Auxano Ministry
By the grace of God I am what I am:
1 Cor. 15:10a
Our Time A Scope II
The Kingdom of God
Our next consideration in building a better scope of God’s Word is understanding the supremacy of our Heavenly Father by gaining knowledge of three of His attributes and knowledge of His Kingdom.
Psalm 139:1-4
O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my down sitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
There are a few attributes of God’s nature that we should recognize. God is omniscience, which means He is all-knowing. This encompasses past, present, and future. God knows everything that has happened, everything going on right now, and everything that will take place in all the tomorrows.
If God is all knowing what happened with Adam and Eve’s design? There seems to have been a few flaws! Let’s take that thought a step further, what happened with Lucifer? Why didn’t God know what was going to happen with His Number One angel?
These are excellent questions and considerations. We will see the answers to these questions in a moment.
Psalm 139:7-12
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
God is omnipresent. Time limits mankind to being at one place at a time. God exists outside of time. In Genesis chapter 1 God made time for man. However, God Himself is not bound by the confines of time and can be everywhere at the same time.
This attribute of God’s nature also challenges the thought that God could not be in the presence of sin since mankind specializes in committing sin (Romans 3:10-18). In the material or physical realm God has been in the presence of sin since Genesis chapter 3. We could declare an earlier date if God’s Word made us aware of when Lucifer first transgressed the words of God.
Psalm 139:19a
Surely, thou wilt slay the wicked, O God…
God is omnipotent, meaning He is all powerful, there is none greater in strength or power. Consider Genesis chapter 1 for openers. In verse one God creates not only our planet but all other planets, solar systems, universes and the laws that govern these heavenly bodies. From this point in the Bible God’s power is on display in book after book, chapter after chapter, and verse after verse.
Jeremiah 32:17
Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
God is all knowing, and everywhere present, and all powerful.
We can hear these things and believe them (Romans 10:17), but they are beyond the comprehension of the finite human mind. The human mind often forgets yesterday, guesses or has no idea about tomorrow, and remains mostly confused about the present. Simply put, contemplating eternity is above the pay grade of the mind. The same can be said about our grasp of physical knowledge, let alone our ignorance of spiritual knowledge. Then when it comes to power, the world, its systems, and other things, people enjoy reminding us just how little power an individual possesses.
Most of those who carry the world’s power fail to realize they are mere puppets for a greater spiritual power. Those who do realize they serve a greater spiritual power have been persuaded and tricked into believing they are serving the greatest good. Even when it calls for sacrificing the many for the benefit of the few.
God’s plan has always been to love all and save all and provide them with True Knowledge (1 Timothy 2:4).
Acts 17:24-25
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
If God had a need, with a spoken word He could make it, create it, bring it into being. There is nothing we can bring to God to meet a need in His life, that is, except the heart. False gods want dead sacrifices laid upon their altars. The One True God wants living sacrifices, just as loving another always requires sacrifices.
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
1 John 4:19
We love him because he first loved us.
Almost everyone has encountered unrequited love. It hurts, and for some people the hurt takes a lifetime to move beyond. You desire the person you love to freely and willingly return your love.
The same is true with God. Therefore, God’s desire for a spiritual family begins with mankind as living souls, people of flesh and blood. In this manner, everyone has the freedom of will to love God because He first loved us. To freely choose God over everything else is the free choice God has presented to every person. God has encountered more than a little unrequited love; as mankind, from our beginning, has often chosen to love another.
Notice, even with humanity, when love is not returned the one who walks in love continues to walk and give in love to the object of his love. Consider God’s love of mankind by His placement of man at our beginning. God placed us with Himself.
In Genesis chapters 1 and 2 there were three basic kingdoms introduced to the reader. There was the plant kingdom, the animal kingdom, and the Kingdom of God. Man occupied his rightful place in the Kingdom of God. Contrary to the popular thought pattern, God did not make a kingdom of man. There was a plant kingdom, an animal kingdom and the Kingdom of God. God’s placement of mankind in His own Kingdom speaks volumes of God’s love for humanity.
