While the Lord Jesus was here on this earth, there were many things and people that sought to disrupt His purpose and assignment. During those times, He always consulted with His Father in prayer, even when choosing twelve disciples, out of a multitude of followers.  One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:

Simon (whom he named Peter)
Andrew (Peter's brother),
James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas,
James (son of Alphaeus),
Simon (who was called the zealot),
Judas (son of James),
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).

In this three dimensional world in which we live, there are a multitude of distractions that seek our attention.  Keep in mind, there are demonic forces at work to keep you off balance from embracing the Kingdom message and fulfilling your mission.  They want to keep you distracted.  These demonic forces have no problem with you embracing a religious organization or attending church.  Those of us who preach and teach the Kingdom Gospel message, which is about His government, should always seek the guidance of the governor (Holy Spirit).  It is not a good idea to search out other religious books or religious information.  All you are doing is reading from their religious mindset.  What I find is that many of these leaders aren't being led by the Holy Spirit.  They are being guided by their denomination and others in their religious organization.  Many are actually seeking the Kingdom, but too stubborn or fearful to admit it.  Some would rather be the center of attention in their organization.  That is why many religious leaders fail to be obedient to the King's message.  They feel they won't get the attention they need to feed their ego...nothing but a distraction.  Pride, ego, fear, greed, lusts, etc are all distractions from the Kingdom.  It's not about the one who is bringing the message!  It is about the King and His Kingdom!  Do you recall what John said to his disciples?   Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people.

At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism.  (This was before John was thrown into prison.)  A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.”

John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend  is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.  Notice that the one who proclaims that the King had arrived knew his place.  He didn't claim to be someone that he wasn't. He didn't have a title or an entourage.  He was humble.   “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit."  Now what did he mean by the statement "Spirit without limit"?  In essence, there is no limit to His authority and power.  Because He knew His priority, and focus, He could make this statement to His disciples:  Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  

Are you aware that His own brothers attempted to be a distraction from His purpose and assignment?  After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters,  and Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! You can’t become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!” For even his brothers didn’t believe in him.

Jesus replied, “Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime. The world can’t hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil. You go on. I’m not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come.” After saying these things, Jesus remained in Galilee.  

They say "prepare for war in times of peace".  The same is true with your focus and purpose.  Get God's Word in you--His laws, standards and moral absolutes--and build your immovable foundation.  Then when disruptions and distractions come, you will stay focused.  Trust no one above God's principles and His Word. Stay focused and be very careful with those with whom you associate.  The wrong associates will disrupt your priorities and your focus.  

Remember, your faith in King Jesus is your greatest asset and your greatest strength in the Kingdom.

Luke 6:12-16   John 3:22-30, 31-34   Matthew 28:18   John 7:1-9 all NLT

~~W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you

In this three dimensional world in which we live, there is an epidemic of confusion, uncertainty, isolation and chaos.

Morality is at an all-time low.  Teen sex is promoted as "normal" and sex is an ordinary thing among teens and even some who aren't yet teenagers.  This demonic propaganda is promoted through the internet,  television and social media.  Never has it been more clear than today, that Satan is the "prince of the power of the air"   You went along with the crowd and were just like all the others, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air, who is at work right now in the hearts of those who are against the Lord.  Sexual promiscuity, homosexuality and other perversions are shown as normal; while those who are moral and celibate are portrayed as weird and mentally unstable.  We hear story after story of ministers, teachers, and leaders in their communities who are caught in sexual affairs and all manner of immoral or illegal behavior.  It is a crisis of character and moral standards.  Our foundation is crumbling.  What comes to mind is a warning from ambassador Paul, given to his young protege Timothy, concerning the danger of the last days:  You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.  For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.  They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.  They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.  (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.)  These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith.  But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres. Now, Jannes and Jambres were two Egyptian magicians who imitated Moses, the Lord God's representative.  

While the Lord Jesus was speaking to His religious critics, He made this statement:    “How can Satan cast out Satan?” he asked.  “A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse.  Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive. Here is how Dr Luke recorded this:   “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart. You say I am empowered by Satan. But if Satan is divided and fighting against himself, how can his kingdom survive?"  

