A Religious Spirit Hides the Kingdom Government

 

A Religious Spirit Hides the Kingdom Government   During the time that the Lord Jesus was among the people here on earth, they had a religious mindset. To understand the Kingdom mindset, one must be born again of the Spirit. Born again doesn’t mean to believe in the Lord Jesus. It is being filled with the Holy Spirit. King Jesus spoke this to Nicodemus: Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again (“born from above”), he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3   When you are born again in the Spirit it is very similar to when you were born in the natural sense. You have to learn how to live and operate in the Spirit…meaning you have to be taught by our Kingdom Governor and His Word. The Lord Jesus made it very clear when He said “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:5-6 We must learn how to live and operate here on this earth while being a citizen of His Kingdom.   Many religious people think that they are born again because they believe and have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But salvation isn’t being born again. Being born again is when we are filled with the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor. There are millions of people who attend church who think they are born again because they have accepted Jesus, when in reality they are of the same religious mindset as Nicodemus. He continued speaking to Nicodemus, showing the difference between salvation and being filled with the Holy Spirit:  “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.   Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. But if you don’t believe Me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life.”   “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:9-17 NLT   Being born again is a process, just as it is in the natural. We must read and study His Word, and then you will receive His gift of the Spirit. If you truly love the King, He will give you His Spirit. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3   “If you love Me, obey My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you… Jesus replied, “All who love Me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and We will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love Me will not obey Me. And remember, My words are not My own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent Me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as My representative—that is, the Holy Spirit--He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:15-17, 23-26 NLT   When you truly embrace His Word in your heart and seek His righteousness, no religion can hide His Kingdom from you! But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 The secret is you must really want it with all your heart and mind. That is what seeking is! Seeking is not casual. Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8   God’s Kingdom government is our top priority. The Government of God’s Kingdom doesn’t fit in religious and denominational boxes! Religion and its leaders are a hindrance to seeking the Kingdom of God. Do you recall when the Lord Jesus stated this?  “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the Kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” Matthew 23:13 If you ever have any doubts about how Jesus felt about the religious in that day, just read all of Matthew 23!  Here is just a short example:   Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples, “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.   “Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels. And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.” Matthew 23:1-7 NLT   When the Son of God arrived on this earth, He promoted only one thing…His Father’s Kingdom. He never gave a thought to promoting a religion. He was single-minded with only God’s Kingdom government being reintroduced into the earth. He and His cousin—John—promoted His Father’s government. In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!”…From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:1-2, 4:17 To proclaim and promote a religion called Christianity was an idea by religious men. The first time in God’s Constitution we heard of the name Christian was when some religious men called Saul and Barnabas Christians in the city of Antioch. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts 11:25-26   Remember, if people can name you, they will define who you are!   It was because of the Kingdom that the Lord Jesus came to earth. It was His purpose. Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; but He said to them, “I must preach the Kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” Luke 4:42-43 Preaching about the Kingdom of God was and is the last chance for mankind to be saved and led into His Kingdom.   I want to encourage you to evaluate your life concerning religious traditions and bylaws. Are they keeping you from the full revelation of what life as a citizen of God’s Kingdom can be? What religious strongholds are hiding God’s Kingdom government in your life? Once you have figured that out, God’s Kingdom will be revealed to you much more clearly! Once you see it, you will not be able to go back to religious traditions.   God’s Word is not a religious document called the Bible. It is a binding legal document. It is God’s Testaments to His citizens. It is His “Last Will and Testament” to His children! It is a binding contract to His people.   And remember, your faith in the King’s Word is your greatest asset in His Kingdom. ​All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

The Uniqueness of a Kingdom Minded Wife

 

