Hello Friends,
Are you dissatisfied and discouraged by your life? Are you looking for something more meaningful than money-making and approval from others? Jesus offers a new way of living, a fresh start, one that brings simplicity, peace and freedom. Jesus offers us citizenship in His Father's Kingdom. However, we must warn you: Making the decision to become a citizen of Heaven and obey Jesus has the good, the bad, and the ugly side.
Jesus spent much of his ministry talking about the nature and character of the Kingdom of Heaven. But what is it? The ancient scriptures predicted the Kingdom of Heaven. The New Testament proclaims that it has arrived! No, it is not another religion. It is GOVERNMENT. Jesus brought us God's government on earth.
(INTRO)
When most people think about the Last Supper, they remember the sharing of the bread and wine. But there was something much more important taking place. The Lord's Supper was the occasion chosen by Jesus Christ to pass down His Father's Government to His apostles at the event we call the Constitutional Convention for the Kingdom of Heaven.
For those who had continued with Him throughout His ministry, He bestowed upon them His Father's government:
(drum roll)
Jesus said,
"You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me." Luke 22:28
And Jesus explained how His Government was different from all the other nations. “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as the One who serves. Luke 22:25-27
Yes, Jesus brought us the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a present reality. We don't have to wait until we die. The Kingdom of Heaven is here and now for all who believe. The Kingdom of Heaven or Kingdom of God is a government with no physical boundaries. This Kingdom is not a piece of land on the globe. Wherever there is someone walking in obedience to Jesus Christ, there you will find the Kingdom of Heaven.
We are calling men and women everywhere to turn their back on the world system, sell what they have, and start over. Instead of aiming at those things that will rot and fade away, turn your attention to a higher purpose. Make the best of your life by lovingly serving God and others. You will accomplish something far more satisfying.
It is your duty to work. The question is, "Who are you going to work for?" If you are a godly man or woman, why expend your talents and energies for the profit-centered world system where all is perishing? Why not work for the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven where life is eternal? Renounce your ties to the world and give your allegiance to Jesus Christ. Become a citizen of the longest standing, everlasting government - the Kingdom of Heaven.
However, we must warn you. Making the decision to become a citizen of Heaven and obey Jesus has the good, the bad, and the ugly side.
First, the Bad.
This one's bad for your flesh. Going into His Kingdom, means letting go of the wealth you've accumulated in the world. Yes, that one hurts alot. You'll immediately start making excuses of why selling your possessions does not apply to you. But you can't wriggle out of it. Jesus emphatically says, “Those of you who do not give up everything you have, cannot be my disciples.” (Luke 14:33)
There is a conflict in our nature between God and money. In the Kingdom of Heaven, we must let go of our attachment to material things. It's unneeded baggage. We are building a new kind of treasure. And that treasure is worth selling all that we have to obtain it. (Matthew 13:44)
Living the Kingdom way does not come easily. It goes against the grain of what our natural minds think is right. Christ's teachings seem like crazy talk. We have to humble ourselves and admit, "Lord, I cannot do this."
Only when we come to the end of ourselves, are we ready to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in this new kind of life. That is why Jesus spent much of His time preaching about the Kingdom of Heaven, teaching with stories and illustrations, as well as by the example of His own life. Read the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to learn first hand what Jesus expects of His citizens.
Jesus invites you, “Come, follow me.”
As you answer His call to come out of Babylon, the world won’t understand.
Now, for the Ugly.
Yes, now you will experience the truly vile. After your family fails to talk you out of your decision to obey Christ, sparks will fly. You'll rouse up an angry, dark side of them you've never seen before. All of this ugliness because you are taking Jesus at His word.
Jesus warned us that your family will reject you. Yes, they will declare you are a nut case. My dad even tried to have me committed to a mental institution. Friends will part company with you, too. You will be hated by all men for your allegiance to Christ.
You will daily bear the cross of not fitting into society. Financial transactions are difficult as Kingdom citizens are increasingly shut out from commerce as the Mark of the Beast closes in.
Through the ages, Christ’s followers have been imprisoned, tortured, and fed to the lions. Don’t be surprised if it happens to you. Yet, in spite of it all, the bad and the ugly, Jesus says:
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. Luke 12:32
Now for the Good.
Wait, there's not just the bad and the ugly. There's also the good. You won't have to worry about obtaining your basic needs. Kingdom citizens are part of a hidden resource network that runs on love, not money. You will be helping others. And, in turn, you will be helped. You won't see this spiritual network until you obey Jesus. You will also find freedom. Freedom from the stress of working for money. Freedom from attachment to material things. Freedom to love God and others. Freedom to do good.
Seek after the Eternal
Do you really want to waste your years working at a job, struggling to meet expenses? Christ has a better offer - work in His Kingdom and let Him take care of your needs. And what reward have you for your faithfulness? It's a big one. You shall never perish, but have eternal life.
Don't be like the foolish ones who hear Christ's sayings and do not do them. In the storms of life, your house built on sand will fail. You will perish without Christ. But if you hear His sayings and do them, your house will stand for it is built upon a rock.
Nearly 40 years ago my wife and I sold our earthly possessions, quit our corporate jobs, and bought a little 15-foot travel trailer. At last we were free to seek the Kingdom of Heaven. We took the teachings of Jesus Christ, especially the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew, Chapters 5 - 7) as our standard of behavior. For these many years, we have promoted the Kingdom of Heaven and depended on God's provisions - and He has been faithful.
The videos on this channel offer practical how-to's of Kingdom living by those who are doing it. We'll show you what its like living without the support of the matrix. Hopefully, when you see how God's hand is in it, your fears will be alleviated.
You won't walk alone for Christ Himself will live in you and be your Guide. (John 14:23) Want to join us? The Kingdom of Heaven is only a decision away.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
May His Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen.
Wake up and repent. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
