The Kingdom of God

Much could be said about the Kingdom message of Jesus, the Messiah.  Arguably, the Kingdom message was the focal point of Jesus' recorded ministry.  Jesus, as the divine son of God, came into the world with a profound message for all, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand".  The implications of such a message are far-reaching and utterly poignant.  The perfect plan of salvation for fallen mankind was not simply about how individuals can be 'saved and go to heaven', although it includes that.  

God's plan is to restore earth and humanity (whosoever will) to His ways.  For His commandants are not grievous and are for our well-being (Proverbs 3 for example).  Jesus spends much time explaining this new Kingdom, how to enter into it, and how to remain in it.  The long awaited redemption of Israel was fulfilled in Christ, the Messiah.  Jew and Gentile alike can now experience the blessing of God's righteousness in the fulfilling of the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 15).  The Apostles continued the Gospel, or "good news" that Israel's redemption and long-awaited Lord has arrived with power and authority, ready and willing to establish a people for Himself.  

Not all the Jews realized this was their God acting in dramatic and unanticipated fashion.  In Thessalonica in Acts 17, the unbelieving Jews brought "the brethren" to the Roman rulers of the city and cried saying, "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also...and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another King, one Jesus". 

A true follower of Christ must firmly grasp that this Kingdom is not of this world nor of a particular nation or land with man-made boundaries.  Rather, the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof (Psalm 24:1).  The Kingdom of God is universal, within the true believer, and has no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.  To be Kingdom-minded is also to be very aware of fallen man's carnal kingdoms, marking them, and striving to give allegiance solely to Jesus, the Lord and King of God's new Kingdom.  For this new Kingdom truly "turns the world upside down".

The Word of God provides the redeemed with guidance and counsel on how to live within earthly kingdoms and yet be fully vested in God's Kingdom.  The principles and applications impact nearly all areas of life.  Whether we reside in an earthly kingdom that is tolerant or full of persecution and hatred, the believer must give total obeisance to God and remain faithful to the covenant blessing of His Kingdom.

Consider what Peter states in 1st Peter 2:7-12 (and really the whole chapter):

"7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."