“THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE TREASURE hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in HIS JOY went and SOLD ALL HE HAD and bought that field.” (Matt. 13:44) In 2006, some Filipino fishermen found a huge, irregularly-shaped pearl inside a giant clam. With no idea of its value, they kept it for good luck and stashed it under a bed for ten years. When in 2016 they left it at their city’ tourism office for safekeeping, they were stunned to learn the pearl could be the WORLD’S LARGEST and might be worth as much as $100 million. Imagine the great joy they experienced with this discovery!!!
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for FINE PEARLS. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (Matt. 13:45-46)
Jesus makes several references to the kingdom of heaven\kingdom of God.
- “The kingdom of God has come upon you (it’s here now)“ (Matt. 12:28b).
- “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 16:19a). “Truly, I say to you (those who are listening), whatever you BIND on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you LOOSE on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matt. 18:18) These are the powerful keys.
- “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children (trusting and believing), you will NEVER enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3).
- “The kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU.” (Luke 17:21b).
WHEN WE ARE “BORN AGAIN (SAVED)” THESE PRICELESS GIFTS ARE OURS!!!
-Bill Stockham