The concept of a ‘kingdom’ is not hard to understand. In our current day, ‘kingdoms’ may not be as prevalent or as popular as they once were, but they are still around. We draw our conclusion on what kingdoms are by what we’ve come to learn through history, present day monarchs and even certain movies and series popularized by Hollywood.
In simple terms, a kingdom is a territory or domain governed by a king or queen. With absolute authority and influence over the people within that territory. They are generally responsible for the well-being of those people, also referred to as ‘subjects’.
Presently and throughout history, there are and have been various types of kingdoms. Regardless of their differences, there are characteristics of commonality which any kingdom possesses.
Characteristics of a kingdom:
- A king or queen–a sovereign ruler;
- A territory–a domain;
- A constitution–a royal covenant;
- A citizenry–a community of subjects;
- The law–acceptable principles;
- Privileges–rights and benefits;
- A code of ethics–acceptable lifestyles and conducts;
- An army–security;
- A commonwealth–economic security, and
- A social culture–traditions, protocol and procedures.
Now, it is important to note, as with all kingdoms, the Kingdom of God itself, possess these characteristics. However, it would be complete foolishness to compare the kingdoms of this world with the Kingdom of God. They may be similar characteristically (to an extent), but operationally, they are in stark contrast to each other.
The concept of the Kingdom of God or the message of the Kingdom is nothing new. It is the greater part of God’s eternal plan. Just because it’s a neglected, un-preached and often rejected doctrine, doesn’t make it a new concept. It is the only message taught by Jesus and the disciples. This includes men, throughout the ages, whom God has called to be a voice and carry this message in the earth. God always has a remnant, of men and woman, who upholds His purpose in the earth.
Matthew 10:7 NKJV.
And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
When first hearing about the concept of the Kingdom of God, it’s received with much internal conflict and religious resistance. All we’ve known until now is Jesus crucified, resurrected, be born again, and one day be raptured to be with Him.
It’s imperative to the Christian life that we have a clear understanding as to what is meant by a kingdom, specifically the Kingdom of God.
What is the concept of a Kingdom?
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: basileia; is believed to have derived from the Greek word for base or foundation. the Greek noun “basileia” (pronounced bas-il-i’-ah) meant “kingdom,” “reign,” “kingship.”
1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule.
1a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom.
1b) of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah.
1c) of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom.
from 935; properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively):–kingdom, + reign.
Simply put, ‘basileia’ is a foundation or basis of power or rule – by what authority are you doing the things you do. It’s your basis of power and rule, whatever you claim, supports you. The kingdom of God is based on the authority of God. The reference to the Kingdom of Heaven can be seen more as a description of the origin of God’s kingdom. Therefore, it’s not so much concerning the basis or foundation of power and rule, but rather where it comes from. The kingdom of Heaven comes from heaven.
References to the Kingdom.
This word is first used in (Matt. 3:2) John the Baptist said the “kingdom” of heaven was at hand. Satan showed Jesus the “kingdoms” of the world (Matt. 4:8). The “kingdom” is to be sought first (Matt. 6:33). Saying “Lord, Lord” is not enough to enter the eternal “kingdom” (Matt. 7:21). There is the “word of the kingdom” (Matt. 13:19). Peter was given the “keys to the kingdom” (Matt. 26:29). People in the first century saw the “kingdom” come with power (Mark. 9:1). The ‘rich‘ have difficulty entering the “kingdom” (Mark. 10:23). Some are “not far from the kingdom” (Mark. 12:34). Jesus’ “kingdom” is not of this world (John 18:36). Unrighteous people have no part in the “kingdom” (1 Cor. 6:9). “Flesh and blood” cannot inherit the “kingdom” (1 Cor. 15:50). In the first century people were being transferred into the “kingdom” (Col. 1:13) and serving as fellow-workers in the “kingdom” (Col. 4:11). It is possible to be counted “worthy” of the “kingdom” (2 Thess. 1:5). The “kingdom” is one of righteousness (Heb. 1:8).
