Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6 What did King Jesus mean by that statement?

If anyone wants to approach the Lord God, they must accept the Lord Jesus as His Son. There are many who think that the only way to approach the Lord God is through a religion or some type of intermediary. But that is not the truth. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13
 
Remember this one thing:  In the Kingdom of the Lord God, the issue isn’t how much you have, but where you place your faith. Are you following King Jesus or are you following signs and wonders and the prosperity that many religious leaders are preaching? The most important information to know is the principle of Kingdom faith—trust the Source, not the resource! As King David said:  Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:3-5
 
There is only one mediator between the Lord God and mankind. Ambassador Paul made that very clear in his letter to Timothy.  For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 There isn’t any person on this earth that can forgive your sins—no prophet, preacher, teacher or priest. We are to trust and keep our faith in Him and Him alone.
 
Keep in mind that the Lord Jesus wasn’t God but the Son of the Lord God. His Father God gave Him all authority and power while here on earth. Jesus came and told His disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NLT
 
As I mentioned in a previous article, what is the motive and focus of your faith? Do you serve the King for what He can do or for who He is? Sometimes we don't realize how much of our prayer time and focus is on our needs and what we want from God rather than who He is and our love for Him. As a parent, how loved would you  feel if your adult children only came to you when they want something from you?

We as Kingdom citizens do not follow the Lord God for what we can get from Him, but for who He is. Kingdom faith is a foundation of total faith in our King not the King’s favor, or His gifts. Kingdom faith knows that even if we don’t see Him answer our prayers, we know that His Will is always for our best. He knows what we do not know and He always answers with what is best for us. All that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 6 are benefits of life in God’s Kingdom, but they should not be our focus, or what we seek. “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
 
That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
 
And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
 
So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:24-33 NLT

Often, Christians, especially those who have embraced prosperity teaching, assume that if they are going through difficult times or don’t see their prayer answered, they don’t have enough faith or, even worse, begin to doubt God. The Lord God always answers, but sometimes it is “no” or even “not now”. We need better discernment in those situations, to see where the Father is leading us in this situation. Kingdom faith doesn’t remove us from hardship; it preserves and protects us through hardships.
 
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
 
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:2-8 NLT
 
Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
 
But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27
 
In conclusion, the things we go through—such as the tests, trials and storms in the life of a Kingdom citizen—are not foreign, unexpected or even God’s judgment. They are for our benefit and growth in His Kingdom. Our strong foundation of faith in the King is the rock we can stand on with confidence that He will bring us through and we will accomplish His purpose in it.
 
Once again I say that your faith in the King is your most important asset in His Kingdom.

All scriptures are NKJV unless noted
​
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​

​We cannot live a Kingdom life without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who is our Governor.

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. John 14:23

Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. 1 John 3:24

To fully understand the nature of the Kingdom of the Lord God, we must first understand the reason for the King’s Son coming to this earth. First, He loved the people of this earth so much that He voluntarily limited Himself in significant ways in order to restore them to the Kingdom. Do you recall what King Jesus said concerning His Father?  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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17
 
Love is the nature of the Father and His Son. Keep in mind that the Lord Jesus is the perfect representation of the Lord God in human form. So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:14 NLT
 
God’s Son came to show us what the Lord God is like and to take away our fear of Him; enabling us to call Him, not only our King, but also our Father because we have been born again and His Spirit lives within us. Do you recall what the Lord Jesus stated to Nicodemus?  Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8
 
Please note, the Holy Spirit—our Governor—could only come upon people in the Old Testament times to do the work of the Kingdom in certain instances. It was when the Son came to earth, as the man Jesus, that the Governor could now live here on earth within His body; yet the Governor—Holy Spirit—still could not dwell in all humanity. Why? Because the Father’s plan was not yet completed through His Son. The Father’s plan was for the Holy Spirit to be released to mankind, who would receive Him through the provision of the King’s Son Jesus. If you love Me, obey My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you. John 14:15-17 NLT
 
The Lord Jesus’ teachings were filled with great truths. Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever]. Matthew 5:3 AMP
 
He taught that in order to live eternally, one had to die to oneself. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:24-25 NLT
 
In order to be strong in Kingdom power, one had to be weak in oneself. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  2 Corinthians 12:9-10
 
The Lord Jesus emptied Himself so that we could be filled. He became poor so that we could become rich. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
 
He also became like mankind by placing Himself under the restrictions of time and space so that we could be connected to His eternal Kingdom. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21
 
He subjected Himself to the law so He could free those under it. Finally, the Lord Jesus submitted to physical death so that we could have eternal life. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 
 
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11
 
This is the Father’s love, demonstrated through His Son. His powerful love for all mankind here on this earth. He sent His Son to restore His Kingdom here and to give mankind entrance into the Kingdom through His Son, Jesus. When Jesus’ assignment here was finished, He then sent the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor—to remind us of all Jesus had taught and all that the Lord God says. We cannot live a Kingdom life without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who is our Governor. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.  He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-15
 
Remember your greatest asset is your faith in the King’s Word.
 
All scriptures are NKJV unless noted
​
W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

 Continue to part 2

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To condemn is to publicly declare that someone is wrong, guilty; to pass judgment.
 
When speaking to the religious leader, Nicodemus, King Jesus made this statement: For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17 Keep this in mind, throughout His whole stay in this world; He never condemned a single person for their sins. In fact, He forgave them of their faults and sins. When people left His presence, they were better and forever changed; not condemned.
 
Do you recall the woman who was caught in adultery and how the religious leaders accused her before King Jesus? Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” 
 
This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.
 
So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
 
She said, “No one, Lord.”
 
And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 8:2-11
 
We, as Kingdom citizens are to teach and preach the Kingdom government as we are led of the Holy Spirit, our Governor. As I walk on this earth, I must say, there are many religious leaders and individuals who don’t even know who the Governor—Holy Spirit—is. If they don’t know who He is, how can they have Him dwelling in their mortal body?
 
When the Lord Jesus sent His disciples out in twos, He told them that if they were rejected, to simply “shake the dust off of their feet”. He never told them to condemn those who would not receive their message. “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city! Matthew 10:11-15 Note that He didn’t state to tell them they were going to hell.
 
We as citizens of the Kingdom government should always be looking to make others aware of the Kingdom message, but not to condemn. Now, first to be clear, those individuals who fail to acknowledge Christ as the Lord God’s only Son are condemned already. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:18-19
 
You cannot have the Lord God without His Son. They are One. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 1 John 2:23  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. . . 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. John 14:6 & 10
 
So we should always follow the example of our King Jesus and the leading of our Governor—the Holy Spirit. You must allow Him to draw them to the King through you. If you draw closer to Him, He will come closer to you.
 
