The Kingdom
Pastor John Ward
10-20-10
Take it seriously that God is going to use us. We’re here for a reason.
The church is mentioned in the Gospel 3 times. The Kingdom is mentioned over 120 times. It’s what Gods doing in this earth- the Kingdom.
Are you bored? Why? It’s because we don’t know why we’re here. To find our place in the Kingdom is to know our purpose, to stop being bored.
Why am I here? What is the answer? That is the question. We are here for a reason. Psalm 72:19- the reason we’re here. The overarching purpose. I’m not here to make myself happy or to promote myself. It’s not about me. We’re here for His glory. To release His presence, His glory. It’s in us, so it should change things when we come into a room. The mission of God is the Kingdom of God, it releases His presence.
We are to be one of those that helps to bring His Kingdom to this earth.
Why does man exist? What is the church’s purpose? What is the highest purpose for existence? Why am I here? The same reason Jesus was here. He was here for the same reason I am here.
Matt. 4:21, 9:35, 10:1-7 Luke 4:43, 9:2, 10:9
The church for the most part is busy building itself. That’s not the point - release His Kingdom. Only doing what the Father is saying to do. It’s about advancing the Kingdom. My purpose is His purpose.
To do the kingdom:
1. You must be born again. We must enter it.
2. Matt. 6:33- you must seek it. Seek it above all else; seek it, live by it.
3. You must live by its rules, laws, precepts.
4. Advance the Kingdom.
What is the Kingdom? There must be a King-Christ. There is a desire of the King, a direction. There is a reign of someone. From somewhere - our hearts. It is the government of God.
It is at hand- The Kingdom is now. It is within reach.
This King is going to subdue all things. 1 Cor. 15:21-28 Make disciples- He’s left the responsibility to us. We are the Light to the world-the salt of the earth. He’s transferred all that He did to - us through the Holy Spirit.
Its war-there is trespassers. The authority was handed over. It’s a choice between light and dark. We can’t fully be in control and rule unless the illegal kingdom is displaced.
It’s not a matter of filling churches- it’s a matter of changing every aspect of this culture/society/government. I can’t do all that God has called me to do outside of the place he’s called me to do it. He’s going to place us.
The Kingdom of God-where the King is ruling. We aren’t King, but we do carry His authority as ambassadors. If we will walk together with God, the 2 together carry authority.
The prize is the earth. Matt 6:9-10, Gen. 1:26-28 We’re supposed to rule over. I can not take on the image of God unless I take on the mission of God- the Kingdom
Is. 9:6-7 Of the increase of His government there will be no end.
Repent- to change your perception- for the Kingdom of Heaven is here. There’s no way I can advance the Kingdom of God unless I change my mind about some things- About religion, about relationships… about anything that you’re out of agreement with God on.
Matt. 4:23 9:35 Luke 9:2, 10:9 – two things here- preach the Kingdom of God is at hand, and heal the sick.
Of all the supernatural things Jesus did, 69% were healings. Its not just the supernatural, it’s the proclamation of the Kingdom and the healing of the sick. What’s that mean? That the Kingdom does not advance without healing?
1 Cor. 2:4 4:20 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of words but power. That’s the way Jesus did it. Why do we think we shouldn’t or can’t? Do we have a better way than Him?
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