Jesus Is Our King

by Chris Perkins 

Kings are born not chosen. Jesus was born a King Matthew 2:2 "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him."

Jesus claim to be a King Matthew 27:11 Jesus stood in front of the governor, [Pilate]. The governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, I am," Jesus answered. John 18:37 "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

Jesus first sermon ever preached was about Kingdom, not a religion. Matthew 4:17 From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." (NLT)

A King can't be a King of nothing. A King has to have a Kingdom to be a King John 18:36 Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world."

Luke 17:21 says You won't be able to say, 'Here it is!' or 'It's over there!' For the Kingdom of God is already among you."

John 3:3-5 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God." "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Jesus was Killed (in the natural) because He had claim to be a King in another government and His teaching (which was the Gospel of the Kingdom) was drawing people away from the teachings of the religious leaders. (Mark 3:6 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. and John 11:48 The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, "What are we doing? For this man does many signs. If we leave him alone like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." ). Their concept of those who believed in Jesus was ruled by political considerations. The Pharisees didn't have the authority to crucify Jesus, so they basically tricked the Roman's into doing it for them. The Romans accepted only one king, and that was Caesar. So there was a dominion effect, and the Jews played this fact for all it was worth in promoting their plan to get rid of Jesus.

But God used the pilot of The Pharisees and use the blood of our King to connect us back to His original image and likeness that we were created with from creation.

But after the death of our King did not stop Him from proclaiming the message He came to preach. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3.

Jesus mission on Friday (Good Friday) to Sunday (Easter Sunday) wasn't just to die for our sins to still live in sin. He's mission (Luke 4:43) was to bring us back to our rightful place that God had originally design for mankind. (Genesis 1:26,28).

When you understand the Kingdom concept, Jesus' birth, life, death, burial and resurrection make so much sense.

Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Thank God our King is risen !!!

What is True Change

by Mark Fields

Let’s look at the word CHANGE, the word CHANGE does not mean that you look like something else you become something else. When we transform from the old to the new we must understand that we make and become a new covenant being. When we read the Bible we read it with a Democratic mind set, the bible should be read with one thing in mind. The bible is about a King, his Kingdom and his people. When we read it, we believe that we can take a few scriptures and apply it to our outward lives and it will make a difference in our inward vessel. That’s backwards, we started with the Spirit of God inside us and we need to apply that to our outward life, thus Inside-Out. Jesus came fulfill the law (Matt 5:17-18) Fulfill meaning bring full revelation to the law not seen by the Pharisees and Scribes. Man, although we believe they are doing the will of God we are just “doing” church stuff. Being busy in the church does not mean that you are busy doing Gods’ Will; it just means you are busy. Is there a difference in the will of God, either we are or not in it. We often use sayings like, “Gods’ perfect will and Gods’ permissive will, the permissive will of God is Gods grace. Gods Will is always and always will be perfect. Being in the perfect will of God means OBEDIENCE and we are blessed accordingly, Not, because “When praise go up Blessings come down.” We were born to praise, so how can we be blessed for something we were born to do.
1. Jesus fulfilled the doctrinal teachings of the law in that He brought full revelation.

2. Jesus fulfilled the predictive prophecy of the law in that He is the Promised One, showing the reality behind the shadows.

3. Jesus fulfilled the ethical precepts of the law in that He fully obeyed them and He reinterpreted them in their truth.

The KINGDOM OF GOD: Hidden in plain sight

By Amos J. Young  

[Exodus 19:5-6] [Rom 2:28-29] [1Peter 2:9-10] [Mar 16:15-20]

Exd 19:5 Now therefore, If Ye Will Obey

"Obey" - follow the commands of, conform to the commands of, to conform in action to the direction and guidance of, to submit to the precepts and principles of.

Exd 19:5 Now therefore, if you will obey My Voice Indeed

"Indeed" believing and functioning in alignment as the taught of the Teacher.

Exd 19:5 Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:

v:6 And ye shall be unto me "A Kingdom of Priests, And An Holy Nation." These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: v:29 But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.

1Pe 2:9 But ye [are] A Chosen Generation, A Royal Priesthood, An Holy Nation, A Peculiar People;" that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

v:10 Which in time past [were] not a people, But [Are] NOW The People Of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Mar 16:15 And he said unto them [the taught of the Teacher], Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel [that I taught you - the gospel of the Kingdom of God] to every creature. v:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
v:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; They Shall Lay Hands On The Sick, And They Shall Recover.

