Can These Bones Live Again...PROPHESY! Ezekiel 37

Can These Bones Live Again...PROPHESY! Ezekiel 37

What situation are you facing today that seems completely hopeless and devoid of restoration? Are you feeling powerless to change a circumstance, or too overwhelmed to think about it?  Do you feel buried in unresolve? Is there something or someone that just seems unchangeable and irreversibly lost? If any of these match your reality, let's talk this through for a minute. What you feel powerless to do, 'Your Father' God is powerful to prevail.

Whatever the Almighty God has done before, HE is willing and able to do it again.  HE is not limited to time and space like us humans.  HIS ways and thoughts far exceed ours on every level. Isaiah 55 HE never sleeps nor slumbers and nothing escapes HIS purview.  HE'S never caught off guard.  It's extremely important that we know God's promises to us HIS children, and the power that HE bestows on those who choose to walk in obedience to HIS precepts. Study HIS Word. Recite HIS promises to HIM. Isaiah 43. Jesus before HE left HIS disciples and went back to heaven told them that HE had given them more power than any force that they could/ would ever confront in the earth.

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give to you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

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The Israelites who were considered the people of God had been disobedient to HIS laws. As a result, God allowed them to be captured by one of their enemies the Babylonians, who destroyed their city and robbed their wealth.  They were driven from their homeland to Babylon.  While they were in exile, God confirmed that HE had not forgotten them and that HE would one day take them back there.  They were very grieved and homesick, hopeless even.  They had given up on God and even started worshiping other gods.  Inspite of their waywardness, God sent the prophet Ezekiel to encourage them to return to worshiping HIM.  But before God sent him, God gave Ezekiel several visions.  God revealed HIS restoration plan for HIS people in several ways.  One of the ways was by showing Ezekiel a valley of dead people - dry bones; people who had been dead for a very long while.  It was a valley filled with dry bones and no water nor plants.  There was absolutely no sign of life around.  There were no human resources available to change the situation.  Do you have any 'dead situations' lying around/ any sealed tombs or closets/ any heavy stones to roll away? What about memories, lost dreams, forgotten hopes?

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Sometimes, God allows us to be stripped of our capabilities so that we will attribute all the glory to HIM for the transformation HE will cause to occur in our lives.  It is very innate for us as humans to be self reliant and egotistic.  When we achieve/ accomplish things we forget that the very energy to achieve it comes from God.  We sometimes forget that we don't own anything, and that we're just managers. Like the bones in the valley, from dust we came and to dust we will all return.  It is intrinsic to God that we walk in full obedience to HIS laws.  The wealth HE allows us to have can be stripped away as well as it can be restored.  Ask Job. The health that we have can be stripped away as well as it can be restored.  Ask Nebuchadnezzar or Miriam. The family, the job, the security, the master plan, the whatever it is that we have can be stripped away as well as it can be restored.  Will and or does God have to take it away from you in order for HIM to get your attention?

Sometimes it's not even gone, it's just on the other side of the boat.  Like when Peter and the disciples were out fishing all night and caught nothing.  Sometimes we just don't know where to look. Jesus sent them right back out again to the very same spot and told them to cast their same nets on the other side of the boat. This time the boat began to sink because of the overload of fishes.  Then Jesus told them that HE would cause them to fish for men instead. Luke 5 That's it right there.  

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When Ezekiel saw the dry bones, God told HIM to prophesy and cause the dry bones to become a resurrected army.  An army advances a kingdom.  An army takes territory and takes orders from a King for the sake of his kingdom.  Jesus told HIS disciples, when you have seen ME you have seen The Father. John 14. Jesus was on a mission orchestrated by The Father. When Jesus resurrected his friend Lazarus after four days, that's what sealed his crucifixion.  That's when the Pharisees plotted to kill him. Jesus' resurrection power was undeniable.  John 11 But more importantly, Jesus' crucifixion was the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy of David uniting Israel. Caiaphas reiterated Ezekiel.  Jesus was from the bloodline of David. The crucifixion was about Jesus restoring mankind back to a right relationship with The Father, while regaining the power and authority God originally gave us in the garden of Eden. Genesis 1 At the very center of it all, God just wants us to acknowledge HIM and serve each other with the resources HE has given to us.  Power and property is to be shared for the sake of advancing the kingdom of God in the earth.  That's what Pentecost was about. That was the Acts church. Acts 2.

