Who Gave Us Correct Teaching About The Kingdom Of God ?

Your friend, Bud Crawford

   Today many teach that Jesus Christ and the Kingdom as an end time event, which is partially true, but if we read carefully we find much more about his kingdom working here now. Some have put the focus at the end, away from the facts, and left us blind sighted….Lets first understand what a physical kingdom is, Kingdom,=A sovereign nation ruled by a king or government, the kingdom denotes the strength of that nation and it’s power by it’s defense. It’s by that power that it stands…. Also the Fathers kingdom has power over all. 1Cor. 4:20>For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. The kingdom “of” God is also “of” heaven where the Father presides. God being in heaven emanating that spiritual power to whom He will. Hang on to those facts while we go through this, to better understand the kingdom “of” God , His spiritual power.

Confusion.

   There are reasons for confusion if we hurry, as there are scriptures that sound different. Examples. Mt.12:28>But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.(speaking presently) Mk.10:23>And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! Notice, Mt.12:28 sounds very much like the kingdom is come unto(touching) someone spiritually, while Mk.10:23 seemingly sounds like a physical place someone must go to enter into….Others get confused reading this scripture, thinking that God’s spiritual power/Kingdom cannot enter into our flesh. It’s true! 1 Cor 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; But that is not talking about how God’s spirit/Kingdom of power works in the hearts and minds of men. Paul clerifies here...Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit,(It’s the same! The spirit is not in our flesh!) if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. The Kingdom Of His power is spiritual power. The same power that Christ had dwelling in himself.

   If someone gave you the bank of England, what do you have? England? No! Of course not! You get the Bank, not England!?... And, If someone gave you the ships of Spain, do you get Spain? Of course not! You get the ships! Not Spain!? ... So! How is it we read that we are to inherit the Kingdom "of" Heaven and think or reason the we get Heaven? No we do not! It's nothing more then a lot of errors handed down through many generations of past misconceptions of many that could not decipher text properly. Heaven is an address where the Father of all mankind stays, it's simply space that has no value whatsoever. Just as a lot of places in the universe is nothing, just a place! We Christians, get the Kingdom. Not a lot of dead space! So the question then is, what is the Kingdom? Lets take a close look!.......

  Without differing commentaries that can lead us down many opinionated paths, let’s keep it simple and let Christ and the apostles give us the correct opinion: the true source of the matter, where only true biblical conclusions can be made. Fair enough? It’s not me or you, but God’s inspired word. Where do we start? >First look at this question asked by Christ himself in a parable.>Mk. 4:30>And he said,(question) Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? (another question)or with what comparison shall we compare it?- (He answers)31>It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: 32>But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. Summarized, He likens the kingdom to a very small mustard seed, and when sown just as the spirit is sown becomes great…..Let’s look at why this subject of the kingdom is so important to us.>Mt. 13:19>When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. We do not want that to happen, do we? Lets look at another parable he teaches us. Mt.13:33>Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven (Note! Matthew infers kingdom “of” heaven.) is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. Again, a parable showing the kingdom grows from very little to a lot. Can we affirm from another incident of growth? Read this carefully,-Mt.13:24>Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25>But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares-(the evil) among the wheat,-(righteous) and went his way. 26>But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit,(wheat & tares) then appeared the tares-(unrighteous)also. 27>So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?-(the evil) 28>He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29>But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares,-(evil) ye root up also the wheat-(righteous)with them. 30>Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest (Christ’s return) I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares,-(evil) and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat (righteous) into my barn. So it’s apparent, if the kingdom “of” God is like a grain of mustard seed, planted and reaching maturity in the spirit called “the wheat,”(the righteous) they had matured into the Kingdom. As Christ makes plain- Lk.17:20>And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh“not with observation:”-(see,smell,touch.) 21>Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold,“the kingdom of God is within you. (speaking by example, as we know it was not within the Pharisees.)” This next scripture proves that out AND is absolute proof of you and I being allowed to enter into the kingdom of God now, “if we truly understand.” Matt 23:13>But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men:(their preaching was confusing the issue,) for ye neither go in yourselves, (meaning they presently could have, if they understood.) neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. (Those that would like to enter, but the Pharisees getting in the way, also speaking presently.) Mt. 5:19>Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments,(speaking presently)and shall teach men so,(still presently) he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven:(right then as he spoke) but whosoever shall do and teach them,(again, presently) the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.>(Now! Right there in the present as he spoke! He did not infer, later!)

  So we have two ways the spiritual kingdom is spoken of, but rarely understood to be the same. Paul states what the kingdom is not, and is.“Remember” you or I did not say it.>Rom.14:17>For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink;-(offending someone about what they should or should not eat.) but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy spirit. There it is! Paul said it! Do we believe it? Or shall we look at some dogma of commentaries and suppositions of others out there. Or the famous quote,“Oh, it doesn’t mean that.” Notice-Col. 1:12-Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13>Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated “us” into the kingdom“of his dear Son:” (presently! Apparent by this next verse)>14>In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: But we do not remain in sin! Eph. 5:5>For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.>Flip the coin and that shows that Christ manifested in us, allows us to enter into that spiritual kingdom of Christ. Jn.14:21>He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

   Jesus Christ says it more plainly -Jn. 14:20>At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. Jn. 15:4>Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. His are connected, just as a vine is connected and that kingdom-(of spiritual power) is also connected -Rom. 12:5>So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. If not, then this happens-Mt.12:25>And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: Those that grow together into that spiritual kingdom are in Christ. If not, they are simply none of His. (BUT WAIT!)> As we read before, What happened to that successful argument that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God!? It’s true!-1Cor.15:50>Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. BUT!!>We (in the spirit)are not just flesh and blood! As Paul states here- Rom.8:9>But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (The spirit of His kingdom and the flesh are completely separate.)...We enter in by merit and His acceptance. Jn. 15:4>Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch (His followers)cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye,(bear fruit) except ye abide in me.(That’s the condition) Jn. 15:5>I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.> 2 Pet. 1:11>For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.(again, speaking presently) More-Col. 1:13>Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness,(by his spirit ) and hath translated (us*) into the kingdom of his dear Son: (present tense) If your not sure, read it again.Notice>Mark 12:34> And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far (presently) from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question. Also speaking presently, not some far distant place.

