Perceiving the Divine: The Intangible Essence of the Gospel (03/14/'24) -Statement

Perceiving the Divine: The Intangible Essence of the Gospel The essence of the gospel is a unique voice, the only one that truly resonates with people—it's a message they can grasp. It operates within the bounds of human perception, similar to how sounds too faint or too loud elude our hearing, and objects too minuscule or too vast escape our sight. In this context, any representation of God that is perceived through our physical senses—what we see with our eyes or hear with our ears—fails to encapsulate the divine essence. This perspective is echoed in the teachings of Jesus, specifically in Luke 17:20-21, which emphasize that the Kingdom of God does not manifest through tangible, observable signs. He cautioned against those who claim its arrival can be identified in specific locations or through specific events, instructing not to follow those who say, "Look, there He is!" or "Look, here He is!" Instead, Jesus revealed a profound truth: "The Kingdom of God is in your midst." This statement suggests that the presence of the divine kingdom is not external but internal, residing within the communal and personal spaces of believers. This message is reinforced through various cross-references in the scriptures, such as Mark 13:21, Matthew 24:23-28, John 18:36, and Luke chapters 10 and 21, among others. These passages collectively highlight the inward and spiritual nature of the Kingdom of God, cautioning believers against being misled by external appearances and reminding them of the kingdom's true essence and proximity. Pastor Steven G. Lee (March 14, 2024)