Thy Kingdom Carriers

Page 1

W

O

R

L

D

W

I

D

E

THY

KINGDOM www.ThyKingdomCarriers.com Vol 2014 Issue II

››Why Did Jesus Come To Earth

Dr Rod Howell

Athens, Alabama

Happy New Year

Letter From Publisher

Dr. Nancy B. Schwartz

ISSN 2164-148X (Print) ISSN 2164-1501 (Online)

Jan - March 2014

Ocala, Florida

Carolina Kingdom Gathering II January 25, 2014 Columbia, South Carolina www.thykingdomcarriers.com


Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He replied to them by saying, The kingdom of God does not come with signs to be observed or with visible display, Nor will people say, Look! Here [it is]! or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you]. Luke 17:20-21


Table of Contents Publisher’s Letter..................................4. Kingdom Messengers Pakistan...........................................6 Germany..........................................7 Italy..................................................8 Purposeful Living..................................9 Holistic Health....................................10 Bible Study..........................................12. A Deeper Look ...................................13 Awake Nations ..............................14-15

Connecting and Uniting His Children Worldwide “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:21 (KJV) Publisher Nancy B. Schwartz Enterprises thykingdomcarriers@ yahoo.com www.nancybschwartz.com Editor and Executive Editor Nancy B. Schwartz (Florida/Philippines) Articles Editor Dr. Kevin Storr (Texas) Editorial Board Nancy B. Schwartz (Florida/Philippines) Dr. Rod Howell (Alabama) Dr. Kevin Storr (Texas) Creative Design Julie Rezendes (Florida) julie@jlrezcommunications.com Chief Marketing Ambassador Timothy Ellington (Virginia) advancingkingdombusiness@gmail.com

Thy Kingdom Carriers

Contributing Writers Nancy Bocalan Schwartz (Florida/Philippines) Patricia Banks Moore (South Carolina) Maurizio Tiezzi (Italy) Dr. Leonard Robinson (Pennsylvania) Dr. Kevin Storr (Texas) Derrick Wood (Virginia) Lavada Humphrey (Illinois) Israel Ikpeka (Nigeria) Dr. Helen Copeland (Florida) Julio Alvarado (Wisconsin) Mike Hill (Georgia) Dr. Dana Davis (North Carolina) Devin Rajah (Mauritius) Eric Supen (Germany) Glenn Bleakney (Canada) Dr. Rod Howell (Alabama) Pastor Reggie Jones (South Carolina) Pastor Rodney Ballenger (South Carolina) Pastor Tim Copeland (South Carolina) Apostle DC Terry Sr. (South Carolina)

Thy Kingdom Carriers | thykingdomcarriers@yahoo.com | www.thykingdomcarriers.com

©Thy Kingdom Carriers is published quarterly by Nancy B. Schwartz Enterprises. All contents copyright 2013 by TKC, Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing can be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Publisher is not responsible for claims and content of advertisers.

January - March ✻ 2014 -THY KINGDOM CARRIERS

|3


Publisher’s Letter

NewYear is HERE! I am reminded of King Solomon’s words,“Nothing Theis new under the sun.” What do you look forward to in this New Year?

It has all been provided by our Creator, before this New Year began and even before we were birthed in this earth. We are to seek, pursue and discover all the blessings that was stored and prepared for each one of us in His Kingdom, which is within us (Luke 17:21). The revelation for you and I this year is hidden in us who are in Christ Jesus - Who Is ALL. He has the answers and secrets to the abundant, prosperous and peaceful life in the Spirit. This allows us to influence this world, with the culture of Heaven. As a son of God in Christ, we are seated in heaven with Him, and whatever we bind or loose on earth will be bound and loosed in heaven. The Power to bring change in this world is upon you and I. It is FINISHED, and we are the representatives and implementers of His plans, which He has determined for His Glory and Eternal Purpose. Knowing who we are is the KEY to a NEW REDISCOVERY of what has been before the foundation of this world. Our NEW attitude and mind in Christ is to continually be renewed and refreshed as the seasons come and go. There are no old things in Heaven; therefore we are to allow NEW MANNA to fall from heaven through our lives in the Spirit. I am in great expectation of a RENEWED MIND and ATTITUDE with the help of the Holy Spirit, to bring the NEW things, which we have yet to see into existence this year. Press in; ask, seek and knock for His wisdom and revelation that we may live according to His Perfect Will in 2014! You are blessed, so receive 2014 and the FRESH AND NEW THINGS in Christ.

