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Introduction to "The Kingdom"

Hello! Welcome to the blog!😊 Today, we will begin our exploration of the Kingdom of God.

What is a Kingdom? 

From the dictionary, a Kingdom represents a domain or territory.

A Kingdom is usually ruled by a King/Leader. It is generally defined based on a set of characteristics/attributes and governed by a set of rules. For example, the kingdom of A could be said to be governed by King of A, it looks like xyz, and the people are abc.

Similarly, the Kingdom of God/Heaven is governed by the King of Kings - God. It looks vastly different from the Kingdoms of this world, which is mostly governed by human wisdom and reasoning. This Kingdom is centered around Christ. The people of this Kingdom possess unique characteristics that make them identifiable. Also, the Kingdom of God as with any other Kingdom is characterized by a certain way of life.

Proverbs 14 vs 12 says - There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (ESV)

We see from this scripture that there is a way based on the wisdom of the natural (unbelieving) man, a man who hasn’t received God’s Spirit that ends in death. To prevent death (eternal separation from God), we must live and walk according to the dictates of the Kingdom of God.

This Kingdom represents the person of Jesus, His rule and domain. Matthew 4 vs 17 says - From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. Also, in Luke 12 vs 32, Jesus said - “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

We see here that God wants to give us His Kingdom. He wants us to be a part of it as His church.

Severally in scripture, we see Jesus reference the Kingdom of God/Heaven. I believe Jesus used the idea of a “Kingdom” to create a clear distinction between the Kingdom ruled by the Romans during His ministry and His own Kingdom. This Kingdom was like nothing ever seen or heard of. It was radical, different, and based on the power of the Holy Spirit.

After Jesus was handed over to Pilate in John 18, He was questioned on His Kingship. In verse 36, Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”

From a human perspective, it did not make sense that a so called “King” would not fight or use His authority. But as we know Jesus’ purpose was far beyond human comprehension, He came to die so that we might be reconciled with God (click here for more on this). He was even hung to the cross with a sign saying “The King of the Jews’.

1 Corinthians 1 vs 18 - The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.

From this scripture, we see again that a mere man cannot comprehend or understand the message of the cross or Jesus’ Kingdom. Why? The answer is in 1 Corinthians 3 vs 19 - For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.” Therefore, what man counts as wisdom is foolishness before God.

As I have mentioned in my prior posts, we need to be like Children to understand the idea of this new Kingdom, and to receive/accept it. Matthew 18 vs 3 - Then he (Jesus) said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Also, we must understand that it is the enemy (the devil) at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. See Ephesians 2 vs 3 – 5. Even though we were destined for death and destruction, God in His mercy has rescued all who believe and saved us by His grace. He took us from the Kingdom of darkness, of the world, and of Satan and brought us into His precious Kingdom (see Luke 12 vs 32 referenced above). Isn’t it amazing?

Ephesians 2 vs 8 says God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

I will stop here for today and as the Holy Spirit leads us, we will continue to explore the concept of the Kingdom in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned and thanks for reading.

God bless you! 😊

Mayowa O.

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