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify  our hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:7-10
 
Our responsibility as Kingdom citizens is to preach and teach the Kingdom government to others and not to get involved in this world’s affairs. For we are born again of His Spirit, therefore we are not of this world.  Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My Kingdom is not from here.” John 18:36
 
This is why we, as citizens of His Kingdom, should never condemn the people of this world. We also should never have to pick up arms to defend ourselves. We are citizens of His Kingdom, not soldiers. The Lord God has angels to do His bidding.  And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
 
But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:51-53
 
We live in the fallen world but it is not in us. We are full of God’s Kingdom through the Holy Spirit operating within us. There is no place for condemnation in His Kingdom. We represent King Jesus and His Kingdom everywhere we go for where we are, God’s Kingdom is there! Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT  
 
Your greatest asset in the Kingdom is your faith in His Word.

​All scriptures are NKJV unless noted
​
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

If I were to ask people in your life what your culture is, what would they say?
 
The way you live, reveals the origin of your culture. It tells where you come from. The way you behave, the way you respond to others in times of crisis, the way you react to a situation and the way you deal with disappointments should reveal the Kingdom culture. Keep in mind that the qualities of the Governor within you—meaning the Holy Spirit—will define the uniqueness of your nature. It should outshine the old culture that you once had. Your unique culture will link you to the Lord God’s Kingdom and it will cause others to recognize who you really are. What is in you will be revealed to others. It cannot be hidden. King Jesus mad this statement: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” Matthew 7:15-20
 
Being in the Kingdom is a dynamic change in my life. If the Governor resides in you, you cannot enjoy living in rebellion against King Jesus! Doing so will feel very uncomfortable and unnatural because you are born again with a new nature. So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know Him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NLT
 
 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:5-6 In these two verses, King Jesus was speaking of the Holy Spirit, our Governor. As you grow in the Kingdom culture, you become bolder and stronger in your faith. You begin to view things differently from what they were before. Even now, as I write this, I am under the anointing of the Governor. The very same is available to you. It is impossible for you not to grow stronger in your faith in Him, under the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will guide you and lead you to all His Truth. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you. John 14:17 NLT Note that He said that “the world cannot receive. . .” So stop trying to convince the world and allow the Governor to live His culture in you. Keep living the Kingdom life and the Holy Spirit will draw them. Remember, only the Spirit can draw those who are without Christ. The King made this statement while He was here on earth:  No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44
 
There is a serious culture war raging in our world today. When you became realigned with the Kingdom of the Lord God, you eventually live in two kingdoms or worlds. One is the invisible Kingdom of the Lord God, which lives within you through the presence of the Holy Spirit, our Governor. The second kingdom of humanity is the kingdom of darkness. It is fueled by Satan and is all around us. There are remnants of our rebellious nature still present in us. They need to be rooted out by the Word of God. Keep in mind what ambassador Paul stated:  But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. Romans 7:20-22
 
Ambassador Paul reminded the first century citizens of the Kingdom in Philippi to keep focused on the heavenly Kingdom because our citizenship was in heaven. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20
 
Become aware of the culture that emanates from you to others. Show them the Kingdom culture and what it means to be in the Kingdom every day!  “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
 
Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges [those dishonorable desires] that wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the [unsaved] Gentiles [conduct yourself honorably, with graciousness and integrity], so that for whatever reason they may slander you as evildoers, yet by observing your good deeds they may [instead come to] glorify God in the day of visitation [when He looks upon them with mercy]. 2 Peter 2:11-12 AMP
 
And remember, your greatest asset is your faith in His Word.

​All NKJV, except where noted.

​~~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 do I mean when I state that the Governor is for all mankind? Read what the Lord God’s prophet, Joel, said:  “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. Your old men shall dream dreams. Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. Joel 2:28-29
 
In essence, Joel was saying, “I see a day approaching when we aren’t going to have to read or study the law in order to know how to obey the King because His Spirit will come upon young and old and they will obey the King as naturally as they formerly disobeyed Him.” No longer will there be a need for “selective rulership" with only certain people being influenced by the Governor—the Holy Spirit.
 
Keep in mind that all humanity had lost the Spirit and Joel was stating the Spirit of the Lord God would be poured out on “all people”—male and female alike, Israelite and non-Israelite, free and slave. Earthly prejudice related to gender, color or social status would disappear in the presence of the Holy Spirit’s return.

John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Mark 1:4-8

Keep in mind that the Holy Spirit isn’t just for certain individuals, but for all people who love and are obedient to the Lord God’s Word. If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17
 
Yes, the Governor is key to everyone on this earth. There are no exceptions. Now, the prophet Joel referred to the time of the Holy Spirit’s coming as “the day of the Lord”. The word “day” in this context means “era” or “age”. In essence, the day of the Lord would be the era or time when the Lord Jesus came to the earth. Note: The word “Lord” in the Hebrew language here means “self-existent” or new.
 
Malachi was the last Old Testament representative to promise the King’s return before the King Himself came to earth. He was given this Kingdom message:  “Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:1 Remember, the first messenger mentioned would prepare the way. That messenger was John the Baptist.  In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:  “The voice of one crying in the wilderness:  ‘Prepare the way of the Lord. Make His paths straight.’ ”Matthew 3:1-3 The second was the messenger of the covenant promise—He would “turn the hearts of the fathers. . .” And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:6
 
It was the restoration of the Lord’s Spirit for every person on this earth, which had been promised since the initial rebellion of mankind. The King would baptize them with His Holy Spirit, while aligning them with His Kingdom. Remember, the Holy Spirit coming wouldn’t be a temporary one time appearance, but a permanent one. He will be in you forever. He is your Teacher, your Guide.  And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. . . 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. John 14:16, 26 NLT
 
Remember, your faith in the Lord Jesus is your greatest asset in His Kingdom!

All NKJV, except where noted.

​~~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

The gospel of the Kingdom of God was the only message that King Jesus preached. At every opportunity, He reiterated its exclusive nature. The Lord Jesus never taught or preached any other gospel message but the Kingdom of His Father’s government. His message was exclusive. Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.”
 
And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”
 
Then He said to another, “Follow Me.”
 
But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
 
Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the Kingdom of God.”
 
And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.”
 
But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:57-62
 
How often do you make a commitment to the Lord God or anyone else without first considering the cost to you in the long run—time, energy, money, priorities, commitments or inconveniences?
 
Why do we make commitments without first counting the cost of that commitment? We have not settled in our minds what is our main focus and number one priority! That opens us up to attempting to be “loyal” to many different things, pulling us in many directions. Have you heard the phrase “Jack of all trades, master of none”?
 
When you have divided loyalties, you fail to focus on your number one priority. When you have a number one priority, you know where to start first.  You also know when to say no and what to put aside. Our King Jesus told us what our first priority was to be: But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33  Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.
 
Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?
 
“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Luke 12:22-31
 
If we want the Lord God’s best, we must learn to be obedient and focused on His commands. When we are laser-focused on His Word there isn’t any room for anything else. There are many who listen to the Word and read and study His constitution but fail to put it into practice in their lives. They have the knowledge but still have divided loyalties and weak commitments. Read what King Jesus said to a woman who called out to Him, giving a compliment:  And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!”
 