Every deficiency or lack in your life and community is an opportunity for you to walk in obedience to the word of God - PROPHESY!  When God asked Ezekiel, "Can these bones live"Ezekiel said "only YOU know Lord". Yes! God knows, let's say, a few things about power, and life, and death.  HE not only knows, but HE has a plan. Nothing on earth happens by coincidence. God always has a plan.  The thing is, are you aware of what it is?  Have you thought to ask HIM?  Have you chosen to wait on HIS response?  Are you walking in obedience? The veil in the temple has been ripped in two. There are no more secrets between us.  Mark 4 God's heart is right out in the open for those who dare to look.  God invites us to ask HIM the questions. 

Matthew 7: 7-8
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

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The Almighty God is always about being in a relationship with HIS people.  HE chose to walk in Eden with Adam.  HE chose to lead HIS people in the desert. They were the ones who insisted on Moses being a mediator. They were the ones who insisted on an earthly king.  Yet, inspite of our rebellion and disobedience, God chose to restore us to himself; and in the process for us to bring others along with us. The things we receive or release are insignificant in the grand scheme of things.  They all have a lifespan. They are all tools God uses through us. The things are dry bones - hip bones, ankle bones, etc...  Whatever dead/ lifeless circumstance we encounter, our job is to prophesy.  

Speak what God says.  Declare HIS word over every situation.  Only then does the Holy Spirit take charge.  It is the Holy Spirit that gives life.  HE brought life to the dry bones in the valley. HE brought life to Lazarus and to Jesus in the tomb.  Jesus said, I must go, so that the Holy Spirit can come.  My job here is done.  I fulfilled my purpose.  John 16 Are you fulfilling your purpose?  Are you being led by the Holy Spirit? How are you allowing HIM to help you to change your situation for the sake of the kingdom? At the end of the day, is God getting the glory?  Where are you fishing? Are you still catching fish, or are you fishing for men too? God told Ezekiel that HE would restore HIS people as a testimony to the nations of HIS Kingship. Everything revolves around HIM. HE raises one and HE cancels another. Daniel 2 HE sanctifies and HE glorifies for the sake of HIS holiness. Romans 8 The harvest is extremely ripe.  The valley is full of dry bones. God is giving you an opportunity to live in power and purpose. Use it! Look around! Listen to HIM! Prophesy!

TESTIMONY: Jewish Air Force Colonel finds Yeshua in an unlikely place! - Why I'm One for Israel

WORSHIP: Israel & New Breed - Jesus At the Center (Live Performance)

The Almighty God is a Restorer - Prophesy!

Speaking In Tongues Is For Every Believer!

Speaking In Tongues Is For Every Believer!

Sometimes we tend to complicate such simple truths like the fact that "speaking in tongues is for every believer in Jesus Christ as Lord".  First of all, Jesus Christ came to earth in the form of a human being in order to introduce us to our ability to be able to use spiritual power and authority on earth.  When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in Eden they lost the priviledge of dominion.  They gave it to the devil. (That's why Jesus had to die on the cross. God would only accept a pure sacrifice as atonement.)  Jesus took it from him and gave it back to us.  Romans 8 However, because it's new to us, we need(ed) a tutor.  So Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit as our tutor to fix the problem.  The problem was that, as long as Jesus was in the earth in physical form, HE was the only person who was enabled by the Holy Spirit.  HE had to leave in order for us to receive enablement.  John 16 The Holy Spirit enables humans to access the supernatural power of God.  This allows us to:

• Communicate with God effectively.
• Gain wisdom, understanding and solutions for everyday challenges.
• Use the power and authority God gives to every believer.
• Overcome the world. i.e. represent the greatest power on earth. 
• Live fearlessly.
• Manipulate the atmosphere.

Speaking in tongues is a spiritual experience.  It is when a believer is enabled to speak in an unknown language for the sake of edification.  It can be self edification or that of other person(s).  The person speaking the language has never been formally taught the language.  It is the Holy Spirit that gives the enablement.  1 Corinthians 14 Speaking in tongues can manifest itself in different forms such as at Pentecost when the disciples were in Jerusalem in the upper room. Acts 2. Or when Peter was speaking to the gentiles at Cornelius's house in Acts 10. Or when Paul was speaking to the jewish believers in Ephesus about the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Acts 19 Sometimes we are just the vehicle.  The Holy Spirit advocates to God on our behalf in our weakness and about things we know nothing about.  God's thoughts and ways are far more higher than ours.  Other times, there's prophecy when God sends a message through one believer and the revelation/ interpretation through another.