The Uniqueness of a Kingdom Minded Wife   Image by □ Mabel Amber, who will one day from Pixabay ​Always remember that Kingdom citizens do not conform to the cultures of this world, which change with the wind. We are conformed only to God’s eternal Word, principles and commands. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT   But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. Genesis 2:20b-22   Man was not created out of a woman, but woman was created from man. Ambassador Paul also spoke of this:  For man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. 1 Corinthians 11:8-9   In this world system, there are many “romantic” songs that are sung concerning the woman. In some cases, they actually seem to worship the woman above the Lord God. I was once in that position. But those are people who fail to know the Lord. The more sensitive you become to the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor—the more clearly you will see things that are wrong in your thinking and life. It is the only way we will be changed and conforming to God's Word. Adam wasn’t ignorant of who the woman was concerning himself. He made this statement:  And Adam said: This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Genesis 2:23   A wife that is Kingdom minded is submissive minded to God’s Constitution and to her husband; not subservient but submitted to the Holy Spirit and to understanding her husband’s responsibility in leading. What makes her unique is the fact that she always looks to be in right standing with the King. She has one allegiance and that is to the King and His Word. She submits to God’s Will and trusts her husband does also.   Remember that the origin of the woman is that God created her out of man. She is who she is because of what God took out of the man; and mankind is a spirit because the Lord God is Spirit.  And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Genesis 2:7 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:26 Therefore, all of mankind must stay connected to the Lord God in order to have a spiritual life.   The other day, Arlene and I were having a simple conversation concerning bacon. I like bacon but she cannot stand even the smell of it. I told her that sometimes she can be a “pain”. She replied, “You can too.” I mention that conversation because a man really can’t get upset about what his wife says or does because a Kingdom minded wife learns from her Kingdom minded husband! Do you recall what ambassador Paul stated to the Ephesians in God’s Constitution? So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.  For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:28-32 I realize that whatever I say to my wife, she learns; whatever I give her, she will nurture, grow and give back to me in far greater quantity!   A husband should love and care for his wife as he would love and care for himself because she is unique and given to him as a true partner. For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up His life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to Himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself Ephesians 5:25-28 NLT   Here is another reason that a Kingdom woman and wife is unique:  She may be smarter and have more education, work a very prestigious job, and make more money than her husband. But in order for him to fulfill his role, she needs to submit to his leadership. A leader needs someone to follow him. Now how many women/wives—religious or worldly—do you know who would submit to that? It goes against our world’s culture. Also, far too many men have abdicated the leadership role because it comes with great responsibility! Read what ambassador Paul said to the Believers in Ephesus:  And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of His body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:21-24 NLT   Kingdom wives and women are unique because they live by the King’s Word regardless of the situation. Her submission is an act of the will, a choice. A woman should submit to her husband not because the man says so, and not because society says so, but because of her purpose and her submitting to the will of the Lord God. In this way, she enables her husband to be a leader, thus fulfilling his purpose also.   There is an evil spirit in this world that causes people to rebel against leadership and all authority. It says “You can’t tell me what to do.” We have all heard it, thought it or said it at some time and place. It is an epidemic in today’s world but we must work to drive it out of our life in God’s Kingdom. It has no place there. Some of you may be feeling this right now. We will either choose to embrace that thought or reject it. The Lord God always gives us the opportunity to choose. That rebellious attitude is rooted in pride. We are to humble ourselves as Jesus did. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a  human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.   Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-8 NLT  If we humble ourselves, He will exalt us in His time.   Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10   Always remember, a woman isn’t any “less” than her husband; however, for the Lord God’s purpose, it is her position to submit to his leadership. Do you know why most marriages and relationships in many societies aren’t working? It is because they refuse to accept their role and position. Also, it is because far too many people do not know the true meaning and responsibilities of being a leader.   God’s Kingdom is one of very detailed order and structure. This world does not follow God’s order and structure. Even too many churches are out of God’s order! We in God’s Kingdom should seek to be in order with the Father. If we want to be in right standing and prospering in His Kingdom, we must follow His order and structure.   I find that the greatest prayer I can pray is “Not my will Lord, but Yours!” in every situation.   Remember, your faith in the Lord God’s Word is your greatest asset in His Kingdom. ​All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Our Father and His Function

 

