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Replying to JehovahsWitness in post #1209]
If by literal kingdom you mean physical, there will never be a physical kingdom on earth, not now, not ever. It is a spiritual kingdom just as Jesus said.
“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” (John 18:36)
I already answered your question. Isaiah 9:6 and 11:9 have been fulfilled. Go back and read what I wrote about Proverbs 2:21-22.
You wrote, “
Would it be fair to say that you believe this world where there is hunger, crime war, injustice, disease and so much human suffering is the fulfilment of the Messianic promises ? You believe that when Jesus taught us to pray that "God's will be done on earth", THIS (what humanity is presently experiencing} is that wonderful time, longed hoped for? Take a good long look at the picture below, and then tell me this is God's will for the earth.”
Kate’ response: I don’t believe, nor have I ever suggested that the evil you mentioned is a fulfillment of Messianic promises. Jesus never said life on earth would be utopian.
Your faith in a physical earthly kingdom is misplaced and is no different than the Jews who were looking for a physical king that would lead them in military battle and would free them from Roman subjection.
Acts 1:6
“When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?”
But that is not what Jesus came to do. Instead Jesus came to be king of a spiritual kingdom. It is a spiritual battle Christians are fighting against the evils of this world, and Jesus, our King is leading us. This is why we are told to put on the whole armor of God, which is spiritual and not physical armor (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Luke 17:20-21
“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”