Kingdom 103: Power and Authority in His Name

 Kingdom 103:  Power and Authority in His Name

Before we start this article, let's take the time to let the Lord Jesus know how much we love and appreciate Him.  The Psalmist David took the time on several occasions.  Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!  Sing out the honor of His name; make His praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; they shall sing praises to Your name.” Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.  He turned the sea into dry land; they went through the river on foot. There we will rejoice in Him. He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. ​Psalm 66:1-7

The authority of our Governor (Holy Spirit) was in the name of the sovereign of the country He was serving.  That name as Jesus. He used that name to exercise authority in getting things done.  And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." Matthew 28:18 The Holy Spirit (our Governor) had no real weight; He had to speak in the name of the monarch--Jesus the Christ.  The Lord Jesus made it very plain:   And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.  He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. John 12:47-48 Keep in mind that the King's Son operated on earth under His Father's authority.  He showed us how we are to use His name in exercising dominion.   For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.  And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”  John 12:49-50 

Remember, the Governor (the Holy Spirit) also functions on earth in the same way.  When the Lord Jesus was about to return to His heavenly Kingdom, He made this statement concerning the Holy Spirit:  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  Again the Lord Jesus  makes it clear enough for a child to understand.   However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.  All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-15

What am I saying?  We are therefore to act in the name of Jesus, for He is the King's Son to whom all authority has been given by the Father, when we work on behalf of the Kingdom.  When the Lord Jesus was ready to leave to go back to the Father, He made this statement in regard to this:   Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.  “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full...In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you;  for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.”  John 16:22-24, 26-28

The Lord Jesus gave His followers authority when He said:  Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:12-14

And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Matthew 16:19 Those of us who are in the Kingdom, are to exercise our Kingdom authority by using the keys (Jesus' name is our authority).  You must remember this:  We operate in time.  The Lord God operates in eternity.  When the Lord God says "soon" it could be many years.  When He states "shortly" it could be months or years also.

The power that comes from the name of Jesus doesn't come from us, but in the authority He has given to His followers, those who are in relationship with Him. They are filled with the Holy Spirit--our Governor--and have been given that authority in the name of Jesus.  Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.

And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” (the demon knew they had no connection to Jesus)

Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. Acts 19:13-17

The Lord God doesn't operate in time as humans may think of time.  He is an eternal God.  If He says it will happen, it will....in His time. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out   before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:16 NLT 

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

Kingdom 104: Failing to Know Your Kingdom Assignment Brings Boredom

 Kingdom 104:  Failing to Know Your Kingdom Assignment Brings Boredom

First, let's discuss the meaning of Bored: To weary by being dull or uninterested, to move forward slowly but steadily, as if by boring
Boring:  A tiresome or dull person or thing; mentally unchallenging
Boredom: The condition of being bored or uninterested

Whether you realize it or not, I have just described many religious leaders of today's denominations. These are the individuals that must present their congregation with a new subject every Sunday. They feel the need to present a new religious program to keep people interested in order for their ministry to grow. They do not want their members to become bored with them and move on to something "fresh".  All this is because they haven't discovered their purpose and assignment in the Kingdom. To add to that, those in the congregation are usually listening with carnal (flesh) minds rather than hearing from the Holy Spirit--our Kingdom Governor.  Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise.  And He chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.  God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.  1 Corinthians 1:26-29 NLT 

Boredom comes from a carnal mindset, not a Kingdom mindset. Let me tell you, when you are living by faith and being led by the Holy Spirit, you will never ever get bored! It is an adventure because we haven't already planned everything out and figured out how we can make it happen. Then we are amazed as we see what the Lord God has planned for our life!  For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:14 NLT  A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:11-13 NLT

​When you know your purpose and specifically your assignment while you are here on earth, you will never become bored. Your life will never be boring.  You will be driven with a passion to advance in that assignment. You are focused. You may not have everything planned out but you know where you are going!  My wife Arlene and I can testify to that!  We are living examples of being driven by our assignment.  Now I ask, how can you know your purpose and assignment?  It is very simple really:  by doing what Christ stated. "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33 ​ First you must learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and follow instructions.  Keep this in mind, while He was on earth, Jesus never became bored or boring to others.  He listened to His Father and stayed on His assignment.  He modeled perfection in being obedient to God's Word.  "And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”  John 8:29 

Far too often, I read of leaders who claim to be representatives of their brand of gospel make a statement such as "a breakthrough is coming for you". This is a religious statement. Never did Jesus say that a breakthrough was being given. That is not a Kingdom mindset.  All you have to do is to ask and believe as an obedient Kingdom citizen.  Anything else is religion.  The only breakthrough people need is a breakthrough in their carnal soulish nature to obedience and faith in God's Word!  When you read the Gospels, you will know that Jesus was too busy to be bored or boring.   And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Great multitudes followed Him—from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. Matthew 4:23-25 He was spreading the Kingdom message and its culture everywhere He went.

