The Kingdom of God vs. Religion....

 The Kingdom of God vs. Religion....

 

The most frustrated people on earth are religious people, because they have little or no control over their circumstances.  Religion does not guarantee a relationship with God.  Often times you have to be trying to 'pay off some debt' in order to receive favor from God.  It's like you're never fully qualified. Constantly you have to be working to 'earn' proper status. Your success is based on your ability and your actions. It is based on your works. The Kingdom of God is the opposite.  It is about reconciliation.  God's relationship with man was interrupted and HE sent Christ to restore the connection. Christ did not come to service the world. HE came to change it, to influence it like yeast in a dough.  Christ brought the authority of heaven from heaven to earth to reconcile us back to our rightful position in the earth as dominators and children of God.  Our qualification is based on HIS justice and righteousness, not our efforts. Jesus is our only mediator that The Father gave that role.

Isaiah 9: 6-7

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.

 

 The real meaning of church is found in the root word ecclesia.  Ecclesia is a government word, not religious.  It's a Greek word.  Jesus said "upon this rock I'll build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Matthew 16  The church is not here for social services. It is here to share the kingdom and change the world.  The church is an 'influential' change agent for the world.  The church includes both religion and state.  Religion based on submission to the one true God, Abba Father. And state based on obedience to God's laws in dominating the earth. God is a King, and HIS kingdom is governed by HIS laws.  The church therefore is based on obedience to HIS laws and never based on anyone's opinions. The church is God's senate. The true church is:

• God's agency on earth
• Exists for the nations not heaven
• Establish a governing influence in the nation, not a religion
• A training program for reigning
• Train believers to rule in the areas of their gifting
• Who am I?
• Where am I from?
• Why am I here?
• What can I do?
• Where am I going?
  

Matthew 10:7

 ⁷ As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’

Jesus brought the government system from heaven to re-introduce it to mankind.  Adam and Eve lost access in the garden of Eden and Jesus came to restore that.  Man did not fall from heaven, he fell from dominion of the earth which was given to him by God in the beginning.

• Religion gives you things to do, The Kingdom gives you things to be eg.a citizen, an ambassador, a child of God
  
• Religion makes you a member of an institution while in the Kingdom you are citizens with rights and privileges
  

• Religion gives you endurance, while the Kingdom gives you power 
• Religion runs on control, while the Kingdom of God runs on influence.
  

Jesus came to earth to extend the heavenly kingdom rulership.  He came to establish the commonwealth of heaven to the citizens of heaven living in the earth.  We are children of God who are entitled to certain privileges based on our relationship and obedience to The Father.   Jesus is our scapegoat.  HIS death and ressurrection has guaranteed our access to The Father.  It is what Jesus did that qualifies us, not anything that we have done.  HE has become our new high priest.  We can now come boldly to the throne of God.  We no longer need a human mediator.  The Holy Spirit is our guide.  All the physical sacrifices which were required formerly are no longer necessary.  Christ died to eliminate the need for former practices because those practices were unfulfilling to God. Romans 6.  Religion elevates other men.  But in the kingdom only God is elevated, all men are equal.

 TESTIMONY: Seeking Jewish Mysticism, I found Yeshua!

 WORSHIP:  Thy Kingdom Come

Only God is worthy of all praise!

 

 Malachi 3: 6-12

Understanding Giving in a Kingdom...

In a Kingdom, all residents live with an expectancy of their welfare to be taken care of by their king.  It's the thing to do.  Their health, education, household needs and lifestyle is determined by the amount of wealth the king possesses.  Kings live to brag on each other.  Their aim is always to prove to be more wealthy than the next kingdom.  Hence, kings are always looking for new territories to conquer.  Several things are customary in a kingdom, such as:

1. The king makes the laws.

2. The residents obey the laws.

3. Disobedience to the laws always have consequences, even death.

4.  Obedience to the laws lead to favour and prosperity.

In a kingdom the residents don't own anything.  When the king prospers, so does his people. Everything belongs to the king, even the people.  He can have whomever he wants whenever he feels like for whatever he pleases.  It's the law.  The wealth of the kingdom reflects the glory of the king. Once you arrive in a kingdom you can tell if a king is wealthy or not based on the surroundings and dress code of the civilians, etc... You never enter into a king's presence/ throne room without permission nor a present. That too is another norm.  Every guest brings his own gift, especially another king.  However, the king who receives the gifts 'always' tries to 'outgive' the guest in order to maintain his reputation.  In a kingdom, the more you give to a king is the more you can expect to receive from a king.

