Dear Friend,

There is not a nation still standing that had its same form of government three hundred years ago. I am not a "historian" in terms of precise research but I have heard that the USA is the longest standing government of any of the nations of the last one thousand years.

In the Old Testament book of Daniel, there is a vision of a great statue that is tumbled and crumbled by a Rock, which in turn, became a great mountain. The statue represents the kingdoms of this world and the Rock represents Jesus and the Kingdom of God. It is said that, "kings and kingdoms will all pass away" and that "crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane, but the Church of Jesus constant will remain". In the vision, with its interpretation, that is exactly what happens - all the great kingdoms fade but the Kingdom of God only grows bigger and stronger, and it lasts!

The Apostle Paul say, in Romans 14:17, "The Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." In other words, the enduring Kingdom of God is not about physical things but spiritual things and they are worked/ the result of the Holy Spirit. I believe it can be rightly said that "the Kingdom of God is . . . in the Holy Spirit". All that involves and advances the Kingdom of God is connected to the work of the Holy Spirit.

Because I have a hope (a certainty based on God's promise!) of eternal life and "want to be in that number when the saints go marching in", I need the Holy Spirit to work those Kingdom of God matters into my life. In one sense, we could say, "Life is all about the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is all about the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit is all about glorifying Jesus."

The eternal work in me is the work of the Spirit to implement the finished work of Jesus (accomplished in His death and resurrection) in me. The result is I am more and more like Jesus. I act more like Him and do what He did - including "greater works"! As the Spirit has His way in me, miracles happen. As He has led me to Jesus, He will lead me to lead others to Jesus. As He leds, I will have opportunity to share with other people the love and grace, the forgiveness and encouragement Jesus has given me.

Hope you will enjoy the up-coming two month (maybe longer!) series on the Holy Spirit for our Sunday morning worship meditations. I pray you will be open and eager for a greater understanding, encounter and expression of the Holy Spirit in your life and the life of this congregation!

It is with the Spirit that we need to stand and then we will endure - as He comforts, keeps us in the truth and glorifies Jesus in that never-failing Kingdom of God!