Bible Study WELCOME TO AN IN DEPTH STUDY OF MATTHEW'S GOSPEL.

[Chopper]

Day 26 Thursday 10/9/14 Matthew 4:17 Repent!

Matthew 4:17 "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

John the Baptist was a true fore-runner of Messiah Jesus. Not only did he introduce Jesus at the Baptism, but in his proclamation and preaching "repent for the Kingdom of of Heaven is at hand. As Jesus is starting His ministry, His topic is the same as John's. "Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand."

The foundation of the Gospel of Jesus the Christ of God is repentance. If a person who wishes to become a follower of Jesus, they must be willing to turn from their sinful ways and to accept Jesus as their Master Owner of their lives and future. Many invitations to becoming saved lacks this most important life change. People of today want heaven when they die, but don't want the "narrow road" which they must be willing to accept and walk in it. Faith without works accomplishes nothing.

The Kingdom potentially is here, Jesus is saying, because He is the King, a person can enter into the beginnings of the Kingdom. A true believer must walk a Kingdom walk, not a worldly walk. The Kingdom walk must be the hallmark of the believer's lifestyle until he/she dies, or Jesus comes back to establish His Kingdom forever.

It is my opinion that repentance is an extremely important forerunner for Salvation. Without that, Salvation is just a social response and eventually leads to destruction.

 

[Chopper]

Tomorrow's Study: Day 27 Friday 10/10/14 Matthew 4:18-20 Fishing For Men.

 

[reba]

The Kingdom potentially is here, Jesus is saying, because He is the King, a person can enter into the beginnings of the Kingdom. A true believer must walk aKingdom walk, not a worldly walk. The Kingdom walk must be the hallmark of the believer's lifestyle until he/she dies, or Jesus comes back to establish His Kingdom forever

A respectful disagreement @Copper...
The kingdom according to Jesus is 'at hand'
consider the use to the term 'at hand' in these verses

Mat 26:18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
Mat_26:45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Mat_26:46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
Luk_21:30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
Luk_21:31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Joh_2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
Joh_7:2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.
Joh_11:55 And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to

There are more , we all have word searches...
Strongs for 'at hand'
G1448
From G1451; to make near, that is, (reflexively) approach: - approach, be at hand, come (draw) near, be (come, draw) nigh.
G1451

From a primary verb ἄγχω agchō (to squeeze or throttle; akin to the base of G43); near (literally or figuratively, of place or time): - from, at hand, near, nigh (at hand, unto), ready.

IMO none of these verses are something far into the future ... IMO this includes His Kingdom.... His Kingdom was established for ever. So many of us are like the Jewish leaders of that time looking for a King who looks like a king of the world ... The worldly power, glory, might, thrones, ruler etc... His kingdom if not of this world...
This is the only Biblical definition of His kingdom known to me...
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

 

[Chopper]

A respectful disagreement @Copper...
The kingdom according to Jesus is 'at hand'
consider the use to the term 'at hand' in these verses

Mat 26:18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
Mat_26:45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Mat_26:46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
Luk_21:30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
Luk_21:31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Joh_2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
Joh_7:2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.
Joh_11:55 And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to

There are more , we all have word searches...
Strongs for 'at hand'
G1448
From G1451; to make near, that is, (reflexively) approach: - approach, be at hand, come (draw) near, be (come, draw) nigh.
G1451

From a primary verb ἄγχω agchō (to squeeze or throttle; akin to the base of G43); near (literally or figuratively, of place or time): - from, at hand, near, nigh (at hand, unto), ready.

IMO none of these verses are something far into the future ... IMO this includes His Kingdom.... His Kingdom was established for ever. So many of us are like the Jewish leaders of that time looking for a King who looks like a king of the world ... The worldly power, glory, might, thrones, ruler etc... His kingdom if not of this world...
This is the only Biblical definition of His kingdom known to me...
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

I'm not sure that I understand you disagreement with my study. Aren't you and I saying the same thing? I take "at hand" meaning now and future.

 

[reba]

Maybe so words can do that to us i think my disagreement was here (The Kingdom potentially is here) maybe i am not understanding your meaning of "potentially" ....

 

[Brother Mike]

A respectful disagreement @Copper...
The kingdom according to Jesus is 'at hand'
consider the use to the term 'at hand' in these verses

Mat 26:18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
Mat_26:45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Mat_26:46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
Luk_21:30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
Luk_21:31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Joh_2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
Joh_7:2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.
Joh_11:55 And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to

Kingdom of Heaven, Kingdom of God..................... Kingdom is a Female Greek noun what does not denote any place unless defined.