Our Father and His Function   Image by Lorraine Cormier from Pixabay Several weeks ago, in the month of February, I was attacked with a serious illness. I realized something was wrong with my body when I could not get up from the floor after falling from my chair! I didn’t know what was wrong so I called on my Father and King. While I was laying on the floor I called on the Father to ask why. My son had my wife call for an ambulance. Again, I wasn’t as concerned about my condition as much as “why me Father?”. That was the question on my mind. The enemy had attacked my body and had been attacking my mind for some time but my Father’s Word was all in my heart. I recall what King David stated in the Lord God’s Constitution:  Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 It is vital to stay in the King’s Word because in times of trouble, it isn’t the time to start searching for a Word. When His Word is planted in the heart and mind, in times of trouble, the Word comes to you with wisdom and comfort. Keep in mind that our King is the Creator and most of all He is a Father to us all. If we haven't had a good father relationship while growing up, it is hard to see the function of a father. That makes it difficult to relate to our Heavenly Father. A father leads, guides, teaches, provides for and protects his children. He does that out of love. Looking back to my health crisis, before they took me to the hospital, they spent quite a while working on me inside the ambulance. I had no idea how ill I was until days later. I believe that I was in my Father’s care and He sent the right people to help me, but still I questioned why. Once I arrived in the hospital, they treated me like royalty. I am not the type of person that was ever sick. This was all a first for me! I have always been blessed with good health.  His Word, hidden in my heart, answered my question. He brought it to my mind:   Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:27-28 I must trust in Him that this would be used for His will and His purpose! He didn’t bring the sickness upon me, but it would be used for His Glory and no glory would go to the enemy. My Father used the enemy’s attack on my body for His good. The question remained, “Why here? Why did I have to be admitted to the local hospital? Isn’t there a less painful to fulfill Your Will?” I wasn’t thinking about dying, only what was my Father’s purpose for my life here? The next day it became more clear of His purpose. There was a young nursing student who was assigned to care for me. She was a student at a local university and you could say that I was her “test subject”. As she spent time in my room, I began speaking about my Father and the Kingdom message that His Son came to share and deliver mankind. For a whole day, she kept coming back to my room, wanting to know more about the Kingdom.  I finally realized while she was sitting in the chair or on the bed, she was taking notes as I spoke about the Kingdom. She was asking questions also! I do not know what her purpose and future will be, but I do know that I had a divine appointment with her and it took a great deal to get me to that appointment! The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23 NLT   I didn’t realize how ill I really was until I heard about a young man with the very same illness and he was still so weak from it! When you are talking about God’s Kingdom government, have a purpose and a God given assignment, the devil will try to stop you and slow you down immediately. But the King promises He will never fail. Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like Me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. I will call a swift bird of prey from the east—a leader from a distant land to come and do My bidding. I have said what I would do, and I will do it. Isaiah 46:9-11 NLT When you find yourself out of your normal position in life:  in a strange place, an unusual situation, randomly placed with people you would never have normally been with, know that you have been placed there by your Father. There is an assignment or a lesson for you...probably both!  Trust Him and follow the Holy Spirit's leading. Do not be so focused on your current situation that you miss your assignment! One of the best examples of what I am saying is Paul and Silas, when they were thrown in prison. What a terrible situation! It would be normal for them to bemoan their current state. They were beaten, thrown in prison and their feet locked in stocks! Any person would be miserable and depressed. Some would curse God. But that was not their assignment.  Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.”  And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. The next morning the city officials sent the police to tell the jailer, “Let those men go!” So the jailer told Paul, “The city officials have said you and Silas are free to leave. Go in peace.” But Paul replied, “They have publicly beaten us without a trial and put us in prison—and we are Roman citizens. So now they want us to leave secretly? Certainly not! Let them come themselves to release us!” When the police reported this, the city officials were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. So they came to the jail and apologized to them. Then they brought them out and begged them to leave the city. Acts 16:25-39 NLT Not only were they bathed, fed and set free, but the government officials who put them there apologized and begged them to leave their city! God's purpose was fulfilled and they were vindicated! Every assignment from the Lord God doesn't come with a loud voice and a "Thus says the Lord"! Sometimes it is being placed in difficult, uncomfortable situations that are beyond your control. Your greatest assignments and greatest victories may come after your greatest pain. Be ever watchful and aware!  I know that my Father allowed that sickness for His purpose. He gave me great favor with the staff, who treated me as royalty. I represented my King and Father as His ambassador, speaking always about things concerning the Kingdom government. He helped me to keep at peace and be kind and appreciative when I felt at my worst. All for His Glory and His purpose! Always keep in mind that the Lord God—our King and Father—is a jealous God. Never put anything or anyone above Him--not even your own comfort or desires. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Deuteronomy 4:24 He wants all your attention, obedience and praise. He deserves all the credit and honor.   Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in His Word. All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Understanding Who You Are in the Kingdom

