God's Constitution is Not a Buffet

 God's Constitution is Not a Buffet

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One way to tell if you have a religious mind or a Kingdom mind is to ask yourself whether you consider God's Word absolute or do you measure it up against today's prevailing culture, picking and choosing what is relevant. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.  John 1:1-3  

I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:18-19 NLT  We do not get to remove or change scriptures in God's Constitution because they aren't popular with today's world. 

Where are the fathers and mothers that take the time to teach their sons and daughters the Word of the Living God?  This is the responsibility of every true believer.  I say true believers, because there are those who say they believe, but their actions tell a different story.  These so-called believers will only follow God's Constitution to a certain extent.  One of the more common violations is having sex before marriage, which is called fornication in God's Word. They often focus on the sin of homosexuality while turning a blind eye to the Christians who fornicate or commit adultery. On the "buffet of life" they are picking and choosing what they consider a sin and what is socially acceptable.  They may pick up "loving everyone", "don't judge", "tithe", and a little "forgiveness", but reject the rest. Their faith is comfortable, convenient and "do-able" and it doesn't interfere with their lifestyle.

Many Believers who go under the title of "Christian", fail to embrace God's Constitution as law and have this religious mindset. God's Word is eternal and unchanging. It is the same yesterday, today and forever. But a religious mind will put what their religion believes first and interject manmade rules in with God's Word. God's Word takes a backseat to what their denomination or organization believes. Then it becomes easy to reject or change the Lord God's Word. Remember what our Lord and King, Jesus said:  “More than that, blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!” Luke 11:28  “If you love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15

Focus Point:  I recently read that over 50% of those who say they are Christians, don't believe that they should refrain from having sex before they get married. They believe it is always or sometimes acceptable. Some even live together, while serving in their church and feel no conviction! This is a clear example of having a religious  mindset. They know God's Word but have chosen what is right in their own eyes over God's Word.  Then He said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God." Luke 16:15 NLT

God's Word is just that, His Word.  When a king speaks, it is law, not a maybe or suggestion.  By disobeying God's Constitution, we lessen God's standard for our lives. Christians may change or lessen their rules or principles, but God's Word never changes.  Do you recall what Christ stated?  Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will by no means pass away. Mark 13:31 

Please note:  Kingdom citizens understand that His Word is law and is unchanging. We know that the Bible is God's Constitutional laws for His Kingdom. We have the New Testament and the Old Testament. Keep in mind that in legal terms, a testament is a legally binding document used to give instructions to the heirs and to disperse property. The Ten Commandments are still enforced today. They aren't obsolete. They are not the ten suggestions.  Once again read what the King stated:

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:17-20 

Those individuals who are supposed to be "Christians" (which is just another religion) of all ages appear to be separating their sexual life from their Christian faith and think that it is something that they have a right to do; without interference or advice from others. There is a disconnect as they compartmentalize their religious life and their personal life. The two don't intermingle. This thinking only comes from 1) Ignorance of God's Word  2)  Rebellion to His Word. They are blinded by deception and cannot see the sin in their life. One must constantly study God's Constitution every day without fail or you will be vulnerable to deception.

To many the term "Christian faith" is fluid and changeable.  It also varies widely, depending on who you listen to.  It may have very little to do with the King's Word. There are some crazy ungodly things being said from America's pulpits today and if you are not full of God's Constitution you will embrace it under the category of your "Christian faith".  If God's Constitution states that sex before marriage is against His Will, then when one commits such an act, it is disobedience to His law and therefore becomes sin. Repent and turn away from the sin! It is not too late. Remember what God's Constitution states:

All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.  I John 5:17  Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:19-25

Please note:  God does not change His Word for any man, and culture or any government.  He is the King and Lord of heaven and earth. God and His Word are one.

But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like:  He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:46-49

The Kingdom of God exists within us by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, our Governor. Always remember that. Guard His temple. Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 
This is the difference between a religious mindset and a Kingdom mindset
W.R. & D. Arlene Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

Holy Spirit Led

 Holy Spirit Led

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Who--or what--leads you in your daily life? What actually drives you? Ambassador Paul made this statement to the Kingdom citizens of Rome: For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Romans 8:14 AMP Are you led by our Governor--the Holy Spirit--or by the things of this world such as social media, entertainment or the news media? Now understand this, being led by the Spirit requires one to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  “Lord, why are You going to reveal Yourself only to us and not to the world at large?”

