Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God
What is the Kingdom
Organized Community or Territorial of People Governed by A King
Calls us to Kingdom Life and Power in the Present. Healing, Casting Out, Pulling Down, Destroying, Breaking
Romans 14:17
17 For the Kingdom of God (Community of People the God Rules) is not meat and drink (Eat, Drank and Be Marry) (Ritual Performance); but righteousness (Doing Right, Line Up (Acceptable To) with God, Pleasing God), and peace (Freedom Disturbance, Opposition, Conflict, Out of Order, Out of Place), and joy (Pleasure) in the Holy Ghost (Comes From Holy Spirit).
1 Corinthians 4:20
20 For the kingdom of God (Community of People the God Rules) is not in word (Based on Fancy Talk), but in power (Living By God’s Power)(Living Morally and Excellent, Outstanding).
John 18:36
36 Jesus answered (Pilate, Roman Officer), My kingdom (Royal Power) is not of this world (Belong To)-(Not a Earthly King): if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight (Would Have), that I should not be delivered (Arrested) to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence (World)-(Power Difference).
Matthew 13:44
44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid (Precious Buried) in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth (Hide Again), and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath (Sells Everything), and buyeth (Buys) that field (Owns Everything in the Field) (Complete Possession).
Colossians 1:13
13 Who hath delivered us (God Rescued Us) from the power of darkness (Satan Ruler of Darkness), and hath translated (Transferred) us into the kingdom (Of God) of his dear Son (Jesus Christ Our New King, Our New Ruler):
The Kingdom of God
Inviting God’s Rule
God’s Sovereignty: Self Contained and Answers to No One
Supreme Power with Freedom from External Control
Man Add / Diminish the Power or Glory of God’s Kingdom Rule.
Psalm 93:1, 2
1The LORD reigneth (King, Control), he is clothed (Covered) with majesty (Magnificent Splendor, Wonderful Glorious); the LORD is clothed (Wrapped Up) with strength (Power), wherewith he hath girded himself (Tight, No Loose Ends): the world also is stablished (It’s Place), that it cannot be moved (Where He Put It).
2 Thy throne is established of old (Have Always Ruled): thou art from everlasting (Eternal, No Beginning, No Ending).
1 Thessalonians 5:16, 17, 18, 19
How Do You Invite God’s Rule (Kingship) Into your Life?
16 Rejoice evermore (Happy in your Faith, Believe)-(Real Joy).
17 Pray without ceasing (Never Stop Praying).
18 In every thing (Whatever Happens) give thanks (Grateful): for this is the will (Determination) of God (What God Wants) in Christ Jesus (Because You are In His Son) concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit (Don’t Turn Away God’s Spirit).
Luke 17:21
21 Neither shall they say (No One Can Say This About the Kingdom), Lo here (It Is)! or, lo there (It Is)! for, behold (Listen Closely), the kingdom of God is within you (Heart).
So if God Can Rule Your Hearts, Then His Kingdom is Come Through You and His Will is Done Through You!
Take My Heart and Mold It, Take My Heart and Control It!
Rule My Feeling, Emotions, Thinking, Thoughts and My Decisions To Make
The Kingdom of God
Repentance To Get In
Turn from sin. To change one’s mind You are going in one direction; turn around and go in another direction
Turn to God, More Important than What To Turn From
Matthew 3:1, 2
1 In those days (Before Jesus Comes) came John the Baptist, preaching (Important Message) in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent (Change your Actions, By Changing your Mind, Thinking)-(Turn From Sin to God) ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Near, Soon).
Luke 13:1-5
1 There were present (Told Jesus) at that season (Time) some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood (Killed While) Pilate had mingled (Sacrifices) with their sacrifices (Temple).
2 And Jesus answering (Replied) said unto them, Suppose ye (Do you Think) that these Galilaeans were sinners above (Greater Sinners) all the Galilaeans, because they suffered (How) such things?
3 I tell you, Nay (Not at All): but, except ye repent (Change your Ways, By Changing your Mind), ye shall all likewise perish (Lost Forever).