Happy New Year!

Maria Nancy B. Schwartz 3rd

Year!

Celebrating Three Years. Glory be to God!! View the digital magazine online by visiting www.thykingdomcarriers.com and you can download the file so you can print it for your copy.

4

| THY KINGDOM CARRIERS -

January - March ✻ 2014


The Pursuit of Kingdom Value is a bold foraging into the complicated mindset of human capital and significance. The end result is a mapped, simple paradigm of thought, birthed from the reduction of complicated ideology and defined by the Kingdom’s presentation of human worth. Dr. Myles Munroe We as people perceive value through differing lens; this perspective shapes how we respond to our parents, peers, leaders and life challenges. Professor Storr early in The Pursuit of Kingdom Value surgically exposes the inadequacies and fallacies of conventional thoughts and commonly held misunderstandings on value. He reconstructs the subject in a handsome thesis which is sure to bring a shine to the gold which is - every person reading this book. As you journey through the pages you will learn how to: • • • •

Utilize and live by the Kingdom’s presentation of value. Recognize how value is currently defined. Increase your value through appreciation. Cultivate your value through opportunities and time management. • Trade your value for personal and corporate benefit.

AVAILABLE October 2013 at www.kevinstorr.com and www.amazon.com

Coming Soon in English Version!


Kingdom Messengers

Pakis ta

n

Dealing with Your Flesh As God’s image-bearers though we become marred and stained by sin, we still bear God’s image. When we become a Christian we get a new heart, nature and empowerment through the Holy Spirit; this is the great doctrine of regeneration. However, our fleshly desires and yearnings don’t completely leave until we are glorified. We die, rise and start over as it were. The Bible talks a lot about the flesh and teaches that the flesh is the inner propensity or inclination to do evil. In the New Testament there are two similar words that may make the distinction more clear. First, there is the Greek word Sema (seema), which means, “body,” referring to our physical body. Secondly, there is the Greek word Sark, which means the “spiritual inclination toward evil.” The NIV translation often translates “the flesh” (Greek – sarx) as “the sinful nature.” God the Holy Spirit, dwells in and empowers believers and fulfills the regenerated desires of the new heart. “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” Paul put it this way, “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:16) The flesh is the inner propensity or inclination to do evil. Whereas the world is our external enemy, the flesh is an internal enemy. The flesh has sinful desires and rebellious proclivities, whereas the world continually provides opportunities for the flesh to sin. It is paramount that we learn how to overcome the desires of the flesh. There are cravings within us that sometimes pull on us like an addiction. They seem to have always been with you and have even at times tormented you. They go far deeper than any physical addiction ever could. They reach beyond your body, your mind, or your emotions. They seem to reside in a place where our deepest and most powerful cravings lay; and they do not live there silently. What is that craving of yours? It is the “flesh.” It always seems to have its desires and demands, and no matter how much it is either denied or satisfied, it always craves for more. The Bible teaches that there are three forms of evil influence that exert their power over the lives of people to lead them into transgression and away from God. These three enemies are simply described as the world, the flesh, and the devil. The key is coming to a place of honesty about

