WATER IS NEVER NEUTRAL—it holds life and judgment, cleansing and chaos together.

GOD ALONE CONTROLS THE WATERS. Out of its depths, the Holy Spirit rescues, delivers, and empowers us. He gives us faith to overcome and to endure. And this faith wins God’s approval.

#TruthMatters#Remnant#faith#overcome#endure#relationshipgamechangers

Today's episode is about YOUR NECK. The neck - the part that connects the head to your body.

To understand this topic of the neck we first need to discuss two yokes and a field. It'll help us understand where and under what we are positioning our neck.

What did Jesus say about the field in the parable of the weeds among wheat? The field is the world; the good seed IS the sons of the kingdom. There is one seed and many sons being described here. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy that sowed weeds is the devil.

A yoke is a wooden bar placed on the necks of oxen. At least two oxen are yoked together to accomplish the will of the owner/ operator. Yokes can be placed on people, too: yoke of rest and yoke of slavery.

Jesus instructs us to surrender, to take His yoke and learn from Him. Jesus is gentle and humble in heart, and we will find rest for our souls. Jesus' yoke is easy and His burden is light.

In today's world we are being bombarded with information, stressful situations, hardships, etc. mostly negative. It seems inescapable at times… at the expense of rest, reflection and peace. Jesus is our rest… easy yoke, light burden. He carries the load if we allow Him.

The second yoke is bondage and slavery. Consider Isaac and Ishmael; both part of the same house (church) yet the son of the slave woman would NOT inherit God's promise. Paul instructs the church in Galatians to stand firm and do not submit AGAIN to the yoke of slavery. AGAIN signifies a prior enslavement; however, it is Jesus who has already freed us from the yoke of slavery. Until Jesus returns, the Gentile kingdoms of the world will rule over the field - the world and all of its systems.

In Jeremiah chapters 27-28, he continuously warned Israel and Judah to repent from the sins of idolatry, sexual immorality, child sacrifice, social injustices, religious hypocrisy, etc. God commanded Judah to submit to the yoke of slavery in Babylon for their sins, as they rejected God's word spoken through the real prophets. By submitting to Babylon, God would bring His people out and restore them. Jeremiah's declarations are applicable today, for there is sin in the body of Christ. Only Jesus can restore us, provided we resist the yoke of the world and choose Him.

About the neck…

Within a 2+ week period there have been three major fatal wounds involving the neck: a subway murder in Charlotte (Ukrainian woman), a murder at Burning Man (Russian man), and a shooting at UCU. Research the spiritual, hedonistic event of Burning Man. It's an event characterized as the death, enlightenment, detachment, and return to society and the collapse of civilization as we know it. It was a Russian man who was sacrificed through a stab wound  to the neck during this year's event.

The neck connects the head to the body. The Hebrew illustrations of the neck are a fish hook, tent peg, ox head, and the head (master) of something. To me, the neck is the fish hook that catches (like your attention); the tent peg that secures what is caught to something else; the ox head represents strength of a worldly servants that belong to the master; and, the head is the master that calls the shots.

What can we learn from the 3 people murdered by a wound to the neck?

What was the fish hook that caught the attention of the world including the body of Christ?

What is the tent peg being used to secure humanity to the yoke of slavery?

How are the Christian leaders with power, money and influence being used by Satan as his oxen?

Who owns the yoke of slavery and controls the yoke of this world?

Look beyond people and the details of recent events. Join me next week when we discuss Jeremiah and the clashing of the prophets.

What yoke will you choose? Jesus' invites you to take His yoke upon you for His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Matt 13:24-30; 36-43; Matt 11:28-30; Heb 4:1-13; Gal 4:28-5:1; Luke 21:24; Dan 2:31-35; Jer 27, 28, 29; Jer 25:11, 27:1-2, 5, 8; Ezra 1:1-4

Biblical context is critically important to understanding God's word, so that you can apply it to your life.

Consider the context of scripture:

• God created the heavens, the earth and all living things.
• Among the angels, Satan rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven unto the earth.
• Satan is permitted to roam the earth for a time.
• Man, through disobedience, conceded their authority to rule the earth to Satan.
• The bible says that Satan is the god of this world.
• Satan has blinded the minds of those that don't believe; he DECEIVES the whole world… even the elect will be deceived.

