Understanding the Kingdom Life
Often, the concept of the Kingdom of God that Jesus taught while here on earth, is "lost in translation". People have made it sound complicated and vague. But it should be kept simple and bring an understanding of a kingdom, how it operates within us and what our lives should look like as Kingdom citizens interacting with the world.
The Lord God's principles are laid out in His Constitution, in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. In a kingdom, the king is the center of the kingdom at all times. The king creates laws, responsibilities, levels of authority, provision and rewards for his people. The Lord Jesus is our King in the Kingdom of God and all power and authority is given to Him by His Father God. Jesus came and told His disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth." Matthew 28:18
A king chooses their citizens, not the other way around. Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”. . . 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." John 3:3, 5-6 Where He lives expresses His nature, not the world's nature. Read the King's reply to Pilate: Pilate said, “So you are a king?”
Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” John 18:37
Was the healing of the sick, raising of the dead, the blind receiving their sight, of this world? No, of course not! Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36 His Word is unchanging. There is no measure of His wealth because He owns everything!
His Lordship: The King owns everything, both on earth and in the heavens. The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him. For He laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. . . For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth. Psalm 24:1-2, 47:2
His Domain: The domain is His territory over which He exercises His authority, control and dominion. In other words, the king can appoint his ambassadors to represent His government in different parts of the land, and in this case, in different parts of the world. In essence, the King delegated authority to others to carry out His Will in the governing of His domain. Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!"
“Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed."
“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. I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day." Matthew 10:5-15
His Constitution: Remember, the Lord God's Constitution isn't a religious book, but one of a legal nature. It is the Lord God's Testament to His people. Many refer to it as the Bible--the origin of this word comes from the Greek name for a Phoenician city, Byblos, where papyrus, Bublos, was made and used to write the scriptures on scrolls. From that came the Latin word Biblia--book--which became holy book. In reality, it is the King's Constitution to all mankind! I will delight in your decrees and not forget Your word. Psalm 119:16
We should always embrace His Constitution, its is food for our life. It is our instruction manual for a fruitful life in His Kingdom! Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. I will never forget your commandments, for by them You give me life. The King made it plain when speaking to the evil one: But Jesus told him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 NKJV
The Lord God's Constitution (the Bible) is His Word in print. It is power, peace and security. We cannot live without it! His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it. Those who obey Him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right. Ecclesiastes 8:4-5
God's Laws, A Key Responsibility A law of the Kingdom is to proclaim the King's Word, His commands, His rewards. We are to speak it into every situation we face. As you learn more of God's Word, the Holy Spirit will give you the right scriptures for that circumstance. You were never meant to do it on your own. For we will be counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the Lord our God has given us.’. . . Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. . . I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. Deuteronomy 6:25, Psalm 119:72, Matthew 5:18
Study, A Key Responsibility Read & study His Constitution (Bible) on a daily basis. I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the Word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 AMP
Faith in His laws, commands and Word opens the door to the benefits and privileges of living in the Kingdom. They must be learned and applied to our daily lives, leading and creating our Kingdom lifestyle. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” Matthew 16:19
Citizenship, A Key Responsibility Citizenship in a kingdom isn't a right, but a privilege and it is at the pleasure of the king himself. Citizens are chosen by the king and are beneficiaries of the king's favor and promises. It is the same in the Kingdom of God. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which He will bring everything under His control. . . Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep Me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But My Kingdom is not of this world.”. . . Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. . . They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them Your Word, which is Truth. Just as You sent Me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give Myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by Your Truth. . . "For no one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws them to Me". . . Philippians 3:20-21; John 18:36, 8:23, 17:16-19, John 6:44a
Remember, He chose you, but you must accept and embrace the rights, privileges and responsibilities of being a Kingdom Citizen.
We will continue on this subject again in the near future.
W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
All scriptures are NLT except where noted.
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 Lord God's principles are laid out in His Constitution, in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. In a kingdom, the king is the center of the kingdom at all times. The king creates laws, responsibilities, levels of authority, provision and rewards for his people. The Lord Jesus is our King in the Kingdom of God and all power and authority is given to Him by His Father God. Jesus came and told His disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth." Matthew 28:18
A king chooses their citizens, not the other way around. Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”. . . 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." John 3:3, 5-6 Where He lives expresses His nature, not the world's nature. Read the King's reply to Pilate: Pilate said, “So you are a king?”
Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” John 18:37
Was the healing of the sick, raising of the dead, the blind receiving their sight, of this world? No, of course not! Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36 His Word is unchanging. There is no measure of His wealth because He owns everything!
His Lordship: The King owns everything, both on earth and in the heavens. The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him. For He laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. . . For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth. Psalm 24:1-2, 47:2
His Domain: The domain is His territory over which He exercises His authority, control and dominion. In other words, the king can appoint his ambassadors to represent His government in different parts of the land, and in this case, in different parts of the world. In essence, the King delegated authority to others to carry out His Will in the governing of His domain. Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!"
“Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed."
“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. I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day." Matthew 10:5-15
His Constitution: Remember, the Lord God's Constitution isn't a religious book, but one of a legal nature. It is the Lord God's Testament to His people. Many refer to it as the Bible--the origin of this word comes from the Greek name for a Phoenician city, Byblos, where papyrus, Bublos, was made and used to write the scriptures on scrolls. From that came the Latin word Biblia--book--which became holy book. In reality, it is the King's Constitution to all mankind! I will delight in your decrees and not forget Your word. Psalm 119:16
We should always embrace His Constitution, its is food for our life. It is our instruction manual for a fruitful life in His Kingdom! Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. I will never forget your commandments, for by them You give me life. The King made it plain when speaking to the evil one: But Jesus told him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 NKJV
The Lord God's Constitution (the Bible) is His Word in print. It is power, peace and security. We cannot live without it! His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it. Those who obey Him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right. Ecclesiastes 8:4-5
God's Laws, A Key Responsibility A law of the Kingdom is to proclaim the King's Word, His commands, His rewards. We are to speak it into every situation we face. As you learn more of God's Word, the Holy Spirit will give you the right scriptures for that circumstance. You were never meant to do it on your own. For we will be counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the Lord our God has given us.’. . . Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. . . I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. Deuteronomy 6:25, Psalm 119:72, Matthew 5:18
Study, A Key Responsibility Read & study His Constitution (Bible) on a daily basis. I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the Word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 AMP
Faith in His laws, commands and Word opens the door to the benefits and privileges of living in the Kingdom. They must be learned and applied to our daily lives, leading and creating our Kingdom lifestyle. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” Matthew 16:19
Citizenship, A Key Responsibility Citizenship in a kingdom isn't a right, but a privilege and it is at the pleasure of the king himself. Citizens are chosen by the king and are beneficiaries of the king's favor and promises. It is the same in the Kingdom of God. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which He will bring everything under His control. . . Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep Me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But My Kingdom is not of this world.”. . . Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. . . They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them Your Word, which is Truth. Just as You sent Me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give Myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by Your Truth. . . "For no one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws them to Me". . . Philippians 3:20-21; John 18:36, 8:23, 17:16-19, John 6:44a
Remember, He chose you, but you must accept and embrace the rights, privileges and responsibilities of being a Kingdom Citizen.
We will continue on this subject again in the near future.
W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
All scriptures are NLT except where noted.
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