the hooks in the flesh. What is the hook you’re most prone to bite on? For example, sex, drugs, alcohol, money, pride, control, comfort, food – what is it that Satan tends to bait you with? What is it that you most frequently bite on? It is important to understand that “flesh” is not just your physical body. We have a natural tendency to link the two. Biblically, however, “flesh” means “your internal resistance to God.” The flesh is out to kill any and everything dear to us: intimacy with God, our marriages, entire generations, churches and friendships. It kills people through gluttony, addictions, drink, smoking and snorting until we die. Either you kill your sin or it will kill you. So kill it! The Holy Spirit allows us to say “no” to ungodliness, worldliness and temptation; but the key is that we need to walk in a conscious relationship with the Holy Spirit. This is not some bizarre mystical weird thing. It is mystical, but only in the sense that it is via the Spirit of God. Some of the access points of this conscious relationship are through spiritual disciplines like: prayer, talking to God, reading the Bible, being in fellowship and community with other believers, being under godly, helpful, spiritual authority, pursuing counsel and repenting regularly of sin. It is paying attention to the conscience that the Holy Spirit uses to convince us of our sin, error and folly. ✽

About Author: Shahzad Ansar is Founder and Senior Pastor at THE VISION CHURCH MINISTRIES, a non-profit; faith based church planting apostolic organization. He has planted five churches and College of Leadership & Missions in Pakistan. He is also teaching the Urdu language and literature at Forman Christian College University, Lahore. In addition, he hosts a nationwide weekly FM Radio show and is an anchor of the TV talk show, “The Journey of Faith.”

Shahzad Ansar The Vision Church Ministries Lahore, Pakistan

6

| THY KINGDOM CARRIERS -

January - March ✻ 2014


Kingdom Messengers

Carriers of His Presence As the year 2014 unfolds, it should be the resolve of every citizen of God’s Kingdom and the church globally to be, “the dwelling place of the king of Glory.” Every aspect of our daily interactions or way of life should be expressive of this true reality. Jesus did not send the Holy Spirit to visit the church, instead to dwell in every citizen and amongst every community of kingdom citizens. Visitation was never God’s best for the church, “becoming a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit,” has always been His best intention for the church globally.

Ephesians 2: 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit Emphasis mine, NIV

When Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,” (Acts 1:8), He was revealing how the indwelling of God’s Spirit in the life of a believer, can reproduce heavenly realities on earth. Jesus was not speaking to His disciples out of a

mental, emotional or intellectual experience with the Spirit of God. He was bearing witness to, testifying about and representing the proof or evidence of the works of the Holy Spirit displayed in His own life and through His ministry to mankind. He escaped being killed several times, raised the dead to life, casted out demons, healed the sick, fed 5000 men (by multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish), walked on water and conquered death through His resurrection.

In John 14:12, Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father (NIV).” We have a calling therefore, that is heavenly but with an earthly influence and impact. Dr. Myles Munroe defines power as the ability to change circumstances. This is the thrust of the Kingdom of God, "to change people, circumstances and nations to reflect the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth." Yes! God is able to do mighty works of transformation in your life, family, domain of influence and nation through His power at work in you, and through you, to the glory of His name. Ephesians 3: 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen (Emphasis mine, NIV).

My prayer as you live out God’s will for the year 2014, is for your spirit to become synchronized with the dictates and the appetites of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:5-8). The truth is, because you are united with the Lord, you are one with Him in spirit or have become one with His Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6: 17, But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit (Emphasis mine, NIV). You are destined to operate in the class of God; to manifest His moral qualities and function like Him (Genesis 1:26-28). This article is meant to encourage, empower and cause your spirit to prophetically and apostolically align with heavenly truth and realities. You are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). You carry the presence of the King of Kings wherever you go (Mark 16:20). It is the Father living in you who will be doing His work in and through you in the year 2014 (John 14:10, 11). 2014 is not meant to be a year of words only, but of the demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit living in you (1 Corinthians 2:4, 5, 1 Corinthians 4:20). Be blessed (empowered to prosper) as you live in the year 2014, knowing you are a carrier of God’s presence. Know also that through you, the Kingdom of God will bring life, hope, peace, joy, divine perspective, order, healing, restoration and transformation. What an awesome time to be alive and an ambassador of the Kingdom of God! ✽

