Transitioning From One Culture to Another

 

Transitioning From One Culture to Another   The way you think will affect your behavior. Your culture is revealed by your behavior. Did you know that your level of respect toward those in authority—your parents, teachers, law enforcement—will speak volumes about your culture? Our world is currently a culture of disrespect. That culture has no place in God’s Kingdom culture. For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.                                                                                        It is God’s Will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king. 1 Peter 2:13-17 NLT   Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12   Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise:  that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. Ephesians 6:1-3    Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3-4 NLT   Your behavior reveals the content of your heart—mind, will, and emotions. Unhealthy behaviors are always a sign of an unhealthy culture. My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:20-23   We as citizens of His Kingdom must be very careful of how and what we say and how we behave. We always are to represent our King well! Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:25-32 This is Kingdom culture!   In God’s Kingdom culture, we have His unchanging standards, written in God’s Constitution. Every culture on this earth has standards of conduct that determine how people treat one another. The world’s culture as a whole operates by a standard that is essentially selfish (self-focused). It puts one’s own welfare and desires ahead of all others. This is basically Hedonism--the pursuit of satisfying your wants and desires above all else. There are even many who say they are Christians, who concentrate on grabbing their “own piece of the pie”, using and discarding people in their attempt to get what they desire. They believe they “deserve” everything they can get. Their focus and motivation is more in line with the world than God’s Constitution. Yes, it may be a “dog-eat-dog” world, but not in the Kingdom of God! Keep in mind that the Kingdom culture operates by a completely different standard; and the Lord Jesus demonstrated that culture in both Word and by example.   The night before His crucifixion, the Lord Jesus shared a final Passover meal with His Disciples. He took off His outer garment and wrapped a towel around His waist, as a servant, and proceeded to wash their unclean feet. Keep in mind that this was a task normally relegated to the lowest of slaves. Then He explained what He had done:    So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 13:12-17   On another occasion, when His disciples were arguing about which one of them was the greatest, Jesus taught them about His culture:   Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” Mark 9:33-37   The standard of conduct for greatness in the Lord God’s Kingdom of Heaven isn’t self-promotion but servanthood. The world’s culture of self-promotion is the very opposite of God’s Kingdom culture. There is another feature of a culture that is found in the celebrations it observes. Remember this one thing:  whatever you celebrate, you will elevate. Whatever you elevate, you worship. Whatever you ignore, you will destroy. For example, if your nation or state celebrates ‘Gay Pride day” every year, often with parades and special events, it says a great deal about that culture. The same applies to celebrating legalization of abortion. This culture has nothing to do with God’s Kingdom. You may always do as you want, believe what you want, but know you are operating in the kingdoms of this world—the kingdom of darkness—not the Kingdom of God. When your mind has a clear picture of what the Kingdom of God looks like and what the kingdoms of this world looks like, it is far easier to decide what your culture is.   Kingdom citizens should always be celebrating the time when the Lord God delivered them from their sin. I celebrate the King for giving me my family, and especially my wife. She is such a great help to me!  I celebrate and praise the King for delivering me from my past life and giving me my purpose and assignment!   I have heard the phrase “What you feed grows. What you starve dies.” What cultural traditions do you feed? What ones do you starve? That will ultimately determine whether you have both feet firmly in God’s Kingdom or the kingdom of this world.  Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NLT   Remember, your greatest asset in the Kingdom is your faith in His Word. All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Decluttering Your Soul of Religion

 

