August 6

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:5.

What is this kingdom? It is a spiritual kingdom, and it comes in a spiritual way from the Spirit of God to the spirit of man. Each and every Christian belongs to this kingdom through faith in Christ. It is called the Kingdom of Grace because it is ruled by grace.

And how does this kingdom come? When a man by faith has accepted Christ, the kingdom of God is within him; then he submits to Christ as his Lord and King; then Christ lives and

reigns in his heart. It is our Father's good pleasure to give us the Kingdom. How? Luther says: "When our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word." The Holy Spirit, through His holy Word, imparts to us what Christ has obtained for us; He illumines us and strengthens our faith according to the working of His mighty power. Thus the kingdom of God is within us. But it cannot remain hidden; it becomes manifest. Therefore Luther declares of the subjects of this kingdom that they "lead a godly life, here in time and hereafter in eternity." The kingdom of God begins here in time, here on earth. By faith we have righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. But those who have served their Lord and King here in time have the promise: "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Then the righteous will come into the Kingdom of Glory.

What do we ask in this petition? We pray in this petition that the kingdom of God may come unto us also. "We ask that God would graciously grant us true faith and godly life, that He would extend His Kingdom of Grace on earth and hasten the advent of His Kingdom of Glory." The petition, "Thy kingdom come," is a constant reminder that many people are yet in darkness and that we should help them by bringing the Gospel of their Savior Jesus Christ to them.

Prayer.

O Lord, Thou King of kings, who hast called us into Thy kingdom, we beseech Thee to govern us at all times by Thy Word and Spirit that we may be Thine and that no man may pluck us out of Thy hands. Extend the borders of Thy kingdom and bring many from darkness to light, that Thou alone mayest be worshiped on earth. Let us, Thy subjects, live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, so that we may finally, together with all saints, attain unto the joys of Thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Oh, then will be the rapture, Oh, then will be the song, Oh, then will be the symphony Of heaven's angelic throng, When Christ His bride, His chosen, Unto Himself shall bring, Without one spot or wrinkle, Meet partner for the King.