How Do We Live a Kingdom of God Lifestyle?

More and more Christians are coming to the knowledge that there is more than the Gospel of Salvation that we are to share with the world. You will hear various Christian groups and pastors presenting the Good News that Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom, as well. And as I stated in yesterday's post, it is important for us to understand our position and purpose in this Kingdom on earth. 

Personally, I have spent several years growing my understanding of the concept of God's Kingdom on earth by studying what the Word says throughout the Book of Matthew about His Kingdom. And I gained more than a heart knowledge that came from the Holy Spirit counseling me and teaching me the spiritual ramifications of the existence of the Kingdom here on earth. So, besides head and heart knowledge, I also have knowledge that comes from actually "walking out" or experiencing what living in [and by] Kingdom principles actually does in my life, and how it affects the lives of others. I'd like to share this bigger picture in the context of where we are today.

To begin, when I first came to an understanding of the Kingdom of God, I "spiritualized" it. In other words, my spirit was overcome with the concept that when Jesus announced that "the Kingdom is near" or "the Kingdom is at hand", He was proclaiming that He came to bring the foundation of Heaven's belief and behavior system to earth; that "on earth, as it is in Heaven" was not just a part of a prayer, but a reality that He wanted to establish. The idea that we could participate [as followers of Jesus] in establishing Heaven on Earth was mind-blowing!

But now I can see just how that idea relates to any other kingdom that exists [or has existed] on earth. In fact, the kingdoms of the earth are a mirror of the Kingdom of Heaven -- they have just developed within a corrupt "world system", rather than a righteous "heavenly system". So what is the standard that God has set in His Heavenly Kingdom? What are the principles we should be following?

• Just like any earthly kingdom, the Kingdom of God has a government that maintains order; has dominion or jurisdiction and control; has power and authority. But God's Kingdom acts in righteousness, and for the good of His people. I'm not seeing much order today, nor does the power and authority look righteous. 

• The Kingdom of God has a constitution, which is the covenant He has made with us. This covenant regenerates God's people by his Holy Spirit and renews their hearts so that they obey Him. Our constitution was designed to establish laws that reflected Heaven's justice, peace, welfare, liberty and prosperity. But now it is mocked and scorned. How can we expect to live a Kingdom lifestyle?  

• The Kingdom of God has Law. The Word of Righteousness cannot be broken; not even by God. He established it; it is forever settled and never changes. It is the established foundation of the Kingdom. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether (Psalm 19:7-9). All this language pertains to the laws of the Kingdom of God. But what of our laws? They are anything but perfect, sure, fair, right, or untainted.

• The Kingdom of God has citizens, and to become a citizen, there has to be an entrance system. Our nation originally established an eligibility requirement and a naturalization process to becoming a citizen. Now, like many of our laws, that system has been decimated. In the Kingdom of God, Jesus is the entrance; the door to citizenship. Here's the thing, there is only one door into the Kingdom of God [through Jesus], but many doors into Religion (Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, etc), but they don't lead you into the Kingdom. And before you think that just because you are a Christian, you are a citizen of the Kingdom, consider what Jesus said to the religious leaders whom He brought the Kingdom message to .... But woe (judgment is coming) to you, [self-righteous] scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven in front of people; for you do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow those who are [in the process of] entering to do so (Matthew 23:13). So, as Christians, it is imperative that we ask ourselves, "Have I entered the door into the Kingdom, or have I entered the door that led to Religion"? Am I showing others the way, or am I shutting the door in their faces?

• The Kingdom has an economy. There is a shared loyalty among the citizens and a sharing of the wealth. In the world this is known as a "commonwealth". In both the world's kingdoms and the Kingdom of God, it is the King's responsibility to take care of its citizens. The economy of the Kingdom of God is the Good News of the Gospel of the Kingdom, and it is our responsibility to share the wealth of that Good News. Again, our economy is failing, and there is no sharing of wealth. In fact, the distance between the classes is widening in an alarming fashion. 

