The Kingdom of God
J |
esus taught us to entreat The Father, that His Kingdom be set up (Matthew 6:9-10). The term "Kingdom" is used more than 150 times in the New Testament. The root meaning deals with God's Royal Reign, demonstrating His Divine Dominion. The rule of God's domain is over all. His royal realm is without end. Jesus declared that this gospel of the Kingdom was to be preached in all the world, (Matthew 24:14). Our mission, on earth is to see that we obey Him and let Him anoint us to fulfill His plan for His kingdom. The Body of Christ is to so live a life yielded to Jesus that the kingdom of God is recognized here on earth.
The Kingdom of God is not just an eloquent dialogue of words but a demonstration of the power of God. The Apostle Paul declares; in 1 Cor. 4:20, For the Kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power. It 1s not enough just to deliver a sermon of well rehearsed words.
People must see the mighty power of God on display. The prophet Daniel declares but the people that so know their God will be strong and do exploits. One translation states they will display strength and take action. This generation is ready to see God's word displayed in action. Only then can people truly see the kingdom of God.
The body of Christ cannot afford to continue to walk about in a spirit of self-imposed amnesia. It is time we know who we are and what we are to be accomplishing in the earth. Jesus Christ makes this bold statement in John 14:12-14, Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that beliveth on me, the works that I do will he do also; and greater works than these will he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye will ask any thing in My name, I will do it. Each true Believer is to be doing the works of Jesus, this is the evidence of the Kingdom of God. Jesus reminds His followers as My Father has sent me even so now send I you. It is a demon spirit that attempts to get one looking and living in the past. Many seem to be reminiscing about the mighty moves of God in the past, we are so thankful to God for every move of God, but we can't live looking back, we must see God at work in our day. God is a God of the NOW! In 2 Cor. 5:20 we are reminded by Paul the apostle when he states, Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
In this verse we are instructed about our call and commission from God. We are His ambassadors, which deals with kingdom authority and kingdom representation. The word ambassador is the Greek word (presbeuo) this word deals with authority, and its root meaning is to be a senior representative, with power and authority. We are the ambassadors of Jesus Christ and we have been sent out with HIS AUTHORITY. According to this verse this is something that is actively working in us NOW!
We are here to do the very works of Jesus. This is the ministry of the kingdom. If we are to be doing the works of Jesus; we would do well to understand what works He did. In Matt: 4:2325 we find some of the activities of Jesus recorded. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom, and healing all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. We are to preach the good news of salvation, we are to teach the scriptures, heal the sick, set the captive free.
THE KINGDOM is at hand (Mathew 4:17). We are to declare the same message as the Master (Matt 6:10 and Luke 11:2). The Church has been entrusted with the administration of the Kingdom of God being established on earth. Jesus has released unto us the keys of the kingdom. We as followers of Christ are to busy
ourselves with seeking first the Kingdom of God (Mathew 6:33).
The Kingdom of God is evidenced by power, and authority, yet it is administered by grace and love. The true kingdom of God flourishes best in the soil of souls prepared and set up by the tender mercies of God. What a wonderful God we serve. He opens wide the doors of His kingdom and invites all to enter in.
By: Bobby Conner