Eric N. Supen, Germany esupen@googlemail.com

January - March ✻ 2014 -THY KINGDOM CARRIERS

|7


Kingdom Messengers

The Kingdom of God and the Human Spirit Today we hear more and more about the Kingdom of God being in us, and that we are carriers of the Kingdom and His Glory. The Kingdom of God refers neither to a place nor a time. Instead, it refers to a condition of men’s hearts in which the rulership of God is sovereign. This is manifested through the lives of those who make his Kingdom and Righteousness their priority. For where our priority is, there our heart will be also. These are the Kingdom Carriers, the ones who put their continued trust, in Jesus and his message. They commit themselves to live the holy lives God’s rulership demands, in order to manifest His glory and allow humankind to acknowledge it. Jesus says that He brought the Kingdom of God to planet Earth. He says that this Kingdom is in us, referring to the inner changes that take place when we faithfully trust in God and are filled with the Spirit of the King. He also says that it is the Holy Spirit that comes in us, from which point He flows out of our spirit, manifesting his divine changing power and His victory over the devil. In other words, Jesus brings a spiritual Kingdom, consisting in new modes of relationships among believers - it is in fact a new way of facing the circumstances of life. The King says that His sovereign authority is manifested through the ones who receive, carry and live according to his instructions, by the Holy Spirit. Therefore:

It is crucial to know how our spirit functions and its potential, in order to release the Holy Spirit

He supplies us with the specific resources and power needed to reach them. All of us have the freedom of choice in expressing these urges to live our eternal destiny. God’s oriented motivations are the keys to carrying and releasing the Kingdom of Heaven. Though we can see and enter the Kingdom of God. Though we can receive and carry the Spirit of the King, yet, we can hinder the King’s rule in us when our motivations are wrong and our choices are nonproductive or even destructive. These may block, drain or restrain the Holy Spirit’s flow out of us. However, the Holy Spirit will always keep urging us to unconditionally entrust our lives to the hands of Jesus. This allows us to receive the overflowing of grace, that is, the gift of being considered righteous. We can then much more rule in life and manifest the unshakable Kingdom we carry! ✽

and manifest the Kingdom of God which is “in us”.

It is crucial that the King rules in our lives, that we submit to the King, that we keep being

faithful to his instructions notwithstanding the circumstances, in order for us to show how good and faithful God is.

It is crucial to know and remove what can block, drain and restrain our spirit and thus block, drain and restrain the flow of the Holy Spirit out of us.

Author Maurizio Tiezzie of Siena, Italy has released his first book in his country and language. Stay tuned for the English Version that is coming to the United States soon!

It is crucial to know that the Holy Spirit in our inner core motivates us with His urges to reach

God’s given goals and delineates the personal qualities we need to achieve those goals. Further,

Maurizio Tiezzi Italy maurizio@cantonuovo.org

8

| THY KINGDOM CARRIERS -

January - March ✻ 2014


Purposeful Living Building the Kingdom: A Foundation for “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. ” Ephesians 2:19–22 (ESV)

No matter where we are in life, we all look forward to the feelings of freshness that come with the dawning of a new year. With the renewed excitement for change, we spout of New Year’s resolutions with the adamant hopes that somehow this year will be better than the last. Yet, within the first month or so, we tend to find ourselves in the same rut or routine. Life changes, like anything else that is built, can only last as long as the material from which it is built. Anything that needs to last for a long period of time needs to be constructed with high quality material. Oftentimes we become so excited at the aspect of change that we

