First Step of Entering the Kingdom

 First Step of Entering the Kingdom

​Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by Your Truth and teach me, for You are the God who saves me. Psalm 25:4-5 NLT
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Now here is the beginning process. Through Jesus we can enter the door of the Kingdom and begin to live, think and act like who we really are--children of the King.  In God's Constitution in the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to the beginning process as being born again.  He makes this statement:  Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God". Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”  

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.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:3-8

We were first born of flesh, but to be born again is a spiritual birth. We repent (turn away from) and renounce our sins, believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and ask Him to be Lord of our life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 This is exactly what being born again is--it is an indispensable step, because we cannot enter the Kingdom without it.  Being born again is the first step of a whole new life, a journey of learning to know, appreciate, and experience our rights, privileges and responsibilities as Kingdom Citizens.  Far too many spend most of their time on the first step, focusing on that alone.  They never look beyond and miss many of the joys and blessings that lie beyond the door. 

There is an abundant Kingdom life available to us but we will miss experiencing the wonders of His Kingdom if we choose to go no further than the front door!

To live a Kingdom life, you must go through the door of the Kingdom and beyond!

So many believers get completely fixated on Jesus Christ as Savior and being "born again" that as soon as they are inside the Kingdom, they camp on the doorstep and never go further.  Jesus is the doorway to the Kingdom, but there are more riches that await inside.  Jesus Himself made this statement:

Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever come before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door, If any enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.  The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill and to destroy.  I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:7-10  

Remember that life is a journey and life in the Kingdom will require that you move beyond your original experiences with God and mature and grow as a true son of the Kingdom. If you camp at the door, you will never fulfill the Lord God's purpose for your life!

Please note:  Claiming our inheritance is not about joining a particular church or denomination or even calling yourself a Christian.  Jesus never referred to His disciples as Christians.  The world called them Christians. The Kingdom of God has nothing to do with being religious.  It has everything to do with understanding that we are citizens of a Kingdom established and ruled by God, which will endure forever.  As Kingdom Citizens, we have legal rights to the government.  The reason so many of us receive so little from God is because we do not recognize ourselves as citizens of the Kingdom, do not understand our rights as citizens and therefore, lack the confidence or boldness to ask.  Kingdom citizenship is a spiritual reality, but it is also a mentality.  Know your position in God's Kingdom. You aren't a beggar on the street. You are sons and daughters of your Father God. You have been given access by being born again through His Son, Jesus Christ. 

I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it! John 14:12-14 NLT

As believers, we already have the Spirit of God by the Holy Spirit--our Governor, but we need to learn the mind and the heart of God.  We need training in thinking and living as God's children. Creating that Kingdom mindset takes time if we have had a religious mindset. We must unlearn the old beliefs and traditions that really have nothing to do with the Kingdom at all. Begin to see the difference between what is religious doctrine and what is God's Kingdom government.

I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your Truth. Your Word is truth. John 17:15-17

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

The Ambassador's Power and Authority

 The Ambassador's Power and Authority

You are a Kingdom ambassador in your community.

You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. 
I Thessalonians 5:5-8


The dominion authority is best described in the function of ambassadors and embassies.  Ambassadors are diplomats who carry out diplomacy for the government they represent.  As King Jesus' ambassadors, we represent the Kingdom government of God.  We are diplomats of His Kingdom, living in this world.  Learning to see ourselves as ambassadors will change the way we think and live our daily lives in this fallen world.

Whenever two nations establish formal diplomatic relations with each other, they open embassies, often in each others capital city.  The land on which each embassy is located is regarded as the sovereign territory of the nation whose embassy is located there.  That sovereignty is recognized and respected by the government of the host nation as well as the other nations.  For example:  the United States embassy in Moscow, Russia, is American soil just as much as New York, Texas or Maryland.  Even though it is located geographically on Russian soil, within its grounds, the government of the Soviet Union has no jurisdiction or authority.

