Understanding the Kingdom

By John Eckhardt

One of the functions of apostles is to understand the more difficult parts of Scripture and to bring this revelation to the Body of Christ.  The Kingdom of God is one of these more challenging aspects to understand.  Many people believe they understand the Kingdom, but often they are not fully grasping what Jesus meant by Kingdom.

Most traditional or Pentecostal churches teach that the Kingdom is something that will come in the future when Jesus returns.  This teaching says that because Israel did not fully accept the Messiah, somehow the Kingdom was put on delay.  The problem with this teaching is that it believes the world is about to come to an end.  God did not save you just to have church, so that you could keep busy while you wait for the world to end and for Jesus to come bring His Kingdom in the future. 

The Kingdom is the rule and reign of God.  But it is not only that; it is also God’s justice and righteousness.  John the Baptist, Jesus, and the disciples all taught, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”  At the time of Jesus’ coming, the nation of Israel was about to be judged by God.  They had tested and tried the Lord with their disobedience for many years.  The gospel message that came to them gave them a choice, “Repent or be judged.” 

 The coming of God’s Kingdom – of His justice and righteousness – is good news to all who are willing to repent, because His Kingdom comes to set things straight!  It gives all those who come to Christ their rights – the right to freedom, salvation, deliverance from evil, healing, purpose, and prosperity.  It sets the oppressed free.

 “Repent, for the Kingdom is at hand” meant God’s power had come to Israel to set some things right.  This was bad news for the wicked, the sorcerers, those caught up in the religious system, etc., because they did not want to repent and lose their positions.  Therefore, they would be judged.

Any time a system tells people they can’t have what God says is theirs or do what God says they can do, the Kingdom will come and judge that system. 

When you see something in your community that is not right, you can bring the Kingdom to set it right – whether it’s prejudice, women restricted by religion, immorality, or whatever.  People have a right to praise God, dance, speak in tongues, prophesy, etc.  If they are bound, God wants them free.  We are to say, “This is not right, but the Kingdom has come.”  The Kingdom has come, the Kingdom is here, judgment is here, righteousness is here.

Jesus came to set people free and to judge the systems that oppressed the people.  In the first century, the entire system of the temple, the priesthood, sacrifices, etc., came down.  He is judging systems that hold people back from all that He has for them today. When the Kingdom comes to a person’s life, it brings change. 

When the Kingdom comes to a region, it brings change.  As apostolic-prophetic people, we must teach the Kingdom.  God’s people need to be taught in these mysteries and these truths.  But we must also demonstrate the Kingdom.  Talking theologically won’t make a difference if you don’t have the power.  Demonstrate the Kingdom – show people a power has invaded the earth to set things straight. 

We need the Kingdom to come to our communities to bring salvation, deliverance and healing so that the wickedness can be changed. 

Something’s about to change around here!

 

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John Eckhardt has a vision to see the Church become truly apostolic by developing the saints for ministry and Kingdom living through teaching, training, activation and demonstration. An apostolic reformer, he helps perfect the saints by imparting biblical truths including deliverance, spiritual warfare, and activating the gifts of the Spirit. John serves as overseer of Crusaders Ministries in Chicago and also founded the IMPACT Network (International Ministries of Prophetic and Apostolic Churches Together), which includes over 400 churches and ministries in 25 nations. He has authored more than 30 publications. John resides in the Chicago area with his wife, Wanda, and their five children.