Mar 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

Mar 16:20 And THEY WENT FORTH, And Preached:

the taught of the Teacher - "And THEY WENT FORTH, And Preached every where, The Lord Working With, and Confirming the Word with signs following. Amen"

The KING, His KINGDOM, and His Royal Family.

Selah, and Amen
[Matt 6:33]

Jesus was and is the standard

By Myron Mason

Prov 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. We've allowed other men to be the standard in our lives when Jesus was and is the standard. Go and re-learn Jesus again and your thought will be established.


If you don't grow up in God ( being made in his image and likeness)
You will allow people to mold and shape you into their image and God's image in you become tainted and you'll become a misinterpretation of heaven's culture while sojourning in the earth.

Before a government attacks a foreign country it raptures it's citizens out of that country          ( SYSTEM). I believe God the father is going to do the same with his remnant church out the religious system that men have manufactured in his name. God wants his remnant to meet together and serve him on his terms and not a mans denominational terms. Getting back to the basics where JESUS is Lord(OWNER) and King in the lives of his followers. He that hath an ear !

The 1st century Apostles preached the message that Jesus himself commanded them to preach found in Matt 10:7. This message was preached by the Apostles and they turned their world upside down. The enemy was so disturbed by this message all the Apostles died a martyrdom death .

Those who came after them compromised the message and preached Jesus only without preaching the Kingdom too. I believe they were afraid and deceived, knowing the message brought on hardships bringing on toils, annoyances, perils;. to them.

Are leaders afraid to lose members of their congregations with this message that calls for more accountability and responsibility of the Believer ? Are the attacks from the enemy making many to back off the central message of Jesus. Luke 4:43 But Jesus said I must preach the Kingdom of God in other cities, for that's why I was sent.

While alive Philip understood he preached both in Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

While alive Paul understood and he did the same in Act 28:31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

The enemy knows he can't stop salvation because of the resurrection, so his main goal is for you not to share the SAME MESSAGE that the early church shared in obedience to what Christ preached and commanded his followers to do also in Luke 9:1-2 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 1 Corinth 4:20 says For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. Isn't this what Jesus and the Apostles displayed while on the earth ? Also I noticed Jesus never told them when to stop preaching this message. Matt 13:19 (Amp) While anyone is hearing the Word of the kingdom and does not grasp and comprehend it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. What that tells me is that the enemy doesn't like this message because of the disabling power towards him that's accompanied with it . I'm sure the evil spirits reported back to satan like this one found in Mark 1:24 "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!"

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good ! Get back under his Kingdom (government) rule in your life. Be re-aligned to him on HIS TERMS and the spirit of the king will guide you. You were made in God's image in likeness Gen 1:26. Now be not conformed to this worlds lower standards, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Repentance is necessary, obedience is mandatory and the results are, the standard is raised in you ! Seeking the Kingdom of God 1st lets God know you are ready for change !

In order to become an agent of change, you have to change 1st. Jesus came to earth with the government (Kingdom) on his shoulders Isa 9:6-7 and in Matt 4:17 his 1st proclamation was repent for the kingdom of heaven has arrived. He's basically saying I've become a Kingdom Carrier in the earth. The same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you. Stop suppressing it, repent & Seek 1st the Kingdom of God (Matt 6:33)

It takes a made up mind to seek the Kingdom of God the way the father intended in Matt 6:33. You've tried it all, now try it God's way on his terms and watch life transformation takes place just like it did in the 1st. God has you best interest at heart allow him to take 1st place again , but this time not with religious aerobics but with a submitted heart to the king. Repent.... The Holy Spirit in you is tired of being grieved. Eph 4:30

You cannot preach the Kingdom message and still operate in the religious system that's prevalent today, it's really that simple. Many don't know where to look for alternatives (BECAUSE THEY ARE LOOKING WITHIN THE SYSTEM) so they settle for what ever is coming from the pulpit. I truly understand how & why the early church met in homes to bring forth the doctrine of the Kingdom of God to all that would hear. The only alternative they had was RELIGIOUS SERVICES.

Amos J. Young Sr.

The Gospel of The Kingdom of Heaven:

Jesus Christ came with one message for mankind: Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand [Matt 4:17]. It was/is His Doctrine that amazes us to this very day [Mar 1:27] and it is that message that so infuriated the chief priest and scribes and frightened the kings (little k's).

