So where is the starting point on things of the Kingdom? Jesus clearly defined it, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 19-20)
This may seem elementary to those who have known Jesus for a long time, but it’s the starting point.
We’ve taught people how to get into the Kingdom, but we’ve lacked a bit in showing folks what to do with what they’ve been given. That’s where raising up disciples comes in.
We’re stuck in the outer court and won’t journey into the Most Holy place where the King lives and where the Kingdom is fully manifested.
Before Jesus commissioned His disciples He says this. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28: 18)
Daniel saw it in the Old Testament and said, “In my visions at night I looked and there before me was one like a Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power, all the peoples, nations, and men of every language worshipped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away; and His Kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7: 13-14)
So where’s our role in this vision? We are called to build that Kingdom. How do we do that?
- Make disciples.
- Baptize them.
- Teach obedience.
- Recognize His authority.
Yes, God in His position gives us, Christ-followers, that authority–in His name.
Jesus gave His disciples instructions through the Holy Spirit, to the ones He had chosen. They asked Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom of Israel?” (Acts 1: 6)
I love His answer, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1: 7-8)
- They were focusing on the when instead of how.
They never asked how. They didn’t realize the when and how were connected.
Jesus said, “When the Holy Spirit comes on you.”
We can only operate in the authority and power of the Lord when Holy Spirit is upon us.
This is why the Holy Spirit is the connecting link. For some, the link is missing. In our age of technology, a link cannot be utilized until it’s opened up.
Open up our hearts of understanding Lord, that Kingdom-minds will serve from the power of the Holy Spirit.
It was the baptism of the Holy Spirit that propelled them.
I propose to you, that’s why Jesus told them to wait. They may have gone out in their own strength, not in His power.
We need an outpouring, authentic Holy Spirit move of power to crash in on us, like on the day of Pentecost.
KINGDOM PRINCIPLE: He shows His authority with representatives who know “His Kingdom come… on earth as it is in heaven.” This is the only true gospel–the gospel of the Kingdom.
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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