Decluttering Your Soul of Religion   Many people have contacted us over the years, asking how to develop a Kingdom mindset. Decluttering your mind, will, and emotions is the first step. You can’t remodel your home without first removing everything that doesn’t belong there anymore. As long as you have a religious mindset you cannot see God’s Kingdom government clearly.   So today, I want to give you some things to think about and “chew on”. If you begin to feel defensive or upset by these things, go to God’s Constitution (Bible, in religious terms) to seek out His Truth on the subject. His Truth is all that matters and all we really need! Let the Holy Spirit speak to you and guide you.  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   Your soul is your mind, will, and emotions. They are the carnal part of you. Until we are filled with, and being led by, the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor—the carnal part of us rules our decision making. What we learn and experience as we grow up fills the mind and affects our emotions and our will.    From the very beginning of life, our minds are receiving and storing information and experiences that will dominate our soul until we are led by the Holy Spirit. Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 Now, when we are little children, whatever we learn becomes our “first truths”, whether it is truth or not. It becomes the foundation of what we believe and do. Remember that in a house, foundations are much harder to remove than walls!   First truths are hard to dig out!   If you were raised in church, as I was, whatever your church doctrine was became your “truth”. You would defend it unquestioningly to anyone who dared to question or condemn those beliefs. But more often than not, you didn’t have scriptures to back up that defense, only quoting what your pastor said or using scriptures out of context. (I have heard some famous preachers taking scriptures out of context to fit what they were saying!) Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the Truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:15-19   The picture above is a good representation of our minds. In your mind, you may have several boxes filled with your religious beliefs accumulated throughout your life. To read God’s Constitution with a Kingdom mindset, all that clutter must be cleaned out. Otherwise, you will be reading with a religious mindset. When you begin to address and discard those denominational doctrines and traditions, God’s Word takes on a whole new perspective. It is like the difference between an old black and white TV and the latest 4K TV! You can see God’s Kingdom so clearly! Once you see it, you cannot "unsee" it and return to a religious mindset!   You must be intentional about this decluttering process. When something religious comes to mind, question it and seek out what God’s Word says about it. Most of the time doctrines are to help manage and control the behavior of its people. But it is the Holy Spirit--our Kingdom Governor—who is to lead and guide us in our Kingdom life! For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8:13-17   As you begin to evaluate and discard religious truths that don’t agree with what God’s Word, in context, actually says, you will begin to see from a Kingdom perspective. Read the four Gospels of the life of Jesus. It is so rich with His Kingdom teaching. Everything Jesus said and did was to teach us about His Kingdom Government. If you don’t see that yet, declutter your mind and read.   “When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before.” Luke 11:24-26 NLT   Yes, the religious spirit is not of God. All the historical evil the world blames Christians for was actually the religion spirit, not God. They only used His name. “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of My Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your name and cast out demons in Your name and performed many miracles in Your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’” Matthew 7:21-23 NLT   Don’t leave your soul cleaned out! Fill it with God’s Kingdom government knowledge. Fill up on Jesus’ Kingdom messages. See everything He said and did as what your life should be like as a Kingdom citizen. His life is our greatest example of how our life in God’s Kingdom should look! One of my favorite examples is when Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. That’s a message all by itself! Do you think that Jesus actually needed to be tested by the devil? No! He was showing us how we must respond to any temptation. He let the devil say what he had to say and Jesus responded with God’s Word. He didn’t preach or argue or explain all the reasons why He wasn’t interested in what the devil had to offer. He simply said, “It is written…” and gave him God’s Word. There is power in the Word! That is how we in God’s Kingdom are to live! Powerful and victorious over every work of the devil and his demons! Matthew 4:1-11 There are things in your soul that no longer belong there. I've only focused on the religious mindset, but allow the Holy Spirit to show you all the clutter—thoughts and information—that need to go, in Jesus' name! Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36 Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness, Deborah Luchie ​ www.kingdomcitizens.org

Never Do Battle, Humble Yourself to His Word

 

