Hi Rhys,
Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
v. 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
We have a truly "great cloud of witnesses," the Scripture to help in our search for the truth and then to add to that we have the work that Ray has done to help explain these truths to us.
I think what Ray meant about it being 'real,' is that if we truly believe and anticipate being in the kingdom, then it would be on our mind a lot. I mean I think we look at it as something really far off, but it could potentially be very near. If we knew that it was right around the corner that would probably change the way and how much we thought about it.
I think about the kingdom a lot, not because I think I can figure it all out, but because I do hope and long for it and maybe God will help my understanding with a few things.
We just have to do the best we can with what we are given and we've been given quite a lot here and certainly in the Scriptures. As long as we are striving we have hope of making it. Whether it's near or far off, I don't think we can look at this race as a sprint, but more like a marathon, so we have to stick to it for the long haul.
mercy, peace and love
Kat