WHAT IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD? It is that spiritual state in which the life of God and of heaven is made accessible to men, and they enter into its enjoyment here on earth. If we ask what its marks are we find the answer in the wondrous change we see in the life of the disciples. The mark of a kingdom is the presence of the king. With the Holy Spirit Christ came down to be with His disciples as really, and more nearly, than when He was with them in the flesh. The abiding nearness and fellowship of Christ, and in Him of God the Father, is the very central blessing of the Kingdom. This experience was what the Holy Spirit at Pentecost made real. The disciples had their Lord with them as consciously as the angels in heaven. His presence made heaven all around and in them. A believer to whom a full entrance into the Kingdom is given, has the Presence The mark of the kingdom is the rule of the king. We read, "His Kingdom ruleth over all." Before Pentecost the disciples could not love or be humble, could not trust or be bold. But when the kingdom came the dominion of God prevailed, God's Presence through the Holy Spirit gained the victory, sin was overcome, and the will of God done in them to pray, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as in heaven," He promised this. As the Kingdom came down with the Holy Ghost the promise was fulfilled. And our entering into the kingdom means our being brought into a life in which God rules over all, His will is truly and joyfully done, and all the blessedness that reigns in heaven finds its counterpart here below. As it is written, "The Kingdom of God is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." The mark of a kingdom is power. "The Kingdom of God is not in word but in power." Just think of the work these simple fishermen dared to undertake, and were able to accomplish. Think of the weapon with which they had to do their work - the despised Gospel of the crucified Nazarene. Think of all that God wrought through them, and see how the coming of the Kingdom brought a new power from heaven by which feeble men were made mighty through God, and the slaves of Satan were made God's holy children.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Murray was Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Murray became a noted missionary leader. His father was a Scottish Presbyterian serving the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa, and his mother had connections with both French Huguenots and German Lutherans. This background to some extent explains his ecumenical spirit. He was educated at Aberdeen University, Scotland, and at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. After ordination in 1848 he served pastorates at Bloemfontein, Worcester, Cape Town, and Wellington. He helped to found what are now the University College of the Orange Free State and the Stellenbosch Seminary. He served as Moderator of the Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church and was president of both the YMCA (1865) and the South Africa General Mission (1888-1917), now the Africa Evangelical Fellowship.
He was one of the chief promoters of the call to missions in South Africa. This led to the Dutch Reformed Church missions to blacks in the Transvaal and Malawi. Apart from his evangelistic tours in South Africa, he spoke at the Keswick and Northfield Conventions in 1895, making a great impression. upon his British and American audiences. For his contribution to world missions he was given an honorary doctorate by the universities of Aberdeen (1898) and Cape of Good Hope(1907).
Murray is best known today for his devotional writings, which place great emphasis on the need for a rich, personal devotional life. Many of his 240 publications explain in how he saw this devotion and its outworking in the life of the Christian. Several of his books have become devotional classics. Among these are Abide in Christ, Absolute Surrender, With Christ in the School of Prayer, The Spirit of Christ and Waiting on God.
This book is the result of a conference that Mr. Murray seems to have been the evening speaker at in 1895. It is 3 addresses and a conclusion. Though the book is brief, about 56 pages, the content is simple, straightforward and worthy of rumination for hours. It's been a while since I last read Andrew Murray. I now regret my hiatus. There is a profound power in Mr. Murray's simplicity. I highly recommend this for those who follow Jesus.
Very refreshing, no punches pulled straightforward explanation of a relationship with, in, through Jesus Christ. Something that can be over and over to remind us to stay in constant humility and willingness to forego our own will and relinquish it too the Lord for changes that bring true Joy and fulfillment, it followed.
Great read to increase your hunger for a life in the Holy Spirit
This is a series of messages transcribed from a convention in South Africa recorded in the late 1800s. Yet, it may as well have been written last week. Great insights and personal understanding of Murray, who obviously walked closely with His God.
Really brought me to realize the depth of God being within me. The 19th century language with throwbacks to King James English slowed it down at times. Of course,this also made me pause and reflect on what was being said. Since these are transcripts from a series of teachings he gave, it made it feel as if you were listening to his sermons.
I’ve always heard it said that others don’t recognize whose you are and whom you are, but I now realize that most of us professed Christians don’t truly know either. A great quick read to gain the knowledge to know yourself and how to start living that life NOW❣️❣️❣️
Refreshing read of God’s love to me and His desire to enjoy me. Recommend to anyone who needs assurance of Father’s love n desires for them. Or struggles with that.
As a practicing Christian I know that Christ is alive. We don't worship a dead god . I know that he dwells in my heart. I have been privileged to have him call me by name and speak to me. We can all have that experience seek and yee shall find
This is another great little book by Andrew Murray. You can tell that he really had a heart for the things of God. This book is all about accepting the finished work of Christ, and allowing Him into your life. He explains quite clearly how we need to allow Christ to truly dwell in our hearts, giving Him rule and reign. I give it a solid 5 stars. Recommended reading for all Christians.