Never Do Battle, Humble Yourself to His Word   As I live the rest of my life reading and studying His Word, I have learned humility and what it means to be obedient. I have learned what it is to be guided by His Spirit. Once you humble yourself to His Will for your life, things that you thought were okay to do and look “right” in your eyes will seem out of place and don’t belong in your life.   Being a Kingdom citizen means you never have to fight for yourself, but always submit to the King. Do you recall what ambassador James stated?  But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:  “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:6-7 The Lord God, our King, has angels to intervene for you. Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:9-12   King David knew that angels were the Lord God’s army when he proclaimed: I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Psalms 34:1-7   Always remember, as a citizen of His Kingdom you should never concern yourself with fighting for your “rights”. You are not of this world! You are born again by His Spirit. Therefore you are now Kingdom citizens, with all the rights and privileges afforded you by our Lord and King. What can this world ever offer you that He cannot give you, no matter what this world says! For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT  And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19   Keep in mind, there is a spiritual war being waged against our being and we are to submit our will—mind, body and soul—to the Father and the evil one will run from you. That is all we must do—submit our will to His Will! Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7   We hear many times, from those who don’t study or know God’s Constitution, that you should fight the devil. But you won’t find it anywhere in His Constitution—your Bible. We are to draw near to Him. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor. James 4:8-10 NLT As we read in James 4:7, we are only to submit to God and RESIST the devil. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (worldliness, manner of life), God made you alive together with Christ, having [freely] forgiven us all our sins, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of legal demands [which were in force] against us and which were hostile to us. And this certificate He has set aside and completely removed by nailing it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession], having triumphed over them through the cross. Colossians 2:13-15 AMP Christians keep trying to fight a battle that Jesus already won for us! All we are required to do is accept His victory, seek Him and submit to His Will.   You are not “fighting the devil”. You are fighting your own selfish will. Even ambassador Paul wrestled with his own selfish will:   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.   I love God’s law with all my heart. 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 7:14-25 NLT   We must purify our hearts with His Word. When you are a citizen of His Kingdom, all your needs are met. We should never concern ourselves with the needs of life, such as clothes, food, shelter. Trust God! We know our Lord and King provides us with all our needs, yet we worry, fret and scrounge to get the very things He has said He would provide…if we would just seek Him and His righteousness (because He IS righteousness!) above everything else. These are the very words of King Jesus to His people, yet we still doubt:  “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?” Matthew 6:28-30   Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40   Loving the Lord God with all your heart is the main key to obedience. We as Kingdom citizens should never concern ourselves with battling the devil and his demons. That isn’t your responsibility. That has already been done. We only need to understand that victory and submit to the Fathers will by obeying His Word. It is mankind's nature to overthink and overcomplicate things. If we would simply follow King Jesus' teachings and His life, we would find a life of far greater peace. He never called His citizens to a life of worry and strife. Knowing the Father loves us and trusting that His way is always for our benefit, gives peace and contentment. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NLT Remember, your faith in God's Word is your greatest asset in His Kingdom. All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Kingdom 103: He Needs No Assistance in Keeping His Promise

 Kingdom 103:  He Needs No Assistance in Keeping His Promise

The Lord God's Word is sovereign. He will always keep His Word regardless of what others say.  Remember what God said to His representative Balaam when Balak the king of Moab wanted Balaam to curse the children of Israel.  “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent.  Has He said, and will He not do?  Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it." Numbers 23:19-20 

If the Lord God gives you a promise, He will always make it good.  The problem with people is that they think He (meaning God) acts in our time period.  The Lord God operates in eternity.  He does not have a time limit in order to fulfill His promise.  This is what happened to Sarai (Sarah), Abram's (Abraham) wife.  She thought that the Lord God operates in their concept of time, but He operates in eternity. In eternity, there is no "late" or "early", there "is"!

Abram (Abraham) was seventy-five years of age when he first heard the voice of his Source (Creator).  Now the Lord had said to Abram:  “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.  I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”  So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Genesis 12:1-4

From Abram's perspective, God took a long time to fulfill His promise.  Remember, the Lord God doesn't operate in time but in eternity.  Abram was seventy-five years old when he first heard from his Lord.  The Lord God waited until the right time, but Sarai thought she would help the Creator along.  It was because of her impatience and lack of faith that Ishmael was born.  I must say, it was also the lack of faith on Abram's part to be patience and wait on the Lord timing.  It was Sarai's lack of faith in the Word and voice of God and Abram's lack of leadership to lead and speak on behalf of the voice and Word of God.  Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai.  Then Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan. So he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress became despised in her eyes. Genesis 16:1-4

Did you notice the attitude of Hagar toward Sarai (her mistress) after she conceived?  It was one of contempt.  At the age of eighty-six, Abram became the father of Ishmael.  So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.  Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram. Genesis 16:15-16 

Thirteen more years passed without a son being born to Sarah.  My point is this:  we must learn to wait on the promise that God made to us either through His Word or through a prophecy.