 

Understanding Who You Are in the Kingdom   Image by Jean-Christophe Bouvier from Pixabay Understanding who you are in the Lord God’s government is very important. Jesus was never sent here on this earth to start or create another religion called Christianity. He didn’t give His life for that. He never stated or implied that those who believed in Him should be called Christians. When the Lord Jesus first came on the scene, His very first message was that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 The Lord Jesus was focused on His message from His Father. Even His earthly first cousin John was in one accord—in line with His message. In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” Matthew 3:1-2 It is all about His Kingdom. A kingdom is a government, not a religious organization, as most would have you believe.   For many years—the majority of my life—I thought I was a religious person, part of a religious organization, known as a Christian. That was all I knew. It was only when I started to study the Lord God’s Constitution for myself, rather than only knowing what I heard preached, that I realized who I really was. The first time I ever read the word “Christian” in His Constitution was in Acts 11, after Jesus had left this earth. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts 11:25-26   It was then that I first realized that the disciples didn’t call themselves Christians. King Jesus never told them they were Christians. The people around them saw them and called them Christians. They took the name after Jesus the Christ. The word Christ means the “Anointed One”. To understand who you really are, you must go back to your second birth. King Jesus stated it like this:  Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3 NLT   In order for you to become a citizen of His Kingdom, you must be born again by His Spirit; in other words, being filled with His Holy Spirit. Too many people who say they are Christians do not actually understand who the Holy Spirit is. Many join a church, participate in praise and worship and consider themselves Christian. That is all true, but in order to become a citizen of God’s Kingdom one must be born again, filled with and governed by His Holy Spirit. This is the reason we say that the Holy Spirit is our Kingdom Governor. We are led by His Spirit and He is Governor over our territory. We submit to His governing will! Jesus made it very clear; if you aren’t born again you can’t even see the Kingdom of God. Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water (natural birth from our mother’s womb) and the Spirit (filled with the Holy Spirit), he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8   Religion has combined this with “accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior”, while skimming past the importance of being filled with and governed by the Holy Spirit. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life; For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17   We cannot be “good enough” for life in His Kingdom on our own without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is only by submitting to His Will that we are able to grow and mature in His Spirit. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!   Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:22-25 NLT This is how we come into the full understanding of who we are in His Kingdom!   My wife Arlene and I are ambassadors of His Kingdom. We are not religious at all. We stay in His Constitution—His Word. Ambassador Paul put it perfectly: But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. Philippians 3:20a We only speak things concerning our Kingdom government. We speak the words of our King. Once you are born again, you must learn the ways of the King, by reading and studying His Word. By submitting your will to the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor—He will lead you into all Truth. However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all Truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-14   Remember: If you allow people to name you, they will define you.   That is what they did back in Antioch. They named Paul and Barnabas by calling them “Christians”. From that point on others embraced it also.  Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” Acts 26:28 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1 Peter 4:16 At no times did the Lord Jesus ever called His disciples “Christians”. It was other people, who named them. That is my point. Understand who you are! If we were supposed to be called Christian and create yet another religion, wouldn’t that have been the focus of our Lord Jesus? He was focused on God’s Kingdom and what life in His Kingdom looked like!   Remember, your faith in the Lord God’s Word is your greatest asset in His Kingdom.  All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Clarity and Focus on Your Kingdom Assignment