4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew (Kill) them, think ye that they were sinners (More Guilty, Worse) above all men (Others) that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, Nay (Not at All): but, except ye repent (Turn from Sin to God), ye shall all likewise perish (Die).
Acts 3:19
19 Repent (Change your Mind and Purpose) ye therefore, and be converted (Changed), that your sins may be blotted out (Erased, Wipe Clean)-(Forgiven), when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
1) Call to salvation, 2) Renouncing one’s sin, 3) Turning from sin toward Christ the Savior
James 1:22-25
22 But be ye doers of the word (Obey), and not hearers (Listener) only, deceiving (Fooling) your own selves (True to Yourself).
23 For if any be a hearer (Only Listens) of the word, and not a doer (Obey, Do what it Says), he is like unto a man beholding (Looking) his natural (Starring, But Doing Nothing to Improve) face in a glass (Mirror):
24 For he beholdeth (See) himself, and goeth his way (Leave), and straightway forgetteth what manner of man (Forget What He Looks Like) he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty (God’s Word)-(Set Free By God’s Word), and continueth therein (Stay Faithful), he being not a forgetful hearer (Heard), but a doer of the work (Active), this man shall be blessed in his deed (Life of Obedience).
If you Repent, You Will be Blessed
The Kingdom of God
New Birth To Stay In
A new order of life opens to the believer in Jesus Christ. Jesus used the figure of “new birth” to dramatically indicate three things:
John 3:3-5
3 Jesus answered (Replied) and said unto him, Verily, verily (I Assure You), I say unto thee, Except (If Not) a man be born again (Made Anew From Above), he cannot see (Get Into)-(Never) the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him (Ask), How can a man be born (Again) when he is old (Start Over Beginning)? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb (1st Born), and be born (Reborn Physically)?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily (About To Tell You the Truth), I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water (Word of God) and of the Spirit (Spirit of God), he cannot (Ever) enter into the kingdom of God.
John 14:6
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way (Means and Method), the truth (Reality by the Facts), and the life (Existence, Being): no man cometh (Relationship)-(His Kingdom) unto the Father, but by me (Through)
-Without new Birth, there is no Life and no Relationship with God
2 Corinthians 5:17
17 Therefore (So Now) if any man be in Christ (Belongs To, The Messiah), he is a new creature (Old Creature): old things (Aged) are passed away (Don’t Hold Me Back); behold, all things are become new (Fresh)-(New Life Began).
1 Corinthians 6:11
11 And such were some of you (Once Like): but (BUT) ye are washed (Cleans)-(Free from Guilt and Sin), but ye are sanctified (Set Apart after Cleaning), but ye are justified (Lined Up Right with God) in the name of the Lord Jesus (What Jesus Did for Us), and by the Spirit of our God (Lives Inside of Us).
The People of the Kingdom
Romans 14:17
17 For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink ; but righteousness (Doing Right, Line Up (Acceptable To) with God, Pleasing God), and peace (Freedom Disturbance, Opposition, Conflict, Out of Order, Out of Place), and joy (Pleasure) in the Holy Ghost (Comes From Holy Spirit).
Luke 17:21
21 Neither shall they say (No One Can Say This About the Kingdom), Lo here (It Is)! or, lo there (It Is)! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you (Heart).
Colossians 1:13, 14
17. People of the Kingdom (Col. 1:13). The “transference” of the believer, from under Satan’s authority to Christ’s, is described as movement into another “kingdom.” Ensuing verses describe Christ’s redemption as bringing us to a place of “completeness,” that is, of spiritual adequacy, authority, or ability to live victoriously over and above the invisible powers of darkness (vv. 14-16; 2:6-10). This becomes functionally true, as opposed to merely theoretically so, when we (1) live and love as citizens of the heavenly kingdom (Phil. 3:20); (2) utilize this kingdom’s currency, which is of irresistible value (Acts 3:6); (3) operate as ambassadors authorized to offer kingdom peace and reconciliation to those yet unrenewed in Christ (2 Cor. 5:20); and (4) serve as the kingdom militia, girded for prayerful conflict against the dark powers controlling so much of this present world (Eph. 6:10-20). The terminology of “the kingdom” holds more than poetic pictures. It is practically applicable to all our living.