When we try to "make it happen" it is never God's best that He has for us!

There were four times the Lord spoke to Abram:  

1. Genesis 12:4 
2. Genesis 13:14-17  
3. Genesis 15  
4. Genesis 18.  

All that the Lord God required of Abram was to serve Him and to live a life that would represent Him.  When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless." Genesis 17:1

Remember this one thing, the Lord God never needs assistance from an individual to fulfill His promise to them.  Ishmael was the result of man assisting God's promise.

God lives in eternity--outside of time--we live in time.  Ishmael was the result of Abraham being impatient and listening to His non-believing wife.  They took God's promise and tried to make it happen with their finite minds.

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

The Roman Empire and the Kingdom of God

 

The Roman Empire and the Kingdom of God   To gain a better understanding of the Lord God’s Kingdom concept, we will look back to the Roman Empire in Jesus' time on earth. Earlier empires, such as the Assyrians, Babylonians and Medo-Persians empires, conquered new territories and expanded through a process of invasion, destruction and enslavement. Their invading armies would sweep into a region, destroy its army, lay waste to its cities, tear down its infrastructure and slaughter its people. Most of those who were not killed outright were enslaved and taken away from their own country to the home territory of the conquering power. This is exactly what happened to the Northern Kingdom of Israel when it fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C. and to the Southern Kingdom of Judah in 587 B.C. when the Babylonians invaded.   But Rome followed a different kingdom expansion strategy. Instead of wreaking widespread destruction and slaughter in a newly conquered territory, the Romans recognized the wisdom and value of preserving the people and leaving their infrastructure intact.  While the Roman occupation army maintained order, Roman citizens and government officials were sent in to establish Roman government in the new territory. Their job was to reproduce the culture and society of Rome and teach the conquered people to think, act and live like Romans. The Roman Empire was the first human kingdom to practice colonization to any significant degree.   Remember, in doing so, it also became the first manmade kingdom and culture to illustrate by example the process by which the Lord God would reproduce the Kingdom and culture of His heavenly Government throughout this earth. Keep in mind that the Lord Jesus Himself certainly acknowledged the legitimacy of Rome’s authority in mankind’s government. There was a day when Jesus’ enemies tried to trap Him with a religious and politically motivated question. They asked Him whether it was correct to pay taxes to Caesar. His answer surprised them:    Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which He could be arrested. They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with Him.   “Teacher,” they said, “We know how honest You are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”   But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” He said. “Why are you trying to trap Me? Here, show Me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed Him a Roman coin, He asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”   “Caesar’s,” they replied.   “Well, then,” He said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”   His reply amazed them, and they went away. Matthew 22:15-22 NLT   Everything Jesus said and did while here on earth was done to teach His citizens what life in God’s Kingdom looks like.   God’s Kingdom didn’t come to rebel against or dismantle the earthly government. To do that, would lower the Kingdom of God to an earthly kingdom. His Kingdom has come to change individuals, thus changing the culture around us. We represent our Lord and King. When the world sees us, they see our Kingdom’s culture.   When the Lord Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, he asked Jesus if He was a king. Throughout His public ministry, the Lord Jesus never plainly referred to Himself as King because He knew the people, as a whole, would misunderstand. But when He was asked if He was a king by Pilate, He never denied it.  Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”   Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”   Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”   Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My Kingdom is not from here.”   Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”   Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”   Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all. But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”   Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber. John 18:33-40   Keep in mind, the Lord God waited to send His Son to the earth until an earthly kingdom, however imperfect, appeared that modeled His Kingdom. When the Lord Jesus preached about His Kingdom, everyone would know what He was speaking about. It was a model of how God’s Kingdom operated. The Lord Jesus came at the right time, into the right setting, the correct culture, and correct earthly kingdom to frame His Kingdom message. He was teaching exactly what was happening at that time in the world under the Roman Empire. The Lord God’s timing is always perfect and will perform exactly as He has ordained that it would! But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5   When we see and understand how the Roman government colonized new territories—keeping the people in their home land while changing the culture into the Roman culture—we gain a better perspective of the workings of God’s Kingdom colonization. It also helps us to understand how we live in this world without becoming like this world, while not striving to take over this world’s system. We must have a clear picture of how God’s Kingdom government works and what it is to be an ambassador in a foreign land, representing our Lord and King. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21   Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the Lord God’s Word. All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie www.kingdomcitizens.org