 

Clarity and Focus on Your Kingdom Assignment   Image by József Kincse from Pixabay ​Many years ago, while living in Brooklyn, New York, I was involved in sports. One of the people I greatly admired was a basketball player by the name of Michael Jeffrey Jordan. I not only admired him for his skill on the court, but also for staying focused on his purpose and his assignment. He didn’t allow anyone to get him involved in anything other than his craft. That is one of the things that made him so great as a player. There were many that thought he should get involved in the civil rights movement, but he stayed focused on his assignment and craft. To this very day many consider him the greatest basketball player of all time, including myself. He always gave his parents credit for his success, especially his mother Deloris. It was stated that she “constantly kept him focused on what things were good in life”. He is a great example of how important it is to know your purpose and to never lose focus on it and your assignment! Without that focus, you will never accomplish what your have been purposed to do.                             As I think back on my life, I recall my mother made me attend church, in sickness and in health! It was attending church that caused me to seek the Kingdom. I needed answers and the preacher didn’t have them. So I began seeking on my own! But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33    If you want to be successful in your assignment, you need to pick your priorities and stay focused on God’s purpose for your life. King Jesus is our example of that throughout His time here on Earth! Even when He was twelve years old, He was focused on His purpose for being here. When His parents lost him, here was His response to their worry: And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49 Focus! Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; but He said to them, “I must preach the Kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” Luke 4:42-43    That is what we, as ambassadors of His Kingdom, are called to do. Stay focused on our Kingdom government and what our King says. Ambassadors do not get distracted or speak their opinions and feelings. They represent the King. The Lord Jesus never set out to be well known or famous. He even told people not to tell people when He healed them. Here is one example: As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” Mark 1:42-44  His focus stayed on reintroducing God’s Kingdom government to the world. He didn’t come to start and build a new religion. He kept spreading the Kingdom Gospel to a dying world. Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15 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 NLT   Always remember, the Lord Jesus was on an assignment from His Father God, who is the King. He didn’t want to go through what He went through, but for the will of His Father, so be it. Three times He pleaded to His Father. His obedience was to His Father’s will. Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”   He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”   Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”   Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” Matthew 26:36-42   The Lord Jesus stayed focused on His assignment and purpose for coming to this earth. King Jesus didn’t allow Himself to get involved in the world’s activities. He knew He had a limited time here on earth and this was the last chance for mankind to come back to the King through His Son, Jesus the Christ. It was the appointed time and there could be no distractions. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17   We live in a distracting world, with endless input vying for your attention. We all deal with it. Always be aware that the enemy—meaning Satan and all his demons—want to distract and hinder you from the Kingdom. If he can keep you busy and unfocused he can thwart your God-given purpose. One of the easiest ways is through religion of all kinds. With religion we believe we are doing “good”, while only advancing religion but not the Kingdom government as Jesus taught. It may be good, but it’s not Kingdom! Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8   Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT ​ Remember, your faith in the King’s Word is your most valuable asset in His Kingdom. All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Always Under the King’s Protection

 

