What is the Kingdom of God and How Does it Operate?
The Kingdom of God is the jurisdiction and sphere where Jesus the Christ (Yeshua HeMashiach) has absolute rule and preeminence – both spiritually and naturally. It’s Christ’s INTERNAL reign, in the hearts of citizens, that manifests EXTERNAL righteousness of His nature and government.
Metaphorically, it’s transformed saints organically flowing with a rhythm, a frequency of another realm that’s distinctively different than the world. The citizens of Christ’s kingdom, as an orchestra of heaven on earth, release their unique symphonic sound that harmonizes with the character of The Lord of Light and Life.
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:14, 16)
His “new creation” instinctively lives different by the Holy Spirit. They are “the salt of the earth” to be poured out on the dunghills in life and “the light of the world” to shine in the dark places. (Matt. 5:13-14, Lk. 14:34-35, Jn. 8:12)
How does it work? Like a tapestry with many threads, we believe the fullness of Christ manifests progressively as each unique individual cooperates in tandem with the Head AND other body members. “With diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” God’s glory is boldly displayed by His “ambassadors” proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom throughout the world. (Lk. 17:21, Mk. 1:15) Our proclamation empowered by godly lifestyle, radical love one for another, and caring deeply for the lost is how the kingdom effectively operates.
Moreover, the kingdom is an alternative government not of this world. Christ’s righteous government disrupts everything contrary to His order, glory, and redemptive plan. He is patient and long-suffering in this process. His eternal nature is that of a “Lamb that has been slain.” He is still “seeking to save that which is lost.” His great grace is working in His people that are being transformed from faith to faith and from glory to glory.
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Rom. 1:17)
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Cor. 3:18)
Bringing them into the revelation that they are no longer their own. They are the redeemed. They are set apart, God’s Kingdom is a separate jurisdiction, “a holy nation” who’s citizens pledge allegiance to Christ alone as a people in but NOT OF the world. It’s culture is based in love and service not lording over, fear, and greed. It’s economy is founded on diligence and practical care one for another. It’s less about buying and selling, more about giving and receiving. Transformed believers voluntarily lay their gifts, talents, abilities, and resources on the alter of charity (love in action) – this is how the practical needs within the kingdom are met.
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:10)
What is the Local Church*?
Firstly, may we define what the local church is not? The church is NOT a brick and mortar construct of man nor a STATE religious institution. The local church (ekklesia) is the “called out assembly” unto Jesus the Christ in a region. It’s a gathering of the saints who are governed by the indwelling Holy Spirit, and united around the royal law of love. The church is “living stones–a spiritual house, a holy priesthood . . .” (1 Pet. 2:5) The church is the body with Christ as Head, the bride of Christ, and the prized possession of Christ. The church is family where we are brothers and sisters with Yehovah as Father. In addition, we define the local church as being synonymous with a kingdom community/cell/habitat, or any local organic assembly committed to worshipping God, connecting as family, and living mission together. They are disciples united by the divine life of Christ. The power and authority of the Kingdom emanates through them where ever they may gather, in various regions throughout the earth, to do life together. (Acts 2:40-47, 4:29-37, 5:42; Ro. 12; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4)
Interestingly, the Black’s Law Dictionary (6th Edition) legal definition is: “The Church is the religious society founded and established by Jesus Christ, to receive, preserve, and propagate His doctrines and ordinances. A Church is a body or community of Christians, united under one form of government by the profession of the same faith and the observance of the same ritual and ceremonies.”
What is the Universal Church?
There’s another point of clarification to distinguish between the “universal church” and the “local church.” We define the universal church as being synonymous with the over-arching Kingdom of God. It’s the spiritual and natural government (order), a universal culture, for heaven’s citizens regardless of geography. It’s the vast network of all local churches that submit to the governance of Jesus the Christ as Savior, Judge, Law Giver (Author of Love), and King. (Luke 2:11, Is. 33:22)
Therefore, Acts In Motion is laid on the foundation modeled by the primitive free organic church emphasizing: allegiance to Christ, sufficiency in Christ, the empowering grace of the indwelling Spirit, authentic love one for another, and making disciples. We ascribe to the Biblical model of the priesthood of all believers, a kingdom of priests. (Ex. 19:6, Rev. 1:6) We are a network of kingdom communities without empty titles or positions but are collectively sons of God living mission. We encourage the function of Christ, as Head, demonstrated through ALL His people. We are brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers committed to our roles and responsibilities to serve in the kingdom. We are chiefly gripped by maturing in Christ’s Mission as we unrelentingly pursue His Eternal Vision.
