LIVING THE REALITY OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

“Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, And His Righteousness…” (Matt. 6:33)


What is the Kingdom of God? Kingdom (King’s-dominion): The jurisdiction and sphere where Jesus the Christ has absolute rule, reign, and preeminence – internally (spiritually–kingdom within, Lk. 17:21) and externally (naturally–kingdom at hand, Mk. 1:15).

What is the Kingdom of God and How Does it Operate?

The Kingdom of God is the jurisdiction and sphere where Jesus the Christ (Yeshua HeMashiach) has absolute rule and preeminence – both spiritually and naturally. It’s Christ’s INTERNAL reign, in the hearts of citizens, that manifests EXTERNAL righteousness of His nature and government.

Metaphorically, it’s transformed saints organically flowing with a rhythm, a frequency of another realm that’s distinctively different than the world. The citizens of Christ’s kingdom, as an orchestra of heaven on earth, release their unique symphonic sound that harmonizes with the character of The Lord of Light and Life.

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:14, 16)

His “new creation” instinctively lives different by the Holy Spirit. They are “the salt of the earth” to be poured out on the dunghills in life and “the light of the world” to shine in the dark places. (Matt. 5:13-14, Lk. 14:34-35, Jn. 8:12)

How does it work? Like a tapestry with many threads, we believe the fullness of Christ manifests progressively as each unique individual cooperates in tandem with the Head AND other body members. “With diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” God’s glory is boldly displayed by His “ambassadors” proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom throughout the world. (Lk. 17:21, Mk. 1:15) Our proclamation empowered by godly lifestyle, radical love one for another, and caring deeply for the lost is how the kingdom effectively operates.

Moreover, the kingdom is an alternative government not of this world. Christ’s righteous government disrupts everything contrary to His order, glory, and redemptive plan. He is patient and long-suffering in this process. His eternal nature is that of a “Lamb that has been slain.” He is still “seeking to save that which is lost.” His great grace is working in His people that are being transformed from faith to faith and from glory to glory.

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Rom. 1:17)

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Cor. 3:18)

Bringing them into the revelation that they are no longer their own. They are the redeemed. They are set apart, God’s Kingdom is a separate jurisdiction, “a holy nation” who’s citizens pledge allegiance to Christ alone as a people in but NOT OF the world. It’s culture is based in love and service not lording over, fear, and greed. It’s economy is founded on diligence and practical care one for another. It’s less about buying and selling, more about giving and receiving. Transformed believers voluntarily lay their gifts, talents, abilities, and resources on the alter of charity (love in action) – this is how the practical needs within the kingdom are met.

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:10)  Read More

COMMITTED TO FULFILLING THE MISSION OF CHRIST: THE FOUR-FOLD MANDATE

1. IDENTITY

KNOWING WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST.

We believe knowing our identity in Christ and the security of HOW LOVED WE ARE by Father is the catalyst that empowers us TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER. How can we love when we don’t understand what love is or who we are? We would venture to say, it is impossible to have “one heart and one mind” (Acts 4:32) as a kingdom community without starting at the foundation, which we coined as our IN-CHRISTness. “For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.” (Col. 3:3-4) “…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27). This revelation of our identity is necessary foundationally to build unity and maturity in a functioning kingdom community.

2. INTIMACY

OUR TRANSFORMATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST.

We believe a disciple’s growth is in proportion to quality time, hearing, and devotion to Christ. We enjoy times of personal worship, prayer, and reading God’s word to build up our “new man.” We “are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:18). The heart-felt encounters with God are transforming our lives individually, that ultimately effects the quality of the entire body. Internal freedom and knowing significance is established by our love exchange with the Heavenly Father. Our intimate relationship with Him is revolutionizing our lives and is proven out in community.

3. COMMUNITY

BUILDING GENUINE RELATIONSHIPS IN CHRIST.

We believe in the fellowship of the saints to build one another up in Christ. One among many opportunities for deeper life connection is our Gathering the first Sunday of each month at 2:00pm and other fellowship opportunities when scheduled. We enjoy eating together, times of worship, prayer, celebration, equipping, healing, deliverance, and relationship building. We flow in the Holy Spirit and are in cooperation with Christ as the “covering” of the church.

We also have a deep desire to see people follow Christ as true disciples with the understanding of eternal purpose. Discipleship is the daily process of conformity to Christ that empowers us to love well and develop character. We are committed to serve people who are honest, humble, honoring, and hungry for transformation in Christ. This is why we birthed the School of Life Discipleship.

4. LEGACY

IMPACTING THE WORLD FOR CHRIST.

We are Christ’s hands and feet, His mouth and heartbeat reaching out with the message of forgiveness and love. We believe the “good news” of the Kingdom must be preached and lived! We have been all over preaching the gospel and have led several teams from the local streets to global missions. Our greatest joy is equipping others to see them “turn the world upside down.” It’s a great privilege witnessing their fire for the Lord and love for the lost. We are called to give our lives away and leave a legacy for the next generation of Jesus followers. “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matt. 28.19

The real test of our love for Christ is how we live our lives, not how much we know.

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. … that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: …” (John 15:12-17).

JOIN THE MOVEMENT.