But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!” Luke 11:27-28
 
Focus Point:  Do you recall what the Lord Jesus stated to the crowd as He taught them? “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24 The Lord Jesus gave us only one responsibility to adhere to:  Seek His Kingdom first. That is the priority to this very day.
 
There are many individuals who follow the Lord Jesus, and some who are seeking the Kingdom of God, for what they hope to receive. If so, what they hope to receive is their first priority and where their loyalty lies. This is the exact opposite of the correct motivation, according to the Lord Jesus. The Kingdom of the Lord God isn’t a “bless me club”. We get it backwards! We don’t follow the Lord God to get Him to pay our bills. We follow Him because He is our Lord, King and Creator!
 
Focus Point:  The Kingdom priority is also our first priority in regard to our biological family and our relationships. Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him, but they couldn’t get to Him because of the crowd. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, and they want to see You.”

Jesus replied, “My mother and My brothers are all those who hear God’s Word and obey it.” Luke 9:19-21 NLT 

Then He said to another, “Follow Me.”
 
But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
 
Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-60  The Lord Jesus called a man who appeared to be willing to follow Him, but the man wanted to wait until after he buried His father. Keep in mind that the man felt bound by his social, legal and moral obligations to care for his parents. According to Jewish culture, to dishonor one’s parents was a gross sin. Honoring one’s parents is so important that the Lord God established it as the fifth commandment. Only the commandment to honor the Lord God is more important.
 
Focus Point:  Notice again how the Lord Jesus responded to the man’s request in verse 60:  Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the Kingdom of God.”
 
The Lord Jesus was simply stating that no priority takes precedence over the priority of the Lord God’s Kingdom government. The Kingdom is more important than family, friends, career or personal ambitions. In essence nothing is more important then the Kingdom of God!
 
Remember, your faith in the Lord God’s Word is your greatest asset in the Kingdom.

W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

All scriptures are New King James translation except where noted.

These articles may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are sited at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you.

​When you start reading and studying the King’s constitution consistently, a change will begin to take place in your life and your lifestyle. It is a process that must begin to take place within you. As you surrender your life to His Will, He will develop the spirit being in you. Remember, as you submit your will to His, you will begin to see changes in your life. And 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. Romans 12:2
 
Humbling ourselves is one of the keys to entering the Kingdom. It is all a process. We must learn to detox from what we have learned—and “caught”—here in this fallen world. Do you recall what King Jesus stated while He was here on earth? At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”
 
Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the Kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:1-4
 
Change doesn’t usually happen in an instant. Change is about being converted from one person to another. How are we changed? Remember, the Lord Jesus became the Word in the flesh. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 When you obey the Lord Jesus, you are obeying Him because Jesus is the Word that became flesh and walked among us.  Through being obedient to His Word, it will most definitely change you. You can’t be full of His Word and not be changed! The Lord Jesus was obedient to His Father through His physical death here on earth. Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.
 
For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’” Acts 3:17-23
 
It is vital for us to study the Lord God’s constitution.  His Word renews and transforms (changes) our mind. His Word gives us the courage and strength to stand in this age. Knowledge of His Word gives us direction and shows us His purpose for our lives. The reason so many individuals fail as believers is because they have so little knowledge of His Word.  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8
 
When speaking to the children of Israel through the representative Hosea, here is what He said:  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, also will forget your children. Hosea 4:6 He wasn’t speaking to those individuals who didn’t know, but to His people. Remember, He started, “My people. . .” It was a charge against His people Israel, not the lost people of the world! Hear the word of the Lord, you children of Israel, for the Lord brings a charge against the inhabitants of the land:  “There is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God in the land. By swearing and lying, killing and stealing and committing adultery, they break all restraint, with bloodshed upon bloodshed. Hosea 4:1-2 Believe it or not, there are many people who claim to know the Lord God who are doing the very same things. Remember what the Lord Jesus said while He was here on earth.  It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” 
 
For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” John 6:63-65
 
His Word has changed my entire life. If people who knew me twenty years ago saw me, they may recognize my face, but they would not recognize me because I am completely transformed from who I once was!  But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NLT
 
Remember, your faith in the Lord God’s Word is your most valuable asset in His Kingdom.

W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

All scriptures are New King James translation except where noted.

These articles may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are sited at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you.

The Lord God’s Kingdom concept is very distinct from the earthly version of a kingdom, even though it contains many of the same components and concepts. Despite many failed earthly kingdoms through history, the question still arises:  What is a kingdom? Why is a kingdom a much better representation of God’s heavenly Kingdom rather than any other earthly government?
 
Focus Point:  So, what is a kingdom? Simply put, a kingdom is the government of a king. A kingdom is the sovereign rulership and governing influence of a king over his territory. That is what the Lord Jesus is. He is impacting it with His will, His intent, and His purpose, while manifesting His culture and society through us by the Holy Spirit—our Governor—in us. His citizens reflect the King’s nature, values and morals. Do you recall the question Pilate asked the Lord Jesus and the answer King Jesus gave? Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
 
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”John 18:37
 
Focus Point:  A Kingdom is the governing impact of a king’s will over his territory or domain. It is the king’s influence and leadership over a people and a government. In essence, the very heart of any kingdom is its king. If this holds true, then the characteristics of every citizen should show signs of the king in their lifestyle. Their behavior, mannerisms, beliefs and speech will reflect their king.
 
Please note that heaven exists because of the creative activity of the Lord God. He spoke and it was created. It is infused with His presence, character and authority. The Lord God made it very plain in His Constitution. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Psalm 19:1  For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. Hebrews 3:4 There is no corner of heaven where His Will is not accomplished. He is Lord and King of all. In every way, the Lord God is the unrivaled Kingdom of Heaven. Satan, that dragon, had to be put in his place. And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
 
Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the Kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” Revelation 12:7-12 Yes, this is why Satan is here on earth. He was kicked out of heaven along with other angels who agreed with him. He was so full of pride and selfish ambition he tried to “overthrow” the King in His Kingdom and convinced other angels to join him!  How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart:  “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.” Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. Isaiah 14:12-15
 
Please note: In the natural realm the Lord God extended His Kingdom authority to the earth through the man called Adam and the woman called Eve. They were created in His image and released to rule the earth in His name, with His authority. But they rebelled against the Lord God’s authority, were disobedient to His command, and lost their rulership authority on the earth; leaving the earth under the temporary control of the evil one—Satan and his fallen angels, until the day He will restore His Kingdom to its rightful ruler. Remember this one thing; in the fullness of time the Lord Jesus came to the earth and reestablished His Kingdom.
 