Are we really seeking the Kingdom?

The problem with many believers today is that we don't view God as a king.  Instead we view HIM as a president/ prime minister, based on our experiences.  We've never lived in a kingdom, nor met a king. Nor do we sufficiently explore the significance of a kingdom. We don't quite understand that there's no room for opinions nor voting in a kingdom.  We can't negotiate amongst ourselves about things God has already ordained. Everything is subject to God's laws. God, when HE established Israel as HIS people gave them laws to obey.  One such law is the law of tithing.  The law of tithing does not just apply to finances, but to every benefit or resource that a citizen obtains.  Back in those  earlier days barter trade was the norm. Wealth was measured in finances as well as kind, such as land, produce, and livestock.  Animals were often traded in the marketplace.  Modernisation created currency. Each kingdom required taxes to be paid by its citizens to facilitate the proper maintenance of the commonwealth such as roads, security, etc...  

Tithing is like paying taxes in/ to the kingdom of God.  The good thing is that the rate is constant for everyone always.  God requires ten percent (10%) of everything you gain, not just your currency.  For instance: if you own ten dresses the 10th one should be given away.  If you own ten mangoes, the 10th one should be given away.  Every 10th, 20th, 30th, etc... accomplishment should be a gift. Giving back is a norm in God's kingdom.  We are stewards not owners.  It's one of God's ways of teaching us to be good managers. It also helps to secure the success of the kingdom. Each person should give according to his/her possessions.  However, your offering is what you give as goodwill.  Your tithe is nationalistic and mandatory, but your offering is personal and subjective.  Offering is based on your generosity.  God responds differently to both.  Read the bible.  Search the scriptures.  There are so many principles and decrees which God has ordained for HIS people.

Kingdom laws have not changed.  We just need to understand how to apply them.  In fact, even in today's democracy, every nation is maintained by law.  Disobedience to laws could lead to imprisonment and loss of citizenship.  In spite of the various governments, the Ten Commandments hold true in all.  All governments acknowledge God's laws. Some though misguided still observe them.  For instance: killing, covetousness, lying, stealing, and disrespect for parents are all unlawful.  The thing about earthly kingdoms is that most of them have failed, kings have died, and kingdoms overthrown.  The major difference with the Kingdom of heaven is that none of the above has occurred.  God has always been, and forever will be the King in HIS Kingdom.  God because of HIS very nature cannot lie.  HIS decrees never change.  So from time to time HE gives us reminders of HIS purpose and our role.

6 “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.

“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’

8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.

“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’

“In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

Obedience is better than sacrifice...

If we want to activate God's promises, we have to apply HIS laws.  Success in the kingdom is all about obedience.  But since we're not familiar with 'kingdom living' we need to be tutored/ chaperoned into the lifestyle expected.  That's why it was so significant for Jesus to come to earth.  HIS death and resurrection unlocked the privilege of the Holy Spirit.  Royalty doesn't just show up.  Proper preparations have to be made before their appearance.  For instance: the angel told Mary about Jesus; and the three wise-men and shepherds about HIS birth.  John the Baptist told the people about Jesus.  And Jesus told HIS disciples about the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit teaches us how to live in God's Kingdom.  HE explains God's laws and coaches us on how to respond to them.  The Almighty God likes to showoff HIS Kingdom on HIS citizens to other kingdoms.  HE is a very generous King.  HE delights in blessing us.  HE'S like the dad who likes to brag on HIS children. Luke 12  Through Jesus, HE has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. Ephesians 1.

A sure way to receive blessings is to invest in God's Kingdom.  HE promises to repay us with loads of wealth too much for us to carry. Luke 6 We also need to be willing to let go of some of the blessings we've received prior.  God's attitude towards us is very fluid.  HE blesses us in order for us to be a blessing to others.  As we bless others we release some of the blessings HE has already given to us.  Then HE refills the 'new vacancy' with more blessings for us to do it all over again.  The blessings of the Lord are visible to everyone.  God is extremely wealthy.  Everything is heaven and earth belongs to HIM.  HE'S disappointed when we disobey HIS laws regarding giving because it is not a true reflection of HIS Glory to others who are not apart of HIS Kingdom.  HE considers it robbery.  Let's be careful not to be selfish with God's blessings. Let's not hide HIS wealth, but let it reflect from our life and lifestyle like a light on a hill.   Giving in the Kingdom of God is an attitude of generosity without malice or prejudice.  A light on a hill gives the same amount of light to all who walks in its path.  You are the light of the world.  Matthew 5 

Testimony: Jesus is King

Worship: You are the light! - Ovation Worship

Be the light!

