Kingdom of God

Thy Kingdom Come

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.    Matthew 6:10

Do you want God’s Kingdom to come? Or do you consider this just another utopia for the foolish masses? Or are you one of those who says yes? But please not yet. You still want to marry, raise a family, build a career, and travel the world. But after that, sure. God’s Kingdom then is welcome to come.

The attitude is if it doesn’t interfere with my goals and desires, then do come. Yet some still want to finish college and grow up. But then again, if God’s Kingdom came sooner, you wouldn’t have to repay your student loans. So should God’s kingdom come sooner than later?

I remember those early days growing up. When culture bombarded us with the fear of immediate doom from nuclear holocaust. Then the media followed up with the potential ice age. They over indulged us that all civilization will be soon destroyed. Then came the loud shouting of the need to control human population. The world couldn’t keep feeding its people and soon we will all be starving to death. But this is now displaced by climate alarmist. They now picture a world of melted glaziers and flooded cities. The doom and gloom folks have been around at least since my birth.

But today there is a new issue. The noise is getting louder. Who will govern us? Will the western democracies continue to survive? There are those who say we all would be happier if we had a socialistic government and own no private property. Some who even suggest that a communistic government is the best way for a people to live. Some believe a theological authorial worldwide government may be best. They all have their pros and cons. But the best of the worst still remains a republic democracy until God’s Kingdom fully arrives. Why?

Under a democratic republic, one can live-out dual citizenship. Yes, one can than freely serve God’s Kingdom and the law of the land. But because there is religious freedom, God’s kingdom is allowed to grow.

In theory, yes. But is this true. God’s government also seems to flourish in those areas where freedom is being hindered. For example, the Church today is growing faster in countries like China and Iran. There the governments are anti-Jesus. So why the growth? Is it possible because when people are free, they are allowed to indulge in whatever they choose? Whereas citizens of an autocratic state are limited to express themselves. Is it possible when freedom is suppressed, the desire to be free is stronger? Ever notice how freedom without a strong Godly-center leads to self-destruction?

Yes, Jesus came and preached that the Kingdom of God is now available. You can now live under the umbrella of God’s Will. A place where your efforts are supported by HIS Grace. A life under the tutelage of Jesus and Spirit. A taste of heaven in your everyday world.

God’s government is not about control from the top-down. Instead, God’s way begins from the heart of a person. When HE is allowed to live within the human psyche, HE sets the standard. HIS laws are written within your heart. You then have freedom within boundaries. HIS attributes of love, joy, and peace are also present. They flow from God through you and touch those around you. You become an active citizen disbursing God’s character wherever you go.

You serve a benevolent King. Yet you are also a sibling in the family business – the Government of God. Your mission is to serve the King and HIS people. You are to set policies and programs which allow all people to flourish. You treat others the way you would like to be treated. Your purpose is to extend God’s Will wherever you go. God’s Kingdom is actively involved wherever you go. You are HIS ambassador.

God’s Kingdom limits human carnal nature and allows HIS Spirit to influence one’s behavior. This happens when one lives in a trustful relationship with their heavenly Father. They want all people to find real freedom and fulfillment in life. Yes, people fail. But God’s grace is extended. The inner drive of a citizen of God’s Kingdom is for what is best by God’s standard of righteousness and justice.

When Jesus’ Kingship is acknowledged. When HIS people yield to HIM and live out HIS vision for life. Then one begins to behold the impact HIS Kingdom has in their own life and those around them. This is when one’s prayer becomes more intentional for HIS kingdom to fully come on earth. Until then, we are most grateful to now experience the riches of living out HIS Kingdom ways each day in our small corner of the world.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Let’s Unpack Heaven

Dr. Mike 2023 , ,

Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

Heaven wins. And I like to win. And I’m sure you do too. But what do you know about heaven? When I was recently asked the question, my reply was “very little.” Most of my understanding in those early years was from movies, books, and hearsay. People speculating on their view of heaven. Since then I have taken a more factual approach. The only person I know from humanity’s history to travel from and to heaven is Jesus Christ (Jn. 3:13). Therefore, I have made HIM my reference point to learn everything I need to know about heaven.    

Most of us hold a cultural view of heaven. I say that because based on a recent Pew research study, less than 12% of Americans are Biblically literate. Thus the other 88% gather their information from other sources. And since Jesus upheld Scripture (Mt. 22:29, Mk. 12:24), we are going to briefly unpack heaven solely from the Biblical viewpoint.