Vision is where we are going, Mission is how we get there.
We are inspired by the early church found in scripture, chiefly, the Book of Acts. We do not ascribe to sectarianism or the one man show. We unite with the millions of followers that burn with the ancient model established 2000 years ago through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. (Acts 1:3)
With this understanding, whatever zeal it takes, whatever compassion by God, whatever sacrifice is necessary, we will not stop proclaiming the glorious gospel of the kingdom. Our passion is to spread Christ’s transformative love abroad so others may receive forgiveness from sin, have newness of life, and believe they matter in Father’s eternal family. With great hope we know God is removing the “scales from the eyes” of a righteous remnant to walk in the “Spirit of wisdom and revelation.” A “holy nation” who emerge from the blinding seduction of the “god of this world” (1 Cor.4:4) to be “saved from this perverse generation.” (Acts 2:40) Ones who know their prophetic destiny and calling to advance and BE the mission of God.
Choose to partner with God as surrendered vessels wholly devoted to Christ. Grow with us in our identity as sons and brides faithfully representing the kingdom. Do you feel the call?
We pray that the Holy Spirit will give you more revelation of God’s eternal vision and grace to walk out your calling. In other words, our hearts are burning for the body of Christ to experience the maximization of manifestation of the “kingdom of God within” (Lk. 17:21). We believe, as a result, the life of Yeshua will freely flow through us to impact our sphere of influence. What does this look like?
To flesh this out further, anyone who has put their full trust in Christ are new creations, “old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Scripture also says we are “ambassadors for Christ” with the “ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Cor. 5:17-20) It is very interesting that Paul the apostle refers to us as ambassadors. Why? Their loyalty is to their King alone, truth be told, it would be an act of treason to “serve two masters.” Ambassadors should not be moved by their own ego or come in their own authority or with their own power. Their entire lives are surrendered and devoted to properly represent the King. This is important to understand, especially with the pulls of seduction, avarice, and strong delusion captivating this Laodicean generation. (Rev. 3:14-22) Christ’s ambassadors represent the authority of the Kingdom of God as they venture into other jurisdictions. They bring HIS LIFE into that cosmos without mixing with it. It’s clear from scripture and history that disciples are supposed to be in the world but NOT OF IT. We are Christ’s alone. Do you agree?
Key scriptures that must be grappled with honestly before the Lord:
“I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” (Jn. 17:14-18)
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” (Matt. 16:24-27)
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2 Cor. 6:14-18)
“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Rom. 12:2)
“That you might walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, who has made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 1:10-13)
“…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27)
“He hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:6)
Do we realize to Whom we belong? Do we know Who lives in us? Do we recognize where we are seated? According to scripture, do we trust that Christ “has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us,” both spiritually and naturally, into a different way of life? Do we believe the new creation life is all encompassing and more significant then we may have previously imagined? The challenge is, do we really BELIEVE or just have a mental assent? If we really believe, if we really trust Christ, it demands a lifestyle change. As we move forward in revelation, remember, “It is finished.” We’ve been redeemed by the blood of Christ for His vision and His dream. We have an eternal inheritance, I’m convinced we can live it now. Transformation and new creation inheritance is ours if we are vigilant to appropriate what we already have. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” (2 Cor. 10:4) Our thinking needs to change, the majority of the battle is in our minds.
A Prayer for Empowering Grace
We pray that God gives us empowering grace to come out of the lower reality of cognitive dissidence into the higher reality of Christ. Father burn in us as a remnant to come out of Babylon (Rev. 18) and have Babylon come out of us. (Jn. 14:30) We are determined to live and advance the “Kingdom of God at hand.” (Mk. 1:15) We pray, Heavenly Father, give us revelation of Your glory, beauty, splendor, and majesty, in Your Son, that changes our lives. I’m confident, Father, as we are faithful with little You will vest the full weight of Your Kingdom in and through us. Give us grace to pursue total surrender to Your Lordship. “We love You because You first loved us.” May we effectively spread Your love, forgiveness, and kingdom reign to others. Amen!
There are three types of people:
1. ones that make things happen (intentional co-laborers with God),
2. others that watch what happens and,
3. the ones who wonder what happened.
We encourage you to participate not just spectate in the Kingdom. What do you choose?
(*Note: local church: ekklesia, kingdom community, kingdom cell, kingdom habitat, local assembly, church family, family of God, local body of Christ, organic church, free church, house church, simple church, and mission of Christ, etc. will be used interchangeably throughout this site.)