Satan has 3 objectives:

1. To seize control of resources, God-created systems, and all living things (including humanity) in order to build a kingdom for himself.
2. To distort, imitate, and pervert God's laws, His systems, and His creations.
3. To impersonate God, disguised as an angel of light, so that humanity will bow down and worship him.

Satan uses good and evil to serve the lie. Jesus made it clear that His Kingdom is not of this world. He did not instruct us to retake dominion over this world. No one knows the time of Jesus' return to restore all things back to God. So, in the meantime, we are told to be witnesses to Jesus and to spread the truth: Jesus was dead and now is alive.

Many cannot grasp the depth of evil in the world today. Ignorance plays a part as many do not think or ask questions that challenge our understanding of this world. We prefer to accept comfortable lies over uncomfortable truths.

EVERYTHING in this fabricated world is a lie and built on deception to separate us from God and each other. Even the death and reverence of a person - Charlie Kirk - can serve Satan's lie.

Now that we have set proper biblical context, consider these questions:

1. Do you see Charlie's tragedy as a spark for revival and a renewed call to take dominion over our nation, OR do you view it as a sobering call to the authority of scripture above people, personalities and politics?
2. It is reported that thousands of people are returning to Christ. Do you believe people are truly turning to Christ in the departing of their sins, OR are they aligning with an organization, a movement, a man-centered organization that wears a Christian label?
3. Has Charlie's tragedy stirred an emotional frenzy that manipulates social constructs such as race, political affiliations and religious beliefs (aka polarizing differences), OR has his death deepened a collective hunger for the truth?
4. Is God calling His people to unite publicly in ecumenical prayer and healing services despite having difference doctrinal beliefs, OR is God leading His followers to separate from worldly religious practices and serve Him?
5. Did +100k people who attended CK's memorial service in AZ "independently" gather, OR could +100k people been massively influenced and corralled by viral social media videos surrounding his death… since many did not know or follow CK before his death?
6. Were the "collective" group of +100k people worshipping the Jesus from the Bible, OR were they worshipping a social and political Jesus?

Whatever your opinions are, you must be able to support it scripturally and in the proper context using God's word.

Know this contextually profound truth: the spiritual realm controls and has authority over the human realm. This means that humans are subject to, influences by and respond to spiritual authority and to what is taking place in the spiritual dimension.

Who is controlling what has recently happened, what is currently happening, and our response to what is happening? Even if you conclude that it is Satan, the Bible says:

• God works all things according to the counsel of His will;
• All things work together for the good of them that love God and have been called according to His purpose.

We were called to be free... our hope is in Christ.

2 Cor 4:4; Rev 12:9; John 10:10; Dan 7:25; 2 Cor 11:13-15; Gen 1:26-27; Luke 19:11-26; Eph 6:10-18; Rom 6:13; 2 Cor 6:14-18; Gal 1:4

We will never win spiritual battles by fighting on the enemy’s terms. This happens when we cannot rise above the noise—the details, emotions, opinions, and reactions of others—and elevate the conversation. These are weeds from which we must escape.

LAST WEEK'S EVENT WAS HORRFIC—it stirred deep emotions and strong reactions that are still unfolding. Christians have chosen sides, each believing their stance is completely justified. Many have doubled down, sharing narratives, video clips, and soundbites supporting their perspective.

One person accuses him of being racist; another responds with a clip proving he’s not. One questions his faith; someone else counters with a clip of his public declaration of faith. This is what it looks like to fight a spiritual, emotionally charged battle from the weeds—reactive, defensive, and distracted from the bigger picture.

HERE’S THE REALITY—

Most people criticizing Charlie Kirk don’t know him personally, nor do most defending him. Only God truly knows Kirk’s heart and what drove him. Let’s face it: Many of us have been mistaken before, assuming someone is one way only for time to reveal something completely different. This is not a statement for or against Kirk.

THE POINT IS THIS: MOST SPEAKING ABOUT CHARLIE KIRK DO NOT KNOW HIM PERSONALLY, OR THE FULL BODY OF HIS WORK. Can we at least admit this?