Always Under the King’s Protection   Image by Jupi Lu from Pixabay ​As you live and operate as a citizen of the Lord God’s Kingdom, you will discover that it seems you are going through more challenges than before you had a Kingdom mindset. Well, truth be told, you probably are! Ambassador Peter wrote to those who had received Jesus Christ as their Lord and King, to be aware of the challenges that will come their way. They found that a life of obedience to the King is often a life of many difficulties. Some of their challenges came from their friends and close family members, while some came from governmental authorities and even their religious acquaintances and leaders. Ambassador Peter wrote these words of advice:  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1 Peter 5:8-10   Keep this in mind; he said that the devil was LIKE a roaring lion. The reason he roars like a lion is to strike fear in your heart. The enemy wants to keep you from a Kingdom mindset. It is a distraction. Fear chases away faith. But more importantly, faith chases away fear! Your protection is in the Lord God’s Kingdom, and all the resources you will ever need. But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 NLT   One of the greatest challenge is from your old culture. Ambassador Paul wrote these words of the battle and challenges he was going through:  So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.  I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.  But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.   And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.   I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. Romans 7:14-21 NLT I deal with this challenge every day! I also recall what ambassador Paul said, and agree!  I love God’s law with all my heart. Romans 7:22 NLT   Our battle was also Paul’s battle. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.  Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. Romans 7:23-25 NLT Yet he did great work for God’s Kingdom! He persevered and overcame to fulfill His assignment in the Kingdom. Do not lose heart!   Remember, you will have personal battles concerning your old nature, but the King will always protect you from the evil one—Satan. If you truly love the King’s Word, you will truly obey His commands and He will give you the Governor to live with you and in you to guide and govern you.  “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”  John 14:15-17 If you want to please the King, be obedient to His Word. People will say they love Jesus, but love is a verb and requires action. Jesus made it very clear what was required: “If you love Me, keep my commandments”. It is as simple as that.   Too many people are under the illusion that if they attend a church, that pleases the Lord God. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In God’s Kingdom, if you love your King, you will keep His commandments (laws and principles). Read this statement from John:  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:2-5 Your life source hinges on your faith in His Word. If you are truly reborn of His Spirit, you will overcome this world.   His Spirit causes us to be overcomers, not warriors. The Lord God has angels to do His bidding for us on His behalf. Angels are the army of the Lord. We are His children and citizens of His Kingdom. Citizens of His Kingdom never carry weapons to defend themselves. They trust in the King’s promises of protection.  But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9 I close with the encouraging words of King Jesus: "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT   Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the King’s Word. All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Teaching and Preaching the Kingdom of God Only

 

Teaching and Preaching the Kingdom of God Only   Image by StockSnap from Pixabay Since the Lord God gave me this assignment of teaching about His Kingdom, I realize that it is all that King Jesus taught and preached. I realized that He never taught about prosperity or the activities of the world. His focus was on the Kingdom of His Father while He was here on this earth. From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 Even John His earthly first cousin was on the same page. In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For this is He who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” Matthew 3:1-3   The question then arises, why are those who claim that the Lord God called them not preaching and teaching the same message? The answer is simple. They aren’t following the leading of the Governor—the Holy Spirit. Rather, they are usually taught by various religious institutions and denominations. Matthew 23 shows what Jesus said about religion. “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either." Matthew 23:13 NLTT King Jesus also never taught or preached about Himself. He always gave a comparison of what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.  “Therefore hear the parable of the sower:  When anyone hears the Word of the Kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, immediately he stumbles.  Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the Word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” Matthew 13:18-23 You need to read the above scriptures with prayer and ask the Governor to give you the understanding so you may discover your purpose. Our responsibility is to lead and encourage others to seek His Kingdom, not to seek Jesus. We are to accept the Lord Jesus and His message. He is the door to God’s Kingdom. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 There is no other way, except through Jesus. King Jesus was never lost so He doesn’t have to be found. All He said to seek is God’s Kingdom and make it our number one priority. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33   When you make the Kingdom of God your number one priority, then all your needs will be met.  “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Matthew 6:25-27 NLT   We as Kingdom citizens should be teaching consistently concerning the Kingdom and His government, just as ambassador Paul did. And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the Kingdom of God.” Acts 14:21-22   There are too many Believers that aren’t sensitive to the Governor’s leading. Keep this thought in mind, the Lord Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit from the beginning. Being filled with the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor—is the only way you can successfully live the Kingdom life while you are here on this earth.  Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. John 16:7   For God’s Kingdom government to truly be understood, it must be preached and taught on a consistent basis. Ambassador Paul was a perfect example of this. “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves. Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the Kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him. Acts 28:23-31 Jesus talked to His disciples over and over about God's Kingdom, giving practical examples of what life in the Kingdom was like. Every parable is an example of life in the Kingdom of God!   Remember that it was so important that they understood the Kingdom message that the Lord Jesus stayed on earth forty days after His death and resurrection. The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. Acts 1:1-3   We ask, why is it so important? Because living under God’s Kingdom government is our provision, protection and power while here on earth. Being a citizen in God’s Kingdom supplies all our needs. Ambassador Paul made it quite clear while speaking to the people of Philippi.  But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.   Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.  Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:10-20 Remember, the Lord God uses people to bless others. He works through His citizens!   And remember also that your greatest asset in the Kingdom is your faith in His Word. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Your Purpose vs. Your Divine Purpose