The Kingdom of God(pt.5)...What is it?

The Kingdom of God(pt.5)...What is it?

Understanding the Kingdom of God....

In order to understand the Kingdom of God, you've first got to understand how 'a kingdom' operates.  Much of the western world has no idea of a kingdom because we've only experienced citizenship in/ under a republic or democratic government.  The idea of 'kingdom' today tends to be very ancient.  Only very few nations in the world continue to be governed by a king.  Rome was the greatest empire.  When they conquered the Greeks they embraced their government system of democracy and adopted much of their doctrines.  Since then the concept of democracy has been practised throughout the entire world.  Prior to this win, the nations of the world were basically governed by kings. 

In a kingdom the king owns everything including the people and their belongings.  Prosperity in a kingdom is a public issue. The welfare of the citizens of a kingdom is the responsibility of the king.  Therefore the wealth of an individual was a reflection of the wealth of the king.  A king chooses his citizens.  He has the authority to give anything he wants to anyone.  Citizens do not vote in a kingdom.  They have no referendum. A king is born a king.  Disobedience to a king often meant death by capital punishment.  The king is the law.  A king's word is the constitution.  It cannot be changed by anyone.  A king is the embodiment of a kingdom.  Kingdom is not a religious word, it's governmental.  It's not an organisation, fraternity, nor club.  

"A kingdom is a government headed by a king who influences a territory by impacting it with his personal will, purpose and intent, producing a culture, morality and value system that is reflected in its citizens."...Dr. Myles Munroe 

A kingdom has certain characteristics which include:

• a king
• a territory
• citizens
• a constitution
• laws
• a government administration
• privileges
• code of ethics
• an army

The most important thing in a kingdom is obedience to its laws, because you either succeed or fail as a result of your knowledge and understanding.  Ecclesia is a government word, not a religious word.  It's origin is in Greek. The Ecclesia was a group of people selected by the king who reflected the mind and thoughts of the king.  It was their responsibility to turn the king's ideas into practical policies in order to get the empire to do what the king intended. It was the king's cabinet.  As a citizen, privileges in a kingdom are a part of its culture.  It's the norm.  For instance: education is free.  Festivals and medical attention are rights.  If the king's chariot or army is passing in the streets you stop and give-way.  As a citizen you always salute royalty; and the army protects the kingdom.

In the Kingdom of God....

So too, in the Kingdom of God there are citizens, privileges, laws, an army, a territory etc....  God Almighty is the Sovereign over all.  HE rules the entire universe.  Heaven is HIS headquarters.  HE created man and gave man dominion over the earth's territory.  Genesis 1 HIS son Jesus Christ is HIS representative to man on earth.  Jesus came to earth from heaven as royalty.  HE is the King of all kings in the earth.  Jesus is the mediator to the Almighty God in heaven.  1 Timothy 2 But in order to have access to Jesus we need to interface with the Holy Spirit. No one just walks up to a King.  There is protocol at every level.  The army in God's Kingdom are the angels.  Psalm 103 Citizens do not fight the enemy. Citizens are protected by the army because they reflect the glory of the King(dom). The citizens are the people who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Philippians 3 The laws are the ten commandments.  And the constitution is the bible.  Grace is mercy for disobedience to the law, not a replacement of the law.   Laws are in place to maintain order.  Matthew 5

The more you know and understand the laws and culture, the more you become aware of the privileges of the Kingdom.  For instance: healing and abundance are natural facets in God's Kingdom.  Miracles are the norm.  Jesus when HE was on earth didn't pray to do miracles.  HE just did them, like breathing in air.  Sure HE prayed early every morning for long hours.  But once HE was done praying, all HE had to do was just speak the word of God.  The word of the King is always powerful in HIS Kingdom. Prayer is commune with God.  It includes regular conversation as well as getting instructions from God for HIS mission for your daily life.  As a citizen, you represent the Kingdom wherever you go; and you're supposed to influence your environment like yeast in a dough every occasion you get.  Matthew 13 As God's children, you are royalty.  1 Peter 2 Hence you have power and authority to dictate to the circumstances you encounter, like Jesus stilled the storm.  It is imperative that you allow the Holy Spirit to tutor you in the ways of the Kingdom.  John 16 It's like moving to a foreign land.  You're not familiar with the language nor norms and you need an instructor to advise and train you in the ways and lifestyle which are appropriate.  'Tongues' is the language of the Kingdom, like french is the language of France.  And faith is the currency in the Kingdom like yen is the currency in China.  You never vote in a kingdom, nor disobey the edict of the King.  Popularity and self-sufficiency nor independence are all unacceptable.  The King is the source of and for everything.  The more you understand the nature of the Kingdom, the better and easier your lifestyle.  You'll have to change your original way of thinking, i.e. repent, and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.  HE is the governor in the Kingdom of God.  It's not hard.  It's just a totally different mindset. Romans 12

TESTIMONY:  Jewish Dr. Dauermann found Jesus to be the door to real Jewish life!

