From the General Overseer

YOUR KINGDOM COME (PART FOUR) TEXT: MATTHEW 6:10a

Introduction

Grace to you in the most precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome to Part 4 of our teaching series, *Your Kingdom Come.*
In the first three episodes, we discussed the definition of God’s Kingdom, some of its core aspects, and where the Kingdom of God should be manifest. *How does humanity access the Kingdom of God?* That is our focus in Part 4 of this teaching series.

This will take us down memory lane. In the beginning of creation, humanity was made in God’s glory, power, and authority and dwelt in God’s Kingdom on earth — the Garden of Eden — Genesis 2:7-8. Scripture says God’s presence, representing the heavenly Kingdom, walked with humanity in the cool of the day — Genesis 3:8.

It is tragic that one act of human disobedience ended God’s presence in the Garden of Eden, and humanity was driven from the Garden — God’s Kingdom on earth — Gen.3:23-24.
Since then, humanity has been without God’s glory, power, authority, righteousness, light, and joy. Scripture records that Adam fathered his first child in his own image, not in God’s image and likeness — Genesis 5:3.
God began to establish His Kingdom with humanity by relating to a specific individual, family, community, and nation, not with the world’s population at large — Genesis 7:1, Genesis 12:1-3.

This was the trend from generation to generation until the appearance of Jesus Christ in human flesh. During His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ chose a few people to receive and enjoy God’s Kingdom on earth and prepared them to enter and inherit God’s Kingdom after this life — Matthew 4:18-22.
Accessing God’s Kingdom is central to the message of Jesus Christ. Scripture presents it as both a present reality and an eternal inheritance.

Below are 3 major paths to accessing God’s Kingdom:

1.By Genuine Repentance:. Turning from self-rule to God’s rule. It begins by acknowledging that you are a sinner by birth, then deciding to choose God’s way, His Kingdom. Trusting Jesus for forgiveness and new life. This is the beginning of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ — John 14:6, John 1:12.
The door to the Kingdom is Christ Himself: His birth, suffering, death, resurrection, and His role as Saviour and Lord.

2. Total Obedience: Jesus Christ said in John 15:14, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” Deuteronomy 28:1-2 says, “if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments… all these blessings shall come upon you.” This implies that obedience, not to many, some, or part, but to all of His word, instructions, and commands is the major key to accessing God’s Kingdom after repentance — James 2:10, Isaiah 66:2.

3. Holy Living: God is holy. Therefore anyone who would access His Kingdom must be holy — Psalms 24:3-4, I Peter 1:15-16, Hebrews 12:14. True holiness works from the inside out — 2 Corinthians 7:1.

It must be clear to you that having access to a religion, denomination, or spiritual activities is not the same as having access to God’s Kingdom. Jesus Christ told Nicodemus, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God” –John 3:3. Be warned and do not deceive yourself — Galatians 6:7, Matthew 7:21, Revelation 20:15.

Until I come your way again by His grace, stay prepared, for the Kingdom of God is real.

Introduction:

Calvary greetings, and you’re warmly welcome to Part 3 of the teaching series, “Your Kingdom Come.”

So far, we have looked at the definition of God’s Kingdom and some of its core aspects across the first two episodes.

At the close of Part 2, a key question was raised: Where and how does the Kingdom of God come?

Now in Part 3, the Spirit of God will answer the key question. Let’s begin with, “Where should the Kingdom of God come?”

It is important to note that Jesus teachings in Matthew chapters 5–7 are primarily to His true disciples, not to the general public. See Matthew 5:1.  

Jesus made it clear to His disciples that God’s Kingdom, which includes His power, presence, glory, authority, light, righteousness, joy and more, does not come everywhere, but to specific places.

Let’s explore some of the specific places where God’s Kingdom is meant to dwell and manifest.

(a) In the hearts of Christ’s believers: Since the fall of man, God has chosen to dwell in the heart of man — Rev. 3:20, I Cor.3:16). 

When God’s Kingdom comes into an individual’s life through repentance, it brings a profound transformation of thoughts, emotions, actions, and way of life. Rom.12:2

(b) In our families:  

As a believer in Christ, you should be praying for God’s Kingdom to come into your family, for the salvation and well-being of every member, both immediate and extended family. Acts.11:14, 16:31.

(c) In our endeavours:

Disciples of Christ must always ask for God’s Kingdom in every physical and spiritual endeavour Psalms 37:5, Matthew 28:20.

(d) In our communities/domain:  

Wherever true disciples of Christ are, God’s Kingdom dwells and manifests — bringing His presence, glory, power, and more into that domain Rev.21:10-11.

(e) In our gathering and Fellowships:  

Another important place where God’s kingdom dwells and manifests is in the  gathering of His people for spiritual fellowship, whether individually, in small group or as a congregation.

 Matthew 18:20.

In conclusion to part 3: Christ’s disciples must have God’s Kingdom, for without His presence and power, nothing of eternal value can be accomplished.  

John 15:5, Zechariah 4:6

God willing, our major focus in the next episode will be how we as humans can access the Kingdom of God.

Until we meet again by His grace, be refreshed and keep enjoying the blessings of His Kingdom, in Jesus name.