Jesus came not preaching a religion - any religion. He came teaching and preaching the Gospel of The Kingdom of Heaven [Luk 4:43], God working with Him confirming the word with signs and wonders [Hbr 2:4]

Thus the central message, the main message in our B.I.B.L.E. – is about a King, His Kingdom and His Royal Family [we who call on the name of Jesus Christ believing in heart and confessing with mouth that God raised him from the dead.]

We Born-again Believers are joint-heirs with Christ [Romans 8:17] a chosen generation, a Holy Nation, a royal priesthood and a peculiar people [1Peter 2:9] called as ministers of reconciliation [2Cr 5:18]. Jesus came to restore the Kingdom at the first [Gen 1:26] to the delegated authority [Gen 1:27] of the sons of God and to save mankind from sin. [Matt 18:11]

Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord commanded us to live out his #1 priority: “But seek ye first, the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you [Matt 6:33].

You see, God’s original plan was always to extend his heavenly eternal supra-natural kingdom to earth, [Mar 6:10] Thy will be done in earth, as in heaven (leaving out the italic words). God’s original plan was to influence each one of us with the culture and character of heaven [Gal 5:22-23] thus living in the likeness of God walking in the Spirit (and not obeying the lust of the flesh).

The gospel of the Kingdom of God. To be continued.... [Matt 6:33]

40 days of Kingdom (1 through 8)

40 days of Kingdom
By Dr. Leonard Robinson

Just in case you missed them (1 through 8) - be blessed.

Kingdom Truth# 1 of 40 days of Kingdom:

The Kingdom of God is the active rule of God in the lives of mankind, wherever that rule is acknowledged. Without the active rule of God in mankind that have submitted themselves to God, man is being ruled by another god. Wherever God rules man is called to serve God. Wherever man does not permit God to rule, man is then serving another god, even serving another god in the Church, often times mammon or covetousness, greed, wealth and power which is a demon principality.

Kingdom Truth# 2 of 40 Days of Kingdom- Acts 1:3

Wherever man is submitted to the sovereign God, man becomes free from this world system and walks in the Spirit as an heir and joint heir with Christ, able to experience the benefits of their Kingdom citizenship now, as they fulfill the responsibility of their assignment to extend God's government throughout the nations of the world. The blessing of freedom comes with a responsibility to free others.

Kingdom Truth# 3 of 40 Days of Kingdom- Acts 1:3

Jesus did not come to bring a religion or a denomination, or any non-denominational group. He came to bring a government of peace, a government of order designed to free everyone who comes into it. The coming of Jesus preaching "Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand" was the entering in of another government. against the governments of this world. Jesus was establishing a new way of thinking and being for anyone who would be like a child, follow Him and keep His commandments.

Kingdom Truth# 4 of 40 Days of Kingdom- Acts 1:3

Worrying marks the person who has not discovered the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Worry robs the Believer of the experience of God's provision for their needs. Worry and fear work together to keep the Believer from ever becoming as effective as God has purposed. Living beyond worry is a choice and act of surrender to the care of God, and a necessary requirement of God for every Believer who claims to be a follower of Jesus. Remember this; don't take thought and walk in love because perfect love cast out fear, and God didn't give you a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. Live the Kingdom driven life daily and the Father will show off his care for you.

Kingdom Truth# 5 of 40 Days of Kingdom- Acts 1:3

The Kingdom of God represents the reestablishment of order in your life, under the rule of God; that place of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. To be out of the Spirit and in the flesh is to be in denial or rebellion to the order that the Kingdom represents in your life. Its a Kingdom of peace, power and provision. Stay in the Spirit.

Kingdom Truth# 6 of 40 Days of Kingdom- Acts 1:3

What God has called you to do, He sent Jesus as the pattern example of life and the ministry God has given you.

By keeping His commandments you are keeping your part of God's kingdom covenant with those who belong to Him. His part of this Kingdom covenant is that He will provide all you need that pertains to life and godliness. Your obedience produces God's provision.

Submission, humility and childlikeness in a continual obedience are what the Father requires to manifest His glory in and through you continuously. Pay the cost of living the Kingdom driven life and anointing God has called you to.