We live in a world intentionally overrun with weeds—details, viral graphic images, emotionally inflamed arguments, and surface-level conclusions that many forcefully declare to be ‘the truth.’ Christians, including Christian leaders, are not exempt from being overwhelmed by emotion. In fact, THE BATTLE FOR OUR EMOTIONS HAS REPLACED THE BATTLE FOR OUR MINDS. Whatever we pay attention to wins our emotions, and reason goes out the window.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE—

Like many, I have my own opinions—and even more questions—about what unfolded last week. Just yesterday, a family member and I disagreed. The conversation became emotionally intense, and we both dug in our heels in the ground. It is easy to do! We are emotional beings. Thankfully, we ended on a respectful note and agreed to disagree.

I’m neither immune to our emotionally charged climate, nor are most of you.

So, when the next big event inevitably happens, triggering big emotions, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. REMEMBER, GOD'S KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD. Jesus would have called His disciples to fight with physical force if it were. Instead, He warned that the enemy will eventually overtake those dependent on worldly weapons, including intellect, reason, and emotion. (John 18:36; Matthew 26:52)

2. FOLLOW JESUS' EXAMPLE IN EMOTIONAL UPHEAVAL. When John the Baptist—His close relative—was beheaded, Jesus withdrew to be alone. He stepped away from the noise and emotion, choosing rest and renewal. He encouraged His disciples to do the same. (Matthew 14:13-14, Mk. 6:29-30)

3. CULTIVATE SPIRITUAL WEAPONS
Instead of reacting withfleshly responses, cultivate the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23)

4. RESIST HUMAN TENDENCY TO TAKE SIDES
Seek the truth that applies to everyone, all the time, and in every situation, regardless of biology, sex, race, education, money, political parties, religious affiliation, and church denomination. (Jn. 8:32)

5. PRAY FOR THOSE YOU PERCEIVE AS ENEMIES. (Mat. 5:44)

2 Cor 10:3-5; Rom 12:2; John 21; Matt 26:1-56, 14:1-14; Mark 14:1-52; Luke 22:1-65; John 18:1-14; John 18:10; Luke 22:51; Mark 6:14-29; John 18:36; Luke 27:21

How well do you really know God? Hold that thought, because today's episode reveals a key component that scripture shows is integral to fully knowing God. Yet many Christians lack this ONE THING: SUFFERING.

In his letter to the Philippians 3:10, Paul says that we may know Christ in the power of His resurrection AND the fellowship of His suffering.  The key to understand Paul's words - it was voluntary; Paul's personal goal to know Christ deeply and more intimately. It was a purposeful choice, and it shaped Paul's identity to be like Him in soul and body. Lastly, it was transformational for Paul; it changed him to be something else than what he once was.

We all seek to know God, but Paul took it a step further and made it his purpose. His goal was to enter into the fellowship of His suffering. What was Paul's suffering? It was the separation of things Paul once valued, the people he once fellowshipped with, the things he used to do. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus chose His Father over His flesh, and Paul sought the same so that he would know God in soul and body.

The second way to know God - read 1 Peter 4:1-2. It is a suffering that separates us from SIN, because sin is incompatible with God. Peter wrote that "whoever suffers in the flesh has ceased from sin." Both Paul and Peter knew something about knowing God through His suffering, no longer for human passion but for the will of God. When we separate ourselves from sin and accept God's invitation, God can rejoin us to Himself and to know Him in the areas that formerly separated us from Him.

Thirdly, if we want to participate in His glorification, read Romans 8:17-18. We are children of God and fellow heirs with Christ provided that we suffer with Him so that we can be glorified with Him. Our suffering in this life  does NOT compare to the glory that God wants to reveal in us. This glory only comes through suffering.

Peter also wrote that as you endure by doing what is right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. "…because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21

And finally, go to Matt 11:12. We must suffer to enter the Kingdom. "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force." The suffering referenced in this verse is a suffering of will and effort - a pressing in response to what is being done to you, yet you are determine to advance to a whole new level.