Notice that He said the Kingdom would be doomed.  All religions are divided within itself and they all are man made.  Yes, even Christianity! Christianity is divided into many denominations (division) such as Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, Seventh Day Adventist, Presbyterian and many more.   Even these denominations are further divided by color, culture, social standing and nationality.  These are all facets that the evil one and demonic forces has created to separate and divide believers in the Lord God's Son. They all believe in Jesus, but can't agree on the Gospel they are to teach or even how they are to live.  Yet, He made it so simple.  And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,  so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

Believe in His Son and make Him the priority in their lives.  This is what is meant by "lift Him up".  When you lift anything above a crowd, it will get their attention! That is all it takes.  We must lay down all that divides us and LIFT UP the Kingdom of God.  Jesus didn't come to create many denominations.  He came to introduce ONE Kingdom...the Kingdom of God, His Father!

Remember, your most valuable asset is your faith in the King.

Ephesians 2:2 TLB   II Timothy 3:1-9   Mark 3:23-26  
Luke 11:17-18   John 3:14-17 --all NLT

~~W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you

Before man was created, the Lord God created all the living creatures in the sea and on the land.  Then God said, “Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind.” So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird—each producing offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply. Let the fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.”

And evening passed and morning came, marking the fifth day.

Then God said, “Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind—livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals.” And that is what happened. God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.  Notice that the Lord God created a job for Adam, before Adam was even created.  He was to be the manager of all that the Lord God created.   Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”  

From the beginning, the Lord God created Adam to take responsibility of all that He created.  Keep in mind, this was before Adam (mankind) failed to obey His command.  From the beginning, the woman was to assist her husband, not to take charge over him.  But first,  realize this one thing:  The Lord God created mankind after His image.  So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.  Notice He used the term them (plural) because the woman was already in the man.  This is why, when a man and a woman join hands in marriage, they become one flesh.  “At last!” the man exclaimed.  “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh!  She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’”  King Jesus repeated that statement while speaking to the religious group (the Pharisees).  Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?”

Jesus answered them with a question: “What did Moses say in the law about divorce?”

“Well, he permitted it,” they replied. “He said a man can give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away.”

But Jesus responded, “He wrote this commandment only as a concession to your hard hearts. But ‘God made them male and female’ from the beginning of creation.  ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one.

Notice that the Lord referred back to the beginning.  In essence, He was saying, the Lord God's plan has never changed.  Adam had a job to do.  He had a responsibility, doing the best at his assignment.  Cultivate and make it grow and manage all he was given stewardship over.  Up to that point, he was alone in the garden.  Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.  Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made.  Keep in mind, the Lord God gave Adam (man) the instructions. The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”  Eve wasn't created as of yet.   The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It was after Adam was placed in his assignment that the Lord God decided to give him assistance (a helper).  Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” ...So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.  

“At last!” the man exclaimed.  “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh!  She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’”

In order to understand the true purpose of the Lord Jesus' appearance on earth, you must return to the original plan of the Lord God.  That is where the Kingdom comes in to play.  The Kingdom of God was from the beginning.  When you embrace the Kingdom concept, you will definitely know your assignment and purpose as a husband and wife, as a man and a woman.  Allow me to make this statement as strongly as I can.  There are no second class citizens in the Kingdom, and that included a woman--a wife, her husband's helper.  She is his equal, but from the beginning, the Lord God gave man the responsibility to lead. Remember the woman was made from the man's side (rib).  The Lord God brought the woman to Adam, and he gave her the name Eve.  He put everything in his care.  Now the Lord Jesus has sent the Governor (Holy Spirit) to live in us and with us, to those who are obedient to His Word.  We are to be taught, guided and submissive to His leading.

Read this promise spoken by Lord Jesus while He was here on earth:  “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.  I am telling you these things now while I am still with you.  But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."

As He stated, don't be full of anxiety, afraid nor troubled.  We all have an assignment to fulfill.  None are greater or lesser in His eyes.  He chose you. What is there to be anxious, angry or fret about?

Always remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the Word of the living God. 

