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!
Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you into a new experience. It's so worth it!
No comments:
Post a Comment