Let's connect Matthew's gospel verse with Micah 2:12-13 in the Old Testament. Micah spoke to the kings of Judah and Israel in general. God used Micah to condemn Israel of their empty rituals. He spoke about divine just and grace by calling Israel out in the similar way the modern day church is being called out today. As you read this scripture, take note that the "breaker" is Christ, and the "breakthrough" is the people of God following their King into freedom, authority and power in the earth. Jesus is OUR breakthrough.

If we want to know God and His Son, Jesus Christ, we must recognize the suffering is part of the process. Any gospel that omits the suffering of Christ in our lives is NOT the gospel of Jesus Christ. Suffering is integral to knowing Christ intimately and more deeply.

Social and cultural Christians who go to church, submit their tithes, volunteer their time and talent, read the bible daily, etc. will never know God deeply and intimately without entering into His suffering. We MUST separate our souls from sin, the covenant of death, so that we can attach to the covenant of life.

In this present hour, God is gathering His remnant of those who want to know Him. Are you willing to suffer to know Him?

Will you be part of this remnant and voluntarily enter into the fellowship of His suffering? Will you surrender as God separates you from sin and idolatry?

Phil 3:10; 1 Peter 4:1-3; Rom 8:17-18; 1 Peter 2:20-23; Matt 11:12; 16:15-16; Micah 2:12-13

Before we jump right in on the topic of Knowing God, consider these questions as you follow today's teaching.

What percentage of what you know about God is based on…

• what you've been told by others?
• experience, encounters, or what God has done for you?
• scripture?

We believe what we have learned. In order for us to know God, Kim explains how we must "return & learn" in order to believe.

Both Isaiah and John the Baptist both prophesied that God's people were to repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand. After John's arrest, Jesus went to Galilee proclaiming the gospel and saying the time is fulfilled, the Kingdom is at hand, repent and believe in the gospel.

Repent & Believe

The Bible reveals that repentance has something to do with believing something that the Jews didn't believe before… something new, something different. Believing is essential to returning to God, and that comes through repentance. To repent is to return to the cross, united with Christ, so that God can destroy an 'old system', learn the truth, form a new belief in order to see God clearly, fully surrender to Him, and live a new life. 

God is not focused on your sin right now. His focus is on your belief system. Jesus has already dealt with sin. There will come a time when God executes His sentence on sin for those who chose not to believe. Failing to believe is worse than sin. Those who don't believe are already condemned.

There is a place for repentance for sure. However, putting confession before believing is the same as putting the cart before the horse. Jesus came to introduce a Kingdom -- to create an opportunity to believe differently about Him, God, and ourselves. He did not come to condemn humanity. Those who believe in Him are spared eternal judgment.

Knowing God: Return & Learn to Believe

In order to know God, we must return and learn in order to believe something different than we already believe or do.

The Hebrew word belief means strong support in what is not seen. It is a conviction about something that informs, directs, and influences behavior. A belief involves your mind, will, and emotions. It will also involve your time and resources. Our real authority lies in what we believe and not in what we say. A good example is Abraham. He was reckoned as righteous not from works or circumcision, but because he believed God by faith.

The day that you accept Christ does not mean that everything you believed changed in that moment. Your spirit is recreated into the image of God. However, your soul (mind, will and emotions) still believed things contrary to the will of God. We learn about God, Jesus, and ourselves throughout our lives, and as we do our what we believe changes. When we change what we believe, we know God more deeply and are in greater alignment to God's will.

Beliefs act like laws. Laws are rules established by a governing authority to regulate individual behavior, maintain order, protect rights and freedoms. All of God's laws are based on love and truth. Satan's laws are based on fear and lies. Both run parallel in our lives today. Satan perverts God's laws to create disorder, distress, anxiety, chaos and keep us in bondage.

Any belief we have that is contrary to God's law (love & truth) will result in personal, relational, national and global suffering. Note: what we say does NOT always equate to what we believe.

The truth is the only thing that can overcome a belief that is contrary to God. That is why we are to return and learn to believe in order to know God. Until the belief system is changed, well-intended words of confession, declarations, and decrees are mental gymnastics at best and religious at worst.

There are several example in scripture that Kim references to support this teaching. Listen to the end… the biblical receipts are below.