Change

neglect the most important part of building change in our lives the foundation upon which change is built. In Eph. 2:19-22, Paul described the household of God as “… being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets…” with Christ Himself as the cornerstone. Paul then went on to state that it was from this foundation that the whole structure was joined together to form a holy temple and that we ourselves were also being built in a similar fashion. If God has built His household on an unmovable foundation and since we are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16), it behooves us to build the changes we create in our lives on the same foundation that God chose - His Kingdom. The foundation of the household of God is the teachings of the apostles, the prophets, and the ministry of Christ, which is the Coming and Establishment of the Kingdom of God on Earth. Jesus made this the priority of His ministry (Matt. 6:33), and so did the prophets before Him (Isa. 9:6-7) as well as the apostles (Acts 19:8-9). From beginning to end, the Bible unfolds the story of God’s plan to establish a heavenly colony in an earthly realm. It is this foundation that God chose to build His household upon. So how important is a foundation? The foundation of a building mainly serves three purposes: it provides strength and stability for the structure; it serves as an anchor against natural forces; and it protects the building from underground threats. When we consider the elements that prevent lasting change in our lives, what are some of the reasons why we never see the change come to fruition? Either we cave in to weakness due to a lack of strength and will power (no stability); perhaps “things happen” that seem to be beyond our control (natural forces); or maybe problems occur from sources we never suspected such as family, close friends, etc. (underground/hidden threats). These are all issues that a foundation serves to prevent. However, allowing God to build the foundation for change in our lives can be a long and tedious process; and God does not take shortcuts. Often, we want to see the structure of the building so quickly that we neglect the weightier matters. The foundation of a building is hidden and deep, such is the work God does to build the foundation for change in our lives. As God develops the power of His Kingdom in our lives, let us be reminded this year, to let patience have its perfect work (James 1:4). ✽

Mike Hill Georgia www.the-kingdom-life-experience.socialgo.com

January - March ✻ 2014 -THY KINGDOM CARRIERS

|9


Holistic Health

Anatomy of a

Hu man Cell

I’m sharing these basics about cells

Healthy-Happy Cells

Understanding Cells

Unhealthy-Unhappy Cells

because it is important that we begin to really understand and take the proper steps in reaching optimal health at the cellular level. This can be accomplished by having proper nutrition through vegetables, fruit and herbs, along with a substantial amount of water that our body calls for when needed.

The individual cell is the structural and functional unit of the human body (or any organism for that matter). No one is sure just how many cells the average body has but we do know that it is somewhere in the trillions. Each system is dependent upon each and every organ that plays a role in the system (as well as the rest which are integral to one’s overall functioning). Each organ is dependent upon the health and integrity of the tissues that compose it. Finally, we realize that the tissues are dependent upon the health and integrity of the cells that compose it as well as that of the sub-cellular organelles that compose the cells! Thus, our physical health and wellbeing depends upon the health of the trillions of cells that make up our body. When our body’s cells are “happy,” they perform their varied functions efficiently in a mutually supportive, harmonious, “work” environment, which supports their synergistic, integrated function and survival. Happy cells work for the mutual good of the whole body. Diseased cells shifts into survival mode and are no longer productive, supportive participants in the health-maintaining metabolic processes of the body. Once a cell stops working harmoniously with the surrounding cells, it starts to work only for its own survival, which, as in the case of cancer cells, may not be in the best interest of the body.

1. Take in only nutrients needed to function properly. 2. Grow to a fairly uniform size and shape. 3. Multiply only when needed or directed to. 4. Do not infringe on each other’s space. 5. Communicate and cooperate with each other for the good of the whole organism. 1. Take in all the nutrients they can get, thereby depriving surrounding cells of vital nutrients. 2. Keep growing beyond their normal preprogrammed size and shape. 3. Multiply out of control. 4. Infringe upon and push into and damage surrounding healthy cells. 5. Cease to communicate and/or cooperate with other cells or the body as a whole.

This leads to a breakdown in the function and structural integrity of the tissue or organ involved.

An Introduction to cells and Cell Theory Cell theory states:

 Cells are the building blocks of all plants and animals. The division of pre-existing cells produces all cells.  Cells are the smallest units that perform all vital physiological functions. Each cell maintains homeostasis (balance) at the cellular level.  Homeostasis at higher levels reflects combined, coordinated action of many cells.  Homeostasis is the property of a system (cell, tissue, organ, organism), either open or closed, that regulates its internal

environment and tends to maintain a stable, constant condition. Homeostasis is one of The Most Important concepts you can learn to help enhance a person’s health!  The study of the formation, structure & function of cells is called Cytology.  The human body contains many different types of cells.

