Kingdom of God!
A) Look, it’s me!
Acts 1:3” During the forty days after His crucifixion he appeared to the apostles from time to time, actually alive, and proved to them in many ways that it was really he himself they were seeing. And on these occasions he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.”( The Living Bible)
The world is operating on jet speed and everybody is living, as though there is no end to this life. They run, sweat and beat themselves to amass wealth but alas many fail to understand that God is preparing us for His Kingdom! Everybody including Christians feel that a good job, palatial home, acres of land, investments, good business, slabs of gold are their solid security. Nothing wrong with having riches but everything goes haywire when riches possess people. The Bible warns us:
Psalm 62:10”……If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them.”
Proverbs 23: 4”Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!” 5”…For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.”
Rev.Billy Graham said: “Money cannot buy true pleasure. Money cannot buy peace of heart. And money cannot buy entrance into the Kingdom of God. If God has given you more than your neighbors around about you, dedicate your possessions to Christ, and realize that you are only a steward of what God has given you – and some day you will have to give an account for every penny you have spent. The Internal Revenue Service wants to know how you spend your money, but that is nothing compared to the books God is keeping!”
John Wesley, while being shown through a nobleman’s house, admired the expensive works of art and other symbols of wealth and culture. “I too could love these things,” he said, “but there is another world.”
Friend, are you aware that there is another world waiting for each one us who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior? That is the KINGDOM OF GOD!
When I preached the message titled ‘Kingdom of God’, I was attacked by the devil from all sides, but I would do it over and over again until some of you get it. I want you dear friends to see what I see and feel what I feel, okay? After reading many versions of the Bible of the above scripture, right from Amplified Bible, American Standard Version and International Standard Version, I have chosen the simple Living Bible, so that you understand clearly. I visualized Jesus sitting with His disciples and desperately trying to prove to them that He is alive. He was trying to prove Himself to the disciples who rubbed shoulders with Him for 3 and a half years and heard every message preached by Him. The present and the future were revealed to them. Did they get it? I guess He said:’ Hey Peter, Look, it’s me! Look at my nail pierced hands, John, touch me and feel me, James, you want to touch my hands, go ahead……I’m real. Can I compare His love with the love of a mother or father? Never! His love far exceeds all human love! He is incomparable! Who would have such patience with sinners like us! I write this message on a day of fasting and prayer, as I pen these lines, tears brim my eyes. He is just the BEST!
Now watch this, Jesus did not speak about the weather or politics, but straight went to the core issue of the subject and that is the KINGDOM OF GOD. Today when Christians gather, we talk about everything under the sun, from Barack Obama to Mata Amritanandamayi Devi Amma, Baba Ramdev, except Jesus. We carefully avoid religion(that’s the word used) they would say, ‘keep religion to yourself.’ Just check out Face book or any social networking site, read what the Christians have to say, it would be about the latest movie, food joint or fresh juicy gossip is spread far and wide. Years bac, after my salvation, when I started talking about Jesus to my friends and relatives, they dropped me like a hot potato, I was left high and dry for several years. I chose the hot terrace in my office and spent the time talking to Jesus during lunch/tea breaks, eventually that place became a place of ‘worship’ where many others gathered to hear the Word from me. Let us use our precious time to share the good news of Jesus with others, rather than gossip, browse the internet, chat, sms, argue and debate.
Jesus was keen that His disciples understand about His Kingdom. Matthew often used "kingdom of heaven" instead of "kingdom of God," but the two terms are synonymous (Matt 13:31, Mark 4:30, Luke 13:18), so "kingdom of heaven" does not refer to heaven as a place, but to God's reign as King. When we talk about the Kingdom of heaven or God, it is not something farfetched or something yet to come, but when we repent, change our life style and live according to His Word and get into His covenant then we belong to His Kingdom. That’s it. If not, we belong to the devil’s kingdom. No middle ground. Being a name-sake Christian does not suffice, God wants us to be committed to Him, only then do we belong to His Kingdom. Which kingdom do you belong to?