Matt 3:2-3; 4:17; Mark 1:15; Acts 3:19-21; John 1:12; Rom 4:3-5; 4:9-11,13-15; 12:1-2; Matt 26:30-35, 69-75; 16:21-26; John 21:15-19; 2 Peter 1:6-7; Matt 3:8

In the prior episodes about the Kingdom of God, we know that Jesus Christ is the King; He IS righteousness and our focal point. It's all about Jesus and His revelation and reign over all creation.

So, how can we know this Jesus? How can we know, choose, and participate in God's divine nature through Jesus?

As you listen, consider these questions and ask God to answer them as HE sees them about you.

• Do you know Jesus Christ's nature?
• How much of your life conforms to Jesus' nature?
• How much of what you know about Jesus is based on scripture?
• Is knowing Jesus Christ as compelling to you as other things are in your life (i.e. searching for a car, a house, operating your business, your ministry, prayer, etc.)?

The ancient Hebrew pictures of the word know is a hand, door, and an eye.

Hand denotes an action. Door denotes a pathway. Eye represents seeing. Therefore, to know God there has to be an action, a [path] way, and the ability to see. The sequence is important, and scripture makes this clear.

Jesus is at hand and ready for [inter] action. He is ready to take us the way to know God and to see Him.

So, what is the way to know Jesus? The Bible says it's through REPENTANCE. Now, when you think of repentance, CONFESSING SIN is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Repentance is not solely about confessing your sins. Let's unpack what the Bible says about repentance.

3 Aspects of Repentance:

1. Believing or turning back; changing your mind and what you believe about something.
2. Confessing something
3. Fruiting or producing fruit

The Hebrew pictures that convey the meaning of repentance are teeth, a peg, and a house.

Teeth means to consume or destroy. A [tent] Peg represents securing or fastening something to something else. A house represents a place to reside and live. So, true repentance is to turn back, to change our minds about what we think and believe. When we do that, God destroys the house that you once lived in.

When Jesus came into the world, He did not come to condemn but to save. But, it required the Israelites to change what they believed about the Law. He fulfilled the Law and become the new Way back to the Father and not through the atonement of sins. Jesus destroyed sin once and for all. Therefore, it's NOT your confession that overcomes sin and temptation. That's why many of us are repeat offenders of the same sins in our daily lives. Confessing sin is at best symbolic, at worst it's pointless.

Repentance is NOT about confessing your sins. If it was, we could do it on our own and Jesus wouldn't have had to come. We need Jesus… to know Jesus, to know the Truth and to be set free from sin. Repentance starts with accepting the mind of Christ and experiencing a new belief, a new behavior, and a real change in every aspects of our lives.

How Repentance Works: Teeth, Tent Peg, House

We should always be changing our minds when God reveals things to us, because the Kingdom is the revelation and reign of Jesus Christ. Confessing sin is inadequate by itself. Therefore, repentance is a lifestyle and NOT an event.

When you repent and turn back to God, then God (not you) will destroy the house you once lived in, what you once believed. God will fasten (peg) you to the Truth and will put you in His house and will secure you to the foundation of the house so you can stand and walk securely… His Truth.

Truth raises your awareness and your conviction about sin when you believe and receive truth. Confession without a foundation of truth results in worldly sorrow that produces death. True repentance produces Godly sorrow that leads to life, to salvation.

Sin has already been judged. Commit to changing the way you think, and turn back to God. It is the only way to know Him.

Acts 1:8; 1 John 1:2-3; Is 55:8-9; John 14:6-7; Matt 7:13-14; 3:1-3; 4:17; Is 9:1-2; Rom 12:1-2; John 3:16-18; 2 Cor 7:10; Jer 15:19; Is 30:15; John 5:19,30, John 13:16

The prior episodes in this series reveals the following about God's Kingdom:

Part 1 - God did NOT tell us to build His Kingdom

Part 2 - God's Kingdom is the revelation and reign of Jesus Christ over all creation

In Part 3, Kim begins by reminding us that the Bible is ALL about the gospel of Jesus Christ - 1 book, 2 parts, 1 focal point that is Jesus. Everything that Jesus did (signs, miracles, declarations, etc.) all serve to validate the Kingdom of God. If we are called to 'expand' the Kingdom of God, then Jesus must be the focal point in our lives.