Adam and Eve had the authority and dominion, shared power from God, over the earth. They were to rule for God’s Kingdom, not their own.
1 Corinthians 15:27-28
For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
When Jesus Christ is Lord of lords and King of kings and he has subdued all enemies, he and his kingdom are a part of the Kingdom of God. That is also why in the Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ is referred to as the king of or from heaven and his kingdom as the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus Christ will be God’s ruler upon a new heaven and a new earth, as Adam and Eve were God’s rulers upon the second heaven and earth.
It is easy to see the three kingdoms of Genesis chapters 1 and 2, but then in Genesis chapter 3, a fourth kingdom is added to the equation, the kingdom of the Adversary.
Luke 4:6
And the devil said unto him, all this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
The Greek word for “delivered” is paradidomi, which means to give to another for their power or use. This occurred when Adam obeyed the Adversary, making himself and his progeny the servants of the Adversary, changing his nature and the nature of his children. (If you require a greater understanding of this see the series on the Fall of Mankind). This is the beginning of the kingdom or the rule of the Adversary upon earth.
Many like to place man into his own kingdom but that is not Biblical. Man has no kingdom of his own. His rightful place is in the presence of God in God’s Kingdom. When Adam chose to serve the Devil and surrendered his authority and dominion to the Adversary the kingdom of the adversary was formed.
In Genesis chapters 1 and 2 Adam and Eve are in the image and likeness of God. In Genesis 5:3 the children of Adam and Eve are in Adam’s image and likeness. Remember these things when you study the birth of Jesus.
When Adam sinned, the problems that resulted only came about in those areas where Adam held authority or dominion. Adam never held authority in the Garden and therefore, could not give that authority away. You cannot give away what you do not have, that is a simple principle in life. This point is demonstrated very clearly by what the Devil said to Jesus in Luke 4:6, “for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.”
It is wise to understand that God’s authority and power always remains greater than any authority or power He delegates to another.
God is all knowing, and everywhere present, and all powerful. Adam and Eve could not hide the thoughts in their hearts any more than they could hide themselves from God in a cluster of trees. There was no flaw in their design. They had freedom of will. God loved them even when He knew they would not return His love.
These same truths can be seen with Lucifer.
Isaiah 14:13-14
For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
God loved Lucifer but he also had freedom of will, five times in these two verses Lucifer declared “I will.” He chose to love himself rather than return the love God had for him. Lucifer is the original narcissist!
No design flaws, just bad decisions.
Adam and Eve decided to choose the Adversary over God. Lucifer decided to choose himself. The reason many fail to enter God’s Kingdom is simply because they choose not to enter. Their eye is drawn away from God’s abiding love to satisfy a temporary lust in another direction.
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Deciding to stand with God’s Kingdom is not only wise, but also profitable to the individual, read the full context of Matthew chapter 6. Then, when you have time, compare the lives of Adam and Eve while in God’s Kingdom verses their lives in the Adversary’s kingdom.
Psalm 103:19
The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth overall.
When Lucifer shows up in the Garden, as the serpent, he has neither authority nor power. He has been expelled from his position and authority in God’s Kingdom. Corinthians tells us the serpent seduced Eve. He needed to seduce her because he had no authority or power. He only had a bag of tricks.
Adam and Eve were the rulers of the earth! Adam and Eve held the power and authority! If either had told him to get lost, he would have been required to leave. Yes, he would have returned again and again as he did with Jesus Christ. But Adam and Eve had authority from God and the serpent had only the power of persuasion. Adam and Eve would have succeeded because God would have backed up their every word as His rulers of the earth.
Jesus Christ responded to the Adversary, “It is written.”
Adam and Eve could have responded, “God has said.”
Nothing is more powerful than God! God’s words carry His power. No one is more powerful than the man or woman that speaks God’s Word with believing! Consider the walk of the man Jesus. How many times did the authorities of the world, or the religious authorities, or an emotionally excited mob decide to come after him?