 

Your Purpose vs. Your Divine Purpose   Image by Ghinzo from Pixabay ​Are you aware of your divine purpose for your life? Everyone has a purpose and assignments, but is it our Lord and King’s purpose for your life? Is it the reason you were brought to this earth? ​Allow me to share with you the purpose that Saul the persecutor chose for his life. His purpose was to persecute the saints of the Lord God. It is what drove him. He believed in what he did and pursued it. In fact, Stephen was his first victim that we hear of in God’s Word. Stephen preached the Kingdom of the Lord God, not religion. People’s lives were changed and converted. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”   And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.   Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Acts 6:3-8    It was because of the Kingdom message that Saul made it his purpose to persecute those who believed and embraced King Jesus. So he assisted in stoning Stephen. Saul made it his assignment to rid the world of Stephen and his message. Saul believed his purpose was good and he was good! The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”   Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.   As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died. Acts 7:54-60 NLT  Keep in mind, this wasn’t the Lord God’s purpose for Saul’s life, but one of his choosing. Saul made it his business to become an ambassador for evil. Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Acts 8 1-3   But when the King has a purpose and assignment for you in the future, nothing nor anyone can stop you from it… except you! So I will ask, is what you call your purpose your divine purpose for your life? Is it what you want to do, or what the Lord God has chosen for you to do? The Lord gave me this message:  “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as My prophet to the nations.”   “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”   The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Jeremiah 1:4-8  Powerful! Divine purpose!   There are too many religious people who claim that the Lord God called them to preach, teach and pastor a church. They claim to have an assignment from the King. But where the Lord God leads, He provides! When the King has a purpose and assignment for you He will prepare you for it. You will never have to ask or beg for anything. It will already be prepared for you even before you ask. The Holy Spirit will put the spirit of giving in the hearts and minds of those He sends to give. He will draw them to you. In many cases it will be people you never even considered or from places you don’t even currently know. The Holy Spirit will bless others to bless you, just like He did with His early ambassadors. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.  And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. Acts 4:32-35   Have you noticed that throughout all the time of teaching His disciples, he never spent time teaching them how they should raise money to build their ministry and build a church or advertise to grow their church? If you have to “work it” to get money and people, it isn’t a divine purpose. That is a religious worldly mentality. Ministry has taken the supernatural power of the Lord God out of the plan. Don't make a plan and work it in your own strength! A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 Ministry has become too materialist. People with a Kingdom mindset will never claim to own anything. They understand that He gives us access to whatever we need. They also know that if they don’t have access, they don’t actually need it to fulfill God’s divine purpose. These verses are the key answer, whether it is personally or ministry. His Kingdom/His righteousness, first and foremost in every decision:    “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?   “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?   “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:25-33    If you have been struggling for your needs in fulfilling what you believe to be your purpose, stop struggling and seek the Lord to reveal what your divine purpose is. It is religious training that thinks we are doing God’s work in endless struggle and without any progress. If you wonder why the Lord God isn't funding your dream, it isn't His divine purpose for you. He has something far better for you. His divine assignment may look NOTHING like what is in your imagination. For a long time, I couldn’t think ministry beyond a pulpit, teaching and preaching. But we allowed the Father to guide us step by step into our divine purpose! And He has definitely done beyond anything we could imagine!   The Lord Jesus used the very people Saul was persecuting to start on his divine purpose and assignment. They were Believers in the Lord Jesus. Saul was so mentally blinded by his purpose of persecution and murder that King Jesus struck him down with physical blindness to get his attention!  Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”   And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”   So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”   Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”   But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Acts 9:10-16 Then Saul became known as Paul.   Keep in mind, before Paul could operate in His divine purpose and assignment, he had to be reborn again and filled with the Holy Spirit. The Lord used one of those whom Saul persecuted to receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.  And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”    Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. Acts 9:17-18   You may be surprised who the Lord will use to fulfill your divine purpose!   We are created with a desire to find our purpose for living in this world. But too many become consumed with a purpose that wasn’t their divine purpose. That purpose becomes a distraction from their divine purpose. It may be good, it may be great, but not the best because it is not God’s divine purpose. Don’t settle for less than God's best. Seek Him for wisdom and direction. Then be led by the Holy Spirit, our Kingdom Governor. Remember, it is your faith in the King’s Word that is your most valuable asset in God’s Kingdom. ​All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Babies in His Kingdom