Based on Scripture heaven is:

  • God’s supernatural realm (Deut. 10:14, Dan, 2:28, Matt. 7:11) . Earth is the natural domain (Isa.66:1, 24:21) Both were created by, through, and for Jesus Christ (Co; 1:16). 
  • Where God’s throne room and divine council resides (Ps. 11:4, Mt. 5:34, Rev. 4,5; Psalm 82:1).  
  • Where God’s main home is based (Eph 3:15, Mt: 5:45, Mt.7:21).
  • Where God’s government operates (Phil. 3:20, Jn. 3:27, Mt. 28:18, Dan. 4:26).  
  • Where God’s characteristics shine (Lk. 15:7).
  • Where Jesus now intervenes for His saints (1 Pt. 3:22, Heb. 8:1, Heb. 9:24).
  • Where God’s spiritual agents reside (Mk. 12:25, Dan. 4:13).
  • Where Jesus is preparing a place for his saints (Heb 11:16).
  • Where Satan rebelled and initiated a failed coup against God (Rev.12:7-9, 13,17, Ezek. 28:11-17).  The result is now terrorist warfare by evil forces against God’s creation. (Eph 6:12).
  • Where secrets of life are kept and slowly revealed at their appropriate time (Mt. 13:11, Dan. 2:28, 1 Cor. 4:1, Rm. 16:25, Col. 1:27, 2:2)
  • Will be replaced by a new heaven (Rev 21:1, Lk. 21:33, Mt. 24:35).
  • Where the saints inheritance awaits them (1 Pt. 1:4, Eph 1:3, 2:6, 2 Cor. 5:1-2, 1 Cor. 15:49, Lk. 10:20).
  • Where our reward awaits us (Lk. 6:23, Lk.18:22, Mt. 6:19-20).
  • Earth’s future merger partner (Eph. 1:10).
  • Now being colonized on Earth (Mt. 6:10, Mt. 3:2).

This is the heaven I know. Everything else is speculation. And I’m OK with that. My goal is to have an intimate relationship with Jesus; today, tomorrow and beyond eternity. For wherever HE is, HE assures me I will be with HIM. Today HE gives me a taste of heaven. In the future, we look forward to breaking bread at HIS table in HIS kingdom when heaven and earth are one.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

What Are You For?

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

Acts 28:22

But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

The Jewish leaders had the apostle Paul arrested and on trial in Jerusalem. The Roman government found him innocent. But the Jewish leaders objected. So Paul, a Roman citizen, then petitioned to have his case presented before Caesar.

We pick up the story now with Paul arriving in Rome under house arrest. There he asks to meet with the Jewish leaders of Rome. They are intrigued to hear more about Paul’s sect. For everywhere in the then world Christianity is spoken against by the status quo.

On the scheduled day, they arrived along with their support staff. The entire day was given to listening and reviewing Scripture with Paul. Paul’s emphasis during the entire meeting was to testify about Jesus as the Messiah and the Kingdom of God. He spent the entire day emphasizing what he believed and stood for.

A few of his listeners were convinced. The majority disbelieved. But Paul fulfilled his mission. Wherever he went, he first started by explaining the gospel message to the Jewish community. Afterward, he followed by proclaiming God’s salvation to the Gentiles.

Yet whenever he spoke, he emphasized what he was for and not what he was against. You and I may want to consider the same when sharing the gospel message with others. In today’s culture, we hear a lot about what everyone is against. But wouldn’t it be more effective if we started with what both sides agree on?

Sounds good you say, but most difficult. And you are right. It is more challenging for you to first understand the other side thoroughly before sharing your beliefs. When you do, you will find it easier to get common ground to build from rather than fight over it.

When Paul spoke with the Jewish leaders they had the Scriptures as common ground. When Paul dealt with the Gentiles, he had a strong understanding of the Greek culture being educated in that world. His starting point was always from their perspective.

But it didn’t change his message. Instead, he continued to emphasize Jesus’ and His Kingdom and what HE stands for. His approach and words and examples may differ. But his message remained the same. Jesus Christ is Lord. God’s Kingdom rules. God has a purpose for humanity and you are included.

As we mature as Believers, we slowly die to self. Our position on any matter becomes less important. Our heart and mind begins to align more with God’s position. Instead of emphasizing what I am for, we illuminate what God is for. We become the messenger, rather than the influencer. Our allegiance is for God’s Kingdom and Lord Jesus. As HE trains us and morphs us into HIS image, we slowly reflect more and more of HIS thoughts and values. HE is what we are for. We become one with HIS Spirit. And what HE is for, so are we.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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