There are church going Christians who do not talk with their own brothers and sisters due to property dispute and misunderstandings, but the Bible clearly points out that we need to root out bitterness from our hearts, Hebrews 12:14’Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord15 ‘looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.’ Please observe these scriptures carefully, we are commanded to pursue peace will ALL people, without which we cannot go to His Kingdom. Anybody listening? We cannot have preferences, we’ve got to like all people. I have heard some elderly Christians tell me, “I cannot stand that person” or “I don’t like that person.” This is not right in the sight of God. Romans 12:10 says,” Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” We may sing beautifully in the church choir, we may be in the church committee as an important leader, we may be a preacher or a teacher; whatever, if we have bitterness in our life, we may not be able to see the Lord. The Word is crystal clear about this. Jesus talks about love, love, love…… Do we Christians bother anyway? Do we take His Word seriously?
More than anywhere else, misunderstandings, anger and bitterness are found among the Christians and also inside the Church. We get easily offended, we want to be honored and given number one preference, if not, we start quarreling and fighting. How many of us are ready to serve the Lord behind the curtain? How many of us would humbly accept to serve the Lord even in a small way? How many of us would bury the faults and wrongdoings of others and still have fellowship with them for the sake of His Kingdom? How many of us would sacrifice our personal desires, agendas and goals and come forward to be a blessing for the church? Let this message speak with you my dear friends, come forward to serve the Lord in the church and in Christian ministries with just one goal and that is to please the Lord. Never do anything for personal exaltation, let His Name alone be glorified and magnified. Anybody listening? There are huge number of young children who need to hear the Word, there is a vast crowd that are lost in this wicked world without the knowledge of Jesus Christ, stretch out do whatever you can to spread the aroma of Christ. Let us stop the bickering within ourselves and reach out to save the lost world. The first sermon of Jesus was: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”(Mathew 3:2)
We can be humble before God, but if this does not play out in humility before other men and women around us, there is no life. When it comes right down to it, the only measurable proof that we have real faith is our behavior. – C Peter Wagner
B. Stop building your kingdom……!
Acts 17:3” explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ."
The roads were pitch dark, as we traveled to a village in Tamil Nadu, where I was to share the Word of God! Here and there we could see people wandering in the dark, other than that, there were no signs of human habitation. We had arranged a meeting there and almost the entire village was gathered at the spot of the meeting, because there was film screening as well, during the sermon time. None of them knew that I was going to screen the movie on the ‘Second coming of Jesus.’ I shared my testimony and also preached about heaven and hell, everything seemed Greek and Latin to them. I could see their puzzled look; however, I continued to preach the Word. After the sermon, I prayed for the adults, a group of about 25 children surrounded me and wanted me to pray for them. I was thrilled about this crowd, I took them aside from the venue of the meeting and started sharing Jesus with them. One cute, small girl asked me, “can you teach us to pray?” I taught them a simple, small prayer and they immediately started narrating it. When I said, “God bless you”, they were fascinated by the English words.
Let me give you some details about this remote village that is situated very far away from the city; there is not a single church in that village, the place stank of alcohol when I entered that village, and most of the men who attended the meeting that day were totally drunk. This is India! After my time with the little children, my heart was burdened for the village. With the help of the local pastors, we have first started operating the ‘children ministry’ in the terrace of a believer in that village. There is much work to be accomplished in the thousands of villages in our country, whereas Christians are busy watching TV 24 hours a day and building palatial homes for themselves that stays as ‘show piece’ of their luxury. But let me gently point out here that we need to give account of our life on the Judgment Day, let Jesus never look at us and say, “cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Mathew 25:30)
There are many young people aspiring to do God’s work, I have a word for you today, what is the motive behind it? There are youngsters with an anointing of worship or music, who are desperate to launch their albums. There are others who would want to thump and explode in the pulpit. There are others who would want to be globe trotters and spread the Gospel. I get requests like: sister, pray for my album, pray for my ministry, pray for my book and so on, good, BUT what is the motive behind it? Are you anxious to be better than that person, or do you want to shine brighter than that person or show yourself high and mighty? What is the motive behind it? Every step should be aimed at building His Kingdom!