Kingdom Truth# 7 of 40 Days of Kingdom- Acts 1:3

The Kingdom of God is the single source of God's purpose for man. It is not just the act of God ruling in the hearts and minds of those who submit to His will, but the Kingdom is also the realm in which man finds his purpose.

Everything that God has ordained for man to be and everything He has ordained for man to do is found in the realm of the Kingdom. What the King decrees becomes law. When man discovers what God has decreed concerning him, then man can be all that God ordained from the beginning. The struggle is over. We now live God's purpose and fulfill our potential.

Everything God has ordained for man here and hereafter is contained in the Kingdom. Discover the Kingdom and discover your purpose, identity and divine destiny. Fulfill your potential! Its all Kingdom.

Kingdom Truth# 8 of 40 Days of Kingdom- Acts 1:3

You must develop a Kingdom mentality if you are going to walk as the sons of God. You must go beyond salvation into Kingdom living. You are not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

You cannot live successfully in this life on God's terms and still operate from an un-renewed mind. Renew your mind to your Kingdom purpose and citizenship and live from a Kingdom reality, the result of developing a Kingdom mentality.

When you begin to think from a position of righteousness and son-ship your faith will work automatically because walking in love is no longer an issue. Having a Kingdom mentality is not a mental exercise. I am not talking about mentally embracing certain spiritual truths. I am talking about the entire renewal of your way of thinking so that you begin to think from the perspective of a king and a royal priest. In other words, you no longer think from a denominational perspective or the perspective of your group, but you begin to think of yourself the way God thinks of you and you begin to function from the supernatural realm from which God has positioned you.

Living from a Kingdom perspective requires you to live from a Kingdom mentality so that you can live according to your Kingdom citizenship, a citizenship only obtained from God by you, based on the finished work of Christ and your knowledge of God that has now made you a partaker of His divine nature.

~ Dr Leonard Robinson

2

Characteristics of Citizens of Heaven

by Chris Perkins on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 9:12pm ·

Characteristics of Citizens of Heaven

Philippians 3:20-21 says But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Anyone that professes to belong to Jesus Christ or say Jesus is Lord must possess all of these characteristics of Heaven. Titus 1:16 says There are people who would claim and profess to know Jesus, but deny Him by how they act. (16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.)

Anyone who claims to be a "Christian" (which was a name given to those who followed Jesus by pagans (not Jesus) see Acts 11:26) you should see all of the characteristics in their everyday actions.

1 John 3:10 says This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.

• Our word is true. Our yes's are "yes," and our no's are "no" (Matthew 5:37).
• Debt Free. We owe no man anything but the continuing debt to love one another (Romans 13:8)
• Married until parted by death. There is no divorce and remarriage (Luke 16:18).
• Parents instruct their children. They are directly responsible for training them up in the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
• Known as a giver, not a taker. We give and it is given back to us in good measure (Luke 6:38).
• Love our enemies. We do good to those who hate us. We bless them and pray for them (Matthew 5:44).
• No lawsuits. We do not seek courts of law as a remedy for wrongs done (1 Corinthians 6:1-8).
• Busy storing treasures in Heaven. Our heart is on the heavenly things, not on earthly treasures (Matthew 6:20).
• Slow to anger. We are mild mannered, forgiving one another and willing to be defrauded (Ephesians 4:31-32).
• Treat others the way we want to be treated. We put ourselves in the other one's shoes and respond accordingly (Matthew 7:12).
• Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven. We are not here to seek money, property, popularity, honors, or advantage. We diligently seek and promote the Kingdom of Heaven, trusting God to supply our every need (Matthew 6:33).
• Separate from secular government. We do not participate in worldly politics, elections, or debates about their governments (2 Timothy 2:4).
• Our citizenship is in Heaven. We acknowledge that the Kingdom of Heaven is God's Government and is the only one that is everlasting (Philippians 3:20, Luke 1:33).
• Observe chain of command. In the Church and in the family, we respect chain of command (1 Peter 5, 1 Corinthians 11, Ephesians 6, Hebrews 13:17). We follow our Shepherd and flee from strangers (John 10:5, 27).
• Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans  14:17).

As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven we are always displaying the Fruits of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

Elder Chris Perkins

Kingdom Disciple Center

www.kingdomdisciplecenter.us

It might be Idolatry

My Good friend Pastor Myron Mason shred this with me. I decided to share it with you.
Pastor JOY ALLEN WRITES :

IT MIGHT BE IDOLATRY IF...

