note: This overview focus on the Kingdom is not about heaven after we die. Nor does it propose that the here-after-heaven is now. This Kingdom Overview is about how we live out our daily lives during the 70+- years of life God gives each of us before we die. Deu 12:1 "..all the days you live upon the earth." (After I experience ..to die is gain..I will be able to speak about that more clearly.) The Kingdom of God was not post-poned. Neither is Jesus reigning in absentia as many monarchs have done. The Old Testament scriptures show us illustrations of God's people living out their physical years and their natural experiences in walking with God before their deaths. The Revelation of the N.T. Kingdom re-frames our walk with God around Christ's present Spiritual Throne rather than around religious systems, institutions and sects. (To make it more clear - N.T. believers are re-living in a spiritual sense the lives the O.T.believers lived in an earthly natural sense.
1. Kingdom Lost & Regained
2. A Son's Inheritance
3. Present Sovereign Rule & Reign
4. Christ's Universal Inheritance Mission
5. Out of Hopelessness Comes Life
6. Sovereignity Allows So Much
7. Giving Evidence Throughout Earth
A Kingdom Lost - A Kingdom Re-Gained
In Genesis, the first Adam's throne was lost because of his self-reliance and rebellion which turned the dominion of this world over to the serpent, the devil (the accuser, slanderer) known as "the prince of this world" (Joh 14:30) and the "god of this age".(2Co 4:4)
It was God's intentions that the 1st Adam and his race were to multiply and have dominion over the earth; Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion. Ge 1:28
Adam's race failed to accomplished this, failed Spiritually, and thereby became aliens to God, with enmity against their creator. Man fell into a moral abyss of spiritual captivity which required a re-alignment, a reconciliation and a restoration for God to continue His ultimate divine purposes here. The kingdom, the dominion of that 1st Adam, could only be re-gained or restored through the entrance of another race of people upon earth's scene. A natural people (ie.. natural Israel) would fail to accomplish God's purposes. The first man Adam's failure gave rise to a seed or race of people who would also fail. The natural always fails to satisfy God's ultimate purpose.
However, a second man, the last Adam, the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ would not fail, (1Co 15:45-47) as He gave rise to another seed or race who would walk with Christ in His Kingdom. This was referred to in the garden - I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Ge 3:15 God's divine purpose would ultimately work out.
Jesus, the last Adam, the second man, was the beginning of another race, the author & finisher of faith, and came to seek and save that which was lost. Christ, as our Kinsman Redeemer, was positioned as mankind's only source of redemption. Only he could redeem us. Thus it is God's Kingdom. Kingdom means : Sovereign Reign & Rule.
Thru Christ the Kingdom would come near us a second time; but in a spiritiual sense thru the ministry of Jesus Christ. God sought man, yet living fallen, lost lives, by laying down Jesus' life as a ransom for our redemption. Jesus came ..to release us from the bondage & slavery of sin, and to regain God's purposes which had been lost in Adam's race. Jesus came to release us from captivity. The second man Adam, Jesus would un-do all the 1st Adam set into being.
This was the first act of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. This first act was to release hell's captives by the Sovereign Rule & Reign of Christ's Kingdom of Light. Jesus proclaimed publicly that day in Nazereth's synagogue The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; (Isa 61:1, Luk 4:18)
Christ's mission was a proclaiming a release of captives, ...a recovering of that which was lost, ..making a reconciliation, and breaking the bonds of enmity. He was about the Father's Business. (Luk 2:49) Recovering and Reconstituting the Sovereign Reign & Rule of the Kingdom of God upon this earth through the ministering instrument of the Son, ..as Heir to all things. God anointed Jesus with the Holy Ghost & power who went about doing good, healing all that were oppressed (who had dominion exercised against them) of the devil..Ac 10:38
This kingdom was revealed to Nebuchadnezzer by God through Daniel - in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Dan 2:44
Jesus secured the Kingdom's Sovereign Reign & Rule as His Inheritance by his perfect obedience unto his death, burial, and raising from the dead 3 days later. He knew it was secured as His, ..when he said - All power (authority, jurisdiction, right, strength) in heaven and earth is given unto me. (Mat 28:18)
The Four Gospels & the book of Acts demonstrate Christ's Sovereign Rule & Reign of the Kingdom of Heaven on this earth upon every-day life.
The Epistlesm describe unto us what this new life is about and the challenges each believer faces to OVERCOME in their daily New Covenant living within the Kingdom of Heaven/God on this earth during their natural life-times in the years given to them.
