These are only a few of the declarations made by Jesus concerning His mission, purpose and message. It is obvious that His intent was to declare, establish and invite all men to enter the Kingdom of God.
This is in direct contrast with the focus on religious activity and religion's preoccupation with going to heaven. It seems as if the message and priority of Jesus was the occupation and reclamation of Earth, rather than designing an escape hatch to heaven for mankind. There is a verse of scripture that has challenged my thinking for years and perhaps it may shed some light on this issue for you also:
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the Earth. (Matthew 5:5)
It is interesting to note that the promise is for the inheritance of the Earth rather than heaven. Also His dominion of Earth and its environment was declared by Jesus as the return of the Kingdom of God to Earth.
Keep in mind what Jesus said: "But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you." (Matthew 12:28)
This verse seems to indicate the return of the dominion power that Adam lost in his disobedience. Jesus came to Earth, not to bring a religion, but a kingdom; the governing influence of the Kingdom of heaven on Earth. The message proclaims the opportunity for all mankind to regain its lost dominion over Earth and its environment through the reception of the Holy Spirit of God and consequently, the reconnection of Earth with heaven. This is why it is called "good news" or "Gospel".
The message of the Kingdom of God is the most important news ever delivered to the human race. Jesus came to the Earth to announce the arrival of this kingdom and to establish it in people's hearts through His death and resurrection. As the Son of God, Jesus Christ was the exact likeness of His Father and represented Him perfectly on Earth. To all those who believed in and followed Him, Jesus restored their citizenship rights in the Kingdom of Heaven and imparted His Spirit, so that they could represent Him and the government of heaven on Earth. This representation is known as government diplomacy. The following statement is a political statement that is very common to all kingdoms, including our contemporary governments:
And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on Me. (Luke 22:29)
This statement is always used at the appointment of an official representative of the government to other nations. This is the position of an ambassador. This is not a religious designation, but a governmental one.
This is in direct contrast with the focus on religious activity and religion's preoccupation with going to heaven. It seems as if the message and priority of Jesus was the occupation and reclamation of Earth, rather than designing an escape hatch to heaven for mankind. There is a verse of scripture that has challenged my thinking for years and perhaps it may shed some light on this issue for you also:
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the Earth. (Matthew 5:5)
It is interesting to note that the promise is for the inheritance of the Earth rather than heaven. Also His dominion of Earth and its environment was declared by Jesus as the return of the Kingdom of God to Earth.
Keep in mind what Jesus said: "But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you." (Matthew 12:28)
This verse seems to indicate the return of the dominion power that Adam lost in his disobedience. Jesus came to Earth, not to bring a religion, but a kingdom; the governing influence of the Kingdom of heaven on Earth. The message proclaims the opportunity for all mankind to regain its lost dominion over Earth and its environment through the reception of the Holy Spirit of God and consequently, the reconnection of Earth with heaven. This is why it is called "good news" or "Gospel".
The message of the Kingdom of God is the most important news ever delivered to the human race. Jesus came to the Earth to announce the arrival of this kingdom and to establish it in people's hearts through His death and resurrection. As the Son of God, Jesus Christ was the exact likeness of His Father and represented Him perfectly on Earth. To all those who believed in and followed Him, Jesus restored their citizenship rights in the Kingdom of Heaven and imparted His Spirit, so that they could represent Him and the government of heaven on Earth. This representation is known as government diplomacy. The following statement is a political statement that is very common to all kingdoms, including our contemporary governments:
And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on Me. (Luke 22:29)
This statement is always used at the appointment of an official representative of the government to other nations. This is the position of an ambassador. This is not a religious designation, but a governmental one.