Luke 4:29-30
And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them went his way,
At the end of his ministry they did not take his life, he laid it down of his own free will.
God’s Kingdom will not fall and cannot be overcome. Which kingdom will be your choice? Where will you decide to stand? Where will you give your heart?
Matthew 6:31-33
Therefore, take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Even while the Adversary’s kingdom runs rampant around you, God can and will prosper the individual who seeks Him first, the one who believes His promises and His guarantees.
When Israel walked with God by following or obeying His Word they walked with power. Consider the Red Sea or the walls of Jericho. Consider their strength under David or their knowledge and influence under Solomon.
Joshua 1:5,7-8
There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee…Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Standing with God brings prosperity, it brings knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, it brings strength, power, and might. Standing with God takes courage, it takes fidelity to His Word for the world will treat you as a threat and an enemy. It brings hate from those who stand with the Adversary. But any who declares you as the enemy shall not be able to stand against you.
Psalm 91:1-7
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely, he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
The Adversary rules the world with the authority Adam once held but that authority is not comparable to the power and authority of God Almighty.
1 Chronicles 22:13
Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel; be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.
This was David speaking to his son, Solomon.
The Adversary has some power and authority, and he uses it to pressure, and intimidate, and subdue. Remember his character as described by Jesus.
John 10:10a
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…
Consider his seduction of Eve and his mishandling of God’s Word when tempting Jesus. Remember Paul’s words to a child of the Devil.
Acts 13:10
And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
The Adversary steals and kills using subtilty. Yes, he has some power, and he is the enemy of all that is righteous. But his tricks pale in comparison to the man or woman that has chosen to stand with the Kingdom of God.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Ephesians 1:19-20
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
How much power did it take to raise Jesus from the dead after three days and nights in a grave? How much power did it require to bring Jesus to sitting at the right hand of God in the heavenlies? That is the power that will work in you, if you make the decision to stand in, for, and with the Kingdom of God!
The Kingdom of God is not on earth at this point in the second heaven and earth. Jesus told us that himself.
Matthew 6:10
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
The Kingdom of God is not on earth, but it is coming.
When you ask?
The fullness of the Kingdom of God will not come for man while we are in our physical bodies.
1 Corinthians 15:50
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Jesus Christ told Nicodemus the same thing.
John 3:5
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Jesus was speaking of our first physical birth and a second birth that is spiritual. In our first birth the embryonic sack, called a woman’s water, will break, then comes the physical birth.
Luke 22:15-16
And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
Jesus would not be eating again until the Kingdom of God.
John21:12-13
Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.
What changed between Luke 22 and John 21?
The change is Jesus had been raised from the dead!
The spiritual birth that Jesus spoke of with Nicodemus was now his!
Romans 1:3-4
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
The first to be resurrected into the Kingdom of God is Jesus Christ. This is God’s record of His son.
1 Corinthians 15:17-19
And if Christ be not raised, your faith [pistis = believing] is vain [mataios = useless]; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep [euphemism for death] in Christ are perished [lost]. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable [to be pitied].
Thankfully, this is not the end of what God declares in His Word.
1 Corinthians 15:20
But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
Jesus Christ was the first who was raised from the dead!
1 Corinthians 15:21-24
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward, they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom [of heaven] to God, even the Father, when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
When the kingdom of the Adversary has been completely “put down” then shall the king from heaven have everything under the Kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 15:25-28
For he [Jesus Christ] must reign, till he [God] hath put all enemies under his [Jesus Christ] feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he [God] hath put all things under his [Jesus Christ] feet. But when he [God] saith all things are put under him [Jesus Christ], it is manifest that he [God] is excepted, which did put all things under him [Jesus Christ]. And when all things shall be subdued unto him [Jesus Christ], then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him [God] that put all things under him [Jesus Christ], that God may be all in all.
Then shall we have the Kingdom of God on earth, just as it is in heaven.
© Auxano Ministry 2020
Our Time
