The Lost Message: The irony is that the message of the kingdom is almost totally missing from the gospel that’s preached today. As a result, a lot of Christians don’t realize that the kingdom of God is a present reality on earth. In fact, they don’t even know what the kingdom of God is. Consequently, they never devote themselves to the kingdom life that Christ requires. Every Kingdom Has Four Basic Components: (1) A ruler or rulers, (2) subjects, (3) a domain or area of rulership, and (4) laws. God’s kingdom is no different… Its ruler and or King is Jesus Christ, who reigns from heaven. Earthly kingdoms periodically change rulers and policies. In contrast, Jesus is eternal, and His policies don’t change. ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.’” (Hebrews 13:8) Who are the Subjects of the Kingdom of God? The Jews? No, Jesus told the Jews quite pointedly, ‘I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.’ (Mt. 21:43) Who was this nation to whom Jesus said He would give the kingdom? The Romans? The British? The Americans? No, it was none of these, for the scriptures tell us, ‘there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.’ (Gal. 3:28, 29) So all of us who belong to Christ—all of us who are genuinely born again—we are the subjects of this kingdom. Only a Future Kingdom? Many have the idea that the kingdom of God is something only in the future. But, no, the kingdom of God is something that is here right now. Paul wrote to the Colossians, ‘He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.’ (Col 1:13) Paul speaks in the past tense. God has already brought us out of one kingdom and into His kingdom. He doesn’t bring us into His kingdom after we die. He brings us into His kingdom as soon as we are born again. John 3:1-7 Get Off the Fence: Cannot Serve Both Christ and... The United States, like most other governments, will not allow those who wish to become citizens to straddle the fence. Naturalized citizens can’t claim that their loyalty and allegiance belong to the United States if they retain allegiance to some foreign government. Our government won’t allow that. It wants undivided loyalty from any who apply for citizenship. So it should come as no surprise that the King requires similar loyalty from those who wish to apply for citizenship in His kingdom…. If we truly understand the kingdom and grasp what it means, it will be more precious to us than anything we own. Matthew 6:33; 13 (ALL of it) The Values and Commands of the Kingdom Are NOT of This World: Jesus said it, His kingdom, His teachings, His ways are NOT of this world: Alien, strange, unrecognizable, unattainable, inhuman to those with a mind of this world. Jesus reminded the Jewish authorities and Rome alike, If My kingdom (My ways and teachings) were of this world, My disciples would (act like the world) fight as if they were of this world. Peter tried this when he wielded his sword against his perceived enemies of Christ. Then why did Jesus tell him to bring a sword? There are many thoughts and reasons. But we know this. Jesus commands His disciples to love their enemies. Do good to those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on the left, give them the right. And when Peter acted outside the boundaries of love by cutting off the ear of his enemy, Jesus rebuked him. After all, I guess it is unloving to use a sword on someone. You live by the worlds standards... you will die by and in them. Many religious men have taught you can love your enemies and kill them at the same time. So I have a question: What does the Cross mean? Lets look at Colossians 1:21-22. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation Alienated from God and were His enemies because of our evil behavior... Now let me ask this: If Christians believe it justifiable to kill the evil, is that the same view that God holds in Colossians 1:20-21 towards His us, His one time enemies? Last question: Are the crusades (of the 10th Century and in the 21st Century) in line with the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:9), the Sermon on the Mount, the Great Commission and Colossians 1:20-21? Here in lies the great need for the ekklesia to embrace the reign and rule of Christ that which is greater than herself. In short - The kingdom of God is NOT the church. What!? Why not!? For when the church governs herself, inedibly two kingdoms will collide - Gods will be done vs my will be done. And the scary thought is this... we might very well find ourselves, fighting against God Himself. Oh, one last thought: Why did I write above about the 21st Century Crusades. Surely Christians are not killing one another! Not with swords perhaps... but the same attitudes of the 10th Century are alive and well in the 21st Century... To many Christians turn a blind eye and deaf ear to Jesus words in 5:3-9; 21-26. And when we do this... There is no hope of obeying 5:43-48. Matthew 5:21-26. 21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[b][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’[d] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. 25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Apr 2014 13:15:58 +0000
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