• The Kingdom of God has its own culture. When we are involved in "Kingdom living" it produces a unique environment by which we should live our lives, and it is not a religious or worldly culture. And it's our responsibility to learn how to live in that culture. What does the Kingdom culture look like? It is the commission that Jesus gave His disciples to establish a culture that observed everything He had taught and commanded them to do: heal the sick (physically, emotionally, and spiritually); cast out demons, freeing the citizens to pursue their purpose in the Kingdom; cleanse the lepers (restore people back to their families and communities); raise the dead (if it is before the time Jesus has written in their Book of Life); spreading the Good News of the Kingdom and what it means in the lives of Believers; make disciples (teaching people to learn of Him. believe in Him, and obey His words); and baptize them (which is an act of declaration to the kingdom of darkness that we have chosen a side) -- Matthew 28:19-20. It makes my heart sad to see how our culture resembles so little of what Jesus commanded.

• The Kingdom of God has keys, or principles of how to live. In Matthew 16:19, Jesus tells us, I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth will have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth will have [already] been loosed in heaven. Once again you see that the Kingdom has a foundation of laws that establish the principles of how we are to live. Does our nation [or the world] look like we have taken those keys and bound ourselves to the Kingdom of God? Or have we pledged ourselves to the self-aggrandizing standards of the world?

I will tell you that it is past time that we abandon the corrupt world system of government, laws, economies and culture, and be restored to God's vision of the Kingdom of God on earth! We were made to reflect His attributes and nature, and I want to assure you that it is actually possible to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of God while on earth. Jesus showed us how! Contemplate what Matthew 4:23 tells us: And He went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news (gospel) of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people [demonstrating and revealing that He was indeed the promised Messiah]. This verse is telling us there is no disease (such as cancer or diabetes or deadly viruses) in Heaven, nor sickness (spiritual issues like depression, unworthiness, shame, guilt, or anger). Therefore, as a citizen of the Kingdom of God, we have been given the keys (power and authority) to heal them just as He did when He represented the Kingdom while He was on earth. We have the Holy Spirit's power in us [just as Jesus did] to transfer ourselves out of the realm of this sinful and corrupted world into another realm -- the Kingdom of God on earth. And our existence can look like Heaven! 

So, why is the world so sick? Because, first of all, we haven't been taught that we have the keys, and secondly, we are scared to use them. What if I fail? What will people think of me? Jesus will find me unworthy! People, that's a lie from the devil! He wants us to try, and keep on trying! If we attempt to live this lifestyle for one day and nothing happens, are we going to quit? Did Jesus quit when His miracles and acts of power failed to change the hearts of the Jewish people, to whom He came with this Good News? Do not fear man! Do not seek the rewards of this worldly culture, but rather seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first! And keep on seeking it! Your rewards in Heaven will far outweigh anything this world offers. 

As I wrap up this post, I want to state that it is important to us, [as the Body of Christ, who is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ], that we understand that if we have not been taught [or are not teaching] within the context of the Kingdom of God, we are teaching another gospel. It is important to know what Gospel Jesus taught. I know that sounds like an indictment of the Church, but here is what I see ... Everything has to fall under the umbrella of Kingdom Living and Kingdom Teaching because that's what Jesus did! 

And lest there be any misunderstanding, I want to be perfectly clear .... If we are preaching/teaching grace and salvation, that is not wrong. Salvation is necessary to see and enter the Kingdom. It is the first step! It is just not an exact representation, nor the fullness, of what Jesus taught! Too many Christians are living saved lives, and offering grace and mercy to others, but are neglecting to teach all of what Jesus came to establish. And the result is that our culture, our nation, and the world, does not reflect "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven". The world certainly does not look like Heaven! And it is increasingly looking like hell!

