To become partakers in the Kingdom of God, even in the sphere of earthly endeavors, Biblical injunctions which form the basis for the kingdom requirements must be strictly observed and followed. Below is the list of appropriate passages:
1) Repentance
John the Baptist, the forerunner of our Lord Jesus announced in Matthew 3:2, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Jesus Christ Himself at the inception of His ministry declared in Matthew 4:17, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” It is therefore evident that repentance is an unavoidable prerequisite of partaking in the kingdom. It is a call to humanity to return to God, and turn away from sin, and obedience to this instruction qualifies us into the Kingdom’s rights and privileges; that is to inherit the Kingdom of God.
2) Re-birth
Jesus Christ introduced a new spiritual order to Nicodemus a Jewish renown religious personality in John 3: 3, 5; and this was intended to replace the religious order and ordinary lifestyle which is common in people:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God… unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
What does this requirement entail? It sounds absurd. That is why Nicodemus admitted his confusion about this new trend of faith, and asked, “How can a man be born when he is old?”
Let us face it, thus us the confusion with so many people today, even inside the house of God. When a person repents, he becomes legitimately enrolled into the family of God, because he believes in Him. (Jn. 3:12). But this is not the natural usual biological birthing again, it is spiritual. There is more to this truth in the following verses:
“…who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (Jn. 3:6, 13)
“…having been born of God, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abide for ever. “(1Pe. 1:2).
“Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” (1 Jn. 3:9;5:18).
“…mot by works of righteousness which we have done,, but according to His mercy He saved us, through washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” (Tit. 3:4).
The rebirth experience comes by the Holy Spirit’s confirmation of our salvation and His intervention over our natural life to His baptism, infilling anointing and other gifts diversity activities. And suddenly, one becomes an entirely new person. The change is real. Many of us had experienced it and still function in Him.
The power of God’s Spirit in your life automatically over powers the stronghold of iniquity and ungodliness which had been in control. As soon as this takes place in your life, you begin to enjoy the new creation lifestyle. And believe me, if you keep it going by allowing God to set you apart in prayer, His word, and doing what He has called you to do, you will increase and grow into a full-fledged Kingdom citizen. You will see, and also enter the Kingdom even right here on earth. Obedience to God; abiding in His word allowing Christ to dwell in you by His Spirit it is simply heaven on earth.
3) Preach it
Our Lord Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, started, or actually fulfilled the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom. (Mt. 3:17). He handed it over to us through His first disciples.
He told them, “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt. 10:7)
Jesus continued to enjoin the church through the apostles of old to Preach the same Gospel of the Kingdom comprising:
“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts nor bags for your journey… for a worker is worthy of his food…” (Mt. 10:7-10)
Preaching and teaching formed the backbone of the ministry of our Master and Lord Jesus. Yes, this is exactly what He handed over to the Church.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations …teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:19-20: Mk. 16:15; Lk. 9:2; 2Tim. 4:2)
The preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom should be given uttermost attention by Christians. It was number one priority to Jesus Christ. Nothing should replace our compassion for the lost souls. Many people in the world have lost sight of the purpose of God for their lives; they have misplaced their priority in life, and even about God’s call; they are busy with their own selfish plans.
If the concept of the Gospel of the Kingdom is restored in many believers, they will have hope of eternal joy which come by ‘seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.’ (Mt 6:33)
To display such seriousness about the Kingdom business, Christ Jesus called His disciples when they were busy with their various money making professions (Mt. 4:18-20; 9: 9). When He heard about the imprisonment of John the Baptist, “He departed to Galilee. And it was at this point He started to “… preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt. 4:12-17). He told someone to follow him, but the person sought permission to go and organize for his father’s funeral, but Jesus told him, “…Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” (Mt 8:22). He delayed His visit to the sick one with two days, knowing that the sickness was “… not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (Jn 11:4). All these portray the Lord’s emphasis on the Gospel of the Kingdom; God is glorified when we are strictly and genuinely committed to Him and His work.
We must always remember that the Gospel of the Kingdom can never be a reality in our situation and this dispensation without the constant consciousness of the presence of the Lord by His Spirit in our lives. And when we bear that in mind and keep it deep in our spirit beings, we will never lose sight of the Master’s teaching about the Kingdom of heaven on earth.
Let us still take a look at a summary of the injunction in the following sub-headings;
The Kingdom must be preached or propagated - Mt. 3:1-3; 4:17.
Acknowledge the present existence of the Kingdom - Mt. 12:28.
Acknowledge the Kingdom in our midst - Lk. 17:21.
Understand the characteristics and principles of the Kingdom -Rom. 12:17.
The Kingdom marks the beginning of Satan’s end - Jn. 12:1; Jn. 16:11.
The Mysteries of the Kingdom are revealed . Mt. 13:11.
For further study about preaching the gospel of the kingdom, read: (Mk. 1:14; Lk. 4:43; 8:1;9:2; 16:16; Ac. 1:3; 8:12; 20:25; 28:23).
No comments:
Post a Comment