If a Russian citizen or an American citizen, or a citizen of any nationality, is fleeing from local authorities and manages to get inside the U.S. Embassy grounds; that person is safe from capture at least for the moment.  Because the embassy is the United States territory, the Russian police cannot legally pursue the fugitive onto its grounds.  The Russian government must employ diplomatic channels with the United States government to arrange for extradition.

That is how powerful an embassy is. Whatever area over which the authority of a government rests becomes that government's property.  All the authority and power of the nation represented by that government are in effect on that property.  In the same way, we are ambassadors of our Lord and King Jesus and of the Kingdom of God.  Our home, office, church and indeed anywhere our influence extends, becomes an "embassy" of heaven. But there is one caveat to remember: This is not an excuse for a flagrant disregard of that country's laws. Ambassadors are neither lawless nor disrespectful as that does not represent their Kingdom government accurately. They are respectful of the country in which they live And work. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority. Romans 13:7 NLT 

We occupy land in a "foreign" country, but the property belongs to the government of heaven. Learning to see ourselves as Kingdom ambassadors will change the way we operate in our daily life--how we speak to the server at lunch, or the driver who cuts us off in traffic. We will behave more diplomatically in contrary situations. In short, we will more accurately represent Jesus the Christ in every circumstance with grace and mercy. 

So then, where is the Kingdom of God's embassy on earth? Wherever we are!  Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19
Yes! You are not your own. An ambassador doesn't go around spouting his opinion or getting into arguments with the local people or their government officials. He isn't there to tell people what he thinks. His sole purpose is to represent his government in person. He is standing in for his leader. (I use "he" to simplify, but of course we can also insert "she" here as there are both male and female ambassadors of God's Kingdom!)

Whenever we are in the presence of an ambassador, we are in the presence of the government he or she represents.  The words of the United States ambassador are the words of the United States government. Diplomatically speaking, they are one and the same.  When we meet an ambassador, we are meeting more than just an individual person, we are confronting a nation.  When responding to the religious leaders of His day, Jesus made this statement:   My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.  I and My Father are one.”  John 10:29-30  We are protected by our government. 

The following scriptures could easily be instructions for Kingdom ambassadors:  Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:12-17

There are far too many in this world who claim His name, but misrepresent who He is.
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You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.  John 15:16
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As you consider what your life looks like as a Kingdom ambassador, ask yourself these questions:

What nation do people meet when they meet with me? Do I look more like the world or God's Kingdom?

Are my words reflective of King Jesus and the government of the Kingdom of Heaven?

Represent!

​W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

Want Power? Remove the Mixture!

 