Before we dive into scripture, consider these two questions:

1. Has your understanding of the Biblical Christ changed since becoming a believer? If yes, HOW? If not, WHY?
2. Has Christ increased in your life? Is He the focal point?

We all have a focal point in our lives. If Christ is your focal point, then who is Jesus Christ?

Let's look at scripture.

The Bible says the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.

• Jesus is the way, and that way is righteousness. Jesus IS righteousness.
• The Kingdom of God is peace. True peace comes when you know the truth, because the truth will set you from the cares of the world.Therefore, truth leads to peace (freedom). Jesus is the truth.
• Jesus is the life, and His life produces joy.

The Bible also says to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Jesus), then all of your needs will be provided by God. Those who have faith believe this to be true. Paul explains in Romans that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to those who have faith. "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith." For "in it" righteousness [Christ] is revealed. In what is Christ revealed? In IT… the "it" here is salvation to everyone who believes. Therefore, if we want to know Christ we must become saved. We become saved by believing through faith.

The righteousness of God (that is Christ) is revealed to those who believe. Righteousness (Christ) produces righteous people. We are NOT righteous on our own regardless of all of the "good" things we strive to perform. You cannot sidestep Christ and call yourself righteous. What you believe will inform what you do. But it's not about what you do; it's about what you believe.

John's gospel reminds us that Jesus was not sent by God to condemn the world but to save the world through HIM. "Those who do what is true [righteous] come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God." It's not about you and all of the acts of kindness and service to the church that you strive to perform. Know this: as you labor for the church by giving of your time, energy and resources, you are not at rest. Plain and simple, you are working. Rest is extremely important if we want to experience Jesus and make Him your focal point. God can get done more in you and through you if you were able to rest.

The Kingdom is about HIM and not about us. On our part, we are to offer all parts of ourselves - the good, the bad, the ugly - to God as weapons for righteousness.

Many Christians today have a zeal for God, but it's not according to knowledge. The social Christian is ignorant of Christ and attempts to establish their own righteousness through acts of service, participating on numerous pray calls, memorizing the Bible, fasting, etc. These acts alone do NOT render one as righteous; you can't establish your own righteousness by doing things for God. Righteousness is what God did for you. Righteousness is a person, and that person is Jesus Christ.

Do you see why Jesus must be the focal point in your life? Jesus should be increasing in our lives and we should be decreasing. It is not you but the Christ alive in you.

Believe, surrender, and rest in Him.

John 14:6; Rom 14:17; Is 5:16; Matt 6:33; Rom 1:16-17; Luke 7:29; Rom 2:5; John 3:16-21; Rom 3:21-24; 4:5-6; 6:13; 10:2-4; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 5:21; Eph 4:21-25; Phil 1:9-12; 3:9; 1 Tim 6:11

In episode 374, Kim answers the question that we are NOT builders of God's Kingdom. God's Kingdom has already been built. No assembly is required on our part.

So, what is God's Kingdom? Part 2 of this series reveals, in scripture, what the Kingdom is God is in simple terms.

The Kingdom of God can be simply defined in a single sentence. The Kingdom of God is the revelation and the reign of Jesus Christ over ALL creation. All creation including the heavens and the earths, past and present, all created beings regardless of whether you believe in Him or not. It is the revealing of Jesus Christ and the rule (the exercise of His authority and power) over everything.

The Kingdom of God is NOT the worldwide or local churches. It's not even the church. It's NOT your prayers, fasting, knowledge of scripture, declarations or decrees, anointing or ministry, nor is it possessions or bank accounts. It's not prosperity or healing. It's not the church's outreach programs or revivals. It's not even your faith.

The Kingdom of God rises and falls on the King and Him alone, and the King is Jesus Christ. As believers we are called to expand the kingdom, first in our own lives and then outward to others, by extending the revelation and the reign of Jesus Christ to those who know Him and to those who don't. We are Christ's witnesses in the earth to our families, our relationships, our nation and beyond.