It's time for the Body of Christ to stand up against idolatry IN THE CHURCH.
Now, more than ever, we need to cry aloud and spare not. We must fear God rather than the wrath of men and expose every subtle work of the enemy.
Unfortunately, idolatry surrounds us on a daily basis. To bring some examples to light, I've started an "It ...Might be I...dolatry if..." list (See comments below). Feel free to add your own. My prayer is that we'll all review this list and repent if we identify ourselves anywhere therein.

If the pastor demands royal treatment and expensive gifts, while there are members struggling to pay bills, IT MIGHT BE IDOLATRY!

When a person is "anointed", because they always follow and agree, but labeled a "demon" when they disagree or leave, IT MIGHT BE IDOLATRY!

If the people will go broke to buy new suits for the next conference, but fail to pay the same month's bills, IT MIGHT BE IDOLATRY!

When the leader demands to be addressed by a title, but isn't moved by hearing the LORD's name used in vain, IT MIGHT BE IDOLATRY!

When the women of the church disobey their husbands, but call him disobedient for not listening to the pastor, IT MIGHT BE IDOLATRY!

When the people fear being called to the pastor's office more than they fear God Himself, IT MIGHT BE IDOLATRY!

When the people always advertise their pastors and leaders, but have never introduced someone to Christ, IT MIGHT BE IDOLATRY!

When the people raise thousands for a new church building, but have never given to the sick or poor, IT MIGHT BE IDOLATRY!

When the people quote, "My pastor says...", but can't quote the Scriptures, IT MIGHT BE IDOLATRY!

When the people pay $50 for the pastor's birthday banquet tickets, but have never given more than $10 in the offering, IT MIGHT BE IDOLATRY! CAN YOU ADD TO THE LIST ?

The Power of a loving community

(A)   Community: Is defined as “A group of people living in the same locality and under the same government. (2) A group or class having common interests.

(B)   Love: Love is the greatest command in the Law (Matt. 22:37-39) and is a primary command of Christ ( John 15:12). Obedience is a test of love ( John 14:15).  Signal attribute of God (1 John 4:8). God’s actions show His love for men (John 3:16); love is the reason for God’s work in man’s behalf. (2)It is learned from God (1 john 4:19) and is the highest motive for moral goodness. Love is a test of discipleship ( John 13:35); 

Today’s world is so full of individualism, selfish motives, and a lack of compassion for all people. The idea of community has become almost non-existent. What alarms me the most is that there is no greater divide then what has become today’s church. The effects of moral and ethic dysfunction impact the world everyday. Leaders, systems and governments around the world are rated everyday on their ability or inability to address the tangible needs and concerns of its citizens.

Love has become foreign, unity has become fictional, and faith is hindered by men’s religious ideology. Pastors, Priest, and preachers alike have become more concerned with building up their own ministry (Corporations). In fact this continued pursuit based on selfish ambition, pride, and arrogance is tainting God’s idea of faith and the church.

With Jesus and God on the outside looking in at most of today’s churches, no wonder Christianity has become so divided. Fear not, for God is still and always will be in control. Let us focus on what God’s idea for his kingdom community is.

Jesus was great at making people feel like the center of attention. In fact he was the social networker to ever live. Jesus was also an amazing king who truely loved his people. The disciples understood that Jesus was king and Lord. They submitted to his lordship over them and embraced his word. They considered his commands and teachings carefully, and they governed their lives according to the word of  God. Jesus ushered in a country called Heaven, government (God's Kingdom), culture (Agape), community (Ecclesia) and lifestyle that was much different than the world's standard. 


Jesus taught them in the way and he demonstrated a way of life that became the foundational for the church. Never before had they witness such love, strength, authority, humility, and compassion demonstrated by man. As a holy example Jesus would pray early and often. He was in constant communication with the father God and relied on his instructions to govern his entire day. Although he was king he never lorded his title or authority over the disciples. In fact at times he served the disciples and he was also under the authority of God. Jesus taught his kingdom community on earth ( the church) how to co-exist and live together in harmony.


Jesus taught the disciples how to teach others how to live who would enter God's kingdom. Just like their leader they too learned how to have authority and live under authority. This concept wasn't foreign to the disciples who lived under a Roman Government at that time. The Roman Empire introduced a concept that was close ( but not identical) to Heavens ideology. They introduced a kingdom using the process of colonization. In the past countries would take over a country, destroy some of the people, land, and resources. Then afterwards they would take their stolen goods and slaves with them back to their own country. 