It's not even a Kingdom as we think of Kingdoms but a position of something.

Kingdom means to rule with, or Rule with God.

Why it was translated Kingdom is a mystery to me. A Greek Female noun can't be a Kingdom or specific place. Youngs did not do this.

YLT:
`Whoever therefore may loose one of these commands--the least--and may teach men so, least he shall be called in the reign of the heavens, but whoever may do and may teach them , he shall be called great in the reign of the heavens.
(Mat 5:19)

`Thy reign come: Thy will come to pass, as in heaven also on the earth.
(Mat 6:10)

God's Will and Reign come to Earth, through us as God's will in Heaven is enforced by Him. God does not have two wills, one for Heaven and one for Earth.

As you said, God's Reign is in us the Body of Christ, the Kingdom is inside us.

Reign in Heaven means the same thing, but Heaven is a place we Reign with Him, and in Him as Kings and Priest. The Word Kingdom denotes authority given and ruler ship.

Drunks do not enter into the Kingdom of God....... So while drinking and caught in that mess, you give up your authority to have the will of God present in your life with no power to help you. (Gal)

Blessings.

 

[Chopper]

Maybe so words can do that to us i think my disagreement was here (The Kingdom potentially is here) maybe i am not understanding your meaning of "potentially" ....

Ok I understand. There are preachers/teachers who claim that the Kingdom is here, not at hand. There is a fine line IMO, as to when the Kingdom is actually born. The Kingdom of God will not have "sinners" as residents. It is my opinion that "at hand" means almost, ready. Strongs =
eggizō
eng-id'-zo
From G1451; to make near, that is, (reflexively) approach: - approach, be at hand, come (draw) near, be (come, draw) nigh.

That means to me, the Kingdom is not here, but close because the King is here. The King has to preach, set the example, be crucified, be resurrected, save the lost, conduct the tribulation, reign for a thousand years, still not the Kingdom, just near, judge the lost, created a new heaven and earth and then set up His Kingdom....The only question I have is if the thousand year reign of Jesus is actually the beginning of the Kingdom.

 

[reba]

I wonder Brother Mike if the translation may have had something to do with kingdoms or kings being the norm of the time of translation ?

 

[th1b.taylor]

A respectful disagreement @Copper...
The kingdom according to Jesus is 'at hand'
consider the use to the term 'at hand' in these verses

Mat 26:18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
Mat_26:45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Mat_26:46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
Luk_21:30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
Luk_21:31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Joh_2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
Joh_7:2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.
Joh_11:55 And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to

There are more , we all have word searches...
Strongs for 'at hand'
G1448
From G1451; to make near, that is, (reflexively) approach: - approach, be at hand, come (draw) near, be (come, draw) nigh.
G1451

From a primary verb ἄγχω agchō (to squeeze or throttle; akin to the base of G43); near (literally or figuratively, of place or time): - from, at hand, near, nigh (at hand, unto), ready.

IMO none of these verses are something far into the future ... IMO this includes His Kingdom.... His Kingdom was established for ever. So many of us are like the Jewish leaders of that time looking for a King who looks like a king of the world ... The worldly power, glory, might, thrones, ruler etc... His kingdom if not of this world...
This is the only Biblical definition of His kingdom known to me...
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Both of you are correct. I entered into the Kingdom or as Mike points out the Reign the day I was saved and about two weeks later I made my Public profession. I strive daily to rcall, always, that I reside in the Kingdom of God.

 

[Brother Mike]

Ok I understand. There are preachers/teachers who claim that the Kingdom is here, not at hand. There is a fine line IMO, as to when the Kingdom is actually born. The Kingdom of God will not have "sinners" as residents. It is my opinion that "at hand" means almost, ready. Strongs =
eggizō
eng-id'-zo
From G1451; to make near, that is, (reflexively) approach: - approach, be at hand, come (draw) near, be (come, draw) nigh.

That means to me, the Kingdom is not here, but close because the King is here. The King has to preach, set the example, be crucified, be resurrected, save the lost, conduct the tribulation, reign for a thousand years, still not the Kingdom, just near, judge the lost, created a new heaven and earth and then set up His Kingdom....The only question I have is if the thousand year reign of Jesus is actually the beginning of the Kingdom.

Rev 12 is a Past event. Rev 1-3 are letters to the Churches In Asia Minor at the time (Turkey) I believe they were included because the instruction to those Church apply to conditions to the time of the end coming up.