In the above scripture, we see Paul preaching and demonstrating that Jesus Christ is God. Do you want to know the aftermath of this crusade: verse 32 ‘And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, "We will hear you again on this matter."’ Was Paul discouraged? Never! He did not change his method of preaching but kept going for God. God has called His Servants to preach about His Kingdom to the people in darkness. Hear me out dear people, Kingdom of God is real!
Rev. Billy Graham preached 8 sermons in streets every Sunday, when he was 20 years old, while still in the Bible college, today he heads an international ministry that has survived more than 50 years, the legend is 92 years old now. He preached nothing but conviction of sin, repentance, salvation, judgment, heaven and hell. Many of the Christian youths of today are sitting in their plush air-conditioned offices and doing ministry using their company’s resources. No guilt whatsoever! Have they visited the near-by slums, fed the street urchins and preached to the beggars? I wonder!
C.Walk as children of light:
Ephesians 5:8’For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.’
South Indian movie director Ram Gopal Verma well known for making spooky, eerie, horror films, said: ‘only a person who had gone through such experience of attacks of evil spirit on his own kid would know the trauma attached to it,’ but he signed off stating, ‘I am a film maker, entertainer and I have no solution for it.’ Incidentally during one of the interview, he said: ’I am the darker side.’ Jesus rightly said: ‘darkness did not comprehend it.’(John 1:5) The world out there does not know that there is hope in Jesus! Many social activists highlight the problems in the society; be it, alcohol, addiction, violence etc., but solution is available with only JESUS. Can we give Him a shout of praise? He is the DELIVERER! He is our REDEMMER!
Apostle Paul says in the above scripture that we need to walk as children of light. Amen. Anybody listening? We cannot smoke, drink, lust, cheat and still be children of Light. Are you there? Listen carefully to today’s teaching, in Colossians 1, Apostle Paul goes on to say from verse 12, ‘He has rescued us from the state of heathenish darkness and wickedness. He hath saved us from the dominion of sin, which is darkness (1 John 1: 6), from the dominion of Satan, who is the prince of darkness (Ephesians. 6: 12), and from the damnation of hell, which is utter darkness. He has translated us from the power of darkness into the kingdom of his dear Son. He has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. The conversion of a sinner is the translation of a soul into the kingdom of Christ out of the kingdom of the devil. The goodies we receive is not over, we also become partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, that is, we become eligible to get into heaven. Glory, glory, glory to Jesus! People coming from Christian homes never, ever get this into their heart, they take Jesus, His blessings and salvation for granted. Pause and think! Nothing on earth is more precious than salvation!
Back while working with the bank, they would once a month take the staff and the family for an outing. Well the highlight of the event was that, every kid in the family received a gift hamper from the bank that contains lip-smacking Cadbury bars, cookies, chips and whole lot of delicious stuff dumped inside, every kid is seen proudly carrying the bag; likewise when we receive Jesus into our life we carry home a whole lot of goodies: FORGIVENESS OF SINS, FREEDOM, DELIVERANCE AND JOY. Do we walk so? Some of us walk like zombies! Some say, ‘I have forgotten to leap like before’, why? HE IS THE SAME UNCHANGING JESUS!
Apostle Paul gives Him praise and thanks, read this: ‘giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.’ (verse 12) Think of this! God picked us up from the miry clay and He has not stopped there, but He has qualified us to be sit along with the saints. Glory to Jesus! Now, wait a minute, do we all stay committed in our promise, walk with God and stay as children of light?
Are you keen on knowing about His Kingdom? How important is the Word of God to you? Do Bible lessons and Bible sermons bore you? Do you read your Bible on your own? How much Bible do you know? Do you own a Bible? Do you carry a Bible? Are you more interested in being entertained at church, than learning what the Bible has to say? Is church a social place to you, or is it a learning center?
D. Signature style!
Acts 20:9“And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.”
