It is quite saddening to see how things are perceived today. More legalism has come into the Church instead of grace, more self-righteousness instead of being clothed with His righteousness, projecting our kingdom and culture instead of God’s Kingdom and purpose. It made me wonder, what would be the reason for the great revival in the early Church in spite of all the persecution and trouble that they had to face.
The forerunner, John the Baptist preached about the kingdom of heaven. ….Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (Matt 3:2), when Jesus began his ministry, he preached the same (Matt 4:17) and Jesus continued His ministry this way, “Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. (Matt 9:35)”
Jesus sent his twelve disciples to do the same. “And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing (Luk 9:2)”. In the book of Acts, the disciples and Paul continued to preach about His kingdom “Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God (Acts 19:8)”.
As a result of preaching the kingdom of God, the gospel was spread to the whole world and the believer’s focus was all about living in God’s kingdom and pleasing the King. Because they were kingdom minded, greater power and authority were released through them, many signs and wonders took place.
Let us bring our focus back to the Kingdom of Heaven, not in our own laws and interpretation which will lead to self-righteousness and we end up condemning our own brothers. He has written His law in our hearts (Heb 10:16).
Once the Kingdom of God is established in us, the Lord himself will teach his children to bear witness to His kingdom in every area of life.
So when we pray or present the gospel, Honour His name and let His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Let us follow what Jesus taught us to do. Remember the Kingdom of God is within us, so let us act and speak as citizens of heaven.
Life Praise Ministries 