Genesis 1:20-25,26,27; 2:24   Mark 10:2-8  
Genesis 2:7-9, 15-17, 18, 21-23   John 14:23-27   NLT

~~W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you

What is reality?
Reality is the quality or state of being actually true.  Reality is the totality of all things possessing existence or essence.  It is that which exists objectively and is a fact.  Reality is the state of things as they are or appear to be; rather than as one might wish them to be.  Something that is real, either seen or unseen.  

Does your existence hinge on your faith in mankind's scientific theory or faith in the Lord God's creation?   The representative, Moses, wrote this in the Lord God's Constitution:  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Moses also made this statement concerning the Lord's creation:   This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.  In order for you to believe those statements, you have to embrace the Lord God as the creator, as well as His Son as our Savior.  

Now, by comparison, there was a man by the name of Charles Darwin, who came up with the theory that man evolved from apes.  By the way, it really takes faith to believe that theory!  How much faith does it take for you to believe that the Lord God created the heavens and the earth?  The ambassador Paul was full of faith in the Lord Jesus when he made this statement:  He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.  ​That is the reality of our existence.  We belong to the Lord God, whether we are obedient to Him or not.  In order for us to worship Him, we must have the Governor (Holy Spirit) living in our mortal bodies.  The Lord Jesus made this statement while He was here on earth.  God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.  The question is, will you believe Darwin's theory, a created being, or have faith in the Creator Himself?  In essence, where does your faith lie, in a man's theory or the Son of the living God.  He is King!  The angel of the Lord, while speaking to ambassador John while on the Island of Patmos, said:   These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.  

You must realize that your eternal future hinges on the King of all creation.  Have you taken the time to consider your eternal existence?  This is the only chance to be restored by embracing the King.  The One that sat on the throne made this statement to ambassador John.  Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.  He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son." 

The question is, who do you think has all power; a created being, whom the Lord God created, or the King of the universe?  Far too many have more faith in the creation than in the Creator   That includes false prophets, preachers, evangelists, teachers and others who say they are spiritual leaders.  Remember what the One who sits on the throne stated: "...But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Where do you place your faith?

Remember, your faith in the King--your Creator--is your greatest value in the Kingdom of God.

Genesis 1:1; 2:4   Colossians 1:15-16   John 4:24  
Revelations 17:14; 21:5-8   Joshua 24:15

​~~W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you

Many times I have stated that Kingdom living is all about obedience and faith in His Word.  To please King Jesus is to obey Him.  While speaking to the ambassador John on the Island of Patmos, the Lord Jesus made this statement: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”  While here on this earth, King Jesus also made this statement:   And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.  That statement occurred while He was speaking concerning the last days before His return.  “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.  But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.  You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.  Did you notice that the King compared Kingdom citizens to sheep among wolves?  Sheep don't fight back or get even.  Then He instructed us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.  Can you think of believers who fit those descriptions? Many are eager to fight for their "rights" in this world system.  Many so-called Christians are anything but harmless and definitely not wise.  They may not maim with guns, but with their words.  Those of us who have a Kingdom mindset consult the Lord God's Constitution in every situation and wait on His answer.  

Remember what the King said while He was here on earth.  But he who endures to the end shall be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.  Once again He stated "the Gospel of the Kingdom" not "the Gospel of Christianity".   Keep in mind that Christianity is a man-made religion which has embraced some of the Kingdom principles.  It accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but  is a religion where traditions and customs rule.  The Kingdom of God or Heaven is about government, where the Lord Jesus is King. It is about government, citizens and most of all its King.  

In Revelation, the Lord Jesus showed John visions while he was in solitude on the Island, Patmos.  Here are just some of the things He promised us through ambassador John.  Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.  The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  I trust in His Word and promises.  That is why I don't sweat the small stuff.  But first we must endure to the end.   And He said to me, “It is done!  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.  He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. Now to those who are ashamed of Him and His principles and who lack the backbone to stand firm:  But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.

Our great reward is eternal life with our King.  At the end of this life, we should be able to say, as Paul did:  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

And we will want to hear:  Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.

Remember, in the Kingdom, your greatest asset is your faith in the King.

