Deuteronomy 22:5
5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.
Deuteronomy 22:9-11
9 Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds: lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled.
10 Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.
11 Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.
Deuteronomy 7:3-6
3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.
4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.
5 But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.
6 For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
Leviticus 11:46-47
46 This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:
47 To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.
There is a lot to learn from what I call the mixture laws in the Bible, as shown above. I listed most of them in order to present an overall picture and expansiveness of what God was teaching us in them.
In this article I'm not going to get into the individual laws and the depth of what they represent, but rather, am going to take them as a whole to see how they were part of the everyday life of God's people; teaching them though their adherence to the laws on a daily basis.
The actions they took were a constant and consistent reminder of God's requirements in these areas, and were a brilliant teaching mechanism to aid the written and spoken word, which are more easily forgotten.
With that in mind, consider the topics associated with the mixture laws. There was commands concerning clothing differences for men and women, commands for not mixing seeds when planting, not using ox and an asses together to plow, not wearing clothing made from different fabric, not marrying with unbelievers, and not being allowed to eat unclean creatures as identified by God.
Here's the terrific wisdom of God revealed in helping His people retain His commands so they can live them out before Him.
Look again at the requirements. When His people woke up and started their days, they would get dressed in clothing based upon His commands, eat only food that was considered clean, plant only seeds allowed by God, travel or work using the same type of animals at the same time, and only marry within the faith.
What that means is the clothes they wore, the food they ate, the seeds they planted, the animals they used for work or travel, and the people they were to marry, were used as tools to teach God's people His ways.
That suggests everything they did on a daily basis was a reminder concerning who God was and His ways.
Taken together, they went beyond simply being laws, but were a steady teaching tool to remind His people they weren't of this world, and everything they did was to reflect that.
The main emphasis in this article is the wisdom in using these things as teaching tools, which were part of every person's life on a daily basis.
Without a doubt the challenge for all Christians is to keep ourselves stained from this world, which is another way of saying to not mixing with it; meaning its worldview and sin. This is especially true with those professing they're Christians.
These mixture laws are a constant reminder that we are in the world and not of the world, and there is no connection point between the two. Everything in our lives should reflect and reinforce that reality.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Satan's Conspiracy Against God
The title of this blog is of course a play on the corrupt desires of Satan, who desired to be a god, and in fact, be as God. He expresses that into the world be his sick and evil life, understanding the weaknesses of men and women, and exploiting them for his purposes.
From the beginning he had entered into a conspiracy against God, and that conspiracy continues to this day.
By that I'm not promoting the type of borderline hysteria some believers enter into, when they search out all sorts of odd events or evil happening in the world, and attempt to wrap all sorts of conspiracies theories around it.
That doesn't mean there aren't any real conspiracies. The existence of a fallen being like Satan guarantees there will be conspiracies on the earth in an attempt to frustrate the purposes of God. It's that we shouldn't get overly concerned about them, but rather work to pursue living a quiet and peaceable life in this age and world.
We must be aware of what's going on, but not be distracted from our simple devotion to Christ. That was the real temptation in the garden of Eden, as Paul told us, and we need to remained focused on our own obedience, while taking care of the responsibilities God has given us in this world.
If we end up bring endlessly distracted by all the evil the media reports to us, we won't be fruitful from the word of God we read, hear or receive from others.
That's why Satan attempts to exploit our concern over evil, where he makes it look much more powerful and inevitable than it really is. It's the daily obedience and devotion to Christ as the local level that rolls back evil, and when the followers of Jesus Christ understand that, we will be laser-like in our walk with God, and we won't go down every rabbit hole that we hear about or find. We'll never do anything to bring the New World Order of Jesus in, if we are endlessly reading, hearing or wringing our hands about the latest atrocity or evil emerging in the world
We win when we stay on message and calling. That's what changes the world, that's the new creation expanding across the earth.
From the beginning he had entered into a conspiracy against God, and that conspiracy continues to this day.
By that I'm not promoting the type of borderline hysteria some believers enter into, when they search out all sorts of odd events or evil happening in the world, and attempt to wrap all sorts of conspiracies theories around it.
That doesn't mean there aren't any real conspiracies. The existence of a fallen being like Satan guarantees there will be conspiracies on the earth in an attempt to frustrate the purposes of God. It's that we shouldn't get overly concerned about them, but rather work to pursue living a quiet and peaceable life in this age and world.
We must be aware of what's going on, but not be distracted from our simple devotion to Christ. That was the real temptation in the garden of Eden, as Paul told us, and we need to remained focused on our own obedience, while taking care of the responsibilities God has given us in this world.
If we end up bring endlessly distracted by all the evil the media reports to us, we won't be fruitful from the word of God we read, hear or receive from others.
That's why Satan attempts to exploit our concern over evil, where he makes it look much more powerful and inevitable than it really is. It's the daily obedience and devotion to Christ as the local level that rolls back evil, and when the followers of Jesus Christ understand that, we will be laser-like in our walk with God, and we won't go down every rabbit hole that we hear about or find. We'll never do anything to bring the New World Order of Jesus in, if we are endlessly reading, hearing or wringing our hands about the latest atrocity or evil emerging in the world
We win when we stay on message and calling. That's what changes the world, that's the new creation expanding across the earth.
Service Opens Doors
Far too many of us look to big things to do when contemplating what we are to do to help grow God's kingdom on earth.
In my own experience, and the experience of people I know that have made a lasting impact, it's almost always finding ways to serve people in little ways which end up opening doors - first to their hearts, where the gospel can than be presented to them, and further to building something locally for the glory of Jesus.
It's amazing to see how people will respond to you when you do things for them with no strings attached. They learn to trust you, knowing you're not trying to get something from them personally. That is more life-changing and powerful than anything I've seen in my life, as far as it relates to opening the doors of the heart unto the message of Jesus Christ.
