“…He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”— Acts 1:3 NKJV; “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”— Luke 4:43 NKJV
In Acts 1:3, it says Jesus was “…speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” He discussed the affairs of the kingdom of God with His apostles. The kingdom of God was the central focus and topic of discussion between Christ and the apostles. The focus was no longer the Cross, but the Crown and the kingdom, where Jesus would reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
The problem with Christianity today is that we’ve missed the concept of Jesus’ teachings and messages. What we have today is overconcentration on the kingdoms of this world and the “kingdom of self”.
Jesus never instructed the disciples to preach any other message other than the message of the kingdom of God. It is disappointing and sad to see that the majority of churches pursue a personal agenda instead of the agenda of Christ which is the kingdom of God. No wonder, we see in the church today, all manners of man-made ministries and doctrines with no relevance or benefit to the kingdom of God.
Many churches have sadly made the kingdom of God about external non-essential things such as food and drink, ritual observances, and money especially. “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17 (NLT)
The kingdom of God is about spiritual realities such as righteousness in our actions and thoughts, mercy, peace and joy that flows from the Holy Spirit. The kingdom of God represents the lordship of God and His divine sovereign intervention in history to establish His rule powerfully.
Jesus spoke with His apostles about the affairs and things pertaining to the kingdom of God. How are tithes and different types of offerings the affairs of the kingdom of God? I am struggling to even imagine Jesus talking to the apostles about these subjects in the grand scheme of things of the kingdom!
Of a truth, the church needs money to propagate and spread the gospel, to pay bills and settle other expenses. But twisting scriptures and using gimmicks and manipulative means to make people give, is unfortunate and not a feature of the kingdom of God and quite frankly, criminal!
We also see all sorts of ministries centred on prosperity, deliverance, and healing. Of a fact, when Jesus was here on earth, He performed many miracles including healing, raising the dead, giving sight to the blind and casting out demons. Jesus had to perform all these miracles to confirm, establish and authenticate His Messiahship.
Someday Jesus will return to establish His kingdom on earth and personally reign over it. It is time to abandon our old ways of preaching the gospel and adopt Christ’s model which focuses on the Kingdom of God.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 