Want Power?  Remove the Mixture!   Update: Today, the Holy Spirit led me into my archives to this article, which I wrote ten years ago. This is needed today more than ever! The stretched rubber band I spoke of has snapped. We've all seen the stories of ministry scandals, ministers who have  "fallen" into sin that destroys their lives and their ministries. We have heard pastors and worship leaders renounce God, saying they don't believe in God or His Son, Jesus and aren't even certain that they ever did believe. It was a job for them, not a life-changing relationship. They could 'talk the talk' but had no concept of what living life in the Kingdom of God was like. The same is true of Christians who aren't in the public eye. They may fall away and their marriages end as much as the world's but they aren't in the spotlight.  We need citizens of the Kingdom who live their lives by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are in supernatural times that require supernatural power. We must evaluate and remove the mixture in our lives if we want to operate in that power. That is why I wrote this: Many times, I have heard sincere remarks by fellow believers regarding the lack of power in our lives.  We talk about the great moves of God in the past.  Revivals where the power of God was so great that people were healed, delivered, set free and filled with the Holy Spirit. Jails and bars in town were empty because all were saved.  God has been leading me down a path lately, showing me the truth of our lack of power. You can own the finest sports car and fill it with the highest octane gasoline, but if you pour water in the tank along with that gasoline you will have no power and won't go anywhere!  There is too much mixture in our lives.  We hold the world's measuring stick up to ourselves and believe we're living right.  Instead we should be holding God's Word up to our lives and realizing just how far we are from measuring up to God's standard.  Those of us who grew up in a "holiness" and/or "legalistic" church background have run from their kind of outward holiness.  We have shown the world that we can live, dress and act like them and still love God.  But there is a rubber band called the Holy Spirit which we are stretching to the limit with our greasy grace philosophy that is about to snap. When that "snaps" we will sail on, untethered, out into the world. Lost as a "goose in a snowstorm", as they say. The holiness God wants isn't an outward holiness, but an inward holiness.  As Joyce Meyer has shown us, it is a battle in our minds. Mixture gets into our soul by what we see, hear, put in our mouth and of course, sexually. My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:20-27 NLT There is power in purity. Power in living a holy sanctified life. Set apart for His Glory, for His purpose. Today, that is looked on as radical, extreme thinking because our churches and the people in them are so diluted with the world. I have been a carnal Christian and I know that the thought of living my life by God's Word seemed impossible.  I also know that living life as a carnal Christian is absolutely powerless. When we are being controlled by the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh or the pride of life we are disconnected from our true power source. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.  1 John 2:15-17 NKJV If Satan can occupy our minds with our sin of choice, he can separate us from God.  The whole time I was "out there", living life by my flesh--even though I was saved, loved God and served Him in all the areas I CHOSE. . . I never heard His voice.  He went silent. Well, we know He didn't go silent.  I just turned off my receiver!  When I repented and sincerely began seeking Him for my life, I started hearing Him again, at an increased pace and sense of urgency!  It seems that He is trying to catch me up! I am reading "The Prophetic Promise of the Seventh Day" by Bruce D. Allen.  Here is a quote from that book: "Remember the question we used to ask as new believers, 'can the devil read your mind?' In the realm of the spirit, when you walk in unbelief and disobedience; when you are outside of rest and habitually wallow in these things, a fragrance is released in the realm of the spirit. If you are in faith, it will be a sweet-smelling savor to the Lord.  However, if we are open to sin, the fragrance is a repugnant stench that draws demons from miles around. It is like a magnet to them or like flies to a kill" That quote confirms a dream God gave me recently about sexual sin.  Sin--especially sexual sin (because it is not only a sin against God, but also a sin against the temple of the Holy Spirit) is death. The image God showed me was dead flesh inside, crawling with maggots. When we truly repent, the blood of Jesus covers that sin and the maggots living on the flesh die and leave the body, along with the dead flesh, and we are restored. This was all made very clear in that dream. We can become whole and healthy again through Him. If you don't think you are filled with the mixture of the world, listen to what you say. Make note of your thoughts and where you go in your mind. That will tell the truth of what is in you. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 NKJV Do you really want God's power working in your life?  Get real with yourself. What is your "pet" sin--the one sin you just can't bear to kill.  Is it a lust of the eye, a lust of the flesh or pride of life?  That "pet" sin is so hard to kill, but what you get in its place is worth the cost!  I leave you with this scripture: Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Run away from youthful lusts—pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those [believers] who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:21-22 AMP Arlene Luchie ​ www.kingdomcitizens.org

Kingdom 101: God's Idea of Colonization

 

Kingdom 101:  God's Idea of Colonization

Another concept that is crucial to understanding God's original purpose and plan for mankind is the concept of colonization. As with everything worthwhile, colonization is a process, whereby a government or a ruler determines to extend his kingdom, rulership and influence to additional territory. This is for the purpose of impacting that territory with His will and desires. The principle of colonization is understood in the process of transforming an extended territory. The colony is to be just like the kingdom--government--from which it is extended. It will manifest the culture, nature, will and laws of the ruler in the lifestyle, actions, activities and culture of the territory. In other words, if you go to a colony it will mirror the kingdom that colonized it. A British colony will not resemble Spain.

Remember, the foundation for understanding God's creative motivation is to understand that His intent was to share His governing authority with His spirit children. His next step was to extend His invisible Kingdom (Heaven) to a visible earthly realm for the purpose of colonizing it to be like Heaven. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The Lord God ruled as King over a spacious and spectacular spiritual realm that He had already created. It was a world filled with angels who were there to serve Him and worship Him.