The point is we must never underestimate humbly serving the people we know or come into contact with, and never overestimate the idea of being some type of entertainment preacher that draws big crowds. Rarely does that have any lasting impact, and it rarely lasts. There are of course a few exceptions, but overall, God's kingdom expands from the one-on-one contact and service we have and perform with and for people.
It usually takes a little longer to gain ground that way, but the roots go deeper and the fruit is much healthier.
Find ways to serve your community and you'll change the world you move in.
In my own experience, and the experience of people I know that have made a lasting impact, it's almost always finding ways to serve people in little ways which end up opening doors - first to their hearts, where the gospel can than be presented to them, and further to building something locally for the glory of Jesus.
It's amazing to see how people will respond to you when you do things for them with no strings attached. They learn to trust you, knowing you're not trying to get something from them personally. That is more life-changing and powerful than anything I've seen in my life, as far as it relates to opening the doors of the heart unto the message of Jesus Christ.
The point is we must never underestimate humbly serving the people we know or come into contact with, and never overestimate the idea of being some type of entertainment preacher that draws big crowds. Rarely does that have any lasting impact, and it rarely lasts. There are of course a few exceptions, but overall, God's kingdom expands from the one-on-one contact and service we have and perform with and for people.
It usually takes a little longer to gain ground that way, but the roots go deeper and the fruit is much healthier.
Find ways to serve your community and you'll change the world you move in.
Nations Required to Obey Jesus Christ
Matthew 28: 18-20
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
For so long we've rightfully heard the admonition that we are to do our part to be obedient unto what we call the Great Commission. The problem is, we have unfortunately identified the Great Commission with "witnessing" about Jesus, rather than the totality of what it says.
We are not only required to talk to people about Jesus an tell them how they can get saved, as important as that obviously is. We are also required to obey all that the Holy Scriptures teach, but to also command the nations they are also required to do so.
What I want to get into in this article is to take the word nations and what it represents, and bring it down to the local level, which is really what Jesus had in mind when giving this command. He didn't actually expect individuals to go everywhere in the world. It wasn't possible at that time, and even today, it would take an extraordinary effort for even an organization to do so.
His strategy was to set up churches in strategic locations, and for them to reach the region with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't mean the apostles didn't travel around, what I mean is when they reached a specific locality and a church was brought into being, they would teach them what to do, and they would then reach out to their local communities. That's the general strategy.
As for the message, as Jesus said, we are to teach the nations to do whatever He commanded the apostles to do. Of course that didn't mean only the red letter words attributed to Jesus when He was physically on the earth. It meant the entirety of the Scriptures, which was confirmed throughout the many letters of the New Testament, which include hundreds of references to what we call the Old Testament.
The exciting thing about that is we are to apply the Scriptures to every area of life, and bring those areas under obedience to the word of God. That is an awesome challenge, but one that isn't overwhelming when we think of focusing in a one area to become experts in. After we live out and learn that area under the direction of the Holy Scriptures, we can take our expertise and teach it to others, so they can learn to obey and live it out as well.
This includes having our individual life, home and church life in order. But we can go beyond that and discover amazing ways to apply God's word and commands to various segments of life that are then brought under His Lordship.
That's the amazing call and responsibility we've been given. And that will play out primarily in the midst of the locality we live in. Some will be called to minster to other localities, but most of us will operate in the towns and neighborhoods we live in.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
For so long we've rightfully heard the admonition that we are to do our part to be obedient unto what we call the Great Commission. The problem is, we have unfortunately identified the Great Commission with "witnessing" about Jesus, rather than the totality of what it says.
We are not only required to talk to people about Jesus an tell them how they can get saved, as important as that obviously is. We are also required to obey all that the Holy Scriptures teach, but to also command the nations they are also required to do so.
What I want to get into in this article is to take the word nations and what it represents, and bring it down to the local level, which is really what Jesus had in mind when giving this command. He didn't actually expect individuals to go everywhere in the world. It wasn't possible at that time, and even today, it would take an extraordinary effort for even an organization to do so.
His strategy was to set up churches in strategic locations, and for them to reach the region with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't mean the apostles didn't travel around, what I mean is when they reached a specific locality and a church was brought into being, they would teach them what to do, and they would then reach out to their local communities. That's the general strategy.
As for the message, as Jesus said, we are to teach the nations to do whatever He commanded the apostles to do. Of course that didn't mean only the red letter words attributed to Jesus when He was physically on the earth. It meant the entirety of the Scriptures, which was confirmed throughout the many letters of the New Testament, which include hundreds of references to what we call the Old Testament.
The exciting thing about that is we are to apply the Scriptures to every area of life, and bring those areas under obedience to the word of God. That is an awesome challenge, but one that isn't overwhelming when we think of focusing in a one area to become experts in. After we live out and learn that area under the direction of the Holy Scriptures, we can take our expertise and teach it to others, so they can learn to obey and live it out as well.
This includes having our individual life, home and church life in order. But we can go beyond that and discover amazing ways to apply God's word and commands to various segments of life that are then brought under His Lordship.
That's the amazing call and responsibility we've been given. And that will play out primarily in the midst of the locality we live in. Some will be called to minster to other localities, but most of us will operate in the towns and neighborhoods we live in.
Victory in Everyday Life
At times when talking about the kingdom of God spreading across the earth, the larger picture can at times interfere with the practical, everyday issues we face, which if we don't learn to handle, can lead to frustration, defeat, and in some cases - even to despair.
We can never successfully move on with a solid foundation under us if we don't take care of the little things of life first.
This is why so many of those that claim to be "ministers" or some type of Christian leader, end up falling so hard publicly. They never learned to build a foundation in their daily lives in all areas, so when they did become public figures to one degree or another, they wouldn't be so easily led astray into sin and public humiliation.
For example, if married, we need to be sure that is solid before even thinking of helping others. If we can't have that vital part of our lives healthy, what in the world would be able to do and say to others? It just doesn't work that way in God's kingdom.