Focus Point:  Only a King can establish a Kingdom. This act alone reveals that the Lord Jesus is the King. The constitution of the Kingdom of Heaven leaves no doubt as to the authenticity of His Kingship:   Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
 
Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”
 
Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”
 
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
 
Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
 
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” John 18:33-37
 
The Lord Jesus made is clear that His Kingdom was not of this world. Those who are born again by His Spirit are no longer of the world as well. Their citizenship is in Heaven. They take the Kingdom of God wherever they go.  But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. Philippians 3:20 NLT   I have given them Your Word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. John 17:14-17
 
Remember, your faith in the Lord Jesus and His Word is your greatest asset in the Kingdom.

W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

All scriptures are New King James except where noted.

These articles may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are sited at the end of the article as originally placed.  Thank you

I live in a small town called Easley, in the United States of America. But I wasn’t born or raised here. In the city where I’ve spent most of my life, Brooklyn, New York, there was no shortage of individuals with great monetary wealth.  By the way, I wasn’t one of them! Some of those people attended some kind of religious institution or church. Whether it was Catholic, Baptist, Methodist or Pentecostal, they all considered themselves to be Christians. In those churches, their pastors and religious teachers stressed to their members that paying their tithes was necessary to be blessed. The often used scripture in the Lord God’s constitution is Malachi 3:8. “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. NKJV 
 
While King Jesus was here on earth He never instructed His followers to pay tithes. He did state to give to the poor. Notice what He stated to the rich young ruler. Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”
 
“Why ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.”
 
“Which ones?” the man asked.
 
And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
 
“I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?”
 
Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
 
But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Matthew 19:16-22 Notice that not one time did Jesus mention to the rich young man to pay tithes (a tenth of his wealth). What He did state was to sell his possessions and give to the poor.
 
The story of the rich young man was also recorded in Mark:  Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” He told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
 
At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
 
Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” Mark 10:21-25
 
If you have the Governor—Holy Spirit—residing in you, He will lead and guide you as to your giving. Teaching tithing in the church has become vital to their survival. Churches need their bills and salaries paid. They raise building funds to build bigger buildings. These churches begin to have a great resemblance to the rich man building bigger barns. Then Jesus said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

Then He told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”  Luke 12:15-21

We are all to be good stewards of what we are given. This is just as true for the church as the people. Is there lack in the people? How are the offerings being used? Is the church's overhead so much that they must choose between paying their own expenses or helping those who come to them with genuine needs? In many cases, we have lost our way and sustaining the church takes precedence over helping those with dire needs!
​
This is what I want you to understand: King Jesus knew what monetary riches would do to us. Ambassador Paul addressed this with the Philippians.  And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 And here, Timothy addresses the issues with money: But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 This is true for all, including pastors and ministers and with their members.
 
My point is this, tithes in the New Covenant isn’t meant for the born again people of faith. Giving to the poor should be a priority. Giving whenever the Holy Spirit leads, is a priority. Read what the apostles did. All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. Acts 4:32-35 This is God’s plan for His church. The people freely gave (not a “tenth”) and the money was used to care for the poor and needy among them. Not one time did the apostles instruct the people to pay tithes in addition to giving to the poor. Having said that, the question is, can a rich individual enter the Kingdom of God? The answer is yes, but according to King Jesus it isn’t easy.  Then Jesus said to His disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” Matthew 19:23-24 But keep in mind, all things are possible with our Father.  The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.
 
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:25-26
 
If you really want to read something scary, read how riches distract people from the Lord God’s Kingdom and what ambassador James had to say to the “right believers” to whom he was writing. Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment. For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
 
You have spent your years on earth in luxury, satisfying your every desire. You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter. You have condemned and killed innocent people, who do not resist you. James 5:16 James gave them the plain unvarnished truth of riches!
 
Keep in mind that a tenth doesn’t belong to the Lord God. It ALL belongs to Him. But He gives us access and its benefits according to His will! He is our good Father and He supplies all our needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 So why would we worry or chase after wealth and the world’s riches? Give freely on every occasion as the Holy Spirit leads you. You cannot “outgive” our Father. Yes, He will supply ALL our needs according to His riches in glory. So why would we waste our time and energy chasing after wealth?
 
Remember, your faith in the King is your greatest asset in the Kingdom, yesterday, today and forever!

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

Let us pick up right where we last left off. Did you evaluate the fruit in your life? Does it look most like the Kingdom of God or the kingdoms of this world? So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. Galatians 5:16-18 It is the Holy Spirit within us that gives us the power to have a fruitful life in the Kingdom.  But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 NKJV
 
In this society, where social media dominates many individuals’ lives, many have lost confidence in the Lord God’s constitution. They think that it is just a book of religious stories. That is because religion has made it of no effect. They fail to obey King Jesus’ command and they fail to have any power in their lives. And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Luke 12:29-31 NKJV
 
Always remember that the Kingdom is a government and not a religion of any sort. Read what Isaiah prophesied many years before:  For a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! Isaiah 9:6-7  Notice there is no mention of a religion of any kind. That is because our King isn’t a King of any religion, but a Kingdom government. Mankind made up the religions of this world and the evil one is behind it all. Religion is a misrepresentation of our Lord and King Jesus and the Kingdom of God. This is a fallen world and the Lord God isn’t the ruler of it, the evil one is. Listen to what the Lord Jesus stated to His disciples. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does take place, you may believe and have faith [in Me].  I will not speak with you much longer, for the ruler of the world (Satan) is coming. And he has no claim on Me [no power over Me nor anything that he can use against Me]; but so that the world may know [without any doubt] that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father has commanded Me [and act in full agreement with Him]. John 14:29-31 AMP
 
When you totally trust in Him and His Word, He will give you the Holy Spirit—our Governor. The King always protects His citizens. He will be with you and in your mortal bodies.  If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17 NKJV
 
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself. 1 Corinthians 6:19
 
When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, everywhere you go, the Kingdom is there. Everywhere you go, you have the choice to become like the culture of the world, or to allow the Kingdom within you to change the culture around you.
 
Remember, your faith in His Word is your greatest asset in the Kingdom of God.

​All NLT except where noted

​~~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

Take heart! Your faith in God and His Word gives you the protection of the King in this fallen world! You are a citizen of God's Kingdom. It is your faith in God's Word that will give you the victory every time! In this world, trouble and challenges will come, but your obedience to His Word will give you the victory.

Stress, chaos, crime and all that is in this fallen world may surround you but will not touch you because of your unwavering faith. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:17-18 NKJV  Read that carefully. Fear torments and it doesn't come from the Lord God. Fear is what the evil one uses to keep Kingdom citizens from being prosperous and productive. The question is, how is that possible? The answer is by failing to read, study and embrace the Lord God's constitution--His Word. In this fallen world, that must be our consistent priority. Remember, it is only when fear gets a hold on many saints that the world's troubles come upon them. It is like getting a big hole in your boat. In time, what gets in that boat will sink you! When fear comes to test us we must take the fear captive and send it back from where it came! For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 NKJV ​

It is because of this fallen world that the color of my skin isn't accepted in some communities. That comes from fear--fear of the unknown. But here is part of my joy: In the Kingdom, skin color isn't an issue. We are spirit beings in a skin suit. If you are reborn by His Governor--meaning the Holy Spirit--you are a citizen of the Kingdom. The King stated that unless you are reborn of the Spirit, you can't even see the Kingdom. That is why so many religious Christians don't understand the Kingdom government message. Read what King Jesus stated to the religious leader who should have know, being a teacher of the law:  Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

“What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”

Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

“How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.

Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? John 3:3-10 

Nicodemus should have known, because he was a ruler and teacher of his Jewish people. There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” John 3:1-2 

Now here is the difference between living in the Kingdom and rediscovering the Kingdom. In the original Kingdom, all they had to do was listen and obey the Lord God's command.  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.” Genesis 2:16-17... Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”

“Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” Genesis 3:9-11 

Rediscovering the Kingdom, our spirit has to be reborn or renewed through Jesus Christ so that we can be Kingdom citizens in good standing. The Lord Jesus came to earth to redeem His people and all those who would accept Him by their faith. He came to deliver them from this fallen world and into His Kingdom. Let's continue reading what King Jesus told the religious ruler:  “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.

“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in Him. But anyone who does not believe in Him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants. John 3:16-21 

We should be praising King Jesus for giving us access into His Kingdom through faith in Him. Praise the Lord! But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and His children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree. But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root. Romans 11:17-18

Remember, your greatest asset in the Kingdom is your faith in the Word of the Lord God.

 ​All NLT except where noted

​~~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

The other morning, I was in a quiet place, in my office. While reading a book by a well-known religious author, I came across a statement that was not a statement of truth. In fact it was somewhat misleading. The author was comparing the Kingdom of God with the Magic Kingdom in Disney World in Orlando, Florida! Keep in mind that the Kingdom of the living God is a government, not a religious institution. In God's Constitution, in the book of Isaiah, he prophesied of the coming King:  For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called:  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! Isaiah 9:6-7

Those who have been born again of the Spirit are citizens of the Kingdom, with the rights of citizenship. It is nothing like the Magic Kingdom or any other amusement park. We have the benefits of citizenship under a loving King. Our King also gives us protection. We don't have to fight for our rights, He has angels for that. 

How do we gain access into the Kingdom? First, you must acknowledge Jesus as your Lord and King. Then you must "turn around" or repent and turn away from your sins. Remember, He is your Savior and access to the Kingdom. He is the door. Only believe and have faith in Him! You can't bring all your sins into the Kingdom of God. Put them down, leave them with Jesus Christ and walk away from them! The Lord Jesus is the only way to enter into the Kingdom of God.  "Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through Me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices His life for the sheep." John 10:9-11   Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me." John 14:6 

​The Lord Jesus characterizes Himself as the Good Shepherd. He gives spiritual life and gives access to spiritual food. By the way, His food is His Word.  So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:14

I cannot overemphasize the importance of reading and studying His Word. Do you eat every day? In the same way, we must feed our spirit every day. By doing those things, and putting His Word into practice in your life it will become your lifestyle. Remember, this is a fallen world that we live in. By doing those things, He promises you the Holy Spirit--our Governor. If you love Me, obey My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 14:15-16

Attending a church every Sunday and being good to people doesn't mean you know the King or are part of the Kingdom. The Lord Jesus wants you to live by His Word and make it your lifestyle so you will know the Truth. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you. John 14:17 Notice that the Lord Jesus wants you to have the Governor--Holy Spirit--because it is essential to being in the Kingdom. He states "It will be with you and in you, forever".

Now, as a Kingdom citizen in good standing,you have all the promises and rights of His government; meaning protection provision, healing and all the other privileges that come with being a citizen of His Kingdom. The Kingdom of God isn't a religion, but a government. I repeat this often because it is very hard for people to separate from all the things they have learned through religion and see King Jesus and God's Constitution in terms of a Kingdom government! 

Your faith in the King gives you that access to the Kingdom. I can't say that enough. Why do I say this? Because without faith in the King, there is no other way to please Him. Ambassador Paul said it well: And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 It is my goal in this life to please Him in all my ways.

So remember that your faith in the King is your greatest asset in the Kingdom!

​All NLT except where noted

​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

Most of my life, I resided and worked in New York City.  There I observed and dealt with all types of people.  I learned a great deal about the behavior of men and women.  Though they came from countless different cultures, there were many similarities.

I have also had the opportunity to observe and study sheep.  While I lived in San Bernadino, California back in the late 90's, I used to watch a herd of sheep grazing on the hillside not far from San Bernadino University. A dog would be running from side to side, keeping the sheep bunched together.  Little did I know at the time, that it was the sheep controlling the dog and not the other way around.  Contrary to popular belief, in reality, sheep are surprisingly intelligent with impressive memory and recognition skills. They build friendships, stick up for one another in fights, and feel sad when their friends are sent to slaughter.  By the way, they are also considered to be some of the most destructive creatures on this earth.  Another piece of interesting information is that there are difficulties in raising sheep.  They are not as easily fenced as cattle, but they are much easier than goats. Sheep are also more vulnerable to many types of predators. Although they tend to be less susceptible to diseases than other types of livestock, they are susceptible to parasites. By observing the sheep on the hill, I learned that much of what I thought about sheep wasn't correct!   

Much of my interest in sheep was sparked by our King Jesus as He referred to Himself as the good shepherd.  “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.  A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock.  The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep."

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me,  just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice My life for the sheep." John 10:11-15  Notice what He stated in verse 15 of God's Constitution.  He laid down His life for us that we can share in His promise and all we have to do is to believe in Him.  If we believe in Him, He promises us eternal life with Him.   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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17 NKJV  There are people all around this planet who are embracing Him as King and Lord but not as a religion.  I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.  John 10:16  

Notice He stated "one flock and one shepherd".  Again He compared the people with sheep and Himself as the shepherd.  There is no division in the Kingdom of God.  Remember what the King said: I am the good shepherd; I know My own sheep, and they know Me, John 10:14  Kingdom citizens have one Lord and King, and they know the voice of their Lord and King.  It is very distinctive from other voices.

Jesus said we are His sheep. We've learned that sheep are surprisingly intelligent, have good memories and good recognition skills. They don't like to be fenced in! They build friendships, defend those friends and feel sadness when one of their own die.  They can be very destructive but vulnerable to predators. It's good that they are intelligent so they may outsmart their predators!  I've described sheep, but does that sound like anyone you may know in your life?!  When King Jesus sent out His disciples, He compared them with sheep:  Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.  Matthew 10:16

 
Those who have the Governor--Holy Spirit--living inside of them are citizens of the Kingdom and are sensitive to listening to His voice to lead and guide us in our daily lives.  Knowing God's Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit is what keeps us from following a stranger's voice.  What that stranger says will be a strange sound because it does not line up with God's Word that is in you!  It is our relationship with the Father and our faith in Him that causes us to be victorious in this world.   “If you love Me, obey My commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you. John 14:15-18   

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?  1 John 5:3-5 NKJV

Remember, your faith in the Lord Jesus is your greatest asset in the Kingdom of God.