In scripture. Jesus reveals to us that He is "the way, the truth and the life".  Paul wrote in Romans that the Kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Connect the dots: The "way" is righteousness; the "truth" is peace, and the "life" is joy. If we follow the way it is righteousness. If we receive the truth we will have peace. If we desire the life we will experience joy.

In order for the Kingdom to be a revealing and ruling of Christ, then Jesus MUST BE ALL OF THESE. Jesus IS all of these things.

Let's start with RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jesus was foretold by Jeremiah that the Lord will "raise up for David a righteous branch, and He shall reign as King… And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The Lord is our righteousness'". Righteousness is a person - JESUS IS RIGHTEOUSNESS! Paul and John also confirmed that Jesus is righteous, and the Holy Spirit will testify of Jesus.

Righteousness is NOT what you do. It's what you believe, and what you believe will inform what you do. Righteousness [Jesus] came so we become something we were not. No one is righteous unto themselves.

Jesus describes the Kingdom of God to his disciples through The Beatitudes in Matt 5:1-11. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." As Jesus continued, He was saying that, up until that time, the Jews were poor in spirit, they mourned; they were meek; they hungered for something better; they were persecuted. The Jews were lost… BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE SPIRIT OF GOD.

Through The Beatitudes, Jesus was talking about Himself. He was revealing Himself to them and the promise of God to His people!

The Kingdom of God is the revelation (revealing) and the reign (rule) of Jesus Christ over ALL creation.

Acts 1:8; John 14:6; Rom 14:17; Jer 23:5-6; 1 Cor 1:30; Acts 3:14; 1 John 2:1; John 16:8-10; Matt 5:1-11; John 1:1-14; John 7:39; Matt 11:28; Rev 3:14

Have you ever noticed during times of economic uncertainty, there is an increasing presence of wealth building and real estate investment seminars? You'll notice church leaders, pastors, prophets, etc. are promoting these money-making schemes targeting Christians under the auspices of "Building the Kingdom".

Consider the messaging from their advertisements.

• "The Church is who we are and building theKingdom is what we do?"
• "As Followers of Christ we are called to buildthe Kingdom"
• "Welcome to Kingdom Builders InternationalConference"
• "Unlock your destiny. Join us for the KingdomBuilder's Seminar"
• "Kingdom Builders - Modern Giving Strategies forToday's Church"

Does scripture tell us (the Church) to build God's Kingdom?

At the conclusion of this episode, you should be able to know for yourself what God says about building His Kingdom. So what does scripture say?

Jesus says, "… the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news." Jesus is speaking of Himself; He is the King of God's Kingdom. If the King is present, then so is the Kingdom. The Kingdom is NOT something for us to build or assemble.

"… don't be afraid little flock because your Father delights to give you the Kingdom." The Kingdom is a gift to be received and not to build.

"… you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." God's Kingdom has already been prepared, established and made ready for us to inherit. Like an inheritance, the Kingdom is a gift and not something we have to work for.

"… strive first for the kingdom of God and His righteousness…"

James wrote that we are heirs of the Kingdom which God promised to those who love Him.

Jesus says, "… whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it". We are to accept it, believe it, and receive it, so that we can enter it.

How do we build something that is perfect and complete? We don't.

If you are pursuing wealth in this world, KNOW FOR CERTAINTY THAT GOD IS EQUIPPING YOU TO HAVE WEALTH IN ORDER TO FULFILL GOD'S ASSIGNMENT IN YOUR LIFE. God equips the Body for the work of HIS ministry; the ministry's purpose is NOT wealth building.

If you have been called by God in ministry and have received wealth as a blessing, the gift that you have received is for the purposes of giving to and serving God's people. The ministry of God are the souls of His people, discipleship, widows, orphans, the fatherless, and the poor. As a gentle reminder: the Bible says that wealth leads to pride, and the root of all evil is the love of money.

The Kingdom of God does NOT belong to the material world. It is spiritual… it is within you. - NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED!

1 Tim 6:10; Acts22:28; Phil 3:8; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 12:32; Matt 25:34; James 2:5; Mark 10:15;Acts 14:22; 1 Cor 15:50; Rom 14:17; Luke 17: 20-21; Gal 2:20; Rom 6:11-13; Heb 4:9-11; Matt 6:33