The King Will Not Share His Glory

 

The King Will Not Share His Glory   To truly understand the Lord God, our King, we must read and study His Word. His Word shows us who He is and who we are in Him. He is our Creator, Father, Lord and especially our protector. He sent His Holy Spirit to us as our Kingdom Governor, to guide us and protect us. He did not leave us here to fend for ourselves. He left us His Spirit to dwell with us and in us, with a condition:  that we embrace and live by His Word. “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.” John 14:15-17 NLT Do you recall what He stated to His representative Isaiah? “I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.” Isaiah 42:8  This is reason enough that He deserves all the glory! It was even the desire of His Son, Jesus, that He glorify His Father.  “Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14   The Lord God’s Word is ageless, eternal and unchanging. His Word stands to this very day. It is Truth and His desire for His people! This is why you should never place anything or anyone before your King, if He is your King. And God spoke all these words, saying:  “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. Exodus 20:1-6   But mankind is more likely to worship God’s creation rather than the Creator. Sadly, they need to see it in the physical realm to worship it—Sports superstars, actors, entertainers. God never intended that. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator Himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. Romans 1:25NLT   Remember, He is the Creator of the heavens. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 King David glorified the Lord God’s handiwork. For the Word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. By the Word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. Psalm 33:4-9   What can you say about the Lord God? Has He healed your body, without the hand of man? I can say yes and testify to that question. I do! And give Him all the honor and glory!   When I refer to Him as Lord, to what am I referring? He is the “landlord” of everything! In a kingdom, the king owns everything in his kingdom. Those who live there live on his land, in his homes and farm his land. They drink from his well and eat his food. That is how it is in the Lord God’s Kingdom! He created this earth and everything in it. You live on His land, in His home, drink His water and eat His food! He deserves ALL the glory, honor and praise! The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all its fullness, You have founded them. Psalm 89:11 As the Lord God’s representative, Jeremiah, says:  But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth will tremble, and the nations will not be able to endure His indignation. Jeremiah 10:10 He deserves all the glory and praise, as no other does! So, my question today is, “Why would you depend on mankind for your healing when He made this statement—which is His command to us?” But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34   It grieves my spirit to see what many churches call praise and worship. Many have what could only be called religious entertainment, with the congregation mere spectators. Where is His glory? Real praise and worship comes from within a person. It springs from a grateful heart overflowing with praise and the knowledge of who He is. It gives my King all the Glory! Worship is what praise is all about:  Seeking the Lord God until He graces us with His Presence. Once He is present, everyone and everything else is dismissed. “What good is an idol carved by man, or a cast image that deceives you? How foolish to trust in your own creation—a god that can’t even talk! What sorrow awaits you who say to wooden idols, ‘Wake up and save us!’ to speechless stone images you say, ‘Rise up and teach us!’ Can an idol tell you what to do? They may be overlaid with gold and silver, but they are lifeless inside.” Habakkuk 2:18-19 NLT In our case, it is our bodies, not a building made of brick and mortar. Ambassador Paul made it very clear.  Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! 1 Corinthians 6:15   Please read 2 Chronicles 5th chapter. It isn't long. Take your time, but before doing so ask our Kingdom Governor—the Holy Spirit—to open up your understanding. By the way, it describes the dedication of King Solomon’s Temple.   Remember, your faith in the King’s Word is your greatest asset in the Kingdom. All scriptures are NKJV unless noted ​ W.R. Luchie  www.kingdomcitizens.org

Kingdom Transparency

 Kingdom Transparency

​Recently, I read this statement by a recovered addict: "When you're transparent about everything, it knocks the devil's feet right out from under." In other words, don’t give the devil a foothold, or place, in your life. Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:25-27 NLJV
 