I don't mean we have to be perfect, but we do have to be mature and know what our strengths and weaknesses, and let others know before we say or do stupid things, that we are being tempted. Temptation isn't sin. Acting on temptation is sin.
For the kingdom of Jesus Christ to flourish on the earth and bring wholeness and healing, it will be because the followers of Jesus Christ have learned to be disciplined in the everyday challenges of life, and from there, they have something they can share with others to show them how to do it.
We must understand that the vast majority of believers are going to live out their lives primarily at the local level. They won't be involved with a lot of major projects or so-called ministries. That is where the new creation will have the most impact, and that is what we need to focus on when spreading the good news about Jesus' New World Order.
It's Jesus Christ being revealed through a people at the local level. When that becomes a reality across the world, that will be when His glory will be seen all over the earth.
We can never successfully move on with a solid foundation under us if we don't take care of the little things of life first.
This is why so many of those that claim to be "ministers" or some type of Christian leader, end up falling so hard publicly. They never learned to build a foundation in their daily lives in all areas, so when they did become public figures to one degree or another, they wouldn't be so easily led astray into sin and public humiliation.
For example, if married, we need to be sure that is solid before even thinking of helping others. If we can't have that vital part of our lives healthy, what in the world would be able to do and say to others? It just doesn't work that way in God's kingdom.
I don't mean we have to be perfect, but we do have to be mature and know what our strengths and weaknesses, and let others know before we say or do stupid things, that we are being tempted. Temptation isn't sin. Acting on temptation is sin.
For the kingdom of Jesus Christ to flourish on the earth and bring wholeness and healing, it will be because the followers of Jesus Christ have learned to be disciplined in the everyday challenges of life, and from there, they have something they can share with others to show them how to do it.
We must understand that the vast majority of believers are going to live out their lives primarily at the local level. They won't be involved with a lot of major projects or so-called ministries. That is where the new creation will have the most impact, and that is what we need to focus on when spreading the good news about Jesus' New World Order.
It's Jesus Christ being revealed through a people at the local level. When that becomes a reality across the world, that will be when His glory will be seen all over the earth.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Ruling Self is Key to God's Kingdom on Earth
Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
There is a Biblical balance between the revelation God gives concerning His overall purpose, and the daily, practical applications that build that kingdom from within to without.
As the scripture above clearly states, he who rules his spirit is better than he that takes a city. Why? Because those who live and operate under self control, can rule anything and any situation.
It also refers to the need to take charge of the things in our own lives first before we are able to effectively take charge of larger things. That's why we're encouraged to not to despise the days of small things (Zechariah 4:10).
God's kingdom on the earth is a very practical kingdom. We sometimes lose sight of that fact because of the awesome way the Holy Scriptures talk about the kingdom, using majestic imagery and the language of victory of King Jesus.
For that reason we can get lost in our imaginations when dwelling upon that descriptive language, failing to understand it all leads to us responding in a very practical way.
All of that is associated with self-discipline, aided by the Holy Spirit who dwells within and empowers us.
That's why when elders and deacons were described as to the required attributes, those attributes were very practical and specific.
They were men of self-discipline and self-control, who ruled their own houses well and were blameless. They ruled their spirits, and thus were able to rule their own house, then were able to help take care of the Church of Jesus Christ.
This is the standard all believers are held to, no matter what their calling in life is. I don't mean by that everyone must be married. I mean we're all called to be people in control of ourselves.
Over time that can be enlarged to any area of life God may want us to engage in, which will built on solid ground, because we are grounded in self-control and discipline.
So we can completely be inspired by the vision of God for His people in this age, but we must understand it needs to move from vision to reality. Only those under the discipline of the Holy Spirit will produce fruit that will have an impact on this world, and those works will also follow us into eternity and be rewarded.
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
There is a Biblical balance between the revelation God gives concerning His overall purpose, and the daily, practical applications that build that kingdom from within to without.
As the scripture above clearly states, he who rules his spirit is better than he that takes a city. Why? Because those who live and operate under self control, can rule anything and any situation.
It also refers to the need to take charge of the things in our own lives first before we are able to effectively take charge of larger things. That's why we're encouraged to not to despise the days of small things (Zechariah 4:10).
God's kingdom on the earth is a very practical kingdom. We sometimes lose sight of that fact because of the awesome way the Holy Scriptures talk about the kingdom, using majestic imagery and the language of victory of King Jesus.
For that reason we can get lost in our imaginations when dwelling upon that descriptive language, failing to understand it all leads to us responding in a very practical way.
All of that is associated with self-discipline, aided by the Holy Spirit who dwells within and empowers us.
That's why when elders and deacons were described as to the required attributes, those attributes were very practical and specific.
They were men of self-discipline and self-control, who ruled their own houses well and were blameless. They ruled their spirits, and thus were able to rule their own house, then were able to help take care of the Church of Jesus Christ.
This is the standard all believers are held to, no matter what their calling in life is. I don't mean by that everyone must be married. I mean we're all called to be people in control of ourselves.
Over time that can be enlarged to any area of life God may want us to engage in, which will built on solid ground, because we are grounded in self-control and discipline.
So we can completely be inspired by the vision of God for His people in this age, but we must understand it needs to move from vision to reality. Only those under the discipline of the Holy Spirit will produce fruit that will have an impact on this world, and those works will also follow us into eternity and be rewarded.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
What Will Jesus' New World Order Look Like?
It's difficult to communicate with followers of Jesus Christ concerning His ruling and reigning on the earth in this age. The problem tends to be people thinking it means taking over the existing government and forcing people to obey. That isn't it at all.
What Jesus has always had in mind is a people that walk in obedience to Him with the help of the Holy Spirit; meaning, a people that are self-disciplined. From there, as we are commanded by Jesus in what is called "The Great Commission," we are to teach nations to observe all that He has commanded. That includes of course all of the revelation in the Holy Scriptures.
