John 1:9-18
The true Light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God, to those who believed in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ” We have all received from His fullness grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only Son, who is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.
A World of Two Kingdoms
We live in a world where there are two kingdoms. One is the satanic kingdom of darkness and of lies. The other is the kingdom of light, love, and truth—the kingdom of God. Those who live in sin are being controlled by a satanic power that rules that kingdom. Though they might be considered moral, pay their bills, and choose a decent lifestyle, they are living in the kingdom of darkness that is opposed to the kingdom of God. When Jesus walked this earth, He said, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17). His kingdom has come for those who are willing to receive it through repentance. Asking Jesus to forgive our sins and to be Lord of our lives, and acknowledging His sacrifice on Calvary, brings the kingdom of God to us and ushers us into that kingdom here on earth. {eoa}
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