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned (basileuō) with Christ a thousand years.
(Rev 20:4)

Basileuo is the Verb form, it's an action.

basileia Is the Female noun, it means to rule as in a place. It needs a Male noun to define or defined in the Article. In this case (Basileia Theos) Kingdom of God or to rule with God, rule in God.

The Kingdom of God is not a place.

Thayer Definition: Basileia (Kingdom)
1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule
1a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
(Mat 12:28)

Did Jesus cast out devils? Then the authority of God, the authority of God is now on the earth given to men.

Rev 12

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
(Rev 12:10)

When did Salvation come?
When was Satan cast out?
When did the Power of anointing come (Christ and his anointing)?
When did Strength come?

Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

since the Kingdom of God coming is connected with authority over the devil, when was the devil cast out of Heaven?

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
(Luk 10:18-20)

Satan lost his position at the throne room when Jesus came on behalf of man. The accuser removed, the advocate takes His place.

When did Salvation come?

I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
(Rom 11:11)

Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
(1Pe 1:10)

So, Kingdom of God is here and now, and Revelation 12 is a past event.

Devil knows his time is short, when was that time started to count down? The tick of the last days.

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
(Act 2:17)

Is the Holy Spirit here? Yep.

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
(Heb 1:2)

Has the son spoken to us? Yep, that ticks down the last 2K years, the devil's time is short. It starts the last days.

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
(Rev 12:9-10)

I wonder Brother Mike if the translation may have had something to do with kingdoms or kings being the norm of the time of translation ?

I don't know, that would be a question for Google. It should not have been translated Kingdom, but then again it's consistently translated Kingdom when it refers to the same thing. That makes it easy in the KJV to compare, while other translations it's a hit or miss on the same words. If we read what they had heard though, they heard to rule with God at his side, doing God's will. We see the Word Kingdom and a big Disney castle comes to mind.

 

[Brother Mike]

Both of you are correct. I entered into the Kingdom or as Mike points out the Reign the day I was saved and about two weeks later I made my Public profession. I strive daily to rcall, always, that I reside in the Kingdom of God.

Amen, we ought to strive daily for that. I asked a brother one time what He was putting his faith on, He told me that for today, to live a saved life for today, and He said he was not concerned about any other day, but today. I did not get it fully at the time, but years later it makes perfect sense and great advice.

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
(Eph 2:6)

So our real position is to stay with/ in him, in His place, not walk around and do our own thing.

 

[Deborah13]

Rev 12 is a Past event. Rev 1-3 are letters to the Churches In Asia Minor at the time (Turkey) I believe they were included because the instruction to those Church apply to conditions to the time of the end coming up.

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned (basileuō) with Christ a thousand years.
(Rev 20:4)

Basileuo is the Verb form, it's an action.

basileia Is the Female noun, it means to rule as in a place. It needs a Male noun to define or defined in the Article. In this case (Basileia Theos) Kingdom of God or to rule with God, rule in God.

The Kingdom of God is not a place.

Thayer Definition: Basileia (Kingdom)
1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule
1a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
(Mat 12:28)

Did Jesus cast out devils? Then the authority of God, the authority of God is now on the earth given to men.

Rev 12

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
(Rev 12:10)

When did Salvation come?
When was Satan cast out?
When did the Power of anointing come (Christ and his anointing)?
When did Strength come?

Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

since the Kingdom of God coming is connected with authority over the devil, when was the devil cast out of Heaven?

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
(Luk 10:18-20)

Satan lost his position at the throne room when Jesus came on behalf of man. The accuser removed, the advocate takes His place.

When did Salvation come?

I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
(Rom 11:11)

Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
(1Pe 1:10)

So, Kingdom of God is here and now, and Revelation 12 is a past event.

Devil knows his time is short, when was that time started to count down? The tick of the last days.

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
(Act 2:17)

Is the Holy Spirit here? Yep.

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
(Heb 1:2)

Has the son spoken to us? Yep, that ticks down the last 2K years, the devil's time is short. It starts the last days.

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
(Rev 12:9-10)



I don't know, that would be a question for Google. It should not have been translated Kingdom, but then again it's consistently translated Kingdom when it refers to the same thing. That makes it easy in the KJV to compare, while other translations it's a hit or miss on the same words. If we read what they had heard though, they heard to rule with God at his side, doing God's will. We see the Word Kingdom and a big Disney castle comes to mind.

I agree with everything you are saying about the Greek word used here. I also believe that people can be waiting for a Kingdom (place) and miss the fact that they are to rule with Him now. He is reigning now at the right hand of the Father and we as kings and priest have been given authority in His name to reign with Him. We are not to be waiting for the manifestation of His kingdom, which will surely come.