We're not talking about an ecclesiocracy, as misguided Catholics attempted to impose, with clergy leading everything - including civil government. There are different spheres of dominion, including the family, church and civil government. Each operates separate from one another, although in the kingdom of God, they have an influence upon each other.
So the idea of separate of church and state isn't Biblical, if it is meant by that the state is to be separated from the commands of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures. Whether the church, family or state, all must bow down before the Lord Jesus Christ.
The New World Order of Jesus will be one that comes about from the moving of the Holy Spirit within the hearts and minds of people, and ordered by the revelation of Jesus Christ within the Holy Scriptures. In other words, what God has always had in mind before the foundation of the world: a people representative of and obedient to Him.
We are a people called to take responsibility. First for our own lives, and than those whom God has called us to serve. Within those parameters, we can search out the Scriptures and find insight into how we can do the will of God in every area of life. That's the new creation. That's what God intended from before the foundation of the world.
What Jesus has always had in mind is a people that walk in obedience to Him with the help of the Holy Spirit; meaning, a people that are self-disciplined. From there, as we are commanded by Jesus in what is called "The Great Commission," we are to teach nations to observe all that He has commanded. That includes of course all of the revelation in the Holy Scriptures.
We're not talking about an ecclesiocracy, as misguided Catholics attempted to impose, with clergy leading everything - including civil government. There are different spheres of dominion, including the family, church and civil government. Each operates separate from one another, although in the kingdom of God, they have an influence upon each other.
So the idea of separate of church and state isn't Biblical, if it is meant by that the state is to be separated from the commands of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures. Whether the church, family or state, all must bow down before the Lord Jesus Christ.
The New World Order of Jesus will be one that comes about from the moving of the Holy Spirit within the hearts and minds of people, and ordered by the revelation of Jesus Christ within the Holy Scriptures. In other words, what God has always had in mind before the foundation of the world: a people representative of and obedient to Him.
We are a people called to take responsibility. First for our own lives, and than those whom God has called us to serve. Within those parameters, we can search out the Scriptures and find insight into how we can do the will of God in every area of life. That's the new creation. That's what God intended from before the foundation of the world.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
How to Win the Battle for Planet Earth
soon (including specific dates and seasons packaged between the pages of silly and false books).
Now many Christians are reaping the sowing of the sad results of that wrongheaded idea, and are finding themselves unable to cope in this world, let along subdue the earth as we were commanded by the Lord to Adam and Eve.
The good news is Jesus still holds to the Biblical thought that He will sit at the right hand of the Father until His enemies are made a footstool for His feet. We need to embrace that and start working in the promise of victory, as His enemies in this world are surely not a footstool for His feet yet, so He will remain in heaven beside His Father until that is made a realty.
What that implies is we are the agents of that victory, and with the help of the Holy Spirit under the guidelines, laws and commands of the Holy Scriptures, we will secure this earth for the Lord.
Having said that, it must be understood that it could take centuries to do so, or even longer. Jesus isn't going to return because times are getting tough. Rather, He is sifting through the chaff and exposing them to His people in order to get rid of them and not cooperate in any way with their sinful teachings, and in some cases - practices.
The obvious question is this: What do we do? The answer is easy: whatever we are able to do that no one else can do. By that I don't mean if someone is feeding the poor, for example, in your neighborhood or small town, you aren't to participate in that and offer your services. It means we are to identify what our calling is, and faithfully search it out and get excellent in it as we serve.
Since we aren't used to thinking of ruling and reigning in this life, it can be hard to rearrange our thinking. Consequently, at first it may seem difficult to figure out what it is we're to be involved in or pursue.
That's also not too difficult when you dwell upon the idea. Just contemplate life in general, and look at all the different parts of life one can serve in.
We already are doing so in the battle against abortion and homosexuality, but there are many more that need to be under the influence of Christ.
For example, there are the arts and all that is included in them. You could write in a variety of ways, paint, sculpt, and once proficient at them, start to exercise influence by serving others with similar interests.
That's the key by the way. This isn't talking about bossing or ordering people around, but earning an audience with others by faithful and sacrificial service. That's what opens the door for people to listen to what you have to say and be influenced by who you are in Christ.
Going back to the arts, think of writing. There is poetry, short stories, non-fiction, fiction, and an endless number of topics to choose from. Again, the point is to show you there are so many aspects of life that need the influence and rule of Jesus Christ, and until we take those steps, the world will continue to go on as it is, and only get worse. That won't be good for us, our children, or our grandchildren.
What are some other areas to get involved in? There is science, mechanics, family, raising children, taking care of the elderly, euthanasia, faithfulness, entertainment, education, and a plethora of other areas. Not only that, but within each of these segments of life dozens, if not hundreds of other related topics could be investigated. What we need to do is understand this all comes from service leading to the rule of Jesus Christ permeating the earth.
We don't want to do what believers did back in the time of Constantine when he ruled Rome. They took upon themselves to eventually take over the sick empire and rule it in the form of an ecclesiocracy (the church ruling everything). I don't mean the fictitious separation of church and state, as the people of God are to be salt and light to government as well as all other areas.
Rather, there are different types of institutions, with the primary and most important being government, the church, and the family. Each has its sphere of influence, and each should take its proper role and place in the world. The church is in the teaching role of guiding individuals, government and families in what God has to say about their respective responsibilities.
We aren't trying to take over the world. Who wants to take over death and evil? We are working toward self-government and service, which in all areas of life, will eventually turn the earth into a place obedient unto Christ. It won't become fully obedient, but there will be an overall move in that direction.
This is what it means in the Great Commission, where the disciples were told to teach the nations to do whatever Jesus had commanded them to do, which of course is a reference to the entirety of the Bible.
So be encouraged and don't lose heart. Seek God and the scriptures out, find out what you're called to do, and spend your life serving in that capacity. That is what will bring the kingdom of God to earth, as Jesus taught us to pray, when saying we should pray for His kingdom to come and will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Let's pray that prayer, and cooperate with the Lord Jesus Christ to take our part in bringing it to fulfillment.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Will Jesus Send His People to the Stars?