Speaking in tongues is empowerment.  It was a norm for the  believers during the time of the apostles.  In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul had to admonish the saints by letting them know that it was not a competitive gift.  Love was what was imperative, not speaking in tongues nor the gift of prophecy.  When a believer accepts Jesus Christ as his/her Lord and Savior God gives them the Holy Spirit as a companion/ tutor to teach them about the kingdom of God.  Just as physical baptism is an outward show of a believer's allegiance to God, so too is 'spiritual baptism' as an allegiance to the Kingdom of God.  Speaking in tongues is a sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, like a ring is a sign of marriage.  What is important is your commitment, covenance and faithfulness to its laws.  It is the vows that make the union, not the ring.  As we seek to know and understand the Kingdom of God; the Holy Spirit will reveal it to us. And one of the instruments which He uses, is the gift of tongues.  The end goal is not the gift, but the giver. Jesus came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly.

TESTIMONY: Sam Nadler found answers about God and the Holocaust in the most surprising place!

WORSHIP: Holy Spirit By Meddy

Draw near to God, and HE will draw near to you!

God THE FATHER..

 God THE FATHER..

Not everyone can relate to having grown up with a father, nor even having a father who acted like one.  Unfortunately that's the truth for most.  But the fact that some people have never experienced snow doesn't mean that snow doesn't exist.  Thank God that HE didn't leave one of the most influential human roles to chance.  HE himself decided to be our perfect example to compare all others to.  So if we ever are curious about what fatherhood entails we just have to look to how God has demonstrated HIS attributes to us.  Here are a few of those:

1. Source - a father is a source.  He provides the seed for an embryo to be developed.

2. Provider - he works so that his family's needs are met economically.

3. Protector -  his wife and children depend on him for security from danger.

4. Patriarch - he leaves a legacy for his children and other generations that follow.

5. Positive - he is driven by finding solutions to familial problems.

6. Support - even when he disagrees with your actions, he will always support your positive growth and development.

7.Resourceful - he always has ideas and solutions to problems that you could never imagine.  

8. Safe - you can always rest in his presence.

Genesis 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Man was the last thing God created.  2 Peter 1 HE made sure that everything that we would need for life and godliness were prepared for us in advance of our arrival.  John 1 All things that were made were made by HIM, and without HIM wasn't anything made that was made.

Psalm 23 Because God is our Creator, HE knows exactly what we need for sustenance and development.  HE has created each of us with a unique purpose and destiny; and equipped us with all that we will need to accomplish both. Jeremiah 1  HIS plans for each of us is to give us a hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29

Life comes with many challenges.  Each season has its own list of obstacles and ditches of all sorts. Sometimes it's like a complete maize, and we need the guidance of an expert to help us navigate the best path.  God is consistent in HIS protection of HIS people.  2 Samuel 22  Sometimes our enemies are disguised as our friends and we need help to know the difference between the two.  Sometimes God has to rescue us from ourselves. Proverbs 14  Ever since Adam and Eve sinned God promised mankind that HE would send a Saviour Genesis 3.  From Abraham all the way to Malachi God has been faithful to HIS promises to HIS people. Deuteronomy 28.  HE has led them through history to a point when they could be reconciled to HIS original plan of peace, joy, love and unity with HIM.  Isaiah 53

Inspite of their continual disobedience and worship of foreign gods, etc... God's attitude has been one of forgiveness and blessings. 2 Chronicles 7  Abram was human just like us, and got it wrong a couple of times.  God remained on his side and goaded him to do the right thing of eventually trusting HIS Word. Genesis 12 God was patient with HIM up until the very end.  When he lied about his wife, obeyed his wife and slept with his helper etc...  But in the end we saw growth and transformation when he was willing to sacrifice Isaac.  He trusted God to provide a sacrifice instead of his son. Genesis 22 God's ulterior motive is reconciliation to a people who trust in HIS Word. HE is always faithful.