It's time that we understand the fullness of that verse, and start living it. It's not enough to know the Word, we must experience it; start living in it; and sharing it. It is apparent that too many are still living as citizens of this world, and not as citizens representing the Kingdom. I realize that my message might offend some of the religious Christians who read it. Jesus offended the religious people, too, as He tried to speak about the Kingdom. But it didn't stop Him. May I prove to be worthy to follow in His steps. 

Luke 4:43     But He said, “I must preach [the good news of] the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because I was sent for this purpose.”   

We're In A Cultural Battle Between Marxism and Christianity

 

I'm listening to a lot of people these days talking about the future of our country -- including  political, economic, and social perspectives. Sometimes it's hard to remember who said what, and there are a lot of differing opinions as to the causes and the solutions to the disorder in which we find ourselves. Sometimes I think people get too caught up in the complexity of our situation, when being able to see the root of the problem would be more advantageous to finding our way out of this mess.

That being said, I heard something this week that really got me to thinking. I'm paraphrasing here, but the idea was that when the masses [within our society] lack conviction, they are easily manipulated, and are the most vulnerable. That statement might seem self-evident and abundantly clear to you, but think of the consequences if this is a true statement. And IF it is true, then shouldn't we first understand what conviction means? And, again ... if it is true ... what does that statement have to do with the title of this blog post? How does that lead to a battle between what Wikipedia calls the socioeconomic and political philosophies of socialist revolutionary Karl Marx and the radical Jewish preacher, Jesus, who is the central figure in the world's largest religion, Christianity, [and incidentally, the Son of the Living God]?

So, let's consider what the word conviction means. From our Western Greek mindset, we understand conviction to mean "to convince, or reprove, by word of mouth or action". And carrying it a step further, from a Biblical mindset, it means "to convince the person of their sin in order to bring repentance; to change the way we think in order to see things from God's perspective". Now, let's examine the Hebrew understanding of what conviction means. That mindset sees conviction as evidence, like in a book, or a complete record of whatever you want to preserve accurately, or truthfully. 

With that in mind, let's take another look at the idea that I highlighted in bold face. If the masses of people lack conviction -- or, in other words, they don't desire to seek and know the truth, by having it proven by word of mouth or action -- and they are willing to go along with whatever is presented to them without challenging it, then they will be easily manipulated by any person or thought put before them. And they will be vulnerable to fall victim to any cause, philosophy, or movement conducted by the Father of Lies, Satan.

All we have to do is take a look at the effects of the acceptance of Marxist philosophy in our education system. Let me take one step backwards and explain that classic Marxism holds to the axiom that human societies develop through class conflict. Karl Marx sought to create class struggles [through economic means] between the wealthy and the poor, leading to eventual revolution and the forcible overthrow of the wealthy class and the creation of new, classless, communist societies. We see the dictatorships and repressive regimes that played out in the countries that adopted this Marxist ideology in the 20th century -- Soviet Union, China, Vietnam, Cuba, North Korea. 

That plan didn't work in America, because free market capitalism actually helped the working class to elevate themselves to enjoy more prosperity. So the followers of Marx changed it up a bit. Instead of an economic revolution igniting a cultural revolution, they have been seeking to transform our Western culture into believing that a capitalist society needs to be emancipated from outdated policies, making it more equitable and inclusive for all segments of society -- in other words, destroying the classes through the back door by using identity politics to create victims within our society; where the different groups are pitted against each other and can easily become influenced to hate each other and the country.

When this ideology infiltrates our educational system, and is then validated and endorsed by social media and teachers/professors, who are in the position to influence those who lack conviction, you can see how easily the masses can be manipulated and made vulnerable to anti-freedom agendas. And since we worship a God who came to set us free, this ideology is contrary to Christianity. In fact, Karl Marx is quoted as saying, "religion is the opium of the people", and "My object in life is to dethrone God and destroy capitalism". In seeing his philosophy infiltrating our culture, we are seeing good and evil being redefined. The state becomes god, and seeks to control every aspect of our lives, even limiting how successful we can become. Private ownership and freedom to pursue your life as you desire becomes acquainted with sin and is translated as unfair and unequal. 