18. Kingdom within You (Luke 17:20-21). Fundamental to New Testament truth is that the kingdom of God is the spiritual reality and dynamic available to each person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. To receive Him—the King—is to receive His kingly rule, not only in your life and over your affairs, but through your life and by your service and love. “The kingdom of God is within you,” Jesus said.
This will never be possible if we operate independently of God’s power and grace. The possibility of reinstatement to rulership is brought about only through the forgiveness of sins and full redemption in Christ through the Cross. The Bible never suggests either (1) that there exists in man a divine spark, which may be fanned to flame by noble human efforts, or (2) that godlikeness is somehow resident in man’s potential, as though human beings are or may become “gods.” To the contrary, man is lost in darkness and alienated from God (Eph. 4:18; 2:12).
However, full salvation brings restored relationship to God and a full potential for His kingdom’s ruling “within us” as we walk with Him. Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit to cause the anointing of His messiahship to be transmitted to us (Is. 61:1-3; Luke 4:18; John 1:16; 1 John 2:20, 27; 4:17). So it is only on these terms that a human being can say, “The kingdom of God is within me.”
Evangelical repentance consists of (1) a true sense of one’s own guilt and sinfulness; (2) an apprehension of God’s mercy in Christ; (3) an actual hatred of sin (Ps. 119:128; Job 42:5, 6; 2 Cor. 7:10) and turning from it to God; and (4) a persistent endeavour after a holy life in a walking with God in the way of his commandments.
The true penitent is conscious of guilt (Ps. 51:4, 9), of pollution (51:5, 7, 10), and of helplessness (51:11; 109:21, 22). Thus he apprehends himself to be just what God has always seen him to be and declares him to be. But repentance comprehends not only such a sense of sin, but also an apprehension of mercy, without which there can be no true repentance (Ps. 51:1; 130:4).
John 8:1-11
1 † Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 † This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 † She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
14. Repentance (Matt. 3:1-2; 4:17). The first call of the kingdom is to repentance. The implications of biblical repentance are threefold: (1) renunciation and reversal, (2) submission and teachability, and (3) continual shapeability.
There is no growth in the kingdom without obedience to Jesus’ commandments and a childlike responsiveness as a disciple of Jesus, yielding to the teaching of God’s Word (James 1:21-25).
There is no lifelong increase of fruit as a citizen of the kingdom without a willingness to accept the Holy Spirit’s correction and guidance (Eph. 5:30).
15. New Birth (John 3:1-5). Upon repentance,
(2) In new birth, new perspective comes as we “see the kingdom of God” (3:3), God’s Word becomes clear, and the Holy Spirit’s works and wonders are believed and experienced—faith is alive.
(3) Through new birth we are introduced—literally we “enter” (v. 5)—to a new realm, where God’s new kingdom order can be realized (2 Cor. 5:17). New birth is more than simply being “saved.” It is a requalifying experience, opening up the possibilities of our whole being to the supernatural dimension of life and fitting us for a beginning in God’s kingdom order.
In a thoroughgoing development constituting 39 brief articles under eight headings, the (1) foundations, (2) terminology, (3) message, (4) character, (5) ministry, (6) conflict, (7) worship, and (8) prophecy of the kingdom are elaborated. Here is a wealth of material to establish a full-orbed perspective on the kingdom of God, the essence of the church’s message and life. This study unfolds the balance that
35. Inviting God’s Rule (Ps. 93:2). “Your throne is established from (1. God’s Sovereignty)of old.” The notion that kingdom advance “establishes” God’s throne needs clearer understanding. It is foolish to think man could add to or diminish the power or glory of God’s kingdom rule. However, it is equally unwise to overlook the responsible place the redeemed have been given. We are to welcome the kingdom and administer situations on earth by inviting the overarching might of God’s Spirit to move into difficult or impossible circumstances and transform them. This is done by praise: “In everything [not “for” everything] give thanks [fill the situation with praise], for this is God’s will for you” (1 Thess. 5:17). Thus we welcome the overruling power of God’s presence into any situation we face. Pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done—here.” Then, set up a place for God’s throne to enter by filling your life’s settings with praise. As Gideon’s trumpeters (Judg. 7:17-22) and Jehoshaphat’s choir (2 Chr. 20:20-22) confounded their enemies and paved the way for the victory the Lord said He would give, so praise brings the same entry of the King’s kingdom today.