Revelation 22:12-13   Matthew 10:22; 16-21  Matthew 24:13-14
Revelation 20:11-14   Revelation 21:7-8  
Matthew 25:21   2 Timothy 4:7-8

~~W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” When the ambassador John first came on the scene, those were his first words to the public. Those same words resonated throughout the last three years of the Lord Jesus' life while here on this planet.  It was His Father's last message to us.  From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  This same message resonates through those who are obedient to His Word.  The Lord Jesus was given this message from His Father God for us to embrace and teach others to do the same.  If you truly believe that the Lord Jesus is King, then you would not have any difficulty spreading the Kingdom message of His government. If you notice, I stated His government, not His religion.  See what Jesus' replied to Philip's statement:   Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.

Now, my question is, do your really believe in King Jesus' message of His government or are you still embracing your religious mindset?  There are many who embrace their religious denominations and organizations but reject the King's message that came from His Father God.  Keep in mind, when you reject His message, you reject the King.  This same King you reject will be your judge at the end.  For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

Those of us who preach and teach the Kingdom message have no concern about building a reputation for ourselves.  It is all about being obedient to the King.  He is the one who holds the power of life and death at His Word.  His message is one of urgency to the inhabitants of earth.  The earth belongs to Him. 

We must learn to stay focused on His message.  His message gives us a clear sight of who He is.  This is why He made this statement.  “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?  Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

If we put first things first, we would have less anxiety in our lives.  Allow me to mention some reasons many religious leaders fail to embrace the King's message of the Kingdom government.  

Many pastors and leaders are controlled by their denomination or organization on how to run the church.  It is not the Governor, meaning the Holy Spirit that is leading them, but the deacon or trustee board that they adhere to.  

Also, many leaders and pastors are afraid of losing the bulk of their revenue on Sundays. Being controlled by finances will keep you from stepping out in faith with Holy Spirit boldness.

​There are other reasons, but these are two major hindrances to teaching the Kingdom.  They muzzle and tie up the pastor, making him ineffective and no more than a hireling.  It quenches the Spirit and silences the spreading of the Kingdom gospel.  

For those who fail to embrace His message, remember what the Lord God stated through His representative when speaking to King Saul.  “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.  For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.”

Remember, your faith in His Word is your greatest asset!

Matthew 3:1-2; 4:17   John 14:8-11 Matthew 6:25-34   I Samuel 15:22-23

~~W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
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The most powerful element you have in your life is your faith.  In order for your faith to be effective, it must have an object.  That object must be secure and eternal. So I ask, who or what is the object of your faith? In the Kingdom, your faith and obedience operate in the Kingdom. Without it, you are dead in the water like a ship without a sail.  Ambassador Paul made this statement while speaking to the believers in Colosse:  Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  

As a Kingdom citizen, the Lord Jesus is the object of your faith!  Faith in anything else will let you down.  Your faith in Him is your rock solid foundation.  You must have your faith in King Jesus.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. He is your foundation for life and eternity.   And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 

Read what the Lord Jesus prayed to His Father concerning Himself:   Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,  as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.  Please notice that He had faith in His Father's commands:    "I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do."   The Lord Jesus was obedient until the end of His mission.  Now, what does that say for those of us who claim to be believers, and yet fail to follow His command to preach and teach the Kingdom message?  Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.

“Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”

So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

This command applies to you and I as well.  How else will this world system embrace His Kingdom message?  Your message should always be about the King and His Kingdom; not about prosperity, healing, favor, wealth, blessings and a better life.  Why?  Because the Kingdom has all of these things in it.  The problem is that many want those things without obeying His Word and seeking the Kingdom.  They are seeking the elements of the Kingdom without embracing the Kingdom of God.  Its all about your focus.  Their faith is in the leaders, their preachers, apostles, prophets and bishops.  That is a weak, temporary faith which WILL crumble in times of crisis or disappointment.  Only one foundation will stand with you no matter what happens and that is the Lord Jesus the King!

Far too many churches today are becoming entertainment centers, with far too many consumers and performers.  Allow me to be so bold to say "It's not about you!  It's not about them!  It's about Him!"  In that environment, they forget who they are supposed to be representing.  The preacher or speaker takes center stage as the ringmaster of this great circus.  It becomes all about the speaker, not much different from a Hollywood movie. You buy their sermons and books.  You can quote what they say far more than what God's Constitution says.  If your faith is in them, you are in trouble and you are in a position to be easily deceived and led away from God's Truth.  How does this compare to John's words here?  He must increase, but I must decrease.  He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.  