​All scriptures NLT unless noted.

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

From the very first time that Adam chose to follow his wife's lead to disobey the Lord God's command, mankind has been operating in a fallen world.  That is where mankind's troubles began. 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.” Genesis 2:16-17

To live in the world and live effectively, we must be born again--reborn by the Spirit.  Operating in this present world without the Governor--Holy Spirit--is equal to being in a dense forest in the night without any guidance.  Keep this in mind, we must be obedient to God's Word, God's Constitution.   “If you love me, obey My commandments."  John 14:15  It is important that we understand that the Holy Spirit is the same Spirit that took our Lord and King, Jesus into Heaven. After saying this, He was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see Him.  As they strained to see Him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday He will return from heaven in the same way you saw Him go!”  Acts 1:9-11

Operating in this present world without the guidance of the Holy Spirit causes us to make many poor decisions, which could be avoided if we took the time to pray and listen to leading of the Holy Spirit.  Before ambassador Paul could operate in this present world as the Lord Jesus' ambassador, Jesus had to get his attention. As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting Me?” Acts 9:3-4  From that point on, the Lord Jesus instructed him on what to do and where to go to receive his further instructions.   “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.

And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!  Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one!  Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.  Acts 9:5-9

Keep in mind, before Paul could operate as an ambassador of the Kingdom, as well as fulfilling his purpose and assignment, he first had to be prepared.  That means being filled with the Holy Spirit--the Governor, living a Kingdom life in obedience to His Word.  In doing so, you live in victory.  Note that not long after Saul had become Paul and had received the gift of the Holy Spirit, he started preaching the message of the King.  So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”  Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.  Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.

Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”  Acts 9:17-20

Whenever you have a purpose and assignment, you will face challenges but the King is with you all the way.  He will see you through it for His name sake.  Read this conversation the Lord Jesus had with His servant Ananias.  Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord!” he replied.

The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to Me right now.  I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”

“But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!  And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”

But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is My chosen instrument to take My message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”  Acts 9:10-16  Whenever the Lord God chooses you for a purpose and gives you an assignment, He will equip you with the Holy Spirit, so get tuned in to Him.

Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the Word of God.

All scriptures NLT unless noted.

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

You didn't get where you are in this world by luck or chance. Many who are reading this had a chaotic past to get where they are in the Kingdom.  I must confess that I was one of them.  If not for the Lord Jesus' hands on my life, this would be another story!  Getting where I am today was surely a divine process and not of my own abilities.  It is a process that the Lord Jesus guided me, through the Governor--the Holy Spirit.  The Lord Jesus made this statement while speaking to His own people:

Then the people began to murmur in disagreement because He had said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.”  They said, “Isn’t this Jesus, the son of Joseph? We know His father and mother. How can He say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”

But Jesus replied, “Stop complaining about what I said.  For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up.  Yes, that is right!  No person can come to the Kingdom of God unless the Spirit draws them.  That answers the question of why people are just religious and not Kingdom citizens. 

Before I came to embrace the Kingdom message, I was religious, sinful and full of disobedience to His Word.  Little did I know, it was all in the journey and process to get where I am today.  By the way, I am still in that process.  I went through a journey of disobedience to obedience, and it wasn't a bed of roses.  The whole time, the Lord Jesus had His hands on me, guiding me through the Holy Spirit.  I have learned, when you are led of the Holy Spirit (Governor) your own people will misunderstand you, just as they did in the time of our King Jesus.  Many of His disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?”

Jesus was aware that His disciples were complaining, so He said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again?  The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But some of you do not believe Me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and He knew who would betray Him.)  Then He said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.”

At this point many of His disciples turned away and deserted Him.  Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”

Those who are hungry for truth and righteousness and a pure heart will seek after the Kingdom.  They will make it their top priority.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.

Every one of you reading this article should take time out of your busy day to evaluate where the Lord Jesus has brought you from.  Also, think of what He has kept your from.  Yes, thank the Lord Jesus for His grace and mercy!  Remember the question they asked among themselves:  “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”  Now hear the King's response:  So Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you cannot have eternal life within you.  But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day.  For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.  I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. I am the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the manna) but will live forever.”  

Never judge by what you may see or by others appearance, but let yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit. Words of wisdom to live by! Jesus made that perfectly clear.  When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future.  

There is one statement I want you to pay attention to:  "He will not speak on His own".  It reminds and admonishes us to not give our opinions or what we "think", but only speak what the Father speaks...God's Word is our only response.  I have learned in my time on this earth that the Holy Spirit--our Governor--does not need my leadership.  He just wants my submission to the King's Word.  From there He will guide you to all truth.

Never discount someone lost because you don't know the journey they may have traveled.  That isn't our responsibility.  Remember the journey and process King David went through.  Listen to what the Lord God stated.  But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’

Remember, your faith in the Lord God's Word is your greatest asset in His Kingdom.  

John 6:41-44, 60-65   Matthew 6:33   John 6:52-58; 16:13   Acts 13:22

​All NLT, unless noted
 
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

While King Jesus was here on earth, He promised His disciples a priceless gift.  A gift that would live with us and be in us. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you. Yes! It is our Governor, the Holy Spirit!  It was complete after King Jesus went back to His Father and would connect those who believe in Him to the Father through the Spirit.  After His resurrection, the work of preparing mankind to receive the Governor was complete.  Keep in mind, the spirit of rebellion and independence from the Kingdom was broken.  Now any man or woman who personally received the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, by applying it to his own life, is now cleansed and qualified to be a residence for the Holy Spirit.

​Always remember that the Lord Jesus' life, ministry, death and resurrection led up to His most important act on this earth:  the giving of the Holy Spirit (our Governor) to mankind.  Shortly after His resurrection, the Lord Jesus came to the room where His disciples had gathered and stated,  Again He said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”  Then He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”  Please take note:  The disciples were commissioned to carry on the Lord Jesus' work, not to start a new one. 

When King Jesus breathed on His disciples and said "Receive the Holy Spirit" it was in preparation for what was to come.  Having said that, the Lord God will not give you something and you don't know what it is or who He is, in this case.  The Lord Jesus was preparing them for their purpose and their assignment on this earth.  The whole time He was on earth, He was teaching His disciples His Father's commandments, His Word.  Through God's Word, we get wisdom and an understanding of the Holy Spirit and how He operates in our life.  It is a lack of understanding that causes some religious individuals to refer to the Holy Spirit as an 'it' or a 'ghost'.  That shows a limited understanding of God's Word and the Holy Spirit.  