Foundations of the Kingdom
1. God’s Sovereignty (Gen. 1:1). The necessary beginning point in studying the theme of “the kingdom of God” is the Bible’s opening verse. Here we meet the Sovereign of all the universe, whose realm, reign, and regency are described at the outset. (1) His realm (or scope of His rule) is transcendent; that is, not only does it include the entire physical universe, it exceeds it. He existed before all creation, He expands beyond it, and by virtue of having begotten it, He encompasses all that it is. (2) His reign (or the power by which He rules) is exercised by His will, His word, and His works. By His own will He creatively decides and designs; by His own word He speaks creation into being; and by His own works, His Spirit displays His unlimited power. (3) His regency (or authority to rule) is in His preexistence and holiness. He is there before creation “in the beginning.” Thus, as its Creator, He deserves to be its Potentate. His benevolent intent in creating things “good” reveals His holy nature (that is, complete and perfect), and thus His moral right to be creation’s King. All kingdom power and authority flow from Him.
The “kingdom” concept of God’s delegating His rule on earth to be administrated through those who walk with Him is birthed at creation. Although damaged at man’s Fall, it is progressively being reinstated as a redemptive goal and is demonstrated in those who accept His covenant.
8. Human Responsibility (1 Chr. 29:10-16). No text in the Bible more magnificently declares God’s sovereign power: there is no one like the Lord, the Almighty One, whose glory fills the universe. And yet, in the center of this grand anthem of acknowledgment to that towering truth, David asserts that although the kingdom is God’s (v. 11),
To what does “the kingdom” refer? It refers to God’s sovereign rule in the universe—He is the King of the heavens.
John was announcing that the rule of God’s King was about to overthrow the power and rule of all evil—both human and hellish. The “kingdom” was near because the King was here. And His presence, introducing the power of “the kingdom of God,” meant a new world of potential hope to mankind. Man would no more need be held hostage to either the rule of death over mankind, resultant from human sin and sinning, or to the deadening rule of oppressive human systems, political or otherwise. Further, the kingdom of darkness would be confronted and the death, deprivation, disease, and destruction levied by satanic power would begin to be overthrown. As God’s King, Jesus offers the blessing of God’s rule, now available to bring life to every human experience, as well as deliverance from the dominance of either flesh or the Devil.
14. Repentance (Matt. 3:1-2; 4:17). The first call of the kingdom is to repentance. The implications of biblical repentance are threefold: (1) renunciation and reversal, (2) submission and teachability, and (3) continual shapeability. There is no birth into the kingdom without hearing the call to salvation, renouncing one’s sin, and turning from sin toward Christ the Savior (Acts 3:19).
There is no growth in the kingdom without obedience to Jesus’ commandments and a childlike responsiveness as a disciple of Jesus, yielding to the teaching of God’s Word (James 1:21-25).
There is no lifelong increase of fruit as a citizen of the kingdom without a willingness to accept the Holy Spirit’s correction and guidance (Eph. 5:30).
15. New Birth (John 3:1-5). Upon repentance, a new order of life opens to the believer in Jesus Christ. Jesus used the figure of “new birth” to dramatically indicate three things: (1) Without new birth, there is no life and no relationship with God (14:6). (2) In new birth, new perspective comes as we “see the kingdom of God” (3:3), God’s Word becomes clear, and the Holy Spirit’s works and wonders are believed and experienced—faith is alive. (3) Through new birth we are introduced—literally we “enter” (v. 5)—to a new realm, where God’s new kingdom order can be realized (2 Cor. 5:17). New birth is more than simply being “saved.” It is a requalifying experience, opening up the possibilities of our whole being to the supernatural dimension of life and fitting us for a beginning in God’s kingdom order.
