Seeking the Kingdom

The paradise which was once lost to us has been redeemd by King Jesus! If we accept the offer to be adopted, taken into the Royal Family of God, and made sons and daughters of the Ruler of the Universe, then we are now heirs to the Kingdom (paradise). Presently on earth, we suffer the curse of the fall that resulted from when we separated ourselves from our Life Source, bringing death into the world. But we experience this for a short time only, so that we can discover and grow into our true selves. This is our chance to choose either actions which bring life, or actions which bring death. Choose life! After passing this earthly test, and moving on into the next realm, we get to bask in the joy of reconciliation, redemption, love, and our true home for all eternity.

       For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (WEB, John 3:16)

       But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, shut up to the faith which should afterwards be revealed. So that the law has become our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith is come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God, through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise. (WEB Galatians 3:23-29)

       Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don't be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (WEB, Galatians 5:1)

We choose life by staying connected to the Source of Life, like vine branches are connected to the vine. This means having an intimate relationship with Jesus, and allowing Him to transform our minds & hearts.

Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can't bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
(WEB, John 15:4-5)

How do we know that we're connected? We bear fruit:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (WEB Galatians 5:22-23)
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
(WEB John 13:35)

How does it end?

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (NIV Revelation 21:3-4)