Serving the Kingdom of Heaven: Volume I

By Dr. Steven J. Bassett

The following collection of chapters originated from separate Hen Soma-One Body Ministries "Word for Today" messages. Each message, inspired by the Holy Spirit, places a focus on what true followers of Christ need to understand concerning the kingdom of heaven and how we should live our lives as we await the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today's manmade local church system claims the name of Christ, but has drifted far from how Jesus taught His disciples to live here on earth. Moreover, we know Jesus said that out of the whole world only a few will actually seek to live a life for Him centered on His kingdom. Hence, in the end only true followers of Christ (the few) will pass through the narrow gate that leads to heaven. Consequently, those who do not seek spiritual wisdom concerning the kingdom of heaven will by default end up following the broad path of this world that offers eternal separation from God. Mankind cannot serve two masters, and they will either choose to turn away from this world to serve the kingdom of heaven ruled by Jesus, or they will choose to continue to serve the kingdom of this world ruled by Satan. Those who reject the truth of the gospel that offers eternal salvation will perish in the end. Hence, it is paramount that true Christians grow spiritually to avoid the snares and pitfalls set by the spirit of this world, Satan. The devil and all of his followers are at work daily to blind mankind from the truths of heaven. Furthermore, although the gospel has been with us for over two thousand years, things today are not so different than they were in the day's Jesus walked the earth during His ministry. Moreover, the truths concerning the kingdom of heaven have been and continue to be challenged by today's religious system. This includes countless so-called local churches scattered throughout the world that practice manmade traditions and follow the teachings of false doctrines based on half-truths. They offer mankind, in the name of Christ, manmade buildings designed to draw people in so they can get right with God. These establishments all have some form of entertaining music programs, children churches, eloquent teachers and pastors, and other attractions to help draw people in to become part of their organizations. Sadly, these manmade institutions are guilty of misleading countless people with false teachings on what it means to be a true servant of the kingdom of heaven. Hence, the purpose of this book series titled Serving the Kingdom of Heaven is to illuminate the truths concerning the kingdom of heaven essential for those seeking to truly follower Jesus here on earth. Each chapter was once an individual message written over a period of time. Consequently, you may see some repetition within the chapters as you are reading, but each message will reinforce the overall truths focused on being a true servant of the kingdom of heaven. Additionally, these chapters are not necessarily sequential or in series and therefore can be read in any order as the Spirit may lead. As a final note, I pray these messages will help the one true Church (Body of Christ) to unite around the world in prayer, fellowship, and love. Please take time to pray before and after reading these messages to allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you as you continue to grow in the understanding of the Father's purpose for your life. "Nor will people say, 'Look, here it is,' or 'There it is.' For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst." (Luke 17:21).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dr. Steven J. Bassett
• Release date: Feb 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463976609

Dr. Steven J. Bassett

Dr. Steven J. Bassett grew up in New York as one of ten siblings. He graduated high school in 1976 and entered the United States Air Force that same year. It was on June 6, 1982 when he personally met Jesus, was spiritually reborn, and thus baptized into the Body of Christ. Since that day, in spite of his many shortcomings, the Lord continues to guide him along the narrow path to serve the kingdom of heaven as a part of the Body of Christ. He now resides in the USA and is blessed with a beautiful family, wonderful fellowship, and best of all a personal relationship with Jesus the Christ.

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Serving the Kingdom of Heaven - Volume I

Copyright 2020 Dr. Steven J. Bassett

Published by Dr. Steven J. Bassett at Smashwords

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 – Serving the Kingdom of Heaven

Chapter 2 - Today's Christian Religion

Chapter 3 – Legalism and Christian Living

Chapter 4 – Why Do People Go to Church?

Chapter 5 – Beware of False Prophets

Chapter 6 – Who is Wise and Understanding among you?

Chapter 7 - Are you doing the Will of the Father?