Calls us to Kingdom Life and power in the present, while still anticipating the kingdom’s final fullness and consummation in the future.
(Matt. 19:23-24).
(John 18:36)
17. People of the Kingdom (Col. 1:13). The “transference” of the believer, from under Satan’s authority to Christ’s, is described as movement into another “kingdom.” Ensuing verses describe Christ’s redemption as bringing us to a place of “completeness,” that is, of spiritual adequacy, authority, or ability to live victoriously over and above the invisible powers of darkness (vv. 14-16; 2:6-10). This becomes functionally true, as opposed to merely theoretically so, when we (1) live and love as citizens of the heavenly kingdom (Phil. 3:20); (2) utilize this kingdom’s currency, which is of irresistible value (Acts 3:6); (3) operate as ambassadors authorized to offer kingdom peace and reconciliation to those yet unrenewed in Christ (2 Cor. 5:20); and (4) serve as the kingdom militia, girded for prayerful conflict against the dark powers controlling so much of this present world (Eph. 6:10-20). The terminology of “the kingdom” holds more than poetic pictures. It is practically applicable to all our living.
18. Kingdom within You (Luke 17:20-21). Fundamental to New Testament truth is that the kingdom of God is the spiritual reality and dynamic available to each person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. To receive Him—the King—is to receive His kingly rule, not only in your life and over your affairs, but through your life and by your service and love. “The kingdom of God is within you,” Jesus said.
This will never be possible if we operate independently of God’s power and grace. The possibility of reinstatement to rulership is brought about only through the forgiveness of sins and full redemption in Christ through the Cross. The Bible never suggests either (1) that there exists in man a divine spark, which may be fanned to flame by noble human efforts, or (2) that godlikeness is somehow resident in man’s potential, as though human beings are or may become “gods.” To the contrary, man is lost in darkness and alienated from God (Eph. 4:18; 2:12).
However, full salvation brings restored relationship to God and a full potential for His kingdom’s ruling “within us” as we walk with Him. Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit to cause the anointing of His messiahship to be transmitted to us (Is. 61:1-3; Luke 4:18; John 1:16; 1 John 2:20, 27; 4:17). So it is only on these terms that a human being can say, “The kingdom of God is within me.”
19. Basic Traits (Matt. 5:1-7:27). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus outlines the primary attributes of people who receive the rule of the kingdom He brings. Nine direct references to “the kingdom” are in this sermon, calling for: humility (5:3), willingness to suffer persecution (5:10), earnest attention to God’s commandments (5:19), refusal to substitute false piety for genuinely right behavior (5:20), a life of prayer (6:10, 13), prioritizing spiritual over material values (6:33), and above all, acknowledging Christ’s lordship by obeying the revealed will of God (7:21). Clearly, the authority Christ hopes to delegate to His own is intended to be exercised by disciples willing to accept renewal in soul and behavior, as well as rebirth through forgiveness of sin. To these, obviously, the call to “kingdom” living and ministry includes the expectation that Holy Spirit-begotten fruit and gifts will develop in the believer. The same Spirit that distributes gifts of power for kingdom service also works in us to beget kingly qualities of life, love, and a holy character (John 15:1-17; Gal. 5:22-23).
20. Childlikeness (Matt. 18:1-4). Jesus confronts the tendency of humanity to associate authority with an exercise of dominance over others. The dominion or authority in kingdom life God wants to reinstate in us is for victorious, fruitful living and for the overthrow of hellish powers, not for gaining control of others or for serving our own interests. His call to childlike humility and a servantlike heart (John 13:1-17) establishes the spirit and style by which the authority of the believer is to be exercised as an agent of God’s kingdom power. (See Matt. 19:14; Mark 10:14-15; Luke 18:16-17.)