Sadly, we are seeing the same methods of transformation happening within the established Church. The seminaries have been infiltrated, just as the universities have been. Besides the teachers and the students adopting Marxist ideologies, we now see the pastors and the church members falling victim to the "consciousness of guilt" that comes from a lack of conviction and knowing the God-given truth. Then they are easily manipulated to supporting causes and agendas that do not align with the teachings of Christ. We are seeing our cultural identity redefined right before our eyes. If we call ourselves Christians, we are accountable to God; our salvation is a personal decision; and Jesus has the answer to knowing our purpose. Life has rewards and meaning under Jesus. Life is a struggle for power under Marx. 

Our societal culture has become divisive; your identity is based on what groups you identify with; whether you are "pro" this or that; whether you are among the "oppressors" or the "oppressed". The Marxist philosophy teaches that it takes a revolution to create the kind of society where everyone is equal and no one holds all the power. But, remember, there is no allowance for God in such a society. But when you believe in Christ, you know that He has already done all the work on the Cross to erase society of these ills. Grace is available to all, and Grace is His power in us to accomplish what man cannot do on his own. We are free to be who He created us to be, and if we would each seek our own identity in Christ, we would have no desire or need to compare to another person. We would be content with who we are, and what He has provided us. 

So, we as a nation, and as individuals, must decide. Jesus has taught us everything we need to experience Utopia on earth. In fact, His parables of the talents mirror free market principles. He teaches us how to wisely use the resources He has given us to invest and reap more from our hard work. And He shows us the consequences of those who waste such resources. Do we want the peace, prosperity, and contentedness of following Jesus? Or do we want the struggles of class politics and division? Are we willing to be convicted of the Truth -- or be manipulated and influenced because of our idle minds? Our culture is in a very real battle today. Jesus has taught us how to be charitable to those who are different from us, to care for the poor and the needy, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Why would we want any alternative system? The human race's problems will never be solved without God; and definitely not with a lack of conviction in who He is, and who we are in Him. 

I visited today with two beautiful women of God, and we all agree that Jesus is close to coming back. We may very well be at the two or three minutes to midnight countdown. I pray that the masses will awaken to pull the dirty veil from before their eyes before it is too late. Lord, let them see all the ways they have been manipulated; and let them perceive just how vulnerable we are to the designs of the Enemy. Let us take our stand, supported by the Heavenly Host, as we await the sound of the trumpet announcing Your return! Come, Lord Jesus, Come! 

#marxismvschristianity

1 Thessalonians 1:5   ... for our good news [regarding salvation] came to you not only in word, but also in [its inherent] power and in the Holy Spirit and with great conviction [on our part]. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your benefit.

Now Is The Time To Pay Attention! God's Economic System Is Better Than The World's

With the financial health of the stock market declining at a consistent rate, we cannot ignore the implications for our economy and our future. I know the subject of money and wealth is a difficult one for the Christian community to discuss. But it shouldn't be. God has an economic system in His Kingdom, and we would do well to discern just how different [and better] it is than what the world offers.

In 2008, God shook my husband and I awake. We were just your normal, average American citizens. But when the housing market began crashing from the sub-prime mortgage debacle, our spirits got jolted and we started educating ourselves to the machinations of our nation's economic system, and began asking God for wisdom and counsel in order to avoid getting caught in the evil web that was being spun.

As inexperienced as we were, we were wise enough to listen to what God was instructing our spirits. Instinctively, we knew that the Kingdom of God on earth was to reflect His Heavenly Kingdom. So, if the world's economic system seemed to be failing, shouldn't we, as Christians, be seeking to find out how God instituted His economic system in Heaven and wants our financial system to operate? 