When ambassador Paul wrote to his young brother Timothy the second time, it was his final words of instruction and encouragement to Timothy and the citizens of Ephesus.  These same things are taking place here in the United States and around the world today.   But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!  For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,  always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  This is so true.  Some are so involved in their self-importance that they fail to recognize the purpose and mission to which they were called.  As the ambassador Paul said, ...having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!  The followers read all kinds of materials, related to religious subjects, but very little of God's Word ...always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. The wisdom and knowledge I have came from the Governor (the Holy Spirit) and God's Word.  That alone is our foundation.  

Keep in mind, King Jesus made this statement while speaking to His disciples.  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  When you are a Kingdom citizen in right standing, you fear no man or what he could do to you.  That is perfect peace that comes from your faith in the King.  You don't allow anything to sweat you because your allegiance is to the King (Jesus).  

I know there are other citizens of the Kingdom who believe as John did; that they must decrease and He must increase.  There are pastors and ministers who preach the Kingdom and don't entertain or want a following.  They aren't prideful or seeking attention, fame and money.  To those we say thank you, stay strong and know your foundation of faith is unshakable.  Know we lift you up in prayer. We pray for the Holy Spirit to direct you and for everything that is purposed for your life to be fulfilled before you breathe your last breath.  Keep seeking the Kingdom!

Hebrews 12:1-2   John 3:16; 17:3, 1-5   Luke 9:1-6   John 3:30-31
2 Timothy 3:1-7   John 14:26-27

~~W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
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We all must go through the process of change in order for us to be considered a citizen of the Kingdom.  The Lord Jesus chose twelve from the children of promise to be his disciples.  Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;  Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.  During the time that the King was on the earth, His disciples (meaning learner/student) were in the process of being changed through being in His presence for over three years.  Remember change is a process.  It leads to transformation, which begins in the mind.  Read what the ambassador Paul said:  

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

The disciples had a religious mindset before He called them out.  Keep in mind, several of them came from different occupations.  For example, Matthew was a tax collector and by the religious community he was considered to be a sinner (being disobedient to the Lord God's Word).    As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.

Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”  ​Notice that the religious people considered Matthew to be a sinner because he was employed by the Roman government; yet they failed to keep the law of God concerning honoring their parents, as so many do today.  Read what the Lord Jesus stated concerning their traditions and washing of hands:  Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”

He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?  For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’;  and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”—then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.  Religious people are quick to condemn others for their faults, but fail to realize that they have some of their own.

When you read, study and put His Word first in your life, change will begin the process in your life.  Keep in mind, it took over three years for the apostles (or disciples) to embrace the Kingdom message and concept and still the Lord Jesus had to stay here on earth an additional forty days after He had risen.  He was teaching them the Kingdom government.  The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.  

Allow me to share this thought with you.  For those people who are religious and have that religious mindset, change doesn't come easy.  They have to go through the process of detoxing their mind from all that religious mindset before they can start the process of embracing the concept of God's Kingdom government.  It's like those home improvement shows.  First comes demo days where all the old, outdated, ineffective stuff is removed and swept clean.  Then comes the transformation part!  This was predicted thousands of years before Christ came to earth in a physical body.  For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.  Again, the representative of the Kingdom spoke these words:  

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,
And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

His delight is in the fear of the Lord,
And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes,
Nor decide by the hearing of His ears;
But with righteousness He shall judge the poor,
And decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth,
And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.

Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins,
And faithfulness the belt of His waist.

Keep in mind that this change was predicted years before the Lord Jesus came on the scene.  The Lord God picked the right time for His Son to come to earth.  For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  The Lord Jesus chose the right time for Saul to be the apostle to the Gentile world.  It was a process for even Saul to embrace the Kingdom message.

Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”

And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.  And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”   

Remember, before the Lord Jesus can do a work in accordance to His purpose for your life, He first must get your attention.

Matthew 10:2-4   Romans 12:2   Matthew 9:9-11   Acts 1:1-3
Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:1-5   Romans 5:6   Acts 9:1-2, 10-16

~~W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
 
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you