Jesus stayed focused and never deviated from the assignment for which His Father commissioned Him.  He did ask His Father to re-consider, but then He realized not His Will but the Father's.   He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”...Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”... So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Matthew 26:39, 42, 44

Those who have a religious mindset feel the need to have a new message or program every time they come together. They feel without something "fresh" and unheard before, they aren't "earning their keep" and will lose their congregation and ultimately their job.  But the Lord Jesus followed and stayed on focus on the Kingdom message.  What is the purpose of the Kingdom message?  It is to restore those who are lost back to their rightful place in the Kingdom.  The Kingdom message is to grow and mature disciples to spread His Kingdom gospel to all the world.  Everything else is only a distraction.  We need to wear blinders if necessary, and always keep our eyes on God's Message of Kingdom of God.

If you find yourself bored...with the message, with God's Word, with your life in general...seek His Kingdom and His righteousness with a Kingdom mindset. Get into God's Word, seeking His answers to what your assignment is in the Kingdom of God. At times, I have read a scripture countless times and one day our Governor, the Holy Spirit, shows me something in that scripture I have never seen before. That is exciting!  Yes, He is new in our lives every morning if we will focus on Him rather than how we are feeling today. It is truly not about our comfort or what we think we want. The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT 

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

And if you find yourself fighting boredom, go out and serve someone. Show them, by example, what Kingdom life is about! The carnal mind says "What's in it for me?" but the Kingdom mind says "What can I do for others?" And in that mindset, you may just find God's assignment for you. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 NLT  

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

Remember, your faith in the King's Word is your foundation for eternal life and for your purpose while on this earth.

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

The Unshakable Kingdom

 The Unshakable Kingdom

Unshakable:  Not possible to be weakened, moved or broken; solid and unchanging
 
Those of us who have embraced the Kingdom of God, have become part of the unshakable Kingdom that dwells within us. “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Constitutional Scripture: Hebrews 12:26-28   

It seems so personal, so straight to the point.  Do we have a kingdom, the Kingdom of God, which cannot be shaken?  The answer to that question is clear and unmistakable: Yes, the one unshakable kingdom, the Kingdom of God. Keep in mind, all other kingdoms are shakable.  Kingdoms come and go and change according to the wishes of mankind. The kingdom of communism is shakable.  They hold it together by force. Relax the force and it crumbles.  The kingdom of capitalism is shakable.  Listen to the news all around us.  Not only is it shakable, but easily shakable and shifts and shakes according to the latest headlines. Now, if what I have just stated about the kingdom isn't true, then it doesn't matter; but if what I have stated is true, then nothing else matters.  All science, all knowledge, all achievements, all nations, all people—all things—will end in frustration, failure and decay if they are not aligned with, and obedient to, the Kingdom of God. Everything outside of the Kingdom of God will, in time, be shaken and crumble at its own hand. This is what is happening in modern society. During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed or conquered. It will crush all these kingdoms into nothingness, and it will stand forever. Daniel 2:44 NLT

In a world of constant change there is one unchanging person. That unchanging person is Jesus the Christ, our King. He is the Kingdom of God personified and come to this earth. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.  Hebrews 13:8  Jesus never changes.  The King left it in print in what many call the Bible, but in reality is God's Constitution of His Kingdom to all mankind. Our views about Him may change, drifting into myth and tradition; but He Himself will never change from who He was, is and will always be for all eternity.  Always the same and yet, forever, unfolding but always the same.

I have discovered that there are two absolutes:  The Unshakable Kingdom and its absolute order; and the Unshakable Person, the absolute person.

Absolute:  Not qualified or diminished in any way; total; viewed or existing independently and not in relation to other things; not relative or comparative; a value or principle which is regarded as universally valid or which may be viewed without relation to other things. These definitions are spot on!

Jesus is the Kingdom of God, embodied. He came to reintroduce the Kingdom of Heaven onto the earth. This was vital and obedient to His Father’s Will. For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called:  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT Without the embodiment of the Kingdom of God in a person we would have read into the term "Kingdom of God" our preconceptions of the kingdom, which would all be incorrect and inadequate. We would start buying land, building a building and planning our exodus from this world. By the way, some have done just that.  
 