If you grew up with the distorted view of money that I did, then you probably have faced the same two fears that I have known: 1) that money is the root of all evil, and 2) the very real fear of lack of money. Those two fears are at odds with each other and can cause confusion and frustration. So, let me share some thoughts about how God wants us to consider money. First, and most importantly, can we agree that God owns the world and all that is in it? And, yes, that includes all the money [no matter how much the financial gurus try to convince you that it can belong to you]. True, the very wealthy are accused of accumulating more than their fair share; and the government tries to control how much you can keep. 

Now, let me share some wisdom from Byron Howell Ministries on his blog post titled, Economic Freedom and God's Financial System. He begins by quoting Haggai 2:8, "The silver and gold are mine, declares the Lord Almighty". Then he says this: "The first step in operating in God’s economic system is moving your thinking out of the world’s economic system, [which is based on individual ownership of money], and over to God’s economy, which is fundamentally based on God’s ownership of all the world’s money.... The world’s economic system, based on individual ownership, functions by math. God’s economic system, based on His ownership, functions by movement.  God does not spend money, God moves money" [my emphasis]. 

That was the first important principle of God's economy that Mark and I learned. I think we were both so unhappy working in the corporate economic system [where we saw so much mismanagement and dishonesty], that it wasn't hard to make the jump to be self-employed, which also led us to the importance of tithing. Once we had to place our trust in God's grace and authority in blessing us with His resources, we wanted to share those blessings as He led us. We understood that anything that came into our coffers, came from God. And in humble thanks for what He provided, we wanted to give back to Him in ways that honored Him. For us, that meant giving to others as we saw needs to be met; always making it clear that it wasn't our money, but God's, and He was using us to let them know He saw them and recognized their need. You see, God moved that money through us [meeting our needs] and then moved it to someone else who needed it.

And can you fathom that God has all the money that He will ever need to achieve His goals for the world? But He loves partnering with us, which leads to an intimate relationship of sowing and reaping. God gives us what we need, and if we stay in righteous relationship with Him, we can harvest seed from His blessings and sow it in [and through] others. That economic system perpetuates itself and moves God's money as He informs. And that calls our attention to the concept of stewardship, which is our responsibility to supervise, protect, and manage God's property. 

Another truth that we need to understand is that because money belongs to God, it is not evil. I mean, God blessed Abraham, Jacob, and King Solomon with great wealth. The Bible says Abram was "very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold" (Genesis 13:2). Jacob's wealth "increased greatly" in livestock, servants, camels and donkeys (Genesis 30:43). King Solomon "excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom" (1 Kings 10:23). It must also be understood that while God used these men in powerful ways, and their wealth was often expressed as a blessing from God, it did not necessarily indicate their standing with Him. We would be wise to see the real value of money in this world ... it is provision given to us to be wisely invested so that it yields a return for the One who owns it. It does not entitle us to run our own program with the money He has given us.

In this world, we are subliminally taught that money is the key to happiness. The wealthy are always shown as possessing things that bring them joy; and those things cost money. Hence, the message we get is that the desire for money is essential to be happy. The poor are rarely shown as satisfied; they covet or are miserable because of the lack of money. In essence, we have been trained to see money as an idol. When that happens our focus is taken off Jesus [and what He has given us] and transfers to our own selfish needs and desires. 

So, how do transfer into God's Kingdom economy when we find ourselves facing a serious downturn in the world's economic system? First, let me say it is my personal opinion that we are going to feel some pain in the short term [and only God knows how "short" that term will be]. But when you understand how God's system works, you will navigate this new reality with the proper perspective, which is ... be thankful for what you have been given, recognizing who it belongs to; even in the midst of hardship, sow into others and you will please God, reaping treasure in heaven; and, last but not least, you are not alone.

We serve a God that seeks to bring this world into alignment with His Heavenly Kingdom, and that can mean pain when we are so far out of position. He knows what we need and He desires to give us "our daily bread". So, no matter what our economic future or the future of the nation looks like, let us be content in what we have been given, always looking to share in the blessings we have received. And never forget that no matter what the world looks like, there is an eternal existence that awaits us, and it is our righteousness that will be measured, not our riches. 

Luke 6:38    Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.