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BACKGROUND
Kingdom of God
KINGDOM OF GOD, KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
Heaven
HEAVEN.
The
full background to this teaching is available online at this link
For Serious Students
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Online links to scriptures (New International Version [NIV] unless otherwise stated) are shown in blue
| THE ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD |
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| KINGDOM PRESENT |
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 Several weeks ago, we saw that God's view of time is completely different to our own. We separate the past, present and future, while to God they are all one. We gave the examples of salvation and prophecy as having past, present and future fulfillment.
So it is with the kingdom of God. It is not His way to have a kingdom past and a kingdom future, while leaving a void in the present age. Logically, there must be a kingdom present, also.
So what implications does this pattern of God have for your life and mine?
We cannot find the answer in most church teachings, as they teach kingdom future only.
So we need to look to the Bible (always the best way!) for direction as to what the present day kingdom is to be and our place within it.
First and foremost, the kingdom is not just a salvation experience or even the exercise of spiritual gifts, but is founded upon and furthered by, ongoing obedience to God's will.
Matthew 7:21-3
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 Obedience is at the heart of the kingdom and of kingdom living.
Obedience to whom, though?
Does it say obedience to the pastor, teacher or elders? No, it doesn't. Does it say to follow the tele-evangelist or the latest book on how to build a bigger church? No, it doesn't. Does it say to follow prophet or apostle who may bring a word over you or preach the kingdom? No, it doesn't. While all these ministries are important to us in assisting with our spiritual growth, ultimately, if we wish to live a kingdom life, direction can only come from the one place, and that is God.
And how do we hear from God? First and foremost, through a personal relationship with Him.
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 Lots of committed believers tell me they don't hear from God. Of course they do, for our primary Godly guidance for day to day living is found in the Word, the Bible, which they read regularly.
However, what they are really talking about is the lack of a personal 'rhema' word, one directly from the Lord.
That can be, and is, a problem at times, for all of us!
Interestingly, even too for prophets, who so easily have a word for others, but often lack direction themselves.
So how do we 'overcome' this problem of hearing, before we can obey, on our journey to become 'overcomers'?
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 Most serious Christians read their Bible and pray daily, or on most days. They will know the Word and be able to quote it freely. They also have lists of prayer needs for themselves and others which they diligently petition God about. Does this sound like you?
Yet you don't hear from God personally? Why? Can I suggest it could be that we are so busy learning from the Word and praying our petitions, that we don't give Him an opportunity to talk to us!
May I be so bold to suggest that it would be a good experiment to put aside your Bible reading and petitioning for 1 week and instead, spend the time listening to Jesus. Let your God speak to you. Listen to Him as you would to a friend. Ask Him what sort of day He is having! This can be incredibly difficult to do at first, for we are so used to our religious ritual. But if you stick at it, it could revolutionise your life! For our walk with Jesus is all about relationship - a two way relationship that is.
Worth a try?
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 To hear from God is amazing! Wonderful! An experience available to every Christian, provided we are prepared to wait on Him and listen, listen, listen, rather than talk, talk, talk!
We need to really hear and understand what God is saying to us. This lack of the art of listening and understanding is not a new problem. Jesus said, quoting Isaiah;
Matthew 13:10-15
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 Following on from this, once we have heard from God it is vital that we obey what He says to us! Irrespective of the personal cost! Walking with Jesus Ministries is based upon Revelation 12:11, a verse that stresses the cost of obedience.
Revelation 12:11
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 To enter the kingdom of God, to become an overcomer, we need to be prepared to put our lives on the line, spiritually, materially, and even, physically. Entering the kingdom costs us everything!
1 John 2:3-6
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 The Bible is very clear about this. Hearing, even believing, is not enough! It is our actions, our obedience to God that is the entry ticket to the kingdom. Nothing less than becoming like Jesus is good enough. Jesus was not self-oriented. He was dedicated to obeying His father, no matter the personal cost to Him.
Matthew 26:42
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 He then died on the cross for you and for me.
And we are required to die to self for Him, and for others, as He did for us. Sobering, isn't it?
Yet obedience to God's will was, remains, and always will be, the cost of entering the kingdom.
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| <i>NEXT WEEK:</i> A REVELATION OF... THE ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD continues..... |
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 Where and what is God's kingdom?
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| A NOTE FROM DAVID |
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 The concept of the kingdom present, one based on hearing and obeying God, is one that is starting to find traction in the church.
God is revealing this ever present truth in a greater way than ever today, for it is a truth whose time has come.
The real question is, "Are we hearing Him?"
BIBLE ARCHAEOLOGY
The Coins of Jesus' Time
Pontius Pilate under Tiberius, AE Prutah, 14mm. Lituus and Greek inscription (Tiberius Caesar)/Date LIH (year 18 = AD31) in wreath. This coin was minted after the crucifixion and was in circulation while Paul was persecuting Jesus' followers.
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So until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD!
His servant and yours
Learn more about us at...
www.wwj.org.nz/about.php
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A DAVID'S DOODLING
928. If God knows more than me, shouldn't I take His advice?
David Tait
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Check
out the WWJ website for….
More David's Doodlings: www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php
Pets Rule!: http://www.wwj.org.nz/pets.php
The World's Greatest Groans: http://www.wwj.org.nz/groans.php
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