Chapter 8 - Your perception is your Reality

Chapter 9 – Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

Chapter 10 – We Need Unity in the Body of Christ

Chapter 11 – Walk by Faith

Chapter 12 – Let your Light Shine

Chapter 13 – The Promise of a Spirit-Filled Life

Chapter 14 – What is it you Treasure Most?

Conclusion

Introduction

The following collection of chapters originated from separate Hen Soma-One Body Ministries Word for Today messages. Each message, inspired by the Holy Spirit, places a focus on what true followers of Christ need to understand concerning the kingdom of heaven and how we should live our lives as we await the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today's manmade local church system claims the name of Christ, but has drifted far from how Jesus taught His disciples to live here on earth. Moreover, we know Jesus said that out of the whole world only a few will actually seek to live a life for Him centered on His kingdom. Hence, in the end only true followers of Christ (the few) will pass through the narrow gate that leads to heaven. Consequently, those who do not seek spiritual wisdom concerning the kingdom of heaven will by default end up following the broad path of this world that offers eternal separation from God. Mankind cannot serve two masters, and they will either choose to turn away from this world to serve the kingdom of heaven ruled by Jesus, or they will choose to continue to serve the kingdom of this world ruled by Satan. Those who reject the truth of the gospel that offers eternal salvation will perish in the end. Hence, it is paramount that true Christians grow spiritually to avoid the snares and pitfalls set by the spirit of this world, Satan. The devil and all of his followers are at work daily to blind mankind from the truths of heaven. Furthermore, although the gospel has been with us for over two thousand years, things today are not so different than they were in the day's Jesus walked the earth during His ministry. Moreover, the truths concerning the kingdom of heaven have been and continue to be challenged by today's religious system. This includes countless so-called local churches scattered throughout the world that practice manmade traditions and follow the teachings of false doctrines based on half-truths. They offer mankind, in the name of Christ, manmade buildings designed to draw people in so they can get right with God. These establishments all have some form of entertaining music programs, children churches, eloquent teachers and pastors, and other attractions to help draw people in to become part of their organizations. Sadly, these manmade institutions are guilty of misleading countless people with false teachings on what it means to be a true servant of the kingdom of heaven. Hence, the purpose of this book series titled Serving the Kingdom of Heaven is to illuminate the truths concerning the kingdom of heaven essential for those seeking to truly follower Jesus here on earth. Each chapter was once an individual message written over a period of time. Consequently, you may see some repetition within the chapters as you are reading, but each message will reinforce the overall truths focused on being a true servant of the kingdom of heaven. Additionally, these chapters are not necessarily sequential or in series and therefore can be read in any order as the Spirit may lead. As a final note, I pray these messages will help the one true Church (Body of Christ) to unite around the world in prayer, fellowship, and love. Please take time to pray before and after reading these messages to allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you as you continue to grow in the understanding of the Father's purpose for your life. Nor will people say, 'Look, here it is,' or 'There it is.' For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst. (Luke 17:21). Please share any comments or questions concerning this book at [e-mail]. Amen!

Chapter 1 – Serving the Kingdom of Heaven

The kingdom of heaven, sometimes referred to as the kingdom of God, is literally all around us. Not long before Jesus began His earthly ministry, the scriptures tell us that John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for Him. John proclaimed, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. (Matthew 3:2). John continued to openly preach of a coming kingdom right up through his imprisonment and eventual beheading. During the of John's imprisonment Jesus withdrew to Galilee and began to preach, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. (Matthew 4:17). During that time Jesus warned His followers to separate themselves from the religious people of the day, For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:20).

Today, Jesus continues to warn us to avoid walking in the ways of this world. Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13-14). This message has been a mainstay over the centuries and an integral part of the life of the true disciples of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the Lord offers eternal life in heaven to all who are willing to come. Those who hear His message, surrender their lives, and turn from the ways of this world will find eternal citizenship in the kingdom of heaven. However, those who hear His