WORSHIP: 

Yeshua | Jesus Image Worship | Meredith Mauldin | Michael Koulianos | Jesus ‘19

Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you into a new experience.  It's so worth it!

The Kingdom of God(pt.4)....Is it in you?

The Kingdom(pt.4)....Is it in you?

Luke 17: 20-21

20 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, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the Kingdom of God is in your midst.”

It's like asking someone to determine from a lineup of individuals who is from which nationality.  You don't know who people are just by looking at them.  There are several things which they have to say and do as well a produce in order for you to deduce that conclusion.  For instance: their language, their practices, their faith, their food, their dress code,  their passport etc... Identifying the nationality of someone reflects from the inside out and not vice-versa.  Culture is internal.

God gave HIS nation Israel HIS laws for them to maintain a rightful relationship and allegiance to HIM.  But HIS primary intent was to be in a love relationship with HIS people rather than have a group of people living in submission to HIM void of intimacy and filled with following continuous laws.  Laws do not correct sin.  They are put in place to deter sin.  But sin originates in the heart and mind.  Sin can only be corrected if there's a transformation of the thought process.  One has to see something wrong with it and then decide to stop doing it; to think opposite thoughts, to exchange ideas.  That way the new motive will cause the person to automatically change directions which will/ should result in different actions.  For instance: the desire to sleep with someone's spouse might be influenced by the movies you watch, books you read, or the things you do with that person.  In order to correct those desires first you have to acknowledge that your thoughts are wrong.  If you want to kill a plant or person you stop feeding it/ him.  So too you would need to stop doing the things which positively contribute to your thoughts and desires for that thing.  You might need to change some of your habits.  The important thing is intentional change. Some changes require the help of The Holy Spirit.

God wanted HIS nation/ people to gravitate towards HIM based on their affection and not from their fear of punishment.  They didn't understand.  Instead they just buried themselves in more laws because their desires for sin and disobedience increased with their constant sacrifice of penitence.  They kept sacrificing more and more animals and this displeased God.  As a result God sent Jesus from heaven to earth to demonstrate HIS love towards HIS people and to teach them how to serve God correctly.  Their system was totally offtrack.  

Isaiah 9: 5-7

6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and upon His Kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

In the past it was customary for men to carry yokes on their shoulders.  Matthew 11 Jesus when HE started HIS ministry on earth as a Rabbi HE told the people to take HIS yoke upon them i.e. to let the government system from heaven dictate their lifestyle on earth.  Jesus brought the culture of heaven to earth with its system of government.  It's like when the European nations colonised the Caribbean they sent a Governor to the region to setup their government system and teach the people how to be submitted to their new royalty even though it was thousands of miles away in the mainland of origin.  The Governor relocated to that country and brought soldiers, resources and a mandate.  His rules and regulations for the new region were a module of the Main Empire.  The people in the new region learnt the language, ate the food and wore similar styles of fashion as the people in the Main Empire.  A complete culture was transported with everything else.  So too Jesus brought the culture of heaven the Main Empire to the colony of the Kingdom of Heaven in the earth.

First, Jesus had to die on the cross as the corrective sacrifice to God for all of mankind's sin.  HE represented the animal sacrifice of a lamb.  The sacrifice gave us the opportunity to regain a rightful relationship with God.  God does not tolerate sin.  HE would not interact with us if sin wasn't removed from our reality.  When Jesus died HE gave us access to the presence of The Almighty God again.  We had lost it when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden and God banished them.  After Jesus resurrected from the dead HE gave us the keys to the Kingdom and went back to be with HIS Father God.  But before HE left He promised HIS disciples to send the Holy Spirit as the Governor to teach them how to live in right relationship with God on earth.  The Holy Spirit is the governor who has come to colonise the earth so that it resembles the government system in heaven where HE is from.  In heaven they speak a language called tongues.  It's just like speaking, french or spanish or english.  It's the way they communicate in heaven and the way we do the same.  HE gives us power to live healthy lifestyles in the earth the way they do in heaven.  There's no sickness in heaven.  We have to be taught how to use the power and authority that comes with becoming a citizen of the Kingdom of heaven. 