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. John 14:22-23 NLT 

Also, please note that while the King was here on this earth He was led by the Holy Spirit, because He was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness Luke 4:1 When you allow things or people to occupy your mind rather than the things of God and His constitution, it will weaken your faith in the King. Doubt oozes in, clouding your judgment and your faith! The Lord Jesus, or His disciples, never got involved with politics or their government. Even when Peter tried to stop them from arresting King Jesus by cutting off the ear of the high priest's slave, Jesus put it back and submitted peacefully with them.  Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?” John 18:10-11 NLT The focus of King Jesus was on doing His Father's will and commands. The Lord Jesus considered the will of the Lord God as food, which it is for those of who walk by the Spirit.  But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.”

Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?”

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. John 4:32-34  

Being led by our Governor is being able to listen and obey Him. For example, the other day, I was led to go to the grocery store called Aldi's. Little did I know, that the Governor would have me to be a blessing to an older couple who were shopping. I saw them while shopping, but never gave it a thought. By the way, this is the short version of this assignment! The man could barely walk, even as he walked with a cane. When I noticed that I thanked the Father for healing me. Just a few weeks earlier I needed a cane to assist me in walking. After I finished my shopping I headed to the checkout, After leaving the cashier, I noticed that the couple were right behind me in line. Thinking nothing of it, as I was about to leave, the Governor led me back to the cashier to pay for their groceries. I was reminded at that moment that all I have belongs to the King and that I own nothing. I am here only to fulfil His will. That is my food! “O my people, listen as I speak. Here are My charges against you, O Israel:  I am God, your God!  I have no complaint about your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you constantly offer. But I do not need the bulls from your barns or the goats from your pens. For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for all the world is mine and everything in it." Psalm 50:7-12 NLT He may have been speaking to Israel, but it applies to His citizens today, for the King is eternal and owns everything!

Being led by our Governor is being protected by the King. We are in His care. Ambassador Paul was always being led by the Governor and he was under the protection of the King. Nothing could harm him. Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another,

“No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.”

But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. Acts 28:1-6

Keep in mind, when you are led by the Holy Spirit, everything that the Lord God allows to happen in your life is for a reason and His purpose. When you are able to see that purpose, you will know you are definitely maturing in the Lord God's Kingdom! All things may not seem good in the moment, but they are ultimately for the good of His citizens. That should give you peace.  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT 

Remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the Lord God's Word.

​W.R. & D. Arlene Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

The Culture of Our Governor

 

Kingdom 101: We Are Government Citizens, Not Religious Members

 Kingdom 101:  We Are Government Citizens, Not Religious Members

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The question arises, what government am I speaking of? Kingdom government of course.  The Lord God's purpose was to establish a commonwealth of citizens, not religious people who attend a religious institution called "church, mosque, synagogue", etc.  Understanding this is essential to grasping the concept of the message of the Lord Jesus Christ, namely the Kingdom of Heaven.  As a kingdom, it is definitely a government--a nation, and Jesus the Christ is its King.  In fact, the Lord God never intended for those who believe in Him as Messiah and King to be referred to as "Christians".  That name was given to the apostles in Antioch.  Then everyone else embraced it.  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  As I say, "If you allow people to name you, they will define you".  That is a statement of truth.

Jesus never called His disciples Christian, nor did He imply for others to do so.  Today, the name Christian has so much negative baggage attached to it.  This has come about through their behavior, lifestyles and scandals.  It refers to a whole host of people, many of which have no connection to the Kingdom of God--those who fail to read, study and absorb His Word into their lifestyle.  They are as King Jesus stated:  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 6:53-58 Jesus was speaking to the religious Jews at the time and they did not understand what He was saying. But what He said also applies to us in this age.  

This word Christian has become a religious term devoid of any significant meaning as it relates to the Kingdom of God. Many who consider themselves Christian do not obey God's Word. Remember that the Lord Jesus is "the Word made flesh". And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception). John 1:14 AMP

Please note:  Kingdoms are built upon the concept of legalities, which are extended to its citizens, offering them the rights and privileges that are guaranteed by the king.

Individuals who adhere to some kind of religious group, including Christians, consider themselves members of the group which they perceive as a religious and spiritual relationship with an organization.  Here is an example of what I mean:  "Christian" refers to an individual who adheres or sympathizes with the Christian faith and is identified as such both inside and outside that faith.  Its members provide for the organization.  Now, the concept of kingdom is completely opposite to the concept of religion.  A kingdom consists of a king with citizens.  Citizenship is essentially a legal entity with rights and privileges protected by a constitutional commitment of the king and his government.  The king and his government provide for his citizens.

