PRINCIPLES FOR A LIFE OF FAITH

Introduction – God’s Kingdom

The history of mankind is a long tale of sin and suffering, but the Bible foretells that an age of peace and righteousness will come, in which “the lion will lie down with the lamb,” and there will be universal harmony for mankind and nature. (Isaiah 11:6-9). All creation will be at peace.

Many earthly kingdoms have come and gone with many attempts to bring peace, but man’s knowledge and power are unable to achieve lasting results: both scientists and emperors have failed. We are living in a time of global crisis. Only one person can fulfil this Biblical prediction: the man who died, rose again, and inaugurated an eternal Kingdom, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He overcame death, and he alone has the power to establish God’s Kingdom, for he is the King of it. To enter it, one must have faith in him.

He is the Lion of Judah, who died as the “Lamb of God” and will reign forever on the throne of God. (Revelation 5:5-6). He is the “Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6-7). Various religions and cults claim they will establish a “New Age,” but all have failed. It cannot come through religion, philosophy, or science.

The Good News of the Kingdom

The “good news” that Jesus proclaimed is about receiving the Kingdom of God. It is not about going to church. It is not anything that can be done by human wisdom or power. No scientists, generals, emperors, political leaders, prophets, apostles, or apostolic church movements can establish the Kingdom despite what they may claim. Jesus came to reveal it, and when he returns, he will fully establish it. Only he, the Prince of Peace, is able to do so.

Many people think the Bible is obsolete, but it is more up-to-date than tomorrow’s newspaper and declares the only way of salvation. The Gospel is the truth that opens heaven. Because its message has been obscured by traditions and misinterpreted by cults, many people who consider themselves Christians have no grasp of the basic teachings of Christ or why he died on the cross.

Challenges Facing the Church

Many churchgoers are fed on liturgy, traditions, entertainment, anecdotes, and a whole lot more other than Biblical truth, which leads to a personal faith in Christ. There has been an enormous increase in dubious and totally false “new age” concepts and practices which have crept into churches.

The apostle Paul expressly instructed his young convert Timothy to “preach the Word” and nothing else. He also instructed Timothy to hold to the truth, for a time will come when many false teachers will “tickle” the ears of those who turn from sound doctrine to fables. (2 Timothy 3:13-17, 4:1-4).

“New age” teaching, which exalts man, not God, is now in many pulpits and has changed many Gospel truths. Believers in Christ must be grounded in “the faith.” New converts need nurturing, as Hebrews 5:12 to 6:3 indicates.

Discipleship and the Kingdom

Followers of Jesus are not called to be passive churchgoers but active life disciples. Jesus called people to follow him and be discipled. He said he would give the keys of his Kingdom to those who obey him. (Matthew 16:18-19). These keys are so authoritative that they open or close Heaven itself.

The apostle Peter was not given personal authority to open or close heaven but, based on the truth of the statement he made about Christ, he and believers after him were given the responsibility to declare the Gospel, which opens heaven to all who believe. It is by declaring, believing, and receiving the true Gospel that the destiny of people and even nations is decided.

The Future of God’s Kingdom

This presentation is about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and considers how it comes to individuals and one day to the whole earth. Jesus taught us to pray: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” He came to earth to seek the lost and by his death and resurrection, he made eternal life available to those who want it. One day he will return and establish his Kingdom, and those who receive him as Lord will enter it.

This Kingdom is not just in the future; it exists even now and, at his return, will grow in power and glory until it controls all things. This is an absolute certainty. (Daniel 2:44). It will fill the whole earth, all mankind will come under its authority, and every knee will bow before Jesus. (Isaiah 60:12, 45:23, Psalm 2:27-29, Romans 14:11, Philippians 2:10). It is indestructible and survives the temporary rise and fall of all earthly kingdoms.

Conclusion: The Call to Join the Kingdom

King Jesus offers it to all who want to be part of it. (Matthew 22:34). You can become a citizen of his Kingdom by doing something very simple: repent and believe. Do not be misled; only Jesus can give you that Kingdom, and only he can establish it. If you want to be included in it, you must surrender your life to him now. You must make him your King.

Over the next few weeks, join me in diving deeper into ‘A LIFE OF FAITH’ – Discipleship:

Blog Series One – THY KINGDOM COME – How to See the Kingdom, Enter the Kingdom and Live in the Kingdom

Blog Series Two –  TWO KINGDOMS – One of light, One of darkness, and the Judgment of Satan

Blog Series Three – GOD’S KINGDOM THROUGH THE AGES – The Fall of Mankind, God’s Law, God’s Grace, and God’s Plan for Believers

Blog Series Four – THE LAWS OF GOD’S KINGDOM – God is Holy, Christ is our Mediator, and the Royal Law

Blog series Five – PRINCIPLES FOR LIFE IN CHRIST – Repentance, Faith, Baptism, Service, Resurrection, Judgment, and Eternal Life

Blog Series Six – TWO KINGDOMS AT WAR – The Battle in the Hearts of People, Living a New Life, and the Armour of God

Blog Series Seven – PITFALLS TO A LIFE OF FAITH – Confession, and Sowing good seed

Blog Series Eight – KEYS TO GROWING IN CHRIST – Bible reading, Prayer, and Spiritual Gifts

Blog Series Nine – PROMISES FOR OUR FUTURE – Heaven is our Home and the Key to a life of Faith