Being a citizen in right standing in God’s Kingdom requires that we do not give the devil a place in our life through secret sins and ungodly deeds. It requires that we are transparent in all we do.  But we naturally try to put on a good front to "save face". Sadly, "saving face" is more predominant in religion than transparency. Religion is far more concerned with how our outside looks rather than the condition of our heart and soul. This creates a religious façade that conflicts with what is controlling our soul (mind, will and emotions). But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  1 Samuel 16:7  

This façade will, in time, hinder our ability to hear from the Lord God by the Holy Spirit—our Kingdom Governor. Jesus told them “Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear Me!  For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.  So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe Me! Which of you can truthfully accuse Me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe Me? Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.” John 8:43-47
 
This lack of transparency, in an attempt to protect our reputation, damages our ability to influence the world in which we live. Gallup’s 2023 survey on honesty and ethics by occupation puts clergy at an all time low of 32%. Just 32% of those surveyed thought clergy were honest and ethical. You cannot lead those around you to Jesus if they don’t see you as being honest and trustworthy. Consider this:  The world is starving to see someone with an incorruptible spirit and immovable standards. They want to see someone who cannot be moved. They WANT to believe that person still exists, so they seek to tear down believers to test and see if we actually live what we preach! Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:5-6
 
Believers must be transparent to knock the demonic realm "off its feet". They used to say "tell the truth, shame the devil". That lack of transparency and truthfulness goes all the way to many pulpits. If the pastor and their leadership aren't truthful and transparent, the members won't be either. When they see transparency modeled by their leaders, they will feel safer to be transparent. They will follow their lead!
 
I can testify to the damage done by living a religious façade. Growing up in a pastor’s family, I can tell you we weren't transparent. Being transparent could cost Dad his job so our family motto was "what goes on in this house stays in this house". That lack of transparency cost us our family, our church and it shattered relationships and reputations. Also the sad thing to me, was that the people shaming us and gossiping about us were doing worse things and keeping their sins hidden by shining a spotlight on us. That's why I became a truth-speaker. The devil ALWAYS uses the hidden things to bring down believers. For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all. Luke 8:17 We only deceive ourselves, because the Lord God sees all. 
 
I've always said that all the devil wants to do is to make you believe a lie. Jesus told us who the devil is:  “He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44b

What lie is he telling you?

"No one will ever know"
"Trying it won't hurt anything"
"I can stop anytime"
"He doesn't love his wife, he's staying for his kids”
"What they don't know won't hurt them"
"A little innocent flirting is harmless"
 
Little lies protect pet sins….those sins we don’t actually want to give up. The hard truth is that they mean more then our relationship with King Jesus and His Kingdom! Ouch!
 
The lack of transparency and openness about our lives is a breeding ground for hidden sins, which are open doors, allowing the demonic to wreak havoc in our lives. Face what is keeping your spiritual doors open and shut them. Repent, clean your spiritual house of all that does not line up with God’s Kingdom laws and principles and pray for His mercy and grace to cover you.
 
This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.. 1 John 1:5-9
 
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:13-16
 
If you aren’t being transparent with people, is what you are hiding unrighteous in the Lord God’s eyes? Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33
 

God's Word says "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" but do we really believe it? If we do, we will never tell a lie or live a lie. We will never tell “half truths” (which are lies) or even lie by omission. We will be truth-speakers and become averse to anything but the truth.
 
What you may not see is that your transparency may also set others free…free to be truthful and set free from the lies and hidden sins that chain them. My prayer is that they will see Jesus working in our lives and want Him in their life. Show those around you what life in God’s Kingdom looks like!
 
You are an ambassador of the Kingdom of God everywhere you go. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17
 
Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with His blood—may He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

Deborah Luchie
​
www.kingdomcitizens.org

Kingdom 102: Staying Focused on His Word in Time of Conflict

 Kingdom 102:  Staying Focused on His Word in Time of Conflict

Staying focused on His Word will result in positive chain reactions in your life. It gives you the power and authority of a citizen of God's Kingdom. It empowers you to withstand conflicts and trials far beyond what you think you could handle.

There will come a time when you will feel forced to give in to some ungodly demand that goes against God's Word. This is a time of testing. Before that day comes, the issue of standing with God's Word or giving in to the world's pressure needs to be settled. That way when the time comes, you will be able to stand and not waver! 

