Mark writes: "...Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying,
'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near;
repent, and believe in the good news.'" (Mark 1:14-15)
"Jesus began to proclaim, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'" (Matt 4:17)
"'The Spirit of the Lord is upon, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.' ...
...'Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.'" (Luke 4:18-19, 21)
"But to all who received him, who believed in his name,
he gave power to become children of God..." (John 1:12)
While repentance is important, (and often the focus these scriptures), what's even more important
is that the kin(g)dom/realm of God/Heaven has come near and is fully realized in the Resurrection.
We continually call ourselves to account by asking:
"Are we, as christians, followers of Christ, children of God
truly living out the unconditional, grace-filled gift of being 'citizens of heaven?'" (Phil 3:20)
Joanne and I are committed to exploring this "heaven on Earth" gift
with individuals and local churches through prayer, spiritual disciplines,
leadership trainings, retreats and personal coaching.
We are both looking forward to an everlasting , unconditional love with God in the heaven to come,
as well as actively participating in a graceful forgiveness and reconciliation
with all around us right now.
This current engagement with God's presence, this eternal living right now,
is filled with and guided by God's Holy Spirit,
as we radically serve God's will, righteousness, peace and justice.