Everything that we have and have access to come from God.  Job 38 God doesn't consult us when HE'S making HIS laws or precepts, or whatever. Psalm 135  HIS ways and thoughts are far much higher than ours. Isaiah 55  Eyes have not seen nor ears heard, nor has it entered into the hearts of man what God has prepared for those that love HIM. 1 Corinthians 2 HIS love for us is everlasting.  HE is eternal and HE exists outside of space and time.  God created time. What HE has said to one man applies to all of mankind.  Our carnal mind cannot comprehend nor interpret HIS ways except by the help of the Holy Spirit which Jesus introduced to us. John 15 

Now God demonstrates HIS love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  

Romans 5 We can rest assured that God cares about everything about us.  When we are weak, HE is strong. Psalm 46 There is absolutely nothing that can separate us from HIS love except our rejection of HIM. Romans 8 Even then, as our creator HE understands our frailty.  HE makes provision for us and leads us to repentance via the tutorship of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is our spiritual teachers who helps us to embrace and appreciate the loving nature of a God who needs nothing, yet gives us everything, even HIS only son.  HE trust us with HIS most prized possession, the Messiah - Jesus Christ. John 3 We are the apple of HIS eyes.  And when we are able to confide in and surrender to HIM like David did, then we will truly experience the love of a father, Our Father the Almighty God. Psalm 17

TESTIMONY: What do Reagan, Billy Graham, and this Jew have in common?

WORSHIP: Our Father (LIVE) - Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson | For the Sake of the World

Find rest in HIM!

Faith Is A Lifestyle, Try It!

 Faith Is A Lifestyle, Try It!

Faith is a lifestyle, not an event.  It is a result of having had an encounter with the Almighty God which causes you to trust in who HE is, inspite of what HE is doing in your life.  Sometimes you will not know or understand what HE'S allowing to happen to you. However you believe in HIS faithful character/ authenticity that is unchanging.  God has integrity. So you trust that whatever is happening, HE is aware and HE has already prepared a favorable outcome on your behalf.  God is always the Sovereign King.  Nothing happens by surprise. HE is always in control.

Romans 8:28

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

John 1 speaks about God in the form of Jesus becoming 'The Word' on earth.  The word is the belief system that God has ordained for mankind.  When Adam and Eve sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, it led them down a rabbit-hole of lies and deception. With each successive generation, mankind became more distant from the truth about God's nature and desire for man's relationship with God and the things in the earth.  Jesus came to re-educate us.  Jesus said, repent, change your way of thinking. You've got it all wrong. Let me show you how to do it. Let me show you how to do life the way the almighty God intended. I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh to the father but through me. Hebrews 11 It is impossible to please God without believing in HIS precepts about how we should live our lives. 

Romans 10:17

17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Faith in God is about believing in someone that you can't see, who has the ability to create something you can see.  If you can see it, it's not faith. It has nothing to do with your feelings.  It's more about the stance or direction you decide to take inspite of how you feel.  The more you move in that direction, the stronger your faith becomes. It is a testimony based on your experience in/ with what you believe in. It is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  The patriarchs in the bible chose to trust God, and HE in turn proved HIMSELF faithful to their beliefs. 

It is very important to know God's promises.  Because HE says that HIS Word will not return to HIM void. Isaiah 55 HE commands us to 'taste and see that the Lord is good'.  HE is faithful to HIS Word.  So if you know HIS Word you will know what is HIS Will and laws.  You will learn what to expect and it will improve your confidence in HIS ability to sustain and deliver you like King David. Psalms 138

Psalm 138:2

2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

Just as you would sit on a chair without examining it. Or take your medication as prescribed, or even book a flight and fall asleep on the plane until you reach your destination; so it is too that you should rely on God. It's so amazing how we display trust daily in things and persons, even strangers eg. the bus driver, the car, the train conductor, the chef at the restaurant, the traffic light, just to name a few. Yet the God who created us and loves us so much with such an everlasting love, inspite of all that HE continues to do like hold the sky in place, the seas by the shore, the sun to rise and set repeatedly everyday, oxygen for us to breathe in; has such a hard time getting us to entrust our future in HIS hands.  The devil is a liar. Don't believe him like Eve did. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path.  

TESTIMONY: My Jewish faith in Jesus couldn't be contained!

WORSHIP: Trust In God (feat. Chris Brown & Isaiah Templeton) | Elevation Worship

Change your way of thinking! Believe!

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 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!