THE KINGDOM OF GOD

                                                     THE KINGDOM OF GOD

 

“The Kingdom of God is the realm where God reigns supreme, and Jesus Christ is King. In this kingdom, God’s authority is recognized, and his will is obeyed. The concept of a Kingdom of God is not primarily one of space, territory, or politics, as in a national kingdom, but rather one of kingly rule, reign, and sovereign control.  

So, the simplest way to understand the Kingdom of God is the realm where Jesus Christ reigns as King and God’s authority is supreme. This Kingdom exists here and now (in part) in the lives and hearts of the redeemed, as well as in perfection and fullness in the future.”   (Mary Fairchild, updated October 30, 2018 Abrahamic/Middle Easter Christianity)

“The governing influence of a king over his territory, impacting it with his personal will, purpose, and intent, producing a culture, values, morals, and lifestyle that reflect the king’s desires and nature for his citizens.” – Dr. Myles Munroe

How does this relate to Christians today?  When I hear many people say that the Gospel will be preached in all the world and then the end will come, they are referring to Matthew 24:14,  And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.  (NIV)  I always thought that this scripture was about preaching the Gospel of salvation but it is much more than that.  Jesus said the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

 

Referring to Dr. Myles Munroe, are we truly living in the Kingdom of God based on what we see around us?  If we were all truly living in the Kingdom of God would there be abortion, would there be laws contrary to the will of God?  Have Christians impacted the culture, values, morals and lifestyle that reflect God’s Kingdom?  We are citizens of Heaven and as citizens we need to act like citizens of the Kingdom.  We are also ambassadors for Christ.  He has given us His inheritance to carry out the will of the Father. 

 

There is the Kingdom of Light and the kingdom of darkness.  Light dispels darkness.  We need to live in the light, the light of Christ living in us.  We need to push back just like Jesus did.  He is the example for us.  He spoke out against those who would not support the Kingdom.  Do we speak out?  Are we afraid of the cancel culture?  I realize that some people have lost their jobs because of the cancel culture and my heart goes out to them but if we, as the Body of Christ, do not stick together and speak out in mass, then we will be taken advantage of.  There are more of us than there are of them.  We need to take a stand in whatever way that we can.

 

A kingdom is ruled by a King.  We are children of God.  We are joint heirs with Christ.

 

 Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:20-21 (NIV) “nor will they say,  ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”  Luke 17:21 (NKJ)  The Kingdom of God is within us.  Once we have surrendered our lives to God through Jesus Christ, we become citizens of the Kingdom.  The world system is in direct conflict of God’s Kingdom.

Adam and Eve relinquished their authority to the devil when they disobeyed God in the Garden.  Do you remember when Jesus was in the desert fasting and the devil came up to Him and tempted Jesus.  ^“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.  “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me. Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”  Matthew 4:8-11 (NIV)

 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.  Matthew 6:10 (NIV)  Jesus brought the Kingdom to man and He exemplified it by His words and actions.  We need to be the example of the Kingdom of God on the earth in our words and actions. 

 

And he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.  Luke 9:2 (NIV) This verse is a command from the Lord to heal the sick.  He didn’t just say pray for the sick.  He said “heal the sick.” 

 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.  John 3:3-5 (NIV) Yes, we must be born of the water which represents the Holy Spirit.  It is a spiritual birth, a new birth in which we are initiated into the Kingdom of God. We then become sons and daughters of God our Father and heirs to the Kingdom.

  Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”  John 18:36 (NIV Yes, the Kingdom of God is not of this world.  We do not live by the dictates of the worldly system but the Word of God is our plumb line, our guiding force,  that enables us to carry out Kingdom principles.

 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV)  This is the scripture that is one of the most profound I believe because it talks about the power of God.  I believe that people are looking for the supernatural and the Church has fallen short.  This is why I think so many people are drawn into the occult because of the supernatural.  The Church needs to be a power house of signs and wonders!!  Through the Holy Spirit, there is dunamis power. “ Greek Word: Dunamis means strength, power, ability; It is the: power for performing miracles; moral power and excellence of soul; power and influence which belong to riches and wealth; What is dunamis power? Dunamis power is the resurrection power of Jesus flowing through you as a Christian.”  (Rayna Piazza updated August 1, 2020)

 

 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.  Romans 1:16 (NIV)

 

There is a story about a man who saved every penny he could to buy a ticket on a cruise ship.  He packed his suitcase with cheese and crackers and every day he would sit and eat cheese and crackers as other passengers enjoyed the banquet table inside.  This went on for a while until one day someone said, “Sir, I can't help but notice that you are always over there eating those cheese and crackers at mealtimes. Why don't you come into the banquet hall and eat with us?" The traveler's face flushed with embarrassment. "Well, to tell you the truth, I had only enough money to buy the ticket. I don't have any extra money to purchase fancy meals."

The other passenger raised his eyebrows in surprise. He shook his head and said, "Sir, don't you realize the meals are included in the price of the ticket? Your meals have already been paid for!” (Excerpt from Your Best Life Now---Christian Inspiration)

 

We don’t realize, as Christians, everything that God has given us.  It is our inheritance to do the works that Jesus did.  Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.  John 14:12 (NIV)

 

We are created in God’s image.  We are a reflection of Him because He is our Father.  We need to emulate Him.   But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)   and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.  Revelation 1:6 (NIV)

 

Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask for the nations.  I want to see Your glorious Gospel of light, love and grace flood every tribe, every tongue and every nation with Your saving power.  As I come into contact with others, anoint my lips to speak Your blessings.  Anoint my hands with Your healing touch.  Anoint my actions to display Your kindness.  Anoint my heart with Your love for those who are lost.  Use me to bless all nations with Your glory.  (“The Glory” Joshua Mills, 2018)

 

An article that you might find interesting:  End Time Transfer of Wealth https://www.what-secret-rapture-saith-the-lamb-of-God.com/end-time-transfer-of-wealth/