The currency used in heaven is faith instead of money.  Everything about the system of heaven is different from the worldly system that we as people on earth are accustomed to.  For instance: instead of hoarding to increase. In heaven you increase what you have by giving it away.  The more you give is the more you get.  It's a completely different mindset.  Romans 12. You influence the world around you by your very nature instead of the obvious.  People experience your power and presence in a real way.  Like yeast in a dough you are very effective.  or like a small mustard seed you become the biggest tree in the forest.  Your influence is based on the authority you receive as a result of your submission and relationship to the leadership of the governor which is the Holy Spirit.  Instead of being lead by the prince of this world the devil, you are now being lead by the Prince of Peace.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace whose instructions are what the Holy Spirit use to teach us.  This is the Word of God from God the Father.  The more you make it a lifestyle is the more it will flow and show to others from the inside out that you are a citizen of The Kingdom of heaven.  Ephesians 2.

TESTIMONY: Sid Roth: "There Was A Demon Inside Of Me!"

WORSHIP: Our Father - Bethel Live (Worship song with Lyrics) 2012 Album

Get it in you!

The Kingdom of God(pt.3)....The Gospel for who?

The Kingdom(pt.3)The Gospel for who?

If the gospel is necessary, that implies that whatever was it's substitute was not suffice to accomplish the purposes for which it was intended.  The gospel is good news.  The Gospel is good news from God to HIS people.  This begs the question, what was the bad news?  What were God's people believing that wasn't true?  What was wrong?

What was God's intent towards HIS people?

Genesis 1 - 3

When God created mankind HE gave them dominion over the earth and access to a personal relationship with HIM.  Adam and Eve knew what God looked like, what HE sounded like and had access to eternity.  But when they disobeyed God's command HE banished them from access to HIS presence.  God had so many good plans for man's dominion of HIS Kingdom on earth.  HE wanted man to replicate HIS order and power in the earth all along.  But in order for this to be sustained man would have to remain in constant communication with heaven; to get directives and resources for continued success. 

What happened?

After Adam disobeyed God and was banished from God's presence, sin grew to dominate the earth, so much so that God decided to destroy the entire earth. Genesis 7 God told Noah to build an ark for himself, his family and the animals because all the other people displeased HIM.  HE reiterates HIS plan and purpose for mankind on earth to Noah. Something about the human nature why we keep reverting to sin; because even after the flood, Noah's offspring decided to build the tower of Babel.  Men did what they thought without asking God's opinion, nor paying attention to HIS decrees. Constantly men are drawn to pagan worship instead of acknowledging God as the only supreme God worth worshiping.  God is merciful.  Inspite of our shortfall, HE remains faithful to HIS word. HE promised Noah HE would never destroy the earth again completely.  Genesis 8: 20-22 So from time to time HE pulls the obedient people away from the disobedient ones to start over again. 
Constantly HE reiterates HIS plan and purpose for mankind on earth.

Genesis 9: 1-6

9 God said to Noah and his sons:

I am giving you my blessing. Have a lot of children and grandchildren, so people will live everywhere on this earth. 2 All animals, birds, reptiles, and fish will be afraid of you. I have placed them under your control, 3 and I have given them to you for food. From now on, you may eat them, as well as the green plants that you have always eaten. 4 But life is in the blood, and you must not eat any meat that still has blood in it. 5-6 I created humans to be like me, and I will punish any animal or person that takes a human life. If an animal kills someone, that animal must die. And if a person takes the life of another, that person must be put to death.

Not long after Noah, HE pulls Abraham.

Genesis 12: 1-3

12 The Lord said to Abram:Leave your country, your family, and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will bless you and make your descendants into a great nation. You will become famous and be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless anyone who blesses you, but I will put a curse on anyone who puts a curse on you. Everyone on earth will be blessed because of you.

Genesis 17 God's one condition to Abraham was that he should remain obedient to God.  Nevertheless, God promises to be their God no matter what.  Over and over throughout the different generations God keeps pulling away HIS righteous people to start over on a new slate.  So it was with Moses and the Israelites. Finally, God promised to send someone, a part of himself to fix the problem.

Isaiah 9: 6-8

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
8 The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.