The Roman's did the opposite, they would take over the country, land and resources. They would appoint governors over the country and their job would be to govern they land according to Roman ethics, laws, values, moral, policies, and government. The Empire/King remained sovereign over every colony, but the governors were responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining the kings vision throughout the land. 


What we learn from the bible and even through casually observing the world today is the importance of God's lordship. After the fall of man through Adam the second Adam (Jesus) became neccessary. We have a king in Jesus whose lordship gives us access to everything Adam lost (Romans 14:17). I find it odd that what started off as just God and man in fellowship together, dwelling together, and loving on each other has become so complicated. Everytime I read the bible, the churches of today remind me more and more of the Sadducees and Pharisees of the Bible.


The Sadducees and Pharisees used religion for political and monetary gain. They also boasted of their titles and took advantage of their celebrity. They were educated scholars, successful and wealthy men with great influence. They lorded their authority over people and oppressed many with their ritualistic practices, laws, rules, and religion. Anything or one who threatened their power and position would be killed. This was not the example that Jesus set for his disciples however. As king Jesus was the standard setter for the community and he taught his disciples how to be better people. He modeled royalty, integrity, compassion, humility, teachability, righteousness, sonship, kingship, priesthood, love, and loyalty to God above all else.


    
  
The world is full of examples of what broken and divided communities look like , but what does a loving community look like?

In Acts 2: 41-47 we see a picture perfect example of God’s idea of a loving community.

	Act2:41		Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.
	Act 2:42		And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
	Act 2:43		And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
	Act 2:44		And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
	Act 2:45		And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need.
	Act 2:46		And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
	Act 2:47		Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. This may seem foreign or fictitious to most of us today unfortunately, the truth is we seldom see it in practiced in Christianity today.

EPHESIANS 2:20-22 (Jesus is the center/cornerstone/foundation of God’s community)

		Eph 2:20		And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];
		Eph 2:21		In whom all the building fitly framed together growth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
		Eph 2:22		In whom ye also are builder together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12: 12-28

	1Cr 12:12	¶	For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ.
	1Cr 12:13		For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
	1Cr 12:14		For the body is not one member, but many.
	1Cr 12:15		If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
	1Cr 12:16		And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
	1Cr 12:17		If the whole body [were] an eye, where [were] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [were] the smelling?
	1Cr 12:18		But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
	1Cr 12:19		And if they were all one member, where [were] the body?
	1Cr 12:20		But now [are they] many members, yet but one body.
	1Cr 12:21		And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
	1Cr 12:22		Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
	1Cr 12:23		And those [members] of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely [parts] have more abundant comeliness.
	1Cr 12:24		For our comely [parts] have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that [part] which lacked:
	1Cr 12:25		That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same care one for another.
	1Cr 12:26		And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.
	1Cr 12:27		Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
	1Cr 12:28		And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

The Church is called to be a community/ministers of reconciliation Matthew 10: 5-17

	Mat 10:5	¶	These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
	Mat 10:6		But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
	Mat 10:7		And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
	Mat 10:8		Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye  have received, freely give.
	Mat 10:9		Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
	Mat 10:10		Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
	Mat 10:11		And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy;  and there abide till ye go thence.
	Mat 10:12		And when ye come into an house, salute it.
	Mat 10:13		And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
	Mat 10:14		And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
	Mat 10:15		Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.
	Mat 10:16	¶	Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
	Mat 10:17		But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils,  and they will scourge you in their synagogues; John 13: 34-35 (34) A new commandment I give unto you,  That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. In fact, it was Jesus who said in Matthew 6:33                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Matthew 6:33 King James Version (KJV)  33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;  and all these things shall be added unto you. This is part 1 of a series. It is my hope that we in the body of Christ regain  The love, community, compassion, zeal and unity (flow in the fruit of the spirit) Jesus established during  the foundation of the church. When we make Jesus Lord and celebrate the sovereignty of God this becomes possible. We can no longer attempt to manufacture God’s will, vision, and provision. Jesus is reconciling both those inside and outside of the church.    WWW.CLOUD77PRO.COM  TM    ©April 2012 by  Ade contact:cloudnationmedia@gmail.com