Ministers proclaimed throughout Acts & the Epistles without the slightest hesitation that all power and authority of the Kingdom of God lies only in Christ Jesus; ..who sets all captives free. Freedom exists now for all who will accept it. Our Heavenly Father does not desire that any should perish, but that all come to faith in their Kinsman Redeemer; Christ Jesus of Nazereth. (Lu 13:3 Mat 18:14 Jo 3:16 2Pe 3:9)
Although the book of Acts stopped recording the "Acts of the Spirit through the Apostles" around AD 60 or so, one would do well to consider that the Acts of the Holy Spirit through his vessels have continued each year since AD 60 in nearly 2000 extra chapters (one for each year)..around the globe. Each year, our heavenly Father's Business has continued world-wide with the same mission and purpose since the day of Pentecost.
The Kingdom : A Son's Inheritance
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsel or, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ..Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, upon his kingdom, to order, and to establish it with judgment and justice from henceforth even for ever. Isa 9:6-7
Sometime during the Life of Jesus of Nazareth, ..judgment was set, ..the books were opened and ..the beast was destroyed in the flame. His dominion was taken from HIM along with the other beasts, ..yet their lives were prolonged for a season. Dominion was taken from one, Dan 7:12 ..yet dominion was given to another, Dan 7:13-14 ..to the Son of Man. Unto Him was given dominion, glory and a kingdom of all peoples, nations, and languages serving him in His everlasting dominion : never to be destroyed. When the Ancient of Days set this judgment, He took away the consuming, destroying dominion of one.. and gave possession and dominion of the kingdom to the saints forever and ever under the whole heaven to another for an everlasting dominion where all dominions shall serve and obey him. Dan 7:18,22,26-27
Jesus knew this when he said, ..Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. Joh 12:31 ..of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. Joh 16:11 The prince, (first in rank, chief) was judged and cast out of that position and Jesus as Christ (anointed) and Lord (supreme in authority) Acts 2:36) took that position with all power in heaven and earth now given to him 2000 years ago.(Mat 28:18) He overcame Death and took the keys of death & hell from the kingdom of darkness.
This judgment was already under way and manifested all during Christ Jesus' earthly ministry ..Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Mat 6:10 ..If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. Mt 12:28-29
The four gospels reveal to us the Son of Man entering the Strong Man's house, binding him within his own dominion - spoiling his goods before the universe, as all regions of existence in the universe watched! Above, within & below the earth! It was an Open Show to all beings in the universe except it was hidden from the humans on planet Earth. But it is revealed in Christ Jesus!
This spoiling of the strong man's goods applied not only to the Son of Man, but also to his called and sanctified saints, for it had also become time for them to enter into their possessing of the kingdom as joint-heirs with Him . But the saints of the most high shall take the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever.Dan 7:18. The seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. Jesus.. said, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Lu 10:17-18
Those of that N.T. generation were witnesses of the installation of a new government and kingdom of heaven from God in this earth - there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. Mt 16:28 A Son's Inheritance! Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Ps 2:8
The four gospels and Acts reveal the kingdom of light in Jesus Christ as it began over-powering the kingdom of darkness's hold upon the earth. The Power of the Gospel!
A "Present" Kingdom : The Sovereign Rule & Reign of Jesus Christ
Everything changed! The Kingdom of Heaven coming to earth changed the definition of "Time". How many times today will the date be written? Every occurrence of the date ..refers to the beginning of God's Heavenly Kingdom Reign ..of Christ's coming to the Earth to set up His Kingdom! Each date relates back to Him!
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, of God.
The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Joh 1:10-14 ..The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Joh 1:17 His name shall be called Jesus. He shall be great and called the son of the highest. The Lord God shall give Him the throne of his father David. Luk 1:31-32
In those days came John the Baptist preaching, ..saying ..Repent (think differently, reconsider), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. I baptize you with water unto repentance (reversing of decision) ..but one is coming who will baptize you with the Holy Ghost (Spirit) & fire. Mat 3:2-3,11
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand (Mrk 1:15) ..Repent: (think differently, reconsider), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Mt 4:17), ..is come nigh unto you (Luk 10:9),.. is come unto you (Mat 12:28)..is within you (Luk 17:21), ..Filled full in the Kingdom.
Some of you standing here shall not taste of death till you have seen the kingdom of God come with power & the son of man coming in His Kingdom Mar 9:1,Mat 16:28
This gospel (good news) of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Mt 24:14
Some 60 odd years later, Apostle John heard a voice proclaim "loudly" in the Spirit .. 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. (note: this proclamation is in middle of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.)
