father knows that you need these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
 
“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  
Philippians 4:19
 
Are you living in the kingdom life today?  You can!  Believe and submit your whole being to Christ Jesus our Lord and receive His righteousness, peace and joy!  That is kingdom living!
 
Thank you Lord God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit for the gospel of grace.  We give you all praise, honor and glory.  Amen