Beloved, I am glad to share with you today on the spiritual kingdom or kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven as the Old Testament shows us, regards God as the only true king, not only of Israel, but of the entire universe. He is expected and should manifest himself.
Also please recall that the New Testament speaks of the kingdom of God; it occupies a central place in the teaching of the Lord Jesus and this expression presents it sometimes as a present reality announced by Him, sometimes as a reality to come.
But it should be noted that the characteristics of this kingdom show that it is reserved for those who, like him, are gentle and humble of heart, who bear witness of kindness and commit themselves for Jesus to become the sons of the kingdom. They will then be the light of the world and the salt of the world, despite the rejection they may suffer from those around them. Obviously, Jesus Christ Himself was treated as a false prophet.
But how is the spiritual kingdom characterized?
- he is eternal: Rev 11.15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”
- it is a reality announced by Jesus Christ: Mt 12.28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Luke 17:21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
- it is a reality to come. Luke 9.2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
Luke 22:30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
- Not everyone will enter it: 1 Cor 6.9-10 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 15.50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
- It is expected and should manifest himself: Obadiah 21: Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the LORD’s.
Daniel 2.44 “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.
- the spiritual realm grows: Mk 4.31-32 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
Psalms 72.16: May grain abound throughout the land; on the tops of the hills may it sway. May the crops flourish like Lebanon and thrive like the grass of the field.
Isaiah 55.5 Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations you do not know will come running to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.”
Isaiah 60.22 The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will do this swiftly.”
The kingdom of God is for when and where?
- the kingdom is present in Jesus : Mat 4.23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
- Miracles prove his presence Luke 7.18-22 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ ” 21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.
- It comes by the death and resurrection of Jesus: Luke 23.42-43 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
1 Cor 15.20-25 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
- Christ takes us into his kingdom: Col 1, 12-13 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
- We welcome him: He 12.26-28 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
What conditions to fulfill to access the kingdom of God?
- by becoming like little children: Mat 18: 1-5 This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, 4 Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,
- by going through the new birth: John 3.3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
- by receiving it as a gift from Jesus Christ: Luke 22:29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me,
- by answering the call of God: 1 Th 2.12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
- by changing through conversion: Mark 1:15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
- by being delivered by Jesus Christ: Col 1, 12-14 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
- by accepting the righteousness of Christ: Mark 5.20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
- by following Jesus: Mt 19.21-24 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.
Luke 9: 61-62 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
- by loving God: James 2.5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
- by persevering in faith: Acts 14:22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
2 Thessalonians 1: 1-4-5 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. 5 All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
In the end, the kingdom of heaven is within the reach of all who are persevering in faith, who are born again, delivered by Christ, who look like little children, and also by being converted, by accepting the righteousness of Christ, and by loving God. I pray that more and more of you become sons and daughters of the kingdom of heaven, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Our prayers stengthenyou in your efforts to be part of that kingdom.
PRAYER OF ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOR
I now invite anyone who wants to become a new creation by walking in the truth, to pray with me as follows :
Lord Jesus, I have long walked in the lusts of the world ignoring your love for humans. I acknowledge that I have sinned against you and ask forgiveness for all my sins, because today I have decided to give you my life by taking you as my Lord and personal Savior. I acknowledge that you died on the cross of Calvary and that you rose from the dead for me.
I am now saved and born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lead me each day to eternal life you give to all who obey your Word. Reveal to me and strengthen my heart and my faith so that your light may shine in my life right now.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for accepting me in your divine family so that I too can contemplate the wonders of your kingdom.
I will now choose a nearby waterpoint to baptize myself by immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
To you all adoration, power, and glory, now and forever and ever. Amen!
I would be glad to revert on your queries or comments you may have, before sharing with you next week on what to avoid doing in order to keep one’s place as children of the kingdom of God.
May the Almighty God bless you in abundance.
David Feze, Servant of the Lord of armies.