Jesus' teaching is not just a moral code for us to live by, it is the way that the kingdom works in the world. When we live according to the principles of the kingdom, the kingdom manifests itself here in this world. Jesus teaches us that it is much more than following a set of rules, but is living a transformed life. Our thoughts and attitudes must change just as much as our actions. The transformation needs to be more than just superficial, it must penetrate to the core of our being. As God encountered Adam, Abrahan, Moses, and Elijah on a mountain, now we are encountering him on the mountain and we must decide if we will pass the test and live in the ways of God's kingdom or if we will fail the test and live by our own standards.
The more we live by kingdom principles, the more the kingdom becomes a reality in our world. Heaven on earth looks a lot more practical than most might think.
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