You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:18-20 NLT

Take notice of Daniel in the Lord's service. Remember, Daniel didn't have the Governor living inside of him.  What he did possess was obedience to God's Word handed down through Moses.  “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.  You shall have no other gods before Me.  You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments." Exodus 20:2-6  Daniel was obedient and focused on the Lord God's commands and principles, to the point that he continued praying three times a day, regardless of King Darius' decree.  By the way, King Darius put it in writing.  Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.  Daniel 6:10

Conflicts, troubles or decrees from this world's leaders do not change the Lord God's Word.

Regardless of conflict--knowing that King Darius' decree could not be changed--Daniel knew his priority and stood on the Lord God's command.  Now, if Daniel was able to stand against that challenge with God's Word but without the Holy Spirit in him, how much more should those who have the Governor (Holy Spirit) living within them stand strong!

Stay focused on obeying His Word and He will give us the Gift of the Holy Spirit to live effectively in this present world. Ambassador Peter made this same stand when faced with a conflict at his trial.  Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.  And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

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 5:26-32

When you start putting the Lord Jesus first in your life at all times, He will put you as a priority.  Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me."  John 14:23-24 

There are so many distractions around the world.  It is vital to stay in His written Word.  Without that word down in our spirit, we are to easily distracted and deceived.  Wrong becomes right, black and white becomes gray.  We need to put first things first:  But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34 If we do this, He will provide for all our needs.  By the way, again, when you embrace the Kingdom and learn to trust in Him more, you will become bold in the time of conflict and trials.  

Kingdom citizens don't fight their own battles or go to war; but they stand on the foundation of God's Word, which is Jesus the Christ.  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. ​John 1:14  Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; for the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’ Deuteronomy 20:3b-4

Remember the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego.  By the way, their names were changed to these Babylonian names. (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah Daniel 1:7)  But when the time came to stand on God's Word, listen to what was said to the king. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”  Daniel 3:16-18

I suggest you read the whole story here:   Daniel chapter 3

When you are filled with God's Word, you intimately know Him and His Nature.  That gives you the strength to withstand any conflict without fear or worry! 

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand. See, all your angry enemies lie there, confused and humiliated. Anyone who opposes you will die and come to nothing. You will look in vain for those who tried to conquer you. Those who attack you will come to nothing. 

For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, "Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you." Isaiah 41:10-13 NLT

Keep in mind, your greatest asset and foundation is your faith in God's written Word--the Lord Jesus the Christ.

All scriptures are NKJV unless noted
​
W.R. Luchie 
www.kingdomcitizens.org

The Clash of Cultures

 The Clash of Cultures

Human governments rise and fall all of the time, but the Kingdom of God stands forever.
 
Remember King Jesus’ response when a religious group called Pharisees asked Him when the Kingdom of God would come:  Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The Kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the Kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21 Yes! The Kingdom of God is within you. It's governor is the Holy Spirit.
 
For those who say that God is Lord of lords, you are saying that He owns everything by right of Him being the Creator. Those who call Him King of kings, you are acknowledging that His government and authority are above all others. As ambassador John wrote, And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:  KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16
 
When you embrace the Kingdom concept and you are filled with His Spirit, you have a whole new culture. This Kingdom culture, in most cases, will cause you separation with your family. Jesus made that quite clear. Among the religious individuals, there will be division because they will refuse to accept the Kingdom concept and message. “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Luke 12:49-53
 
The religious refuse to accept the Kingdom message even though that was all He spoke of. Keep in mind, culture is stronger than politics. In order for you to change your culture into a Kingdom culture, there must be a transformation of the way you think. Ambassador Paul put it this way:  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2 That is an ongoing process.
 