 

[reba]

Ok I understand. There are preachers/teachers who claim that the Kingdom is here, not at hand. There is a fine line IMO, as to when the Kingdom is actually born. The Kingdom of God will not have "sinners" as residents. It is my opinion that "at hand" means almost, ready. Strongs =
eggizō
eng-id'-zo
From G1451; to make near, that is, (reflexively) approach: - approach, be at hand, come (draw) near, be (come, draw) nigh.

That means to me, the Kingdom is not here, but close because the King is here. The King has to preach, set the example, be crucified, be resurrected, save the lost, conduct the tribulation, reign for a thousand years, still not the Kingdom, just near, judge the lost, created a new heaven and earth and then set up His Kingdom....The only question I have is if the thousand year reign of Jesus is actually the beginning of the Kingdom.

We do disagree.
What is a king without a kingdom ?
your idea of 'at hand' and mine are not the same.

Started this post a couple hours ago john asked for some oatmeal cookies so i have been busy 2

 

[th1b.taylor]

We do disagree.
What is a king without a kingdom ?
your idea of 'at hand' and mine are not the same.

Started this post a couple hours ago john asked for some oatmeal cookies so i have been busy 2

Is that John the Baptist?

 

[reba]

how old are we? No it is john the Catholic :neutral

 

[th1b.taylor]

how old are we? No it is john the Catholic :neutral

LOL! I htought you'd like that. (No typos)

 

[ezrider]

Tomorrow's Study: Day 27 Friday 10/10/14 Matthew 4:18-20 Fishing For Men.

I stumbled upon these verses a week or so ago, thought it might fit in.

Jeremiah 16: 14-18
Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.
Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes. And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.

 

[Chopper]

Day 27 Friday 10/10/14 Matthew 4:18-20 Fishers Of Men.

Matthew 4:18 "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers."

Matthew Henry gives his interpretation of the calling of His disciples. (from e-Sword)
"And this was an instance, of effectual calling to Christ. In all his preaching he gave a common call to all the country, but in this he gave a special and particular call to those that were given him by the Father."

What Mr. Henry calls a "common call" I have named it the "general call of the Gospel." What he calls "effectual calling" I do the same. These are the ones who are called before the foundations of the world, the "elect".

Jesus, in founding His Kingdom, instead of calling the "righteous", or the ones who thought they were righteous in the Law, He calls the unrighteous who need to become righteous thru faith in the Christ of God, Jesus. The were fishermen. Jesus doesn't call the high and mighty, He calls the lowly and humble. Jesus does not call men who think that they can teach Jesus, He calls men who will receive His teachings, for men have nothing to teach Jesus but that they are wicked sinners. Jesus already knows that about men.

Matthew 4:19 "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

The effectual call materializes when the person in question answers yes to the call as did Peter and Andrew. I imagine that Peter and Andrew were puzzled by the statement, "I will make you fishers of men", but it probably didn't take long for them to see what Jesus meant by that.

Matthew 4:20 "And they straightway left their nets, and followed him."

For about 10 years, I felt the call of God. I didn't know what He wanted, I just knew He was trying to contact me. I remember not knowing anyone to ask about this because I was a big shot printing company general manager and part owner. I felt that it would be embarrassing to ask anyone, that I knew about this. I had decided to stop at some obscure church in one of the towns that I had clients. That never happened. My good friend Bim, invited my Wife and I to go to his Baptist Church one Sunday, we did and immediately at the invitation, we gave our hearts to Jesus and believed on Him for the first time in Nov. 1974. We never looked back. I say all of that to say, the "call" was very powerful and effectual.

I have often thought what the parents of Peter and Andrew thought of their decisions to give up their trade and follow Jesus. No income, no roof over their heads, and no particular goal other than follow....I remember my Dad being so disappointed that I was leaving the printing company that I founded and going off to Bible College. How would I support my Wife and two Children, amongst other oppositions. By faith I sold my house, bought a mobile home, rented a space in Rockland, Maine, attended and graduated from Glen Cove Bible College in 1978, and the rest is history.

 

[Chopper]

Tomorrow's Study: Day 28 Saturday 10/11/14 Matthew 4:21,22 And He Called Them.

 

[Chopper]

We do disagree.
What is a king without a kingdom ?
your idea of 'at hand' and mine are not the same.

Started this post a couple hours ago john asked for some oatmeal cookies so i have been busy 2

It's all good. When two people disagree and still appreciate each others viewpoint, it's all good.
Love you Reba.