It had happened just as Daniel saw,..judgment sat,.. dominion was taken from one, ..and dominion was given to the Son with His called-out (church) saints from all nations and languages serving Him in His kingdom. Just as Jesus saw ..the world is judged & the prince of this world is judged and cast out ..Joh 12:31,16:11
When we see this "Present Truth" (2Pet 1:12) continuing now as a Present Reality we realize that the invisible Kingdom of God actively exists right Now! (And has been doing so for 2000 years.) It's found in the continuing ministry of the Book of Acts .. Preaching the kingdom of God, & teaching with all confidence those things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ..(Ac 28:31) Knowing that we have received a kingdom which cannot be moved ..(Heb 12:28) Because this kingdom of God is not (a physical kingdom) meat & drink; but it is (a Holy Ghost Kingdom of) righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Spirit). (Ro 14:17)
The present Sovereign Rule & Reign of the kingdom of God from heaven is currently here upon this earth. Jesus, though unseen, presently sits upon the throne of His father David ruling & shepherding his called out ones (church) from his exalted Holy Ghost throne position in the heavenlies. The Psalmist said ..his throne in the heavens and his kingdom rules over all.103:19 ..In 4:26 Daniel said, the heavens do rule in the kingdoms of men.
It was the Son's Inheritance.. What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? ..Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: Ps 8:4,6 ..Sit on my right hand until I make thy foes thy footstool Psa 110:1 ..when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet. ..1Co 15:24-25 ..Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Lu 12:32
The Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Heaven preached about in the Gospels, Acts & Epistles were officially open; even though Kingdom Business had been functioning for several years, but now it was truly open for business, by Jesus' followers at Pentecost. The earth would now have to deal with another monarch, another King who, though invisible, would be Sovereign over all with his new born generation of citizens. They would be the "born again" of the last Adam's race; born by the Water & the Spirit. The Sovereign Rule & the Kingly Reign of the exalted Christ and his saints began in earnest on the day of Pentecost.
The Judgment set. The God of this World and prince of the air was judged and cast out, ..and cast down. The kingdom came in power. They saw the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom. They were the 1st generation to exercise themselves from within the kingdom and the 1st generation to be a partaker and participate with Christ in his dominion on the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Without Observation - A Kingdom Within
One of the greatest issues for people is accepting all of this by faith. Understanding comes out of faith. Faith does not come out of understanding. Until a person believes the good news of Jesus Christ; they are prohibited at this present time from seeing this kingdom. The Kingdom does not appear naturally or physically as all other earth kingdoms. It's governance is global and universal. It has no physical boundaries. It has no race discrimination. It has no language restrictions. It is spiritual and of the heart. It is within. It is literally un-observable to the naked-eye. ..The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: ..Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Lu 17:20-21..Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Have you seen the kingdom of God come with power & the son of man coming in His Kingdom Mar 9:1,Mat 16:28
When anyone believes the good news of Jesus Christ and is born from above, their eyes begin to comprehend the kingdom; the veil over their understanding is gradually removed. Once they see, they can begin to seek the Kingdom of God which is unmovable, ..that holy nation, that royal priesthood kingdom of ministers and priests ..all called to testify and give evidence.. all sent as He was sent ..apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues, pastors, evangelists ..for completely equipping and furnishing the saints in their work of the ministry ..sent out into the earth with the good news message of the Kingdom of God & Jesus Christ.
Christ's Universal Inheritance : Purpose & Mission
Christ' Kinsman Redeemer Mission as a forerunner, not only effected changes upon earth's physical inhabitants; but also upon the invisible spiritual inhabitants and powers in the universal regions of darkness. Christ's reign & rule not only touches the earthly physical sphere, ..but also extends into the vastness of all the spheres and regions of evil and wickedness. The dominion of God's Kingdom of Heaven, thy kingdom come reaches unto all levels of existence, ..both natural & spiritual ..it subdues all ..principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places. (Eph 6:12) Nothing is equal to it, nor is any above it..Jesus's Reign is above all. It's the good news of salvation ..Thy God Reigns! (Isa 52:7)
The Gospels and the Acts began the revealing of the limit-less boundaries and vast-ness of the Son's inheritance. .. I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Ps 2:8 His Kingdom's Sovereign Reign & Rule exhibited his authority in Acts as He began securing his inheritance. The authority and power of Christ's throne continually exercises it's reach every time the good news message touches a lost soul. The sovereign ability and efforts of the Kingdom's power ..manifests Jesus' absolute power to rescue, to reclaim and to restore any lost soul by a Spirit of Re-Birth ..whenever "Faith in the Son" operates. His throne is truly Absolute and Sovereign. All of Legion's demons could not prevent one simple captive soul's believing efforts ..to come to the feet of Jesus.