Jesus changed the  Jewish paradigm

Jesus brought the government of heaven to earth to  help us to finally get it right.  Now we can do things the right way with all the right resources in abundance.  The great news is that 'of the increase of HIS government there will be no end, meaning: once HE brought it, we have all we need and this government will never be overthrown. God fulfilled HIS promise to the Jews by sending HIS son Jesus Christ as the solution of reconciling mankind back to a right relationship with HIM as well as to a rightful position as rulers in the Kingdom of heaven on earth. 2 Corinthians 5: 11-21

Initially, the Jews did not accept Jesus as the Messiah.  They didn't believe HE was from God nor even God himself.  As a result, Jesus invited other 'non-jews', i.e. gentiles, to benefit from HIS actions. St. John 1  Jesus brought truth and grace for all peoples.  Reconciliation to the Father and HIS Kingdom is for anyone who will accept by faith what God promised.  This is the parable of the King who had a great feast with specially invited guests.  But when he sent his servants to get the invitees they were pre-occupied and refused to attend.  So he told the servants to go back out and invite the 'forbidden'.  The Jews and the Gentiles did not mix. Gentiles were considered forbidden and unclean. Luke 14 The gospel is for anyone who will believe Jesus and obey HIS commands of reconciliation to God.  There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit.  God gave Peter this confirmation in a dream about no longer calling different animals unclean.  Acts 10 This is the good news for the gentiles.  The centurion though gentile was now entitled to partake of God's promises according to his faith. Today, our only pre-condition to God is faith in Jesus.

TESTIMONY: Son of Imam starts preaching the Gospel on the streets of GAZA!! - Pod for Israel - Arabic Ministry

WORSHIP: JJ Hairston & Mercy Chinwo : EXCESS LOVE REMIX (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

No one is excluded!

The Lord's Prayer is a TEMPLATE....

The Lord's Prayer is a TEMPLATE....

Matthew 6: 9-13 

We are supposed to use this prayer i.e. petition as a skeleton, to insert our situations into its precepts.  Our language needs to be personally applicable to our daily lives and realities.  The Almighty God is interested in a relationship with a person, not a robot.  Jesus teaches us believers how to interact with The Father.  Prayer isn't normal, it is taught.  It is a Kingdom principle that Jesus taught to a bunch of 'religious people' - HIS disciples.  It's the only thing recorded in the gospels that they asked HIM to teach them.  They realized that this thing that HE did for several hours by himself every morning was the source of HIS power and authority. HE didn't leave it up to their opinion.  HE showed them how to get HIS same results.  HE gave them this template to insert their details. Be unique.  HE created you for that!

 

Our Father 

• God does not belong to you alone.  We all have the same rights and privileges as children of God.  God has no step children nor grand children. All humans have the same access to God once you accept HIM as your God.
  
• God expects you to pray for others, be inclusive; not just pray for you and your needs.  You are a part of a community which HE created. 
• God has 'a body' of people which HE'S building in the earth.  As a believer you are a part of that body and YOU should pray that HIS work be accomplished successfully as a whole.  Pray for other believers and their struggles.
  
• A Father is a source.  God is your provider.   HE has unlimited resources for your success in life.
• A Father is a sustainer.  HE is responsible for maintaining progress and productivity. HE's an overseer.
  
• A Father is a point of origin.  HE has more experience, knowledge and understanding of the nature of a thing.  Hence better skills of how to relate to it and produce harmony.

Who art in heaven

• The Almighty God doesn't live on earth. HE lives in heaven.
  
• The Almighty God is far above you.  HE'S in charge - HIS ways and thoughts are higher than yours.  
• Fear HIM - acknowledge and obey HIS laws because of HIS authority!
  
• The Almighty God is Supreme.  HE sees and understands far more than you do.
  

Hallowed be THY NAME

• YOUR NAME is Sovereign. 
• YOU are worthy of praise.
• YOU are to be revered and feared.
• YOU are of high ranking.
• YOUR NAME is YOUR reputation.  Whatever YOU say YOU"LL do.
• YOU'RE capable and honest and I believe YOU are that for me and my situation.  I claim it!
  

THY Kingdom come, THY Will be done on earth as it is in heaven

• Let the colony of YOUR domain be transferred to the earth.  We want the culture, nature and rulership of YOUR government system in heaven to be the same here on earth. i.e. its principles, regulations and privileges.  We want YOUR plans to take presidence over ours here in the earth in our nations, communities, careers, affairs, families and lives.  We trust YOUR Will for our lives. We submit to your authority and dominion.
  

Give us this day our daily bread

• Please supply whatever we need to be productive today given the challenges that will confront us. 
• Help us to focus on accomplishing the tasks YOU have assigned for us for today.
• What are YOUR assignments for my/ our lives today?  I'm available to do them. 
  