A typical cell

 Is surrounded by extra-cellular fluid, which is the interstitial fluid of the tissue.  Has an outer boundary called the cell membrane or plasma membrane.  Has many components including the cellular organelles briefly listed above and discussed below in more detail.  These organelles carry out all of the vital processes required for life.  The cell must take in nutrients from the interstitial fluid; use those nutrients to create all the substance needed to carry of life; and eliminate any products meant for use outside the cell (exported products) as well as all waste products.

If you find yourself sick with any disease it all falls back to the condition of your cells. In our next article we will cite several herbs, which are shown to be beneficial to the cells of our bodies. ✽

Dr. Timothy Ellington Certified Herbalist Herbal Right to Health! http:www.kingdomherbologyacademy.com

10

| THY KINGDOM CARRIERS -

January - March ✻ 2014


SOON!

Carolina Kingdom Coalition Gathering lll Charlotte, North Carolina Hosted by Dr. Dana Davis of The Kingdom Learning Center

www.thykingdomcarriers.com January - March âœť 2014 -THY KINGDOM CARRIERS

| 11


Bible School

Why did Jesus Come to Earth?

Some will say the only reason He came was to die for our sins. If this was solely the case, then why did He spend 33 years on earth? Some will say He came to show us how to live, then how to die. But, if we put away what “they say” and focus on what Jesus said and what is written in the Scripture, we can obtain the answer to “why Jesus came?”

In short, Jesus had a cause, a purpose, and a mission for coming. The scripture reveals all three. For His mission and cause; Jesus said of himself in John 18:37 when Pilate asked him, “art thou a King?” Jesus replies “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” His Purpose is revealed in 1 John 3: 8, “He that committeth sin is of the devil, for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” What are the works of the devil? In addition to being a liar (John 8:44), the devil works to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10), through spirits and powers, in our minds. These works are not physical or tangible, but spiritual death, spiritual theft, and spiritual destruction. That is why Jesus did not give us guns and knives, but spiritual power, love, and a sound mind (2Tim. 1:17) to fight the devil’s deceptive works. This is what is meant in 1 John 4:9, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” This living, is not just day to day existing, but living as Kingdom Citizens with dominion in our Creators image and likeness (Genesis 1:26). As far as our sin problem is concerned, it is written in 1John 3:5, “And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.” The first key word in this passage to understand is ‘manifested’. Manifest is the Greek word ‘phaneroō’, {to make actual and visible; realized; to make known by teaching; thoroughly understood}. The other key word in this scripture passage is ‘take away’ a Greek word ‘airō’, {to raise up from the ground; to move from its place; to carry off that which is attached to anything}. What 1John 3:5 means is, in Jesus’ life (not death) was our sins taken away, according to the definition of the words. Let me explain 1John 3:5 this scripture in case

“And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.”

you are confused. Jesus came to manifest, or to visibly and thoroughly make known, our purpose for Kingdom l i v i n g , through His teachings. By our rediscovery and apprehending this knowledge and teaching, a spiritual transformation of our mind takes place (Rom. 12:2), thereby spiritually taking away, or moving the place or attachment of sin from our mind, desire, or hearts. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...” We need the knowledge or precepts of Jesus’ life and His teaching or philosophy, to stir up the gift in us to give spiritual rebirth to our spirit (1Pet. 1:23) in order to enter the Kingdom realm (John 3:5) and live here on earth as Jesus commanded. Don’t get me wrong, Jesus’ death was important and has its own cause, purpose, and benefit, which I hope to share later in the year. However, if we continue to go through life only hearing about Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, we may miss his return when He comes again as the Jews missed His first coming. Some will say his death and the cross is the only gospel we are to preach. Again, what gospel did Jesus preach in Matthew 4:23; 9:35; 24:14; Mark 1:14 -15? It was the gospel (good news) of the Kingdom of God. Today, we can see the powerless results of many Christians who fail to take on His yoke and learn of Him and His Kingdom teachings (Matt. 11:29). Jesus spent the majority of his preaching and teaching on Kingdom principles, for Kingdom living here on earth. The Bible declares these Kingdom concepts from Genesis to Revelation. So, let us stop fruitlessly hiding behind His cross from the enemy, while waiting for our turn to fly away and escape the troubles of this world. As Kingdom Citizens we are to keep renewing our mind so as to live as He lived, with dominion and fruitfulness. Thus, the world will know the cause, mission, and purpose of Jesus’ coming to earth. ✽