The Lord God's purpose would be served by a visible creation that was the result of His creative power. His plan would be carried out by creating from His own Spirit being a family of offspring who would be just like Him, created in His image.  Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”  So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Genesis 2:7

As His representatives, they would release, establish and implement His invisible Kingdom into the visible natural world. This is His original purpose for creating mankind. It was not by accident. It was not a fluke. It came about through organized planning and preparation of the awesome God of Heaven. Through His love and wisdom, He constructed this awesome plan.

The Lord God first created the perfect environment for man to manage. Then He placed mankind in that environment to colonize it with the laws and culture of Heaven.  Read Genesis 1 with a Kingdom mindset:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.

6 Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” 7 Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.

9 Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

11 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 So the evening and the morning were the third day.

14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

20 Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

24 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Genesis 1:1-31 

But we know that sin (disobedience) came into Eden and Adam and Eve were driven out of God's Kingdom. So the Lord God banished them from the Garden of Eden, and He sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made. Genesis 3:23 NLT  But the Lord God already had a plan to reintroduce His Kingdom on earth. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His Kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT

We thank God the Father for His perfect plan to colonize the earth with His Kingdom through His Son, Jesus. From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 

​He came to reintroduce God's Kingdom into the earth and die for our sins so we may be in right standing with Him. His Kingdom reigns and rules within us through the Holy Spirit, our Kingdom Governor. We take God's Kingdom--with its culture--everywhere we go!  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 

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:9-11  

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26 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. John 16:13 The Holy Spirit is our Governor in God's Kingdom if we will listen.

All scriptures are New King James translation except where noted.

W.R. Luchie
​www.kingdomcitizens.org

The Master Key

 

The Master Key   Have you ever worked somewhere, where you had a key to your office/work area? If so, your key only opened that door. It didn't give you access to every room in the whole building. But somewhere, someone had a master key that would give them access to every room. The same goes for hotels. You are given a key to your room, but there is also a master key, giving anyone who has it access to all the rooms. In the Kingdom of God, this is the master key:  But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 NKJV  This one key principle opens the doors to everything you need.  One scripture, one sentence. But it contains all the "mystery" of the Kingdom of God we truly need. Seek FIRST (above everything else) 1. God's Kingdom and 2. God's righteousness. The preceding scriptures talk about other things we tend to seek: Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Matthew 6:19-21, 24-32 What are you seeking first? When you pray, what are you seeking? Another way of putting it is, "What is your focus?" This week, I saw a news article that the Lord used to show me how He has worked in my life in ways I didn't even realize. The subject of the article was Americans' growing debt in this time of great inflation. Prices are skyrocketing for our basic needs and people are using credit to make ends meet. But the Holy Spirit showed me immediately how He has put me in a position where this year I have been reducing my debt and also saving money and giving as the Lord leads. When I saw this, I was so very grateful that in this time of great financial difficulty He as blessed me and guided me in my finances! In the Kingdom of God, when we put His Kingdom and His righteousness first, our needs are met. God's Word is true eternally. I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. Psalm 37:25 NKJV   I am content with what He provides and lack nothing.  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. None of what has happened is in my strength and I do not boast of anything I have done, but I must testify of His goodness and provision and say Glory to God! God is no respecter of persons. His Word is truth to all who seek Him. Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation He accepts those who fear Him and do what is right." Acts 10:24-25   I'll share another example. Recently, I heard a woman say that she'd been praying for a godly man for over twenty years and He had never answered her. She said she was getting tired of waiting, now that she was over 60 years old, and God owed her those years! While I understand her frustration and weariness, it sounds like she was seeking a husband (that was her focus) and not seeking after God's Kingdom and His righteousness first. We pray, we tell the Lord God the desire of our heart, but we focus on God's Kingdom and His righteousness. We want more of Him and to be more like Him and we trust that in His time we will receive the desire of our heart. Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:3-5 NKJV Again, God's Word is true, He cannot lie, because if He said it, it WILL come to pass.  When I was dating, I could see that I was going in the wrong direction fast. I repented, and prayed, "Father forgive me, I'm making a mess of this and that is not Your will for me. Remove everyone who is not Your will from my life and show me to the man You have for me." I did not ask Him to show me the man, but for Him to show me to the man. The first thing that happened was that everyone I had been communicating with disappeared! My phone went silent. It was so clearly a God thing! Not many weeks after, I met my husband and found out that at almost the same time I had prayed, he was praying for the Lord to show him who God had for him to marry. Praise the Lord! We pray, but we SEEK after His righteousness and to live our life as citizens in right standing in the Kingdom! We do not seek or focus or even obsess over what we are praying for. We trust the Lord God to answer our prayer! But what if He doesn't give us what we ask for? Then we trust Him. This is a hard word, but it is God's Truth:  What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. James 4:1-3   He knows what is best for us and for His purpose for your life. "For I am God, and there is no one else; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end and the result from the beginning, and from ancient times the things which have not [yet] been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will do all that pleases Me and fulfills My purpose,’" Isaiah 46:9b-10 AMP  “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 When I don't see answers to my prayers or I feel "under attack" I evaluate myself as to whether I am seeking after His Kingdom and His righteousness first. If I believe that I am and don't see an area I need to repent of, I trust Him that there is a reason. He sees all and knows all and that gives me peace. I want to always have that master key of Matthew 6:33 stored in my heart and soul. Every day, in all I do, I want to have all access in His Kingdom, and you can also! ​Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness, Deborah Luchie ​ www.kingdomcitizens.org