21. Forgiveness (Matt. 18:18-35). Jesus’ prefacing words make this “kingdom” parable of the unforgiving servant especially crucial. He warns against the human capacity to forget God’s gracious gift of forgiveness and allow smallness of soul to breed unforgiveness. (1) Jesus showed how unforgiveness can restrict what God would do in others. (Note: The jailed fellow-servant is still in prison at the story’s end, revealing the power of unforgiveness to “bind” circumstances to an undesirable level of perpetual problem.) (2) Jesus teaches how the spirit of unforgiveness (the torturers, literally “bill collectors”) exacts its toll on our bodies, minds, and emotions. Finally, every “kingdom” person is advised to sustain a forgiving heart toward all other persons. Kingdom privileges and power must not be mishandled. The “binding” power of unforgiveness is potentially dangerous to any of us.
Matthew 18:18-19 is frequently quoted to assert the believer’s authority in prayer. But the power to “bind and loose” is quickly shown to be as much of a liability as an asset if unforgiveness remains in the people of God’s kingdom.
22. Integrity and Morality (1 Cor. 6:9-10). The privilege of becoming an authorized and empowered representative of God’s kingdom and of ministering Christ’s life and the Holy Spirit’s gifts to others is not the heritage of the unholy. Twice the text says certain people will not “inherit the kingdom of God,” and then designates broad categories of people who are excluded from enjoying the resources and rewards of righteousness. (See also Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:5.)
Although our righteousness before God is through Christ’s work alone, and while it remains timelessly true that we cannot earn any spiritual gift or right to function in the power of the Holy Spirit, integrity and morality of character are nonetheless essential to the “kingdom person.”
Holiness of heart and life keeps the lines of communication with God unjumbled, by keeping any private or carnal agenda out of the way. They also insure the Holy Spirit free access for distributing His gifts and fulfilling the Father’s will in any situation.
27. Receiving Kingdom Power (Acts 1:3-8). As Jesus presented post-Resurrection teaching “pertaining to the kingdom of God” (v. 3), His disciples asked if now—with the Cross behind—the ultimate messianic kingdom would come. “It is not yours to know the future,” He says, “but it is yours to receive the Spirit’s power!” With those words, He makes three points: (1) The Holy Spirit is the Person and the power by which assistance and ability are given for serving, for sharing the life and power of God’s kingdom with others. (2) The Holy Spirit’s power must be “received”; it is not an automatic experience. As surely as the Holy Spirit indwells each believer (Rom. 8:9), so surely will He fill and overflow (John 7:37-39) each who receives the Holy Spirit in childlike faith. (3) When the Holy Spirit fills you, you will know it. Jesus said it and the disciples found it true (Acts 1:5; 2:1-4). Have you received the Holy Spirit? (19:1-6). You may, for the promise is as fully yours today as at any time in the past (2:38-39).
36. Worship and Praise (Rev. 1:5-6). In the opening of Revelation, John introduces himself as a brother and companion in the struggle we all face (v. 9). His words “in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ” point to the dual facts of Christ’s present kingdom triumph and the ongoing presence of evil and warfare that exact the patience of the church as the kingdom advances among and through us. In prefacing the broad arenas of prophecy about to be unfolded, John addresses two very important present truths: (1) We, Christ’s redeemed, are loved and are washed from our sins—a present state (v. 6). (2) We, through His glorious dominion, have been designated “kings and priests” to God—also a present calling. Thus, these dual offices give perspective on our authority and duty and how we most effectively may advance the kingdom of God.
First, we are said to be kings in the sense that under the King of kings we are the new breed—the reborn, to whom God has delegated authority to extend and administer the powers of His rule. Of course, this involves faithful witness to the gospel in the power of the Spirit and loving service to humanity in the love of God. But it also involves confrontation with dark powers of hell, assertive prayer warfare, and an expectation of the miraculous works of God (2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 6:10-20; 1 Cor. 2:4.). Further, this authority is only fully accomplished in the spirit of praiseful worship, as we exercise the office of “priests.” Some translations read, “a kingdom of priests,” which emphasizes that the rule is only effective when the priestly mission is faithfully attended. Worship is foundational to kingdom advance. The power of the believer before God’s throne, worshiping the Lamb and exalting in the Holy Spirit of praise, is mightily confounding to the Adversary. (See Ex. 19:5-7 and Ps. 22:3.)
1 Cor 15:24
Inviting God’s Rule
Repentance To Get In
New Birth To Stay In
People of the Kingdom
Receiving Kingdom Power