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us

• Teach us not to judge.  First of all, we need YOUR forgiveness. Secondly, YOU will forgive us according to our willingness to forgive others simultaneously.  Our trespasses means that we need to stay out of other people's affairs and let you dictate to them.  As well as we need to focus on YOU for solutions to our affairs/ obstacles/ problems/ challenges/ situations.  We need to 'stay in our lane', and stay away from trying to dominate and dictate to other people and their circumstances.  That's YOUR job God!
• Teach us to extend YOUR grace to others the same way YOU'VE extended it to us.
  

Lead us not into temptation

• We are aware that there's an enemy and one of his primary roles is to deceive us.  he exists to mislead us away from YOUR plans and purposes for our lives.  We need YOUR help to not get fooled or trapped by his distractions from YOUR best intentions for our lives.  Please guide us into YOUR truths, knowledge and understanding of YOUR precepts.
• Keep us away from our own will.  We submit to yours.
  

But deliver us from all evil

• We need YOUR help in escaping, overthrowing and navigating our lives away from the entrapment of the devil and his dominion. 
• Deliver us from our own misgivings and sinful appetites.
  

For YOURS is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory

• YOU are Almighty.  YOUR word is law. YOU are in control of this domain and all territories.  YOU set the standards.
• YOU have Supreme authority.
• Everything reflects YOUR nature, character, wealth and pleasures. 
• YOU deserve the glory.  
• WE glorify YOUR NAME. 
  

Forever and ever AMEN!

• YOU exists outside of time.  YOU and YOUR dominion have no beginning nor end.  That's just the way it is.
• I agree and submit to this truth. 

TESTIMONY: Jewish Israeli Psychologist finds Jesus

 

 

WORSHIP: The Lord's Prayer

 

 

The Lord is after your heart, not a robot!

The Kingdom of God(pt.2)...It is the Gospel, not the Cross!

The Kingdom(pt.2)...It is the Gospel, NOT the Cross!

Man was created in God's image to have dominion over the earth.  In the garden of Eden man sinned by transferring that authority to the devil when he disobeyed God.  God's way of restoring man's dominion was to send HIS son Jesus Christ - 'The Messiah' to take back rulership from the devil by HIS death on the cross.   

 

Matthew 25: 34 

 

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.   

 

Kingdom governance of man on the earth was God's plan all along. That's what God commanded Adam to do when HE created him. The laws of God's Kingdom state that without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sin.

  

Hebrews 9:22

22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.

The significance of the cross

The cross was the means, but the end was the restoration of a relationship and the rulership of the Kingdom of God to man on earth.  A sacrifice was needed, but the blood of animals nor humans wasn't sufficient to redeem man's position, i.e. dominion.  The only sacrifice good enough to appease God the Father, was the blood of  Jesus Christ.  That's why Jesus died.  Jesus died to restore a right relationship between God and man, and to grant us re-access to a right representation of God's dominion on earth.  God loves mankind. John 3 Separate and a part from the fact that HE created man to 'be occupied' with governing the earth, HE wanted to be in a personal relationship with man.  

 

Before Adam and Eve were banished from the garden it was God's custom to 'walk and talk' with them daily. Genesis 3 God cares about man's ideas and well-being.  As a result of God's love towards man HE gave man HIS best, and that's what HE expects of/ from man.  God expects man's best. The Almighty God is firstly interested in man's attitude towards HIM.  HIS possessions are a bonus, not the prize.  The real prize is HIM. Dominion is a possession.  The earth is The Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein.  Psalm 24 When Jesus died HE recovered man's dominion from the devil by taking back the keys that our forefathers had given to the devil.  God did not give the devil dominion, man did.  Man did not fall from heaven, he fell from dominion over the earth. 

Matthew 16:19

19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Luke 4: 43

43 But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”

Mark 1: 14-15

14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

The reason for our shortfall....

 

Jesus while HE was on earth spoke mostly about the Kingdom of God.  HE only ever spoke once about being born again to an old priest who was trying to understand HIS explanation about the Kingdom.  Understanding and accepting the fact of the Kingdom was of utmost importance.  For, why would you want access if you don't understand it's culture and precepts? And why would I grant it to you if you couldn't/ wouldn't maintain its privileges?  God doesn't want subjects.  HE wants children. We've been misled.  Repentance was/ is primary.  It challenges us to reject our concept of God and heaven and to change our attitudes towards both.  The Almighty God is interested in 'right relationship' with man.  The Jews wanted God and 'The Messiah' for the wrong reasons.  The objective of the Kingdom of God therefore was to attract a 'people with a different motivation and mindset'.  Romans 12 