We had to see the Kingdom in operation in a person.  Jesus modeled what life with the Kingdom of God within you looked like. It had to be made concrete or it would not be conceivable.  Jesus is the Kingdom of God wearing sandals and walking.  The Kingdom and the person belong together, for without Him illustrating the Kingdom, the kingdom pattern would have taken many directions, with all sorts of meanings as it has already done through history when the Kingdom and the person were separated. 
 
Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Matthew 17:1-4 It is mankind’s nature to want to build a building and set up camp. They too often take a moment and want to turn it into a movement, without asking the Lord God.

Remember, the rediscovery of Jesus without the rediscovery of the Kingdom of God would not be a full discovery; because a king without a kingdom, is a lone figure with nothing to rule over.  The same goes for a kingdom without a king.  But since it is the Kingdom of God and a Kingdom among men; only the God-Man could be the illustration of its meaning.

Keep in mind, Jesus shows us what the Father God is like and also shows us what the Kingdom of God is like in operation. The Kingdom of God is Christ-like and universalized.  Was there any better way to introduce the meaning of the Kingdom than to introduce it in a person?  Was there any better person through whom it could be introduced than Jesus?  He modeled life in the Kingdom of God as a person living in the world.

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

Speaking the King’s Word in Every Situation

 

Speaking the King’s Word in Every Situation

​Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 NKJV
 
You will never believe anything you hear more than the words you speak. We as citizens of God’s Kingdom have a responsibility to speak the King’s Word into every situation in our lives. We shouldn’t speak our thoughts and opinions but what God’s Word says about it. Often when we speak, we are verbalizing our fears, doubts and anxieties. That makes the situation worse. This is why it is so important to fill our mind and emotions with scriptures so we will be ready and able to speak what God says about our problems.
 
The tongue is a mighty weapon. Use it wisely. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. Proverbs 18:21 AMP
 
People say things and then say they don’t mean it and were only joking. But if you slashed someone with a knife and then said you were only joking, would the cut be any less damaging?  A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” Matthew 12:35-37 He who guards his mouth and his tongue guards himself from troubles. Proverbs 21:23 AMP
 
Jesus always modeled what our behavior and responses should be. He didn’t only teach about the Kingdom of God, He led by example. When King Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tested by the devil, He showed us clearly how we must always respond to temptations and trials. He responded with God’s Word. He went without food for forty days and nights. His flesh was very weak and at that time the devil came. The devil always comes at our time of weakness, whether it is physical, emotional or mental weakness.
 
Then Jesus was led by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After He had gone without food for forty days and forty nights, He became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’”
 
Then the devil took Him into the holy city [Jerusalem] and placed Him on the pinnacle (highest point) of the temple. And he said [mockingly] to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You [to serve, care for, protect and watch over You]’;
and ‘They will lift you up on their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’” (Isn’t it funny that the devil would even use scripture to tempt us?)
 
Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written and forever remains written, ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’”
 
Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory [splendor, magnificence, and excellence] of them; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written and forever remains written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” 
 
Then the devil left Him; and angels came and ministered to Him [bringing Him food and serving Him]. Matthew 4:1-11 AMP
 
This is how we are to handle every problem, every temptation, every challenge, every situation that comes to challenge our faith; It comes to see if we truly know who we are in the Kingdom of God. Jesus was at His weakest physically but He was full of the Word. There is power in God’s Word. After that time of testing, He was ready to begin His time of ministry and teaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 4:17
 
God’s Word is your ammunition. We must be full of the Word, ready to “shoot it off” the moment that trouble, trials or temptations come. “In the moment” is not the time to do a word search in God’s Constitution. His Word needs to be in you, ready to be spoken over any situation or confrontation. I will be compiling some scripture pages by subject to get started and adding to them as I complete them. If there is a specific topic you would like to see, let us know. Do scripture topic searches to keep building His Word in you. “Stockpile” His Word in your heart (mind and emotions) and be ready for anything that comes your way. The Holy Spirit will remind you of the appropriate Word in every situation.
 
You will be tested at times when you are at your weakest point of faith. Do not ever respond with what you think or feel. In those times, remember King Jesus in the wilderness at His body’s time of great weakness.

Respond as He did, “It is written. . .”

Deborah Luchie
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www.kingdomcitizens.org

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
​
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