Introduction:

With Jesus’ joy, I welcome you to Part 2 of Jesus’ teaching, “Your Kingdom Come.”

Having explained the meaning of God’s kingdom and some key aspects it encompasses…
We’ll continue with other key aspects in this episode, including:

5. LIGHT: 

God’s kingdom is light—illuminating darkness, revealing truth, and dispelling falsehood. (John 1:5, 3:19)

Praying for God’s kingdom to come means asking Jesus Christ, the light of the world (John.8:12 ), to manifest.

6.RIGHTEOUSNESS:

 The kingdom of God implies right standing — upholding justice, morality, and holiness. (Rom. 14:17)
Whenever God’s kingdom operates, elevation and glorification follow because righteousness exalts a nation. (Prov. 14:34)

7. PEACE:

Perfect peace is found only in God’s kingdom, bringing harmony, reconciliation, and wholeness. (Isa. 9:6, John 14:27)

8. JOY:

God’s people are filled with eternal delight and satisfaction, unlike the world’s temporary happiness. (Neh. 8:10; Luke 10:20)
Divine joy has nothing to do with material possessions or worldly attainment. (PS.1:1-3, 32: 1-2)

9. LOVE:

 Since God Himself is love, everything about His kingdom is love.
(1 John 4:8). Showcasing His unconditional mercy and grace toward humanity.

Talking about what God’s kingdom encompasses, the list is endless.

Jesus Christ teaches His disciples to always pray for God’s kingdom to come. The question is: where and how should it come?

These things and more will be explored in the next episode, by God’s grace.

Till then—stay blessed, refreshed, and walking in His perfect will.

Introduction

With boundless potency, wisdom, and love, God granted humanity total freedom and dominion to rule over creation. Gen.1: 28-30.

However, a single act of disobedience by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden plunged humanity into spiritual and physical bondage, underscoring the necessity of deliverance. Gen.3:1-7. 

Deliverance encompasses every facet of life, and every individual requires deliverance at some point, whether spiritually, emotionally, physically, or otherwise. 

According to John 8:32, ultimate deliverance comes through knowing the truth – believing and accepting Jesus Christ as personal Saviour – and this truth brings liberation from every bondage. Jesus said, ‘If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed’ (John 8:36). Being born of God and living by His Word unlocks total freedom and deliverance – IJohn 5:4-5.

Does being born again guarantee complete immunity from depression, emotional struggles, and physical challenges in this life? Absolutely not! The Holy Spirit declared through David, ‘Many are the afflictions of the righteous’ (Psalm 34:19), and Jesus Himself made it known that true disciples will face tribulations in this world (John 16:33).

So, in what sense is being born of God the ultimate deliverance?

While God is omnipotent and sovereign, born-again individuals have a crucial role to play in experiencing deliverance and victory in life, according to God’s eternal plan.

Key roles born again individuals play in experiencing complete deliverance in all aspects of life include:

1. Living a life of holiness:

Many believers mistakenly believe that their lifestyle doesn’t matter as long as they’re born again. However, Scripture emphasizes that holiness is crucial for complete deliverance. As 2Corinthians 7:1 states, ‘Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God’.

1Thessalonians 4:7,  1Peter 1:15-16, Hebrews 12:14. 

2. Strong faith and total trust in God’s Word: 

There’s a difference between saving faith and faith that accesses God’s omnipotence. We’re discussing the latter – faith that taps into God’s power and capability for every situation. John 11:40, Hebrews 11:6,  2Corinthians 5:7, Proverbs 3:5-6, John 20:29, Mark 11:22-23.

3. Complete obedience to God’s commands and directives:

95% is excellent by worldly standards, but God’s standard is absolute. Partial obedience is disobedience. James 2:10, John 14:15,  John 14:21, 1John 5:3, Psalm 119:9-11.

 

4. Praying in accordance with God’s Word and Will:

Prayer is powerful, but it’s crucial to understand that God doesn’t answer every prayer. He delights in prayers offered in the name of Jesus alone and in alignment with His Word and His Will. That’s why believers need Holy Spirit guidance to pray effectively, as Romans 8:26 teaches. 1John 5:14, James 4:2-3,  5:16, Matthew 6:7-8.

 

5. Being rooted in God’s Word.

God’s command to Joshua to meditate on Scripture (Joshua 1:8) underscores the importance of being rooted in God’s Word – a vital practice for every believer. Col.3:16-17, Psalms 1:1-3, 119:9-11, James 1:22.

When born-again individuals align with these biblical principles, undeniable deliverance and victory in all areas of life are guaranteed.

More importantly, seeking deliverance from external circumstances without being freed from the power of sin can yield temporary relief or deliverance on earth but ultimately leads to eternal condemnation.

Embrace Jesus’ loving invitation in Matthew 11:28: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.‘ 

Discover the ultimate deliverance and rest for your soul.

By aligning with biblical principles, every believer in Christ will experience comprehensive deliverance and fullness of life – spiritually, emotionally, and physically – both in this life and eternally.

May you walk in alignment with God’s plans for your life, experiencing prosperity, hope, and overall well-being – spirit, soul, and body – as outlined in Jeremiah 29:11 –“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

and 3John 1:2 – “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”