On the day of Pentecost, Jesus gave them the power necessary to fulfill their assignment.  On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.  Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.  Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.  And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.  When the Holy Spirit came, the people knew who He was and why He came at that particular time.  It was ambassador Peter who explained the strange happening to those around them.  Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this.  These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that.  No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:

‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy.  Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.  In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike—and they will prophesy.  And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below—blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives.  But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’"

If the Lord Jesus hadn't taught them about our Governor, the Holy Spirit, they wouldn't have had a clue of what was happening to them.  Even after the Lord Jesus' resurrection, He continued teaching them the Kingdom message.   In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day He was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after He suffered and died, He appeared to the apostles from time to time, and He proved to them in many ways that He was actually alive. And He talked to them about the Kingdom of God. 

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit unified the believers into one body and empowered them to testify of their Lord and King, Jesus.  We are all one in Christ because we were all born again in the same Spirit.  Ambassador Paul put it this way:  The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.  Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.  Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part.

Also, remember that the Spirit of the Lord God gives you the same mindset. Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. NKJV  

Remember Your faith in the Word of God is your greatest asset in the Kingdom!

John 14:16-17; 20:21-22   Acts 2:1-4, 14-21   Acts 1:1-3
1 Corinthians 12:12-14   Philippians 2:1-2
All NLT except where noted

​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

To be successful in the Kingdom government, you must first put aside everything that you knew about the Kingdom and embrace the Lord God's Constitution as a humble little child.  If you have had a religious upbringing, that is more difficult than if you had never heard of the Bible and Jesus.  You must come to Him as a child, open and willing to be taught and hungry to learn.  One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so He could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering Him.

Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.  I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 

​Many religious leaders, teachers, pastors, evangelists and prophets have made the Word of the Lord God seem so complicated and difficult to understand.  They want you to think they are "deep" and keep you dependent on them to explain what God is saying.  Some even want you to think they have some special revelation from the Lord God, that goes beyond the Bible.  They use His name to sell books and to build their own kingdom in this present world.  If you want to truly be successful in this present Kingdom and the Kingdom to come, then here is what King Jesus told His disciples and those that followed Him:

“If you love me, obey my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.  He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. "  Later in John's first letter to the church in Asia, he confirmed the Lord Jesus' word of obedience to His Words.  In essence, if you desire to be successful in Kingdom living, all you need to do is to embrace the Lord God's Son as your savior, believe in His Word and allow Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit, which is the governor.  He will guide you to all truth...God's Truth.  By the way, in the Kingdom, you can't be successful if you have no love for your brothers and sisters that are in Christ.  If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?  And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.  

When you are successful in the Kingdom of the living God, your obedience to His Word is the main ingredient to becoming a citizen in right standing with the King and His Kingdom.  Ambassador John put it this way in his first letter to his brothers in Asia. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey His commandments.  Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome.  For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.  And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.  Success in the Kingdom doesn't look like success in the world.  Success in the world is based on money, power and popularity.  Success in the Kingdom is summed up in those verses:  Victory over the world.  To have victory over the world, means that it has no power over you anymore.  It offers no real temptation any longer.  You have conquered it in your soul (emotions) and have self-control.  You love God, His children, His Word and are obedient to it.  The world no longer controls you.

There have been many religious books and materials written on the Bible (the Lord God's Constitution) and most of them mention nothing of the Kingdom government.  It doesn't benefit their purpose, their agenda, their bylaws nor their offering plates.  But remember, the Lord Jesus never taught or preached about the cross or the resurrection, it was part of His assignment but not His message. His message was the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.  His very first words to the public were:  From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  NKJV

Keep this one thing in your mind: the Lord Jesus never told His disciples or any of His ambassadors that He would make them rich while representing the Kingdom.  And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Notice He said "according to His riches in glory"; not that He would make you rich according to this world, but that you would never need for anything.  Why?  Because the King will take care of all your needs.  My wife Arlene and I can testify to that.  God always supplies our needs, in His time.  Do you recall what the Lord Jesus stated to His disciples and those around Him in Matthew?   “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money."

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?  Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are?  Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,  yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.  And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’  These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.Today’s trouble is enough for today."

Again, remember that the Lord God never promised us riches that we could spend on ourselves.  He meets our needs and provides for His purpose for our lives.  That doesn't mean that we make grand plans for "our purpose" outside of His Will and then expect Him to bless it and fund it.  Where He leads, He provides, not where we lead.  Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest.  We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.  No, He didn't promise us wealth, but He did promise us eternal life, which is priceless.  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.  He doesn't want any in this world to be lost, but people must make their own choice.

Remember, your faith in the Lord Jesus is your greatest asset in His Kingdom!

Luke 18:15-17   John 14:15-18   1 John 4:20-21; 5:1-5  Matthew 4:17
Philippians 4:19   Matthew 6:24-34   Proverbs 16:8-9   John 3:15-17
All NLT except where noted

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

When King Jesus was here on earth, He made a point to tell the disciples that He was sending them out by twos to represent Him and His Kingdom government.  And He called His twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits....Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. Jesus told them to be "shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves".  What was He instructing?  What are the characteristics of a snake or a dove to which He is referring?  Have you ever pondered that thought?  

First, let’s deal with the serpent.  Physically, they have a forked tongue, limbless body, extremely flexible, scaly skin, which they shed periodically. But He is referring to the snakes attributes and behavior.  A snake is very sensitive to his environment and is affected by it, to the point of taking on its temperature.  They are very adept at staying hidden.  Snakes are considered intelligent and wise, instinctual.  Our medical symbol included snakes wrapped around a staff.  Individuals with this type of spirit tend to act according to their own judgments, while remaining private, not drawing attention to themselves.  They don’t reveal their thoughts or feelings impulsively.  They are quiet and observe rather than make their presence known.  These are only a few of their characteristics. Be observant and aware of your environment and people around you. Be proactive and able to respond quickly, focused and to the point. Quiet, but keenly aware of what is going on and how you should respond.  That is what the King meant when He said this to His disciples.  Of course, true wisdom comes from our heavenly Father, the one who created the snake! Remember what King Solomon said?  Get wisdom; develop good judgment.  Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.  Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.  Love her, and she will guard you….To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.
 
Now, the characteristics of a dove.  Have you ever seen a dove get violent or fight with another bird?  In my experience, I have never seen a dove come into conflict with another bird!  The dove represents peace of the deepest kind.  It was the dove that came back to Noah with an olive branch.  The characteristics of a dove: social, loving toward others, loyal, consistent, affable, honest and friendly.  Do you have any of those traits?  If you don’t feel you are lacking in those traits, evaluate your personality and see where it lines up with God’s Word.  Your life must be in line with the word of the living God.  The Lord God never called us to be fighters or to protest.  He told us to submit and resist.  Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  NKJV
 
The Lord God has angels to do His bidding.  We, as citizens of the Kingdom of God, are never called to fight but to spread His Kingdom message to those who would hear it and embrace it.  Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town.  When you enter the home, give it your blessing.  If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing.  If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. Obedience to these words of Jesus shows wisdom as well as humility.  You will never see a dove fighting for its rights or food.  Those people who are religious and caught up in this world will never be satisfied because they have mixed the cares of this world with the Kingdom of God.  By the way, that will never work!  Keep in mind, fear and faith in His Word cannot mix.  Either you believe in His Son and stand on His word for your very life or you don’t. 
 