As the good news of the Kingdom's Sovereign Reign & Rule is preached, ..the Spirit of Heaven is moved for men as they exert their faith in Christ. This faith works opposing hell's prison bars which have held mankind captive. As heaven moves for release, those who don't repent or think differently; ..they rage & imagine vain things with all earthly rulers counseling against the LORD and His Christ anointed one ..Ps 2:1-2 Yes, their resistance is great throughout the earth, but it is of no avail; ..for the LORD God has spoken in Ps 2:6-12.
..Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
..Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
..Ask of me, I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, & thy possession.
..Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; dash them in pieces as a potter's vessel.
..Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way Ps 2:6-12
As the "redemptive" hand of God touches each believer and effects their release from the serpent's captivity, Christ also begins His "reconstructive" work in each of us by his various dealings with us by His Spirit in experiences of .. testings, trials, afflictions, sufferings, and adversities. Another growing-up! That is why ..each believer through much tribulation (crowding pressure, affliction, trouble) enters the kingdom of God. Act 14:22
This Kingdom is under construction within you. That which was lost has been and is being reclaimed & delivered to re-construction along God's same ultimate divine purposes which He had in Genesis. His divine purpose continues His divine nature moves us. His divine power enables us. All to do his bidding, not ours; for his glory.
God is re-building from the rubble. (Remember, we are not born without sin as our King Jesus, so we must continually deal with that inward carnal enmity which repeatedly attempts to raise it's voice to influence us.) It is No wonder that we keep experiencing sufferings. The sufferings are the purgings and prunings which are necessary and always preceed the yielding of more fruit unto righteousness.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: & every branch (in me) that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Joh 15:2
Without these purgings we would not stay ..poor in Spirit; we would become spiritually spoiled brats ..filled with an attitude of entitlement, ..full of ourselves. It also explains the trial of our faith, which is so much more precious than gold's fiery trial because our purging and cleansing brings praise, honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1Pe 1:7 1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 1Pe 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
The spirit of entitlement is so prevalent today in the secular culture and within the Christian church system. Yet, this crowding pressure of tribulation keeps his yielded ones on proper ground entering into the kingdom of God's inheritance and Christ's reign.
On the one hand, the kingdom is ..poor in Spirit, ..as a little child (Mat 5:3, Luk 18:17) while on the other hand, ..the kingdom is violent & taking by force in the un-seen regions whenever believers press into their inheritance. (Mat 11:12, Luk 16:16).
Yes it is the good news of the sovereign rule and reign of God. The good news is that the throne of God's heavenly kingdom "presently" exists; even though it is invisible. Christ occupies this throne position, ..where all power and authority in heaven and earth is based in Him, who is Lord of all Lords & King of all Kings ..over all that is earthly and spiritual globally and universally.
"Out of Hopelessness" Always Comes Life from the Dead
As we often reach a hopelessness in our experiences, God turns it into a restoration and resurrection of life from the dead. Abram count the stars, so shall your seed be ..hopelessness yet with a barren wife.
It happened in Egypt with an Exodus from a 400 year bondage of hopelessness. The walls of Jericho were impregnable; it was hopeless. The Valley of Achor which became Achan's place of death & destruction would later become a door of hope. Hos 2:15 Later, Ezekiel, Can these bones live?....humanly - it's hopeless. The hinderances & obstacles of Satan appear over & over.. although that "hell which is meant for evil" unto us ..God continuously turns it to our good. ..always furthering the gospel at the devil's expense.
The parables illustrate this. Evil that is always looking for an advantage never stops the sovereign rule and reign of Him who sits on the throne...the heavens do rule (Dan 4:26),
..inspite of the tares sown by the enemy at night to counterfeit the kingdom,
..inspite of many fowls which lodge in the branches of the Kingdom Tree,
..inspite of it all ..the leaven keeps working unto fullness,
..inspite of the Kingdom net catching both bad and good, and inspite of all of this evil intertwined ..so adjacent to the kingdom,
...yet it never becomes the kingdom and the kingdom overcomes it all.
The sovereign reign and rule of Christ's kingdom keeps furthering God's purposes ..inspite of all of hell's obstacles. That which is meant for evil is over & over is turned to good.(Gen 50:20) All things keep working together for good... Rom 8:28
Someone has said, that no matter how poor "the hand" which has been dealt us.. God's kingdom & throne always comes out on top, winning!