With that in mind, I've sometimes wondered if the earth is the final destination for Jesus and His people in this age, or if God has a larger plan for us.
Short work on the earth?
For example, it does say He will make a short work on the earth. But in regard to time, what does that even mean for Him who considers a thousand years as a day? We truly have no idea.
Short to Him could mean a million years. It could be much longer.
One thing for sure, over time we'll have to come up with a lot of creative solutions if we're going to meet the needs a growing population will have.
Those that aren't believers in Jesus Christ sometimes look to the stars in order to escape the realities of this world that have come about from sin. But even if God were to allow us the lifespans and technology to multiply into space, we would have to deal with the same things we've had to deal with on earth, as far as the heart of man goes.
We would still have to be born again, as we would still have to obey the commands of God as they relate to interacting with one another.
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| Exploring the Universe |
That said, it's exciting to think of the possibility this universe has far more purpose to it than we may know. The earth may be the launching pad to spread the 'earth' all over the stars, via our humanity. After all, our bodies are made from the earth, and if we were to travel through space, that means we would be planting earth on the planets we would populate and subdue unto the glory of the Lord, just like we are to do with the earth.
I don't believe there is intelligent life on other planets, but I do believe, because God is life, that there could be the building blocks of life there in microscopic form. It may not be how it is, but I don't see any problem with that being a possibility.
My reason for that belief is God created the universe based upon invisible, eternal things associated with himself. That suggests to me wherever His creation is, there will be something of life there; whatever form it may take.
Again, so it's not misunderstood, I'm not talking about aliens or something like that. I'm talking about created things that may be able to be used to sustain life once a planet is discovered and inhabited.
Who knows if God's purpose is to have quadrillions of Christians enter the kingdom of God through eternity. Who knows if the new heavens and new earth will include billions upon billions of unexplored areas for us to discover and learn about Jesus Christ from? Who knows if that is to happen in this age and universe we're now living in?
Imagine expanding God's life in His people throughout the universe, and then for those that reject Christ, sending ambassadors with the gospel to win them to the Savior.
Picture planets and nations on those planets trading and doing business with one another under the guidance of the laws given to us by Jesus Christ.
Why couldn't that happen? What we need to do now is to embrace that reality on planet earth, as we take steps to subdue the earth as God commanded the first human beings - Adam and Eve.
If we're found to be faithful on this planet, God may give us the wisdom and knowledge to travel the universe to new galaxies and unknown regions. We can't be given responsibility for the universe if we aren't faithful on planet earth in what we've received commandment by God to do here.
Either way, we need to start working now to first obey all that Jesus has commanded us to be, think and do on earth, and from there we may look to heaven and the stars, asking God this: What's next!
view time and our existence from the point of view of man and temporal things, rather than from an eternal outlook.
Friday, August 14, 2015
Debt, Freedom and the Kingdom of God
2 Kings 4 (KJV)
1 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.
2 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.
3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
4 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.
5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.
6 And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.
7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.
One of the most important aspects of the kingdom of God is to be free from debt; not only individually, but if you're a family or even a nation. Debt brings bondage. When creditors come to take what you own in order to pay the debt owed, it is a humiliating and devastating experience for most.
This happens because when we're in debt, a time can come when the income we had may dry up from losing a job, an accident, or prolonged sickness, among other events. When that happens, there is no longer the revenue coming in to pay what you owe.
Other times there may be enough to pay what is owed, but is only enough to live on, with nothing beyond that. This can produce a sense of helplessness and harden our hearts.
I can't even remember the last time I had any debt, as I've been debt-free for years. During that time I've had the experience of being laid off and been injured on a job. If there had been debt in our lives, it would have been a crushing experience, as there would have been no way to pay it off.
The obvious lessen is don't go into debt. And if you are in debt, the top financial strategy should be to pay it down as quickly as possible, as the prophet told the woman in the scripture above.
Having little or no debt is exhilarating in its freedom, as it gives an individual or family a lot more options in their lives. If there is large debt, the only option is to continue to live from paycheck to paycheck in order to pay it down.
I know this produces questions, such as shouldn't people have debt in order to build up their credit. The answer of course is the only reason you want to build up your credit is in order to go into debt. But I know what you mean.
What are we to do to protect ourselves against unforeseen circumstances that require money to handle? The answer to me is to have a small store credit card you have a little debt on. Occasionally buy something you need with it, and pay it down immediately; and never be late on it.
From there you could apply for a credit card you do something similar with. Buy a low-cost item, and when you receive the bill, immediately pay it off. Over time you should be offered a bump in available credit, which should be enough to cover most financial situations you face.
That said, this is only a stop-gap measure. It only should be used until you save up enough money to handle financial emergencies.
There are different views on the subject, but I like to keep a minimum of revenue in the bank to pay three months of our bills, and usually have about 6 months worth. It occasionally changes because I in fact have to sometimes use the money for what it's there for. When that happens, I simply replenish it.
The point is the credit strategy is only for an emergency fund until you build up your capital. Once you have that in place, there shouldn't be any reason to use the card any more, other than in the same way already mentioned.
If you don't have the discipline to not spend on your credit card, just get rid of it when you have money in the bank to handle emergency situations.
This is part of ruling and reigning in this life. We must rule and reign in our own lives before being able to help others do the same. Being debt-free is one of the ways to do that.
1 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.
2 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.
3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
4 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.
5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.
6 And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.
7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.
One of the most important aspects of the kingdom of God is to be free from debt; not only individually, but if you're a family or even a nation. Debt brings bondage. When creditors come to take what you own in order to pay the debt owed, it is a humiliating and devastating experience for most.
This happens because when we're in debt, a time can come when the income we had may dry up from losing a job, an accident, or prolonged sickness, among other events. When that happens, there is no longer the revenue coming in to pay what you owe.