Dr Roderick Howell President Freedom Bible School Alabama www.kmehub.org

12

| THY KINGDOM CARRIERS -

January - March ✻ 2014


A Deeper Look

Your Personal-Kingdom-Book that contains Truth for Daily Living One of the most impactful discoveries I have ever made is the revelation that God has authored a book on my life. This is a concept that I was unaware of, even though I had been a born-again Christian for over 20 years. Though I was taught God knows everything about me, including the number of hairs on my head, no one ever taught me that God had written a book on my life before I was even conceived on this earth. What I discovered literally put me in a state of shock. Over the past 20 years, I’ve probably attended 2,000 church services, numerous religious conferences, and hundreds of Bible studies. I’ve also completed a number of religious certification courses. I don’t ever remember someone teaching me about or even mentioning that such a book exists. What shocked me most was, after I discovered this book was a biblical concept, I quickly realized my life to that point did not line up with the contents of the book, which contained the detailed will of God for my life. I was writing my own book according to my own will and this book included my assumptions of what the will of God was for my life. The problem with that was, when it comes down to it, assumptions don’t cut it. I was in essence writing a book of fiction with my life. I wasn’t living from a reference point of truth that originates in God. At times, my life took on the story line of a joke book. In other seasons of my life, it probably looked more like the plot of a horror story. Some parts might have read like a romance novel, and in a few places followed the line of inspirational fiction … but it wasn’t the true book of my life as God had foreseen and written before I was born. My journey to discover that such a book existed, led me to discover that even Jesus had a book on His life: “Therefore when He comes into the world, He says, ‘Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but You have prepared a body for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have had no pleasure. Then I said, Lo, I come in the volume of the Book it is written of Me to do Your will, O God’” (Hebrews 10:5-7). Traditional understanding of this scripture has been that this “volume” or “book” refers to the Old Testament. A scripture that is used to validate this belief is, “And He said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms about Me’” (Luke 24:44). Though there are numerous, indisputable, prophetic scriptures fulfilled by Jesus recorded in the Old Testament that He fulfilled, the details of His daily assignments are not found in the Old Testament writings. The details for His daily life came from another book, which was also a form of scripture that came straight from the mouth of God. Jesus received those details from God the Father on a daily basis through the avenue of prayer. An in-depth examination into Jesus’ prayer life as well as some of the words that He spoke and that were spoken about Him reveal the presence of another book that coincided with the Old

Julio Alvarado Waukesha, Wisconsin alvaradoj@wi.rr.com www.Julioalvaradojr.com

Testament writings of His life. The following verses gives proof that Jesus did much more than what was documented about Him in the Old Testament scriptures: “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book” (John 20:30). “And there are also many things, whatever Jesus did, which if they were written singly, I suppose the world itself could not contain the books having been written. Amen” (John 21:25). One of the greatest secrets of Jesus’ prayer life is the fact that during His prayer sessions He was being read to, according to the volume of the Kingdom book that God had authored on His life. This is what made His life so precise. The content of His personal Kingdom book contained the details for His daily living. Every morning before He would begin His normal daily activities, He would position Himself to learn what was written about Him and then produce the works to make what was spoken to Him a reality (Isa. 50:4-5). When you take the time to listen and record daily instructions from God, as He lets you know His will for your life, this becomes scripture for your life. You end up recording a book that contains the details of your life, which were documented by God before you were ever conceived on this earth. “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!” (Ps. 139:1617 NIV). Make a New Year’s resolution that 2014 will be the most accurate year of your life. Do this by beginning your day, positioned, like Jesus did every morning, to be read to and to receive truth, according to the volume of the Kingdom book that is written about you.✽

January - March ✻ 2014 -THY KINGDOM CARRIERS

| 13


Awake Nations

Living in the Economy of the Kingdom Having traveled to various developing nations, I noticed that some of the richest countries are the poorest!