That is why we are called "overcomers". Even when evil is allowed to sit upon the throne of the temple declaring that he is god..2Th 2:4; yet, he is debased and brought done ..Just as Babylon, ..Just as Rome. Christ's throne is presently Working in this Earth. The good news of the sovereignty of the Kingdom's throne in this earth is that.. Satan is allowed to go as far as he can, but is always countered by the throne, ..and is used to fulfill God's will and purpose.
The "Kingdom is Come" and the "Kingdom as Present Truth" (2Pe 1:12) is always working in direct opposition to the darkness of this world. The throne of the Son is always operating, delivering, saving, rescuing, healing, teaching, guiding, empowering and delivering.
Whether believers comprehend the vast reach and operation of God's sovereign reign in this world, or not, ..the book of Acts continues as we see believers from one generation to the next continually declaring their settled and un-yielding faith in Christ's Kingdom power, ..even unto physical death. Their confidence in the Christ Jesus' exaltation to the Throne of the Kingdom of Heaven never wavers as they live out the years of their earthly natural lives during their season of witness;..during your season of testimony on earth. Nothing hell does changes things. Christ Rules through it All! (Most believe that the end of the New Testament season is upon us & Christ's 2nd Appearing/Coming is approaching quickly.)
Remember, no matter the challenges and reversals we experience, nor the waters & rivers we face, ..they do not overflow us, ..even when we walk through the fire we are not burned ..for our God is with us ..Isa 43:2..so we come boldly to the throne of His Grace, that we may find mercy and grace for help in time of need. Heb 4:16
The Sovereignty of the Son's Throne Allows So Much
If workers for God could have their way, they would diligently see to it that God has exactly what He desires and would literally keep everything less than Him, ..out! The Natural Religious man and the natural minded believer has been doing just that since the tower of Babel. Gen 11:4 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.
Natural religious man builds hedges and walls around God's property to protect it and keep all inside exclusively for God. Which seems admirable. We see how evident this has played out in all religions; ..especially in the multitude of Christian denominations, groups, institutions, and organizations. It is evident in their numerous systems of charters, handbooks, doctrines, codes, creeds and religious laws. This attitude exists not only in protecting; but also in dividing, even killing (spiritually speaking) all who are not like them, both spiritually and naturally.
Yet, the parables of the Kingdom reveal that God's Sovereign Rule & Reign allows evil to work amongst; but never changes the ultimate out-come. It is as if the devil is given great freedom, while yet on a leash. During all of the challenges of darkness, we should not forget that the Throne of Jesus Christ always has the last word of authority and the last say. Remember,..Jesus couldn't crucify himself. Hell did it for Him! Hell working for God! ..Can you see it!
Look again at these parables..
**The kingdom of heaven is as of a sower ..so much seed ..falls to the wayside, so much seed with insufficient root, ..so much seed choked out by the world, cares of life, & riches, yet fruit is yielded; ..30,60, & 100 fold. (Mat 13:3-9,18-23).
**The kingdom of heaven is as of tares and wheat ..the enemy has done this, shall we root them up ..no, let them grow till the harvest. (Mat 13:24-30,37-43)
**The kingdom of heaven is as of a grain of mustard ..when the least of all seeds is sown it becomes a tree where the birds (evil) lodge in its branches (Mat 13:31-32)
**The kingdom of heaven is as of leaven (evil) which leavens the whole.(Mat 13:33)
**The kingdom of heaven is as of a net ..where gospel net catches every kind when it is brought to shore ..good & bad are separated at the end of world (Mat 13:47-50)
Do you see how much the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Heaven condones? So much is condoned and will later in the end be rejected. Thus, all that the enemy does ultimately does not affect God getting his pre-determined outcome. Christians have such a difficult and perplexing time tolerating all that Heaven allows to be associated with God's Kingdom. In fact, not only does the throne permit it, ..but the throne uses it ..to further the gospel and to further God's purposes.
Heaven's throne will have its way in the end, even if it allows associations which will be later discarded. It is another example of Christ's all power in heaven & earth; the sovereignty of Christ's Throne within the earth. Remember, hell served God's purpose in Nailing Jesus to the Cross. Angels did not have to do it! Thus, even the Devil ended up Serving God's purpose!
Hear these words..