Understand this, when you are born again with a new spirit, you will take on a new culture and a new way of living. Your old culture—meaning the way you used to live—meaning anything that is contrary to the King’s Word (cheating, lying, stealing, fornication--having sex without being married, gossiping, etc) That is what ambassador Paul was speaking of. Always remember that the Governor—Holy Spirit—gives you power to make the Kingdom choice. We are to make that choice over our old culture. Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. Ephesians 5:1-7
 
I can say that I am a living example of a new culture—meaning the way I behave and live. I can also say that it has been a process, not an overnight miracle! We as Kingdom citizens should always be aware of our behavior and evaluate ourselves. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 2 Corinthians 13:5
 
Historically, religion has been the primary driving force behind the vast majority of our conflict in the world. Religion isn’t a peaceful prospect. Religious conflict isn’t restricted to Islam or Hinduism or any other ‘non-Western” religion. Christianity carries its own heavy burden of responsibility for religiously motivated conflict. Do you remember the Crusades of the Middle Ages with Christians and Muslims? Also, there were centuries of hostilities and persecution between Catholics and the Protestants. These are extreme examples of culture clashes in religion.
 
Denominations within the church are like little kingdoms of their own, with their own laws and traditions, jockeying for positions and power; fighting among themselves for their will to be done. In essence, they cause division and chaos among the saints. Jesus said, “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
 
Keep in mind, the secret to expanding Heaven’s culture on earth is to change people’s minds, to cultivate them like a garden, carefully seeding their minds with thoughts, beliefs, ideals, values and convictions of Heaven. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7  Remember ambassador Paul’s statement to the church at Ephesus:  Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:21-24 NLT
 
You cannot continue to live in, and be comfortable with, your old culture and also be in God’s Kingdom.
 
Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in His Word.
 
All scriptures are NKJV except where noted

W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

Neither Servants nor Soldiers But Sons and Daughters

 Neither Servants nor Soldiers But Sons and Daughters

It is so important to know your position in the Kingdom. How you see yourself in the Lord God’s Kingdom will affect how you live your life. That image creates a mental “posture” which will determine your attitude, behavior and even how you approach your Heavenly Father.
 
Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
 
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:1-7
 
Remember, the King of Heaven wants sons and daughters, not servants.  For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26 NLT Religion produces servants.  It revels in the spirit of servitude.  Sons and daughters of the King see service as a privilege; religious people see it as an obligation.

Jesus came that we might "receive the full rights of sons".  This is a legal term or language.  It refers to legal rights and entitlements based on relationship of birth. We are sons and daughters of God.  Sonship is our right by creation.  Christ did not die to improve us; He died to regain and confirm us in His Kingdom.  The price He paid was not to make us worthy but to prove our worth. He came to restore the Father's sons and daughters to their rightful position: rulership as heirs of His Kingdom.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8: 14-17
 
As His children and heirs, we have His authority through the power of the Holy Spirit.

“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.“ Matthew 18:18-19
 
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.  Luke 10:19
 
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:12-14
 
It is absolutely vital to know your position in God’s Kingdom. Yes, we have authority as His children. We speak with the Father’s authority but He did not call us to fight the battle. The Lord God’s angels are His heavenly army! For He will command His angels in regard to you, to protect and defend and guard you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you do not [even] strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12 AMP
 
The Lord has made the heavens His throne; from there He rules over everything. Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out His plans, listening for each of His commands. Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve Him and do His will! Praise the Lord, everything He has created, everything in all His Kingdom. Psalm 103:19-22 NLT
 
Jesus said, “Don’t you realize that I could ask My Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly?” Matthew 26:53 NLT
 
We pray and make our requests known. We pray in accordance with His Will. He sends His army to fight the battle. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear Him. Psalm 34:6-7 NLT
 
Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Daniel 10:12-13
 
Remember, if we are heirs and are destined to rule in our Father's Kingdom, then we had better learn to understand His Kingdom and how it operates.  We must learn how to think, talk, and live like Kingdom citizens.  The Kingdom is the most important message of our age and the answer to the dilemmas of ancient and modern man.

According to Jesus the Christ, everyone is trying all they can to find it and forcing their way through life to lay hold of it! The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the Kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. Luke 16:16 The problem is that the Kingdom has been buried under mountains of religiosity. Sort it out. Know the difference between what the Kingdom of God looks like and what religious doctrines and traditions look like.
 
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32

​All scriptures are NKJV unless noted
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W.R. Luchie  & D. Arlene Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org