 

Babies in His Kingdom   Learning to eat,…speak,…and walk in God’s Kingdom! At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”   Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the Kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:1-4   While the Lord Jesus was here on this earth, one of His main responsibilities was to teach His people how to live in the Kingdom while existing in this world. He taught them what the Kingdom of Heaven was like. Before that could happen in their lives, they had to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor. In other words, they had to be reborn into His Kingdom through King Jesus. Understand this one thing; unless your spirit is transformed by the Holy Spirit you cannot even see His Kingdom.  Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3   When you are reborn you are basically a baby in God’s Kingdom! What does a baby have to do? Learn, develop and grow! From the beginning they are learning to eat, speak and walk on their own. One day they will be independent, thriving, adult citizens. But it is a process that doesn’t happen in a day, week or month! The same is true of Kingdom citizens. You must be trained in the way of the King. King Solomon put it this way:  Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 Just like your physical birth and development, the same process must occur in the Spirit. Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” John 3:5-7 Keep in mind, at the time King Jesus made that statement, He was the only one who was filled with the Holy Spirit. John, His earthly first cousin, saw the Holy Spirit land on Him and remained in the form of a dove.  And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” John 1:32-34   It is so important that you be filled with His Spirit, for it is the Holy Spirit that gives you citizenship in His Kingdom. It is the Holy Spirit that governs and teaches us as we listen to His leading and read and study God’s Constitution. The more of His Word we have in us, the easier it is to be led by His Spirit! These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:25-26   Since I have been in His Kingdom, my life has totally changed. But that did not happen on my own. I have learned to be guided by His Spirit and humbly submit my will to His. I feel great knowing that His presence is with me. With the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor—we will love what God loves and hate what God hates. Yes! There are things that God hates. God’s Word is true and He cannot lie! These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:  A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19   Keep in mind that all that you are is learned traits, meaning you learned it from someone or something. It is up to you to keep reading and studying His Constitution under the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit—our Governor. Growing and maturing in God’s Kingdom must be intentional and requires action. Actively seeking God’s Kingdom and His righteousness requires action!   The Holy Spirit is given to those who are obedient to His Word. Ambassador Peter made that very clear when speaking to the officials.  But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:29-32   We must learn to trust in His Word and have faith in the leading of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus said to those following Him:  I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.”   The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?”   Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.” John 6:51-58 He was speaking of His Words. We know that Jesus was the Word made flesh. He said this to separate the casual followers from the true believers. Never think that big crowds are the most important thing! It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. John 6:63-66 It is never about the crowds!   Yes, it was His Body that He gave for the life of this world! I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” John 6:51 If we eat His Words—meaning embracing His Words by faith—it is His Spirit that gives us life eternal.  It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are Spirit, and they are life. John 6:63    Yes, we must learn to EAT His Word…SPEAK His Word…and WALK in His Kingdom by the guidance of our Kingdom Governor, the Holy Spirit!   Remember, it is your faith in the King’s Word that is your most valuable asset in God’s Kingdom. ​All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org