..understand ..the things which happened unto me ..Php 1:12
..we would have come unto you, ..but Satan hindered us. 1Th 2:18
..the messenger of Satan to buffet me .. 2Co 12:7
...the things ..have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; Php 1:12
..ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, ..Ge 50:20
..we know that..All things work together for good ..Rom 8:28
The Kingdom of Heaven, though invisible, is a present truth & a present reality in this earth. The throne of the Son, ..the Lord Jesus Christ, ..is now a present reality and has been so since Inauguration Day, 2000 years ago, on the Day of Pentecost. God's throne was & is established!
**..after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule. Da 4:26
**..his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Ps 103:19
A Judgment sat 2000 years ago which cast all powers down and under the power of Christ's throne. (God did not wait till the After-Life Judgment) Dominion was taken from one and given to the Son; the Lord Jesus Christ. (Dan 7:13-14) The time had come for the release for every lost captive who would exercise faith in Jesus Christ. Peter said (Acts 2:30-33) .."this Jesus whom you killed, God raised up from the dead, to sit on David's throne and is therefore exalted today receiving the Holy Ghost and today sheds forth this you see and hear" (paraphrased) The Kingdom of Heaven's throne is operating at full-speed ahead in this earth. The good news of God's Kingdom is being preached in all the world, giving evidence (evidential testimont-witness) of Christ, before the end comes and His 2nd Appearing.
Giving Evidence Throughout the Earth
Mt 24:14 And this (good news) gospel of the kingdom (sovereign reign & rule) shall be preached(proclaimed) in all the world for a witness (judicial-evidential testimony) unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
The good news of the sovereign reign and rule of the kingdom was to be heralded, published, & proclaimed through-out the whole globe giving witness, "testimonial judicial evidence" to all nations before the end comes. It was never the good news of socialist rule, ..it was never the good news of communistic rule, .. it was never the good news of emperor rule, ..it was never the good news of democratic rule, ..It has always been the good news of the Kingly Rule & Reign of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazereth!
The mission of giving witness (testimonial evidence) unto the reign of Jesus Christ's Kingdom on earth began in the Book of Acts. The Acts record ends after 30 years or so, but the giving of witness or testimonial evidence from nation to nation has continued. The evidence given was proclaiming Jesus as King, Savior, Healer, and Deliverer of All captives ..with signs, miracles, and wonders following the preaching of the present good news truth. Their methodology was exhibited as they followed Christ's instructions. "Go preach saying, "The kingdom (sovereign reign & rule) of heaven (of God) is at hand (is come nigh you..Luk 10:9), heal the sick, (Luk 9:2) cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils, ..freely you have received, freely give (Mat 10:7-8)
As people's faith in Christ Jesus responds, ..they repent (reconsider.. think differently, reverse, turn their decisions) and by faith are born from above "to see the Kingdom" and by faith are born from above by the water & the Spirit "to enter the Kingdom". Part of each believer's inheritance is to See and to Enter the Kingdom of Heaven while living a testimonial life while on this earth.
It also includes entering a new abundant life; ..healed of broken hearts, ..delivered from spiritual captivity, and set at liberty. Changed lives! The proclamation of the good news produces concrete evidential evidence of the present Kingdom of God resulting in "new creatures" with a new creation life in our Lord & King Jesus Christ. The proof is in the Changed Lives! The New Creation Life in the midst of surrounding Death! Come Quickly Lord Jesus!
Our heavenly Father's intentions have never strayed from his original divine purpose to have ..out of Abraham's faith ..a family, ..a nation, ..a kingdom of priests, ..a holy nation, ..ministers of the Lord, ..where all know the Lord. (Gen 12: 2-3, Ex 19:6, Isa 61:6, Jer 31:34)
It was never really God's intention to start a Religion; it was really to start a New Nation Family. We were sent to Preach Good News that the Kingdom is Come; ..never to preach Church ..which really only comes out of preaching the Kingdom. And yet the Kingdom still Reigns, ..in spite of believer's preaching Church, ..in spite of fowls sheltering in the Kingdom Tree. In spite of every opposing obstacle which men erect with their good intentions, ..the Kingdom is increasingly being sung and preached throughout the earth.
The Revelation of Christ becomes so much clearer when the christian life is framed within Kingdom terms. There is great resistance within men and women, churches and religious groups to.. "Preach the good news of the Kingdom", ..but it is Christ's will. Mt 24:1
And this gospel(good news) of the kingdom(sovereign reign & rule) shall be preached(proclaimed) in all the world for a witness (evidencial testimony) unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Jesus.. shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them 40 days, speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: Acts 1:3
EVEN SO COME LORD JESUS!