What are the things that distract us? Jesus said: Mark 4:19’..the cares of this world….!’ The devil tries to attack us and quench our fire for God by sowing negative thoughts, fear, worry and anxiety; we tend to slacken and say, ‘what if this happens’ or ‘what if any danger comes to my family’ or ‘what if I am sacked’ and so on. Sometimes during the course of conversation, people closely attached to us, would drop a word or line that would reveal the hurt in their heart or pain, which certainly bothers us. As I leave my home and family on ministry, I do get a bit emotional, but I gather myself and get going. An engineer away from his family on a project, felt lonely and was consoled through my devotions. These things do shake us. Reading the book of Acts has delivered me from worldly sentiments and got me anchored to concentrate on the mission field and preach the message of His Kingdom to the people groping in the dark. Cares drop away when I look at this dark world!
It was a farewell meeting with his disciples and Apostle Paul instead of taking rest and relaxing with his disciples, spent the entire night preaching to his disciples. This is amazing! Where are such leaders? It was no air-conditioned auditorium but an upper room where even the windows were occupied to hear his message. Jam packed! Mind you, it was an all-night prayer meeting. As he continued his message until midnight, a young man overcome with deep sleep, fell from the third floor and died. Apostle Paul did not panic but rushed to the spot and fell over the boy and declared boldly :’he is not dead but alive’ and guess what he did next - ‘continued the Bible study.’ There was no propaganda about the miracle nor did Paul give them a solid explanation of the super-duper miracle that had happened through his hands, but he continued his Bible study. How can one not get excited reading this? Tell me. Here is a man passionate about His work for God, he was keen on preaching about the Kingdom of God.
Today the world -both the Christians and non-Christians- need a clear explanation about His Kingdom. Stop sauntering and have a serious walk with God, Paul said: ‘that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work..’(Colossians 1:13)Consider the words of the scripture today, and let yourself be challenged, let yourself be provoked. We need some fire in our churches, fire in the life of Christians rather than lukewarm sinners who warm the chairs in the church.
Let your life have your signature of being different, defiant against the devil and determined towards God.
E. Straight over my head!
Acts 1:6”Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"
Living in a hostile environment of the Roman rule, the disciples of Jesus failed to understand about His Heavenly Kingdom and felt that Jesus came to restore the kingdom to Israel, well it took a while for them to understand the picture from God’s perspective. So it is with us as well. Agree? We fail to understand the core subject that Jesus kept preaching over and over again, the pivotal subject of the preaching of Jesus was KINGDOM OF GOD. Friends, please understand, umpteen points and several scriptures from the Bible cannot throw light on the subject, it is the Holy Spirit that has to bring understanding in your heart. Amen. When I preached things pertaining to life after death, some of my friends would say: ‘Bala, I am not able to understand, it went straight over my head’; however, when I prayed and fasted for them and continued to preach, they did comprehend it.
Dear friends, you never know the burden that is burning in my heart to make you understand about the Kingdom of God. If you get this, then your life would never be the same. It has revolutionized my life! I want this message to reach out to the young and the adults, do not be careless of your life now, how you live today on earth determines your entry into heaven. This is the truth! I want to get a bit deeper into the Word, so that you understand the mysteries of God, the Bible says: ‘attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ.’(Colossians 2:2) Besides life now, we have something more exciting waiting for us; devil would be defeated and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ would be established on earth. What awaits us? Before the Second coming of Jesus Christ on earth, people living according to the standards of God (not all Christians) will be raptured (taken away from earth to heaven) and then there would be a period of Great Tribulation, I have given detailed explanation on these subjects in my website, (http://www.worshipjesusministriestrust.com) you can click the folder ‘Jesus is coming soon” and read them. Let the earthquake in New Zealand, Japan, riots in Libya and all the other calamities around the world now, sound a warning signal for each one of us, look beyond this world and live a life worthy to inherit the eternal KINGDOM OF GOD. Don’t procrastinate! I warn you! Get right with God now! "...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. For our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28
Mathew 21:31” Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.” Let this be a warning for self-righteous Christians! When we obey Jesus and His commandments with faith now, we enter His Kingdom; when we allow Him to rule over us, then we are ready for His Kingdom that is going to be established on earth in future.
Revelation 11:15"The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!"
"Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent 'to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:10-11
GOD BLESS YOU!