In your dealings with those of this world, especially those in religious circles, you must be very alert and use wisdom in dealing with them.  Many say they know the Lord and don’t have a clue who He really is.  Do you recall what ambassador John wrote to the believers in his letter?  Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.  This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God.  But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here. But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.  Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them.  But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.
 
Walk in the Spirit.  Stay in His Word.  Remember what the King stated while He was here on earth.  I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place.  Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
 
Remember, your faith in King Jesus is your greatest asset in His Kingdom!
 
Mark 6-7   Matthew 10:16   Proverbs 4:5; 19:8   John 4:7  
Matthew 10:11-14   1 John 4:1-6   Mark 13:30-31 
​All NLT, except where noted.
​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

There are many things that can cause us to lose our focus on the Word of the King.  Notice I said "can cause" us to lose our focus, not "will cause" us to lose focus. What you focus on is a choice.  For example:

Wealth, entertainment, sleep deprivation, homelessness, hunger,  sickness in your body, family who want you to be someone you are not, people who want you to help them fulfill their dream, and of course, relationships.  The list is endless!  This is only a fraction of what could cause you to lose your focus on His Word.  This is why it is vital to have a solid foundation that is based on faith in His Word; not on any religious philosophy. 

It is so important that we set our priority, before distractions set in.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."

The evil one has many tempting distractions to throw at you to cause you to lose your focus from the Lord God's Word if you allow it.  Yes, anything can be a distraction if you allow it!  Fame, money, internet, TV, husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend and even your children!  Can you identify your top three distractions?

"I was going to read and study the Word this evening, but_________ one of my favorite movies came on and before I knew it, I was falling asleep."  

"I just started reading when ___________ called and I couldn't be rude and not answer!"
​
"I was going to spend time in prayer, but _________" 

Fill in your blanks!  The more excuses that pile up, the blurrier your focus on the Lord God becomes. It is inevitable! But:

"You shall have no other gods before me."   

During the time Jesus was in the wilderness, being offered things of this world by the evil one, the Lord Jesus stayed focused on His purpose and assignment. When the enemy of the Kingdom offered Him the pleasures of this world, the King quoted His Father's law.  Next the devil took Him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.’”

Another very serious distraction comes from close family members who aren't filled with the Holy Spirit, and who don't have a clue who the Lord Jesus is.  They may only attend a religious institution, yet they want to give you advice on how to live a righteous and holy life.  They may even go so far as to chide you for being "too spiritual" and a "wet blanket" at family events.  Do you recall what the Lord Jesus stated when His parents and siblings came calling on Him while He was focused on His Father's business?  The Lord Jesus' response was straight forward and to the point:  As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, His mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to Him.  Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak to you.”

Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”  Then He pointed to His disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers.  Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”

That should be the viewpoint of ever Kingdom citizen concerning their families and the Kingdom.  Do you recall what King Jesus stated to His public? 

“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.

‘I have come to set a man against his father,
    a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
     Your enemies will be right in your own household!’

“If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.  If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.  If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it."

It is the Word of the living God that will save and keep your focus on the Kingdom, not your religious beliefs.  Whenever you find yourself losing focus, remember what King Jesus said to Thomas when he wanted to know the way:  "When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.  And you know the way to where I am going.”

“No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where You are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me."  

Keep focused on the Word to stay on course!

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

Matthew 6:33-34; 4:8-10; 12:46-50; 10:34-39   John 14:3-6
All NLT, unless noted

​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

There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee.  After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”  Did you notice that He stated that before being born again he couldn't even see the Kingdom?  Also, that is the only account which the term "born again" is referenced in the Constitution scriptures, and yet the expression has become almost a catch phrase among the religious Christian community.  So much so that it has lost its true meaning.

​What does it mean to be born again?  Being born again means that you have accepted Jesus the Christ as your Lord and Savior and have received the Holy Spirit--our Governor--and have therefore been given a completely new nature, unlike the world and its system.  A new nature is to become citizens of the Kingdom Government.  Ambassador Paul put it this way when he was addressing the Ephesian believers:   Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.  NKJV

Because of the Holy Spirit--our Governor--we now have His DNA.  Wherever you go, you are a child of the King and your conduct should reflect that.  King Jesus made that quite clear when He made this statement:  “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.  

We are to represent the King and His Kingdom in all that we do and say.  We aren't to live like we have no principles or standards.  We are an extension of the Kingdom of God, in this fallen world.  If we choose to live a life without God's principles or standards, there are consequences.  Read what ambassador Paul wrote to the saints and citizens of Ephesus: Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.  Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.  You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey Him.  Don’t participate in the things these people do.  For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.  

Keep in mind, the new birth, or conversion as most Christians call it, prepares us to be with our King to be reconnected with the Kingdom government and restores our relationship with our King and Lord God.   "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  To be a Kingdom citizen, you must have in your mortal body the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, our Governor.  That is a must!  Why?  Because the Holy Spirit is the extension of the Lord's nature from Him to us.  In other words, regardless of the color of your skin or the country in which you were born, or the language you may speak; if you are born again with the Spirit of the Lord God, then the Lord God is your Father.  In essence, you have the same Father as the Lord Jesus.  For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.  So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, “Abba, Father.”  For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.  Yes, we are heirs of the Lord God and joint heirs with Jesus!

And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are Heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering.  Your life should reflect the nature of the Lord God you serve at all times, not just on Sunday morning.  The foundation of your thinking should always be the Word of God.  By the way, it is the Governor--Holy Spirit--that gives you the power and authority to overcome the World. But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.  Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them.  But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.

The Lord Jesus did it all for us.  He overcame the World and its system, that we could be reinstated back to the Father.   I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

One more thing, once you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit--our Governor--that is His seal of approval to you that He has accepted you into the Kingdom family.  Keep in mind that the Lord did this back in the early church.  So the apostles and elders met together to resolve this issue. At the meeting, after a long discussion, Peter stood and addressed them as follows: “Brothers, you all know that God chose me from among you some time ago to preach to the Gentiles so that they could hear the Gospel and believe. God knows people’s hearts, and He confirmed that He accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us.  He made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts through faith. It was through their faith in Jesus that they were purified. And remember...

Your faith in the King is your greatest asset in the Kingdom!

John 3:1-3   Ephesians 5:1-2   Matthew 5:13-16   Ephesians 5:3-7   
Acts 1:8   Romans 8:14-17   1 John 4:4-6   John 16:33   Acts 15:6-9
All NLT except where noted

​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