Christ s Mission. Christ s Mission. Christ s Mission. Prince of Peace. Kingdoms In Conflict. Christ s Mission. But Jesus said.

Transcription

1 Part 1 Session One Kingdoms In Conflict Foundational Concepts (Luke 2:13-14) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Ephesians 2:17) And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. But Jesus said. (Luke 12:51-53 NKJV) "Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." (Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV) Prince of Peace For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Why is Jesus called the Prince of Peace? Peace on earth is still the mission. but the road to get there is a different matter. Prophetic Announcements are usually designed to cast vision and describe the end or completion of a matter; but they rarely explain the details or the process of getting there. 1

2 How Will Peace Come? (Revelation 19:11-16 NKJV) Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. No Longer Prince... But KING! What Is Our Job? (Malachi 3:1 NKJV) "Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. (Ephesians 6:15 NKJV) and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (2 Peter 3:11-12 NKJV) Therefore, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God? What is the Kingdom of God? Part 2 Understanding The Kingdom The inhabitants or population subject to a king Noah Webster This is the common understanding in Christian Circles today. When a person becomes a Christian we say that person is in the kingdom. With this definition, we can completely separate ourselves from issues of government on earth and relegate kingdom issues the mystical realm. What is the Kingdom of God? The territory or country subject to a king; an undivided territory under the dominion of a king or monarch. Government; rule; supreme administration. Historical Context: Israel was under Roman occupation and oppression. They were looking for the Messiah who would deliver them from the Romans and restore Israel to the great kingdom it had once been. Noah Webster This is the understanding of the Kingdom held by the disciples and the early Church. This is why the political powers of the day wanted Jesus dead. He was a threat to their political authority. 2

3 Political mindset of the people: (John 6:15 NKJV) Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone. Political mindset of the disciples: (Matthew 20:20-21 NKJV) Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. And He said to her, "What do you wish?" She said to Him, "Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom." Where they got their mindset: (Matthew 6:9-10 NKJV) "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Governmental assignments: (Matthew 19:28 NKJV) So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. This is why they felt an urgency to replace Judas as one of the twelve. After the resurrection: (Acts 1:6 NKJV) Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" The Gospel of the Kingdom When will the Kingdom appear? (Acts 1:6 NKJV) Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:7-8 NKJV) And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." 3

4 The Gospel of the Kingdom When will the Kingdom appear? Heaven Is Not Our Eternal Home (Matthew 24:13-14 NKJV) "But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. We have preached the gospel, but have we preached the gospel of the Kingdom? (Matthew 24:13-14 NKJV) " Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. The bible begins and ends with man living on earth. Heaven Is Not Our Eternal Home Tired of the heat, the bad news? Longing for a little freedom? If you're looking for that ultimate vacation destination, we've got just the right place. You'll be able to get away from all the hassles of life and relax in a place that's an absolute paradise! Time is limited. So reserve your flight now for heaven the ultimate destination for those who want to leave the cares of this world behind. Hey, why go to those other vacation spots where you can only get a tan? In heaven, you'll get a whole new body! Enjoy a tropical paradise beyond your wildest dreams. You'll love the delicious cuisine, wonderful fruit from the tree of life, and living water from the fountain of God. All in your very own mansion! You'll like it so much you'll never want to leave, and you won't have to! Escape the traffic, the job, not to mention the judgment of God, by reserving your place in heaven! So make your travel plans before it's too late. Heaven, the ultimate vacation destination. A heavenly reminder from... (name of radio station). Thy Kingdom Come On Earth To see His Kingdom come On Earth is a foundational element of our purpose. It the very reason we receive power to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). It is our hope of peace on earth and good will toward men. It provides motivation to go into all the world. Progress in spreading this good news of God s government (gospel of the kingdom) is one of the foremost factors in preparing the world for the appearing of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom on earth. Kingdom; a form of government with a King as its sovereign ruler. Therefore, the Kingdom of God (or the Kingdom of Heaven) is a governmental order where the administration of all things is conducted according to the oversight and will of King Jesus. The kingdom of God is very real now and, though it exerts great influence on the visible world, much like an unborn child, it is invisible or unseen. When the King appears, the Kingdom Government will appear as well. Part 3 Keeping this definition in mind as we read the scriptures opens our minds to a much broader understanding of God s view regarding civil government. 4

5 Conflict comes when we realize that the Kingdom of God is a form of government and apply it in this world. Conflict comes when we act as though we are in authority. (Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV) As long as we are just religious and confine ourselves to our youth groups, bible study groups, pot lucks, building programs, etc; the governments of this world will tolerate us... at least for now. Conflict comes when we do God s business in this world before the kingdom appears. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. Civil Government is Ordained By God (Romans 13:1-4 NASB) (Luke 19:11-17 NKJV) Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. 12 Therefore He said: "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. 13 "So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.' 14 "But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We will not have this man to reign over us.' When Should Governments Be Changed? Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. Who Has Authority To Change Government? (Ephesians 1:18-21 NKJV) :whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. >the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 5

6 Restoring The Power Next Session Session Two The Biblical Form of Government America s Christian Founation Date: Name Address City State Zip Phone I am interested in learning more about the founding principles I m interested in seeing a RTP Seminar in my community/group Tell me more about how to support your work RestoringThePower.com DVD $10 AgendaDocumentary.com Pocket Constitution 2 / $1 NCCS.net Book $10 GetPurpose.org Prices Are Suggested Donation 6