God's Constitution is Not a Buffet

 God's Constitution is Not a Buffet

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 

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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

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

 

The Culture of Our Governor   Your culture reveals where you came from.  Always remember that the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven is synonymous with the nature of our King. When I speak of the characteristics of our Governor—the Holy Spirit—and His nature and culture, I am speaking about the qualities of our King Himself. The role of the Governor is to represent the King. If you have the Holy Spirit residing inside your mortal body, you should be representing the King in all you do. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT   Keep in mind that our character should resonate with the Holy Spirit as we submit to Him. We must always measure ourselves with the Lord God’s constitution, religiously known as the Bible. To do that, we must read and study it every chance we get. Only when His Word is in us can we represent His Kingdom with power and accuracy. Ambassador Paul made that very clear when writing to Timothy:  Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 AMP   King Jesus wants you to understand the nature of the Kingdom so you can trust it and what it means to live in His Kingdom while you are here in this present world. That is one reason He kept giving His followers descriptions of what He is like. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. John 10:11  And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35   The Lord Jesus emphasized His nature, while other leaders and kings in His day displayed the very opposite nature. Read what King Jesus said about those kinds of leaders:   At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased You to do it this way! . . . “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:25-26, 28-30 NLT   After making that statement, He made another to give clarity:  But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28   The Lord had an assignment to demonstrate how to live while we were here on this earth. He promised us that He wouldn’t leave us to deal with the evil one alone. 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.  No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. John 14:16-18 NLT   To clarify, the whole idea of knowing the nature of the King is critical. Without understanding and embracing His nature we cannot fulfill our life and purpose in the Kingdom of God. From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17AMP   He is inviting all who hear and receive Him to become citizens of His Kingdom. He wants to reassure us of the nature of His Kingdom, not a religious organization. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Ephesians 2:18-19 NLT   It is the power of the Holy Spirit, our Governor in the Kingdom of God, that guides us in the culture of His Kingdom. Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. 2 Timothy 1:13-14 NLT   Remember, your greatest asset in His Kingdom is your faith in His Word. ​All NKJV, except where noted. ​~~W.R. Luchie www.kingdomcitizens.org

Kingdom 101: We Are Government Citizens, Not Religious Members

 Kingdom 101:  We Are Government Citizens, Not Religious Members

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.
​
W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org

Attributes of God's Kingdom

 Attributes of God's Kingdom

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