Sunday 1 January 2017

Advancing the Kingdom - Right Here, Right Now


As we have sought the Lord for 2017 we have heard the word for the year: ‘Advancing the Kingdom - right here, right now’ in LNC. What a year 2016 has been with so much political change and turmoil. Brexit, a new Prime Minister and a new unexpected American President. Finally we have seen the awful war in Syria unfolding on our TV screens. Yet in all these things, no matter what side we found ourselves drawn to, God is in control. He is shifting things and working through all the gaps and margins.

God's Kingdom Government
We are told in Isaiah 9 that to us a child has been born, to us a son has been given and of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end (vs. 5- 7). Isn't it great to know that God is in control of the eternal government and he sits on his throne in heaven (which is his headquarters) directing things. This doesn't mean there are not still battles raging on the earth. There are still rebel forces fighting against the King’s government, but ultimately, we know who wins. In fact, we are told that the Son sits in the heavens and laughs when he sees the nations' governments coming against him (Ps. 2: 4). Therefore, God is not worried or threatened by humanistic or demonic opposition.

The Nature of God's Kingdom
The nature of this Godly government is that it starts small as a child or a tiny seed, but grows into the mature Son's rule and reign. As at the battle of Midian, it can start small and look weak like Gideon and his 300-member army (Is. 9: 4 & Judges 7), yet it ends up defeating the whole army of the Midianites. This Kingdom (the King’s domain) is more than a geographical area but ‘a reign’ over hearts and minds. Of the increase of the King’s government and peace there will be no end (Is. 9: 7).

God's Kingdom reflects the Nature of the King
Another wonderful thing about the King’s government is that it reflects the life and nature of the King. His name will be called wonderful Councillor - He is a supernatural Councillor with incredible wisdom for us from heaven. He is Mighty God - He has all the power we need to transform our lives, church and society. He is God. He is Everlasting Father - that's wonderful; he is a relational father that is eternal - he'll never stop loving us. He is Prince of Peace - that means his Kingdom brings relational lasting inner peace with God and between peoples. It is a kingdom of shalom – wholeness, completeness, unity, social cohesion, health and prosperity.

How are we to respond to advancing Jesus Kingdom right here, right now, in 2017?
We are shown that the kingdom ‘forcefully advances’ in Matt 11: 12. The word here is biazetai which can mean that the Kingdom forcefully advances and that it can also be forcefully resisted. We see this in Jesus’ life where he forcefully advanced the kingdom through the casting out of demons, healing the sick and being an example of radical love to sinners (Luke 11: 20). Yet at the same time we see him forcefully resisted by the religious authorities and dying on a cross. However, even the resistance ended in victory for Christ and us through his redemption and resurrection power.

Be intentional
In terms of seeing the Kingdom forcefully advance in our lives firstly we need to have an encounter with ‘God right here, right now’. The Kingdom is right here, right now and it is up to us to be intentional about our response to it. When the Holy Spirit comes upon us sometimes it will be as a fire and powerful wind (Acts 2: 1 - 4). We are to respond proactively to his presence and rhema words to us right here, right now (John 15: 7 - 8). It may mean intentionally expressing our love for our wives or husbands or children in a way they understand and receive love (Ephesians 5 - 6: 4). Or perhaps being honest or faithful to our friends or neighbours, employer or employees (Romans 12: 9; Eph 6: 6 - 9). Or stepping out in faith to share the gospel with a friend or praying for someone on the street (Luke 9: 1 - 2). Or starting a Kingdom business or project. ‘Nothing is achieved by good intentions but anything is possible with definite goals’ that are birthed by God. Will you be obedient to the King this year? It could result in great advancement of the Kingdom into people's lives. When Jesus did what he saw his father doing there were results. As we step out we will see the kingdom manifesting right here, right now. That will change the world.

Be prepared for Resistance
Secondly when we do step out by faith and God's grace meets us and empowers us, we will still need to be prepared to be resisted. I'm amazed sometimes how everything can come against me when I decide to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit. The car can break down, the printer can stop working, a misunderstanding occurs or people resist us or sickness breaks out. We have to be prepared for people or authorities to come against us at times when we decide to follow God's ways. In some countries physical persecution will take place against the gospel of the Kingdom. This reinforces how we need to pray and be in the Word and stand together as Christians. The success of the dream is in a good team. As we work together and synergize with our various God given gifts we will succeed (Eph 4: 16). For one can put a thousand to flight but two ten thousand (Deut. 32: 30). It's just the way the Kingdom works.


May God bless, grace and strengthen you as you advance the Kingdom in your life, church and society in 2017. For God is with you - right here, right now. 

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