Many individuals who call themselves Christians are simply religious people.  Citizens of the Kingdom are legal individuals--legal in the sense that by virtue of a spiritual birth each person in the Kingdom has the rights and blessings of this heavenly Kingdom.

I say this with conviction:  we must cleanse ourselves from our religious mindsets and have our thinking readjusted so that we can take on a royal or kingdom  mindset.  Are you ready for my next statement?  

Religious people have no rights, but legal citizens do.

Think of it as visitors to America don't have the same rights that American citizens do. The Lord God has always desired sons who are citizens of His Kingdom, possessing the legal right to be part of His family.  You must be aware that citizenship is always considered a privilege in all Kingdoms and nations, and is usually reserved for those born in that nation or kingdom. There are certain situations where one can become a citizen through privileges extended by the governing authority, but birthright is the guaranteed form of sonship and results in the right of citizenship.  This is why Jesus told the religious leader, Nicodemus that he must be born again:  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 You first must receive the King:   But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:  who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  John 1:12-13 

​The ambassador John was encouraged and bold in the King's Words because he knew who he was and where his citizenship was.  For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,  who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Philippians 3:20-21

The name Christian was originally a derogatory label given by pagans (Gentiles) to followers of Christ, even though believers through the centuries have generally accepted the term.  Back then, they bore it with honor Note that the term "Christian" occurs only three times in God's Constitution: Acts 11:25-26, Acts 26:28-29 and I Peter 4:16-17:

 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.

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”   And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”  

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.  For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

As I have stated earlier, if you allow people to name you, they will define you.  The term "Christian" tends to mentally lock a person into a religious mindset and limits the reality of the truth about the Kingdom of God. Denominational laws, traditions and cultures hide the simple truth our Lord and King, Jesus, preached. 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 6:31-33

Christianity was never a term given to us by King Jesus or His disciples.  Finally, the term "Christian" was never to be a title nor a label that we should wear, but a lifestyle that we live demonstrating the nature of Christ's likeness and behavior.
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W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

Attributes of God's Kingdom

 Attributes of God's Kingdom

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Your first priority is to stay focused on His Kingdom and His righteousness. That is what is required of you. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

There is a code of conduct in the Kingdom. A standard of conduct has been established by the King for our behavior and social relationships. It is all written in God's Constitution. His Constitution (the Bible) is the laws of His Kingdom. They do not change with time or different cultures. This code of conduct is also the expectation of the King, regarding His values and moral standards to which citizens should choose to follow.  The ambassador Paul made it very clear:  Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.  Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.  I Corinthians 6:9-12 NLT

God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world.  I Corinthians 10:23 NLT

There is a "common wealth" in the Kingdom. The King provides for His own! We don't "own" anything. It all belongs to the Lord God. He gives us access. A Commonwealth is described as one founded on law and united by compact or tacit agreement of the people for the common good; one in which supreme authority is vested in the people.  It is the King's commitment to see that all of His citizens have equal access to the wealth and resources of the Kingdom.  This is very important to the King because the quality of life of His citizens reflects the glory and reputation of the King.  When the welfare of the King's citizens is excellent, then the reputation among other kings is honorable. All that is required is to seek after His Kingdom and His righteousness!   “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. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."  Matthew 6:25-34

There is giving and generosity in the Kingdom.  In the Lord God's Kingdom, there is no taxation as such.  The Lord Jesus never mentioned the paying of tithes through the new covenant.  What He did command us to do, is to give to the poor.  You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 2 Corinthians 9:7-12 NLT 
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Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. Matthew 5:42 NLT  When He sent His disciples out by twos, He spoke of giving freely.  These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10:5-8   

We are to share all things to those in need.  All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.

For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.  Acts 4:32-37 NLT

There is a Kingdom culture. If I said Asian culture, what would come to mind? What about Irish culture? Or African culture? Maybe New Orleans culture? There are key words, foods, actions, sights and traditions that would come to mind. These are the lifestyles that citizens manifest by their language, dress, eating, habits, values, morals, sense of self-worth, self-concept and self-control. The same is true of Kingdom citizens as Believers of our King Jesus. When the world interacts with us, they should see the attributes of Jesus and His Kingdom in us! The Lord Jesus made this statement while He was here on earth. If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:21-24   I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.  They do not belong to this world any more than I do.  Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.  Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.  And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.  John 17:15-19 NLT

All verses are NKJV unless noted.

~~W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
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