Kingdom Endgame

Kingdom Endgame:

In a world grappling with uncertainty and change, the timeless message of hope and deliverance found in scripture resonates deeply with those looking for more and longing for authenticity in their spiritual life. Paul said, “If in this life only we have hope, we are of all men most miserable!” (1 Cor. 15:19). In other words, we must connect to the larger purposes of God beyond the limits of our personal concerns, coming into an understanding of the function of His Kingdom, the role of God’s elect, and the promise of a glorious future helps us connect to our destiny and find our place of service and ministry in the economy of God. 

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come.” – Matthew 24:14 (KJV)

This passage speaks of a specific gospel, a gospel of the kingdom of God. It is a message that goes beyond the initial salvation experience and points towards the ultimate reign of Christ. This gospel is not just about personal salvation but about the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth. It is a message of hope and transformation, a declaration that the kingdoms of this world will one day become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ. We tend to focus on the personal aspects of salvation and Jesus’ work on the Cross but never forget that God is working. It is in His plan to redeem all of creation and establish His kingdom, rule, and reign on the earth that the earth might be delivered from the vanity of sin and the consequences of the fall of man. 

The Ministry of the Elect

It is exhausting to look out on the world scene and media reports of the confusion, violence, and evil that assert themselves into our lives every single day through our screens. Yet amid all the war and violence, which is reprehensible, it would be much worse if all the world and its nations and leaders were all speaking the same thing and in pursuit of a common goal. This level of unity was achieved at Babel in Genesis 6, and the results were catastrophic.

[Gen 11:1, 3-8 KJV] 1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. … 3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. 4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top [may reach] unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. 5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. 6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people [is] one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. 7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.

This is why Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled…” when we see wars and rumors of wars, etc. This isn’t necessarily the enemy’s working every time. God will not allow godless humanity to come together, for if they did, the results would be to defy heaven. In Genesis, the confounding of the languages of men was not done by Satan but by God in order to avert the nations of men from falling into an abyss of evil and terror beyond all imagining. What keeps this from happening today? God still has a restraining force on the earth to keep men from attaining their godless agendas:

[2Th 2:7 KJV] 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way.

Who is “he that will letteth (allow)”? Some believe it is the Holy Spirit, and I agree with that. Where does the Holy Spirit live among us? Not in our buildings but in our hearts. That is why we need to be so sensitive to the Holy Spirit, as He uses us as His vessels to restrain and confound the nations of men standing against God’s kingdom. This gives us a counter view on wars and rumors of wars, etc.; it is God’s mercy to spare us what would happen if the world came to peace – outside of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. So, the turmoil and uncertainty we see in the world today are not signs of chaos but rather indicators of the work of God’s elect. The ministry of the sons of God, the overcomers, is actively working to bind the influence of Satan’s strategies among the nations.

“For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” – Romans 8:19 (KJV)

What does this mean? It means that at some level all creation is sentient after a fashion and longing for the darkness that came with the fall and man’s sin to be lifted – by the sons of God. That’s us. The church must rise up above the local level and personal concerns and bind the strong man of sin and satan on a global scale, on God’s timetable and by His direction. This binding of the strong man allows for the looting of his goods and the eradication of his influence. It is a spiritual battle being waged, a preparation for the glorious day when the influence of the adversary will be completely removed.

A New Beginning

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any¹ more pain: for the former things are passed away.” – Revelation 21:4 (KJV)

When the strong man of sin and Satan are bound, what does creation look like? The verse above gives us a hint. At some point in the timeline of man’s cosmic history this will come to pass and perhaps in a fashion even in the days we live in. Imagine a world where billboards and television commercials no longer promote evil imaginations but instead point to Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This is the future that awaits us, a future where the last enemy, death itself, is defeated. The King of life will reign supreme, and love will never lose its own.

The Importance of Love

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” – John 13:35 (KJV)

This verse highlights the significance of love as a core principle of the Christian faith. By loving one another, we not only fulfill God’s commandments but also reflect His love to the world around us. Through acts of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, we can show others the transformative power of love and inspire them to seek a deeper relationship with God.

As followers of Christ, it is essential to embody the love that He has shown us. By demonstrating love towards one another, we create a community that is united in faith and fueled by the love of God. This love should extend beyond words and be evident in our actions towards others. By living out this love in our daily lives, we become true disciples of Christ and serve as a light in a world that is often filled with darkness.

Ultimately, the verse from John reminds us that our love for one another is a powerful witness to the world. When we show genuine love and care for those around us, we reflect the love of God and draw others closer to Him. As believers, let us strive to cultivate a spirit of love and unity within our communities, so that all may see the transformative power of God’s love at work in our lives.

The Day of Deliverance

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1 (KJV)

The promise of protection and deliverance in the secret place of the Most High is a comforting and reassuring concept. It speaks to the idea that when we place our trust in God, we can find solace and security in knowing that we are being watched over and cared for. The imagery of being covered with feathers and sheltered under wings evokes a sense of warmth and safety, like a mother bird protecting her young. This promise encourages us to let go of our fears and anxieties, knowing that we are not alone and that we are being guided by divine wisdom. By dwelling in this secret place, we can find peace and strength to face whatever challenges come our way, knowing that we are protected by the truth and shield of the Most High. How does this connect to the broader purposes of the kingdom? In this exactly, even though the promise is to us and our children, we will not experience it unless we are willing to let love have its way in our lives, even toward the unlovely. The blessing you would deny another from a lack of love is the very blessing you deny yourself because of that very lack of love. 

Born Anew

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3 (KJV)

Being born again is essential for seeing the kingdom of God. It is a spiritual rebirth, a transformation that allows us to perceive and understand the things of God. Some believe the process is a journey, a gestation within the womb of the church, as we faithfully pursue after God’s rule in our lives. Others believe it is an instantaneous experience in response to praying the sinner’s prayer. Either way, being in receipt of a valid and authentic new birth is a prerequisite for understanding the kingdom, entering the kingdom, and enjoying its benefits purchased for us on Calvary.

Reflection and Review

• How does the concept of the “ministry of the elect” challenge or encourage you? Do you see yourself playing a part in this ministry? If so, how?
• How does the love of God manifest itself in practical ways in your life? Where could you improve in this area?
• What does it mean to you to “dwell in the secret place of the Most High”? How can you cultivate this practice in your daily life?
• The New Birth is described as being “in gestation,” which implies a process as well as a one-time experience.” How do you interpret this analogy? Where do you see yourself in this process of spiritual growth?
• How does the promise of ultimate deliverance and transformation affect your perspective on current challenges or difficulties you may be facing?

Call to Action

• Examine your understanding of the gospel of the kingdom.
• Reflect on your role in the ministry of the elect.
• Cultivate a deeper love for God and others.
• Seek the secret place of the Most High for protection and guidance.
• Embrace the process of being born again and anticipate the day of deliverance.