What do I mean? A nation may possess a plethora of natural resources, but if they are not intentional about tapping into and developing those resources they will remain in poverty. The same is true in the Kingdom of God. We have been given an abundance of grace for every good work and are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (See Ephesians 1:3). Surely, there is no shortage in Him! Yet, if we would experience all that Christ has made available to us, we must dig to deeper depths where the treasure is found! “…And if you look for it [wisdom] as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:4-5). We have a Treasure in Christ. If you were made aware that a veritable fortune was buried on your land, how would you respond? Would you say, “One of these days, when I have time, I will search for the treasure.” No, you would not postpone searching for the treasure! You would put all other events in your life on

hold and immediately begin excavating, until the treasure was in your possession! The truth is, in Christ, we have a treasure that is of greater worth than all the riches of this world. The Scriptures say of Christ our Wisdom: “For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her” (Proverbs 3:1415, New Living Translation). Ephesians 1:3

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” 14

| THY KINGDOM CARRIERS -

January - March ✻ 2014

By and large, we have neglected this treasure and left it buried in the ground of our lives! We have failed to discern the value of what we have been given in Christ! How was it that Moses so willingly walked away from the power and prestige that was his as a prominent leader of one of the richest nations on the earth of his time? (Think about it! This would be equivalent to Bill Gates today relinquishing his position and forsaking his wealth to follow Christ!) It was because of the revelation he possessed of the worth of Christ! “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to


Awake Nations suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” (Hebrews 11:24-26 Emphasis Added). It is so easy for us to depreciate the value of spiritual riches that has been given to us in Christ! Which is why we need the Holy Spirit’s help. Paul prays for the saints: “… that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.” (Ephesians 1:17-19).

exhorted to, “Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and Many today do not appreciate the treasure steal” (Matthew 6:20). When we invest in they have in Christ! This is evidenced by eternity, we actually position ourselves to them seeking after the material things of experience the benefits of God’s Kingdom Economy , which ❝ ...we invest our lives into the most is “recession-proof” (time, money, effort) reflects what we for both now, and eternity!

value preeminently! ❞

life and not the glory and honor of the Living God! The LORD told Abram that He was his “…exceedingly great reward” (see Genesis 15:1). The Bible says that where our treasure is there our heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). In other words, that which we invest our lives into the most (time, money, effort) reflects what we value preeminently! Priority number one for us as Christians should be the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). We are

Glenn Bleakney Canada www.awakenations.org

The Lord has covenanted to meet every need we have: “My God shall supply all your need,” Paul declared. Such resources are inexhaustible, as it is not derived from the economy of this world, which is subject to change. Its source is the economy of the Kingdom of Heaven also known as “…riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). No matter what you are currently experiencing in life, know that the Lord has made available to you “…all things pertaining to life and godliness…” (2 Peter

1:3). Are you in a season of scarcity? Does it seem that you are being stretched to the breaking point? Are you unable to find a way out on your own? The word of the Lord is, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33, New Living Translation). In other words, “focus on the eternal; invest your life in that.” Such an investment cannot go wrong according to Jesus, as it pays dividends for this life and for eternity: “So Jesus answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time – houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions – and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30). ✽


Alabama Kingdom Koinonia lll

HARVESTING HIS KINGDOM MAY 2-3, 2014

Decatur, AL

JOIN US! KINGDOM MINISTRIES EMBASSY Athens, Alabama

www.kmehub.org


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.