 

God's motive is love.  HE expects our to be the same. Appreciation for the King and The Kingdom is priority. We are heirs and co-heirs to HIS throne.  Romans 8 If we don't value its privileges we will 'do what Adam did and give it away again'.  God cannot afford for 'that to happen again' i.e. our ungratefulness and nonchalance.  Hence there's a qualification process. Adam and Eve got if for free.  Jesus paid the price for our repossession. But there is a clause. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.  Hebrews 11 Access to the King and Kingdom of God is via The Holy Spirit.  Jesus introduced mankind to the gateway for our shortfall.  But we needed to understand 'the reason' first.  Nicodemus visited Jesus privately by night and Jesus told him that he must be born again in order to access the Kingdom of heaven.  Jesus focused on faith. Access to God is based on faith in the counsel of The Holy Spirit.  HE didn't preach on deliverance or healing, nor religion, church membership nor condemnation.  HE went about instead proclaiming the gospel of faith in the Kingdom of heaven on earth.  HIS parables continuously alluded to it.  That was HIS mandate.  When HIS disciples asked HIM to teach them how to pray HE said: ...THY Kingdom come, THY will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6: 9-13

Why is it good news?

In order for man to be reconciled to God and his position, a better way/ system had to be put in place.  Man wasn't understanding his purpose, nor how to maintain it.  Even after the Israelites were delivered from Egypt, and had experienced God's multiple miracles and grace, they constantly reverted to their old way of thinking and doing things as if they were still in bondage in Egypt.  They didn't make it to the promise land; only the children born in the wilderness did.  Yet it was all theirs.  But their mindset was incorrect.  They didn't understand the ways of God's government. They didn't understand god's original intent. They didn't understand God's heart. They didn't understand the value of their relationship with the Almighty God. They complained a lot rather than take charge over their situations.  Constantly they were ungratefully misled. They just didn't get it.  Over and over, men continuously subjected themselves to being ruled, rather than ruling.  God's chosen people didn't understand what God had in mind when HE created them.  They didn't understand 'dominion over the earth, nor the value of their relationship with God.'  

Adam and Eve gave up their 'birthright' before they ever began to really enjoy it.   The devil tricked them, just like in the story of Esau and Jacob.  They didn't understand the significance/value of what they had. That's why Jesus kept alluding to the Kingdom of God, and preached so much about it's value. For instance: the parable of the treasure

Matthew 13: 44-47

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.

The benefits of the Kingdom....

The Kingdom of God gives us personal access to God as our Father, not just King.  God wants our actions to be driven by our relationship and not just our fear. As a result we won't abuse HIS grace, but rather use it to improve our attitudes towards our responsibilities, HIMSELF and HIS Kingdom. We are not to abuse them. The Kingdom also gives us power for change.  It changes our wealth and capabilities.  It is supposed to change our entire lifestyle.  It puts us in a better position, we gain more, we control more, and our outlook is transformed.  We fear less, command more, and give God the glory. For instance: if your bank account is $1 million dollars you are rich until it finishes.  But if you father owns the bank you have unlimited access to money.  Jesus came to change our mindset.  

 

In a Kingdom the King owns everything.  As children of God we are 'stewards' i.e. managers.  Our role is to share and maintain, not hoard.  God's resources are unlimited.  Two fishes and five loaves of bread fed over five thousand people. We are a part of a 'body'.  1 Corinthians 12 God has many children and no grand children.  We all have the same access because of the cross. The Cross is extremely significant.  God doesn't entertain sin.  There's no way we could have access to the Kingdom without the cross.  The Cross is like crossing the Red Sea - the pathway from slavery to freedom; and the Jordan River is our mindset which we have to get over too.  But the Kingdom is Canaan - the Promise Land with all its milk and honey.  Don't get stuck in the wilderness.  It's time to cross over the Jordan.  Claim what God has already ordained for you.  You are entitled to it.  Stop stumbling, complaining, and being distracted; and instead, focus and take charge!

Picture this:  The Cross is the socket.  Jesus Christ is the plug.  The Holy Spirit is the cord. The Good News is the lamp.  The only way to see and experience what's going on in the room (Kingdom) is to use the light from the lamp.  The reason why most Christians live defeated, enslaved lives is because they wander around in the darkness 'feeling for stuff' rather than using the light to enjoy it. Isaiah 9: 1-8

TESTIMONY: God's Kingdom Business "My Journey" Kris Vallotton

WORSHIP: Kingdom Come

Focus on the gospel!