#1
The New Testament contains many significant passages that inspire the principles in this book. Here is a sampling of passages that relate to Parts I–IV. I gave priority to passages from the four gospels that may be linked to Jesus' use of the phrase "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of God." Several meanings are attached to the kingdom concept, but the one I used was set forth by the Apostle Paul when he said in Romans 14:17, "For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." In this context, the kingdom of heaven may be thought of as a new and transformed way of living.
I. Depend on God
Matthew 5:3
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 6:33
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 18:4
Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:23
Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven.
II. Desire God's will and presence
Matthew 5:6
‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 6:10
Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 13:8
Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Luke 17:21 (KJV)
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
III. Deploy faith along with effort
Matthew 5:5
‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 13:33
He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’
Matthew 13:44
‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
John 3:8
The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’
IV. Devote yourself to love
Matthew 5:8
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Mark 8:34
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Luke 10:27
He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.’
Luke 10:33
But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.
Next: #2 of Appendix
Everyday Food and Faith by Vicki Arkens