The teaching of the message of the Kingdom has been reduced to nothing more than a simple terminology used by preachers. “Kingdom” has become one of those trendy new “hype” words in the church. The terminology is used, but with little-to-no understanding of what the Kingdom truly is. The gospel of the Kingdom is conveniently added to our repertoire of messages and gospels preached. The gospel of the Kingdom is about the rule, order and government of God that we are to submit to. It’s the order according to which we now live, yet while in the earth.
God is not confused about what He’s looking for in the earth. He knew it since before the foundation of the world. The problem is, the church doesn’t have the slightest clue what that is.
We need to ask ourselves ‘What are we building?’ There is an urgency for us to repent from what we’ve been doing, and begin to build accurately. When God gives instructions to build that which is in His heart, He presents the precise pattern to follow. He never leaves His desires open for interpretation. He gives us the EXACT blueprint to follow when constructing that which He seeks to build in the earth. In fact, it is God Himself, by His Spirit in us, who builds.
Psalms 127:1 NIV.
“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”
Consider the instructions given to Moses and Ezekiel when building the tabernacle and restoring the temple – “make sure that you stick to the exact pattern and measurements shown to you”.
Exodus 25:9 NIV.
“Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.”
Ezekiel 40:4 NKJV.
And the man said to me, “Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears, and fix your mind on everything I show you; for you were brought here so that I might show them to you. Declare to the house of Israel everything you see.”
It’s foolish men who ask, “what are we building for God?” As if we, mere weak and feeble men, are able to build anything for the Almighty God. What arrogance! There’s no room, concerning the things of God, to have “attempted to get things right”. There are always vessels in the earth whom God has chosen, who are accurate voices concerning His plans in the earth. But these voices are rejected and shut down because it goes against everything we hold dear to us.
Matthew 13:15.
For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.’
Jeremiah 5:21.
‘Hear this now, O foolish people,
Without understanding,
Who have eyes and see not,
And who have ears and hear not:
The “church” has ears but do not hear, and eyes but do not see, it’s an institution without understanding. Just as in Jesus’ day, the concept of the Kingdom goes against everything we cling to. It disrupts our comfort, it challenges our ways, it exposes our inaccuracies. This message forces us to look at what we have been building, and realize how wrong we got it. And because we not willing to make the adjustments and give up our own beliefs and teachings, this becomes a frowned upon word, a discarded word, a rejected word. Those who carry this message into the earth becomes the reviled, abused and persecuted of the earth. This message unseats principalities, overthrows ungodly thrones, topples demonic influences. The message of the Kingdom brings everything back under the rule or order of God Himself.
God has prepared the kingdom for us. Not religion, not church, and not heaven. He prepared the Kingdom!
God never called us to gather in a building, attend weekly services, invite people to accept Jesus and be a part our church. He wants us to be citizens of His Kingdom, with Christ Jesus as our King. God then wants to show Himself to us and through us, by providing, sustaining , caring, and protecting us. And when men see the love and compassion our God has for His people, it inevitably draws them unto Him.
But because we lack in understanding the concept of the Kingdom, and fail in knowing Gods eternal purpose, we continue to labor in vain. We build according to the traditions and religious ways of men, and are not lead by the Spirit of God.
The concept of the Kingdom is taught with the aim of bringing us into the realization of making the Kingdom of God a reality. It has to move beyond a concept. The kingdom is here, now, for us to be a part of, to be citizens of. If we are not “of this world”, then which world are we from? Everyone is a citizen from where they are born – are we not born from above? – born of the Spirit – from a Heavenly Kingdom? But because we do not identify as Kingdom citizens, our identity is still linked to the world. This is so simple to understand, but our minds are blinded by religious teachings, and demonic doctrines, that keeps us slaves to this world. The result, we are not permitted to partake of the freedoms and privileges available for us to experience now, on earth, in the Kingdom of God.