  Notice,the kingdom was with John-Rv.1:9>I John, who*also*am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and *in *the kingdom and patience of Jesus*Christ was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.(presently) (*added words)

   The manifested spirit, accepted by believers, will spiritually enter into His kingdom, His power; but what about when Christ returns, Mt. 26:29>But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.>(This is where it all got mixed up.) Remember! His kingdom will rule over all physical kingdoms.-Lk. 22:29>And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 30>That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. This is a time when His kingdom,=(power) will rule over all “physical kingdoms”. Also-Jn.18:36>Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom=power were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (Not there for that purpose at that time)…..At His return, He will rule all physical kingdoms. His spiritual kingdom will not only enter a few now, but all will earn the chance to enter. What a great time that will be!! Also remember, as I mentioned earlier, His “kingdom” is without observation, see, feel, touch, not a place someone goes too! Lk:17:20>And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: What? No gold streets or diamond-studded fire hydrants? No! Someone mixed that up with the holy city,>Rv. 21:18>And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19>And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; Some confuse that to be the whole earth, an error.

   Rv.11:15>And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.(possessed by his kingdom of power.) These are quite different than the knowledge we have of that “spiritual kingdom”, versus the physical kingdoms,-nations here on earth. God’s spiritual power, His spiritual kingdom, will rule over all physical kingdoms. Rev 12:10>And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Let’s be careful to understand the difference between the two, as many have caused us to believe the spiritual and the physical to be one and the same, while in fact, the spiritual, will rule over the physical. Read the rest of that chapter. (Rv.11:15) Is this necessary for our salvation?

   Well if we just accept the Lord and love Him is that all we need to do? Then why do we read this earlier scripture? Mt. 13:19>When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.-(perverse doctrines.) Listening to those causing division and preaching heresy and formulating scripture for itching ears. 2Tm. 4:3> For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4>And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. So! If you’re bored, be careful! The wicked one will catch those refusing His instructions in Mt. 13:19.

   My sincerest hope is that I have been a helper of the faith, to bring out what Christ and Paul and John say about the kingdom>(of spiritual power) that is not only within, near, or nigh to us, but also in full power in the return of Jesus Christ when He reigns and rules all of the physical kingdoms-(nations)on this earth. It will be the most incredible time, and also sad for some. I’ll mention these again, some scriptures as to how the spiritual kingdom of>(Righteousness, peace, joy in the holy spirit)are mentioned, being around, near, or in someone. Mk. 12:34>And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.>(he was getting close!) And no man after that durst ask him any question. Mt. 12:28>But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.>(His manifest power!) Lk. 10:9>And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.>(very near them) Lk.11:20>But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.>( the devils cannot dwell with God’s spiritual kingdom, His power.) Lk. 17:21>Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.>(His spiritual power will work inside them.) Mt.23:13>But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves,-(Meaning they could have!) neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. (Refusing others to enter in, and not allowing others the experience of the kingdom.) Lk. 9:27>But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see-(aware or to know) the kingdom of God.- (His kingdom revealed before they go to their grave.)

  Mt. 13:11>He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you(believers) to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them (nonbelievers) it is not given.

  Lk. 8:10>And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

 So there we have it! The answer to the title,”Who explained the kingdom of God to us?” If someone tells you we will not know the mysteries of the kingdom, that person is deceived. It's not some meditative religion concentrating on the self , nor middle eastern Guru finding inner peace...The Kingdom Of God is inner peace...Keeping the Laws of God bring about the Kingdom without other efforts....

  We could listen to men tell us what it is and when it is, but Christ has already explained it. Paul also has given us some insight to that power of His kingdom. John gives mention of it also. All of those explanations are not of men, but from some very important men before us. That’s the source we need to rely on if we are ever going to have the real truth of the matter. You and I must always do that! In the past we were “told” what and when it happens, which was a terrible error that many believe to this day, not able to enter into, His kingdom “Now”.

  Again let me leave you with this same scripture of Jesus Christ, Luke. 17:20>And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21>Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Look it up! (Inside of) ( That’s how it happens!)

More affirmations, Words of our inspired writings.

Heb. 12:28>Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, (presently)! let us have grace, (His favor) whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Mt. 6:25>Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26>Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.(speaking presently) Are ye not much better than they? 27>Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28>And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29>And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30>Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you,(presently) O ye of little faith? 31>Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32> (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33>But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; (presently) Does all of the context mean we fulfill that requirement later? No! NOW! and all these things shall be added unto you. When? When we fulfill the requirement of receiving the kingdom, NOW! Not later! As he goes on> 34>Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Rom.14:17>again Paul,-For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy spirit. Now! Jesus Christ tells us this also as it is given to us to know the mysteries of the kingdom or Satan will deceive us even more. Just as we read earlier.

Mt. 13:19>When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, & understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, & catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.(the tares, the evil) 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.(Right then, presently at baptism.) 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.(His spirit in us) 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.(baptized) 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (baptized) Those of the spirit come and go freely. Mark 9:1>And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here,(presently) which shall not taste of death,(still alive) till they have seen(perceived) the kingdom of God come with power. Experiencing the kingdom of God before their death.