Other times there may be enough to pay what is owed, but is only enough to live on, with nothing beyond that. This can produce a sense of helplessness and harden our hearts.
I can't even remember the last time I had any debt, as I've been debt-free for years. During that time I've had the experience of being laid off and been injured on a job. If there had been debt in our lives, it would have been a crushing experience, as there would have been no way to pay it off.
The obvious lessen is don't go into debt. And if you are in debt, the top financial strategy should be to pay it down as quickly as possible, as the prophet told the woman in the scripture above.
Having little or no debt is exhilarating in its freedom, as it gives an individual or family a lot more options in their lives. If there is large debt, the only option is to continue to live from paycheck to paycheck in order to pay it down.
I know this produces questions, such as shouldn't people have debt in order to build up their credit. The answer of course is the only reason you want to build up your credit is in order to go into debt. But I know what you mean.
What are we to do to protect ourselves against unforeseen circumstances that require money to handle? The answer to me is to have a small store credit card you have a little debt on. Occasionally buy something you need with it, and pay it down immediately; and never be late on it.
From there you could apply for a credit card you do something similar with. Buy a low-cost item, and when you receive the bill, immediately pay it off. Over time you should be offered a bump in available credit, which should be enough to cover most financial situations you face.
That said, this is only a stop-gap measure. It only should be used until you save up enough money to handle financial emergencies.
There are different views on the subject, but I like to keep a minimum of revenue in the bank to pay three months of our bills, and usually have about 6 months worth. It occasionally changes because I in fact have to sometimes use the money for what it's there for. When that happens, I simply replenish it.
The point is the credit strategy is only for an emergency fund until you build up your capital. Once you have that in place, there shouldn't be any reason to use the card any more, other than in the same way already mentioned.
If you don't have the discipline to not spend on your credit card, just get rid of it when you have money in the bank to handle emergency situations.
This is part of ruling and reigning in this life. We must rule and reign in our own lives before being able to help others do the same. Being debt-free is one of the ways to do that.
God's Kingdom and Dominion Through Service
Mark 10:42-45 (KJV)
42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
There is a lot of misunderstanding of what God's kingdom in this earth means, and the implications of dominion.
Jesus was very clear about this. We aren't to seek to lord it over other people, but to serve them. Service opens the door to teach the truths of God to people.
Greatness in the kingdom comes from service, not from exercising authority over everybody else.
That doesn't mean there isn't any authority, as there is a need for justice, discipline and reproofs of instruction in order to maintain a godly order in society. And of course justice, discipline and instruction are to be based upon the Holy Scriptures.
How service works is people who are the recipients of various services start to trust us, and that opens the door to taking dominion, as it is done through interaction and exchange with people that is desired and participated in willingly, not forced upon them.
Step by step (Is. 28:9-11) we are to live and teach the kingdom, under the parameters of service. That is the way God will spread His kingdom and take dominion over the earth.
If it's not done that way, than what will arise is people that eventually become dictators, who don't patiently teach people the ways of God, but simply force them through pressure or law to obey.
Obedience is necessary, but it has to be done in the right heart and attitude. If not, obedience will only be temporary. Time after time throughout the Scriptures God rebuked His people for hardness of heart. The result of that hardness of heart was disobedience.
The point is service helps to soften up the heart and prepares the ground to have the Word of God sown in it. Good ground, as Mark 4 states, allows the perfect seed of the Word to grow in it. That growth is what dominion is all about.
42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
There is a lot of misunderstanding of what God's kingdom in this earth means, and the implications of dominion.
Jesus was very clear about this. We aren't to seek to lord it over other people, but to serve them. Service opens the door to teach the truths of God to people.
Greatness in the kingdom comes from service, not from exercising authority over everybody else.
That doesn't mean there isn't any authority, as there is a need for justice, discipline and reproofs of instruction in order to maintain a godly order in society. And of course justice, discipline and instruction are to be based upon the Holy Scriptures.
How service works is people who are the recipients of various services start to trust us, and that opens the door to taking dominion, as it is done through interaction and exchange with people that is desired and participated in willingly, not forced upon them.
Step by step (Is. 28:9-11) we are to live and teach the kingdom, under the parameters of service. That is the way God will spread His kingdom and take dominion over the earth.
If it's not done that way, than what will arise is people that eventually become dictators, who don't patiently teach people the ways of God, but simply force them through pressure or law to obey.
Obedience is necessary, but it has to be done in the right heart and attitude. If not, obedience will only be temporary. Time after time throughout the Scriptures God rebuked His people for hardness of heart. The result of that hardness of heart was disobedience.
The point is service helps to soften up the heart and prepares the ground to have the Word of God sown in it. Good ground, as Mark 4 states, allows the perfect seed of the Word to grow in it. That growth is what dominion is all about.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Confused, Compromising, Rebellious T.D. Jakes Caves to the Rainbow
In a bizarre statement, Jakes said in an interview with the Huffington Post, that the issue of homosexuality is “complex.” I wonder how he came to the conclusion that God forbids it as complex? Everywhere in the Bible it is identified as sin, and people in the church are not allowed to participate in it, and neither of course are those in the world, who are called to repent from it.
Even more strange, instead of using the Scriptures that actually deal with homosexuality, he goes to the head covering verse. He said, “Paul spends a lot of time wrestling back and forth, trying to understand should a woman wear a head covering, should you cut your hair. I mean, they grappled back then and we’re grappling now because we’re humans and we are flawed and we’re not God.”
That's one of the strangest suggestions I've ever heard about Paul. There is nothing in the Scriptures that points to Paul wrestling with it. That's pure projection and imaginary ideas imposed on the text by Jakes. Evidently it's Jakes that is wrestling with it. Paul was very clear on it.
To tie this made up argument to homosexuality is really weird. There is no other way to describe it. Jakes has been convinced by someone to come out on the side of homosexuality; something he may have supported all along, and just waited for the Supreme Court to legalize same-sex marriage before revealing his real beliefs on the subject.
Worse, Jakes even goes further by saying homosexuals should seek out "churches" that reinforce their sinful way of living.
“LGBT’s of different types and sorts have to find a place of worship that reflects what your views are and what you believe like anyone else,” he asserted.
That's ugly. First, if people alleging to follow Jesus Christ were to embrace these lifestyles and acceptable, they wouldn't be a place of worship, they aren't even a church. They're simply the world meeting in a building on Sunday.
According to Jakes, “The church should have the right to have its own convictions and values; if you don’t like those convictions and values [and] you totally disagree with it, don’t try to change my house, move into your own … and find somebody who gets what you get about faith.”
Talk about worthless gibberish. No church has a "right to its own convictions and values." The apostles and Jesus Himself in the book of Revelation write to the churches and tell them what they need to do to correct wrong living and wrong thinking. It's an outrage and outright lie by Jakes to suggest such a thing.
Jakes wasn't done with his ignorance and/or rebellion yet. He went on to say that politics "do not need to reflect biblical ethics." This in spite of the fact Jesus, in the Great Commission, ordering the apostles to teach the nations to observe all that He had commanded them.
Matthew 28:19-20
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
In total disregard and disobedience to that command from Jesus Christ, Jakes said this: "Once you begin to understand that democracy—that a republic actually—is designed to be an overarching system to protect our unique nuances, then we no longer look for public policy to reflect biblical ethics.”
This is the height of rebellion and deception. If the Holy Scriptures, the very Word of God revealed and communicated to us by the Holy Spirit, aren't to be the standard of public policy in the nations, than there is nothing left but anarchy and totalitarianism.
He further puts his foot in his mouth when he concludes this: “We need a neutralized government that protects our right to disagree with one another and agree with one another.”
This directly contradicts the command of Jesus to teach all the nations they are to observe or obey all of the commands and laws of God as revealed in the Bible.
He even claims the "government," because it has "atheists, agnostics, Jews, all types of people, Muslims," paying taxes, means it "cannot reflect one particular view over another just because we’re the dominant group of religious people in [this] country because those numbers are changing every day.”
So different people groups pay taxes in America, and more of them are coming into the country, somehow means to Jakes we are not to teach the commands of Jesus Christ to them, and that the laws of God as revealed in the Bible aren't to be used a legal guidelines.
There is no such thing as a "neutralized government." When God gave His laws, all people from all nations were expected to obey and honor His law. Period. (Exodus 12:49; Leviticus 24:22; Numbers 15:16; Numbers 15:29; Deuteronomy 31:12)
Leviticus 24:22
Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the Lord your God.
All the verses listed above say the same thing. Everyone one is to obey the commands of God; including every nation. That's the extraordinary command and expectation Jesus Christ requires of His people.
We're going to hear a lot more of this from deceived and confused people of influence, who see the battle about to be engaged in on a number of fronts, and are cowering in fear and rejecting the commands of the very God they claim to serve.
Also of great importance, is people like Jakes are now going to make homosexuals and others with rebellious, deviant lifestyles, feel comfortable in sin, which will lead them to go to hell and the eternal lake of fire. Evidently Jakes has no problem with that. I do.
His viewpoint and influence will also encourage some churches to accept this evil into their midst, even though Paul, by the Holy Spirit, said to not allow immorality to be even named among you, meaning the church.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. (Eph. 5:3 NIV)
It doesn't get any clearer than that. Homosexuality is immoral, and no one has the authority to tell the church and other people they can accept this sin among them. To do so is to completely disobey God.
Jakes is arrogantly rejecting the very commands of Jesus Christ. Those who have allowed him to have his show on their "Christian" TV networks need to take it off the air.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Key to Jesus' Kingdom on Earth is Service
Mark 10:
42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
This is where Jesus responded to the request of James and John to sit on the right and left hand of Jesus in His glory. The above Scripture is His response to them.
Jesus revealed that His kingdom and authority was the opposite of that of the Gentiles, where rulers exercised authority from the top down. It wasn't so in His kingdom. Jesus, pointing to Himself as the perfect example, proclaimed that even He didn't come to be served, but to serve.
Those who would have the greatest impact on earth are those that serve. Not only that, but serve in a way that we are to lay our lives down for those we serve, as Jesus did.
That doesn't necessarily mean losing our physical lives through martyrdom (although it could), rather, it means we are to pour ourselves out in service to people. That selfless service will elevate us in the eyes of those we serve, which will bring about their giving us a say in their lives.
God's kingdom is built that way. Service opens doors to sharing not only the salvation of Jesus Christ through the Gospel, but also to showing people how they can rule in reign in this world through Jesus Christ, in every area of life, which is to come under the rule of the Son of God. In this world, this is accomplished through His obedient people.
If you want to truly make a difference in this world for Christ, and be a part of the kingdom of God and will of God coming to this earth, it all starts with service, and expands out to there within the parameters of what Jesus Christ has called us to do.
42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
This is where Jesus responded to the request of James and John to sit on the right and left hand of Jesus in His glory. The above Scripture is His response to them.
Jesus revealed that His kingdom and authority was the opposite of that of the Gentiles, where rulers exercised authority from the top down. It wasn't so in His kingdom. Jesus, pointing to Himself as the perfect example, proclaimed that even He didn't come to be served, but to serve.
Those who would have the greatest impact on earth are those that serve. Not only that, but serve in a way that we are to lay our lives down for those we serve, as Jesus did.
That doesn't necessarily mean losing our physical lives through martyrdom (although it could), rather, it means we are to pour ourselves out in service to people. That selfless service will elevate us in the eyes of those we serve, which will bring about their giving us a say in their lives.
God's kingdom is built that way. Service opens doors to sharing not only the salvation of Jesus Christ through the Gospel, but also to showing people how they can rule in reign in this world through Jesus Christ, in every area of life, which is to come under the rule of the Son of God. In this world, this is accomplished through His obedient people.
If you want to truly make a difference in this world for Christ, and be a part of the kingdom of God and will of God coming to this earth, it all starts with service, and expands out to there within the parameters of what Jesus Christ has called us to do.
Monday, August 3, 2015
Jesus: My Kingdom Is Not Of This World
John 18:33-37
33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
This portion of scripture is among the most misunderstood in the Bible, as most believers take it to mean the world was not of interest to Jesus in regard to His ruling and reigning on it before the resurrection.
But when you look the context, what Jesus was saying in verse 36 was in response to Pilate being puzzled as to why, if He were a king, He was standing before him individually without forces to back Him up. What He was obviously saying was the source of His kingdom wasn't of this world; it was from another realm and was something completely different from the kingdoms of this world.
Jesus didn't come to fight to sit on top of the kingdoms of the world, as some think will happen after the resurrection. He came to replace the world governments with His own; meaning, they are called to submit to His rule now. Governments are called to operate in line with His law and commands, not natural law theory or laws based upon false gods.
When you look at Jesus' response in verse 36, it makes little sense when considering what Pilate had just asked Him concerning what He had done. He saw what it was that troubled Pilate, and explained that, rather than answer the question concerning the reason He had been brought before Pilate.
He was saying if His purpose was to conquer the kingdoms of the world by taking authority over them as they were, He could easily do that. That wasn't His purpose. His purpose is to permeate the world with His person and word, to the end of having it conform to His image. He has no interest in ruling corrupt kingdoms; He is remaking those that are willing to submit unto His rule now. That's why He referred to the source of His kingdom.
In that context it's easier to understand the importance and length, height and depth of the Great Commission (Mt. 28:20). We are called to teach the nations to submit to or observe, everything Jesus taught in His Word. That includes all areas of life, not just the church in the limited capacity people think of it as.
No. The kingdom of Jesus isn't from this world, it far surpasses this world, and is completely different from it. It is an expression of who Jesus Christ is Himself, and that is what is meant to migrate from heaven to earth, as we're taught to pray to happen - "thy kingdom come they will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Mt. 6:10)
Jesus rules and reigns in heaven, and that is what is being worked out on the earth. His servants not fighting on behalf of Jesus wasn't a reference to abandoning the earth, it was a reference to His not fighting to take charge of the corrupted nations that now inhabited it. They weren't worth fighting for in order to stand on the top of them as King. He has something more comprehensive and important in mind, which was to fill the earth with His glory by converting people and by extension nations, to His will and kingdom.
Again, He is birthing His kingdom among the kingdoms of this world, in order to transform them into His likeness, which means over time they will submit to His comprehensive rule. This of course goes beyond governing nations, but having all areas of life being governed by the written and living Word of God. That's our heritage. That's the great privilege we've been given to participate in.
Jesus will sit at the right hand of the Father until His enemies become His footstool. (Mark 12:36). He won't return until that becomes a reality on this earth. Let us submit individually and as churches, and then focus on our specific localities in teaching those we are in contact with and have an influence with, the commands and ways of Jesus Christ.
33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
This portion of scripture is among the most misunderstood in the Bible, as most believers take it to mean the world was not of interest to Jesus in regard to His ruling and reigning on it before the resurrection.
But when you look the context, what Jesus was saying in verse 36 was in response to Pilate being puzzled as to why, if He were a king, He was standing before him individually without forces to back Him up. What He was obviously saying was the source of His kingdom wasn't of this world; it was from another realm and was something completely different from the kingdoms of this world.
Jesus didn't come to fight to sit on top of the kingdoms of the world, as some think will happen after the resurrection. He came to replace the world governments with His own; meaning, they are called to submit to His rule now. Governments are called to operate in line with His law and commands, not natural law theory or laws based upon false gods.
When you look at Jesus' response in verse 36, it makes little sense when considering what Pilate had just asked Him concerning what He had done. He saw what it was that troubled Pilate, and explained that, rather than answer the question concerning the reason He had been brought before Pilate.
He was saying if His purpose was to conquer the kingdoms of the world by taking authority over them as they were, He could easily do that. That wasn't His purpose. His purpose is to permeate the world with His person and word, to the end of having it conform to His image. He has no interest in ruling corrupt kingdoms; He is remaking those that are willing to submit unto His rule now. That's why He referred to the source of His kingdom.
In that context it's easier to understand the importance and length, height and depth of the Great Commission (Mt. 28:20). We are called to teach the nations to submit to or observe, everything Jesus taught in His Word. That includes all areas of life, not just the church in the limited capacity people think of it as.
No. The kingdom of Jesus isn't from this world, it far surpasses this world, and is completely different from it. It is an expression of who Jesus Christ is Himself, and that is what is meant to migrate from heaven to earth, as we're taught to pray to happen - "thy kingdom come they will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Mt. 6:10)
Jesus rules and reigns in heaven, and that is what is being worked out on the earth. His servants not fighting on behalf of Jesus wasn't a reference to abandoning the earth, it was a reference to His not fighting to take charge of the corrupted nations that now inhabited it. They weren't worth fighting for in order to stand on the top of them as King. He has something more comprehensive and important in mind, which was to fill the earth with His glory by converting people and by extension nations, to His will and kingdom.
Again, He is birthing His kingdom among the kingdoms of this world, in order to transform them into His likeness, which means over time they will submit to His comprehensive rule. This of course goes beyond governing nations, but having all areas of life being governed by the written and living Word of God. That's our heritage. That's the great privilege we've been given to participate in.
Jesus will sit at the right hand of the Father until His enemies become His footstool. (Mark 12:36). He won't return until that becomes a reality on this earth. Let us submit individually and as churches, and then focus on our specific localities in teaching those we are in contact with and have an influence with, the commands and ways of Jesus Christ.
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