I must assert here that the kingdom of God is central to the message of the scriptures. Its language is woven into the foundation of both the Old and New Testaments. Every time that we read of God as the Great King, of the Lordship of Christ, of divine sovereignty, authority and dominion, of command and obedience, of worship and honor, we are reading the language of the Kingdom. It is impossible however, to reduce the notion of God's kingship simply to the occurrences of the Greek word "basilea" for kingdom and its cognates or the Hebrew term "malak" for king and its derivatives. This topic is one of the crucial themes of the whole Bible.

One of the most helpful ways of defining something is by negation-demonstrating what something is not. The word of God does this in several places: We are told that the kingdom of God is not of this world. (John 18:36) Jesus clearly teaches us that his reign does not have its origin or primary definition in terms of this world. His own teaching on the kingdom was terribly misunderstood by his religious opponents precisely because they interpreted his teaching in terrestrial terms. His reign is heavenly. It has a divine origin and existence.

The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power (1 Cor. 4:20). Paul did not merely have some fine sounding religious words-puffs of air audible to those who listen. When he came to the Corinthians, he could demonstrate to them the true spiritual power of the kingdom.

The kingdom of God is not made up of material things such as, meat and drink-food (Rom. 14:17)-but righteousness, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Paul wants this understood-the passing things of this life, such as food (which by the way is to be consumed to the glory of God, 1 Cor. 10:31) does not add basis to kingdom standards.

When Christians divide over such matters, when they cause others to stumble, they have misunderstood the very nature of what the kingdom is all about. It is not about clothes, makeup, or rules. We must pursue righteousness: conformity to the covenant standard, the Law of God; peace, the wholeness and wellness attending the presence of God; and joy in the Holy Spirit, the only demeanor appropriate for those who have been cleansed and adopted into the family of God. These things belong together, and are of the very essence of the kingdom. Listen to Hebrews 1:8&9: "To the Son he says, 'Your throne, o God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness more than your companions." The Son of God sits on an eternal throne, with righteousness in his hand. Because he himself has loved righteousness, because he has made it the object of his affection, he knows joy beyond his companions. Truly, holiness is happiness.

I hope this helps to focus you on the topic. What are your thoughts?

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Time does not permit me to type much detail or referrence all the Scriptural support for what follows; but to add to what you already put forth we can consider how one acheives righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Doing so helps us understand how we fully embrace the kingdom.

For instance, our righteousness through effort is never sufficient; but being declared righteous is all the justification we need on the issue. Just as Scripture states that Abraham was declared righteous by simply believing God, we come to understand that our righteousness is placed in and covered by Christ's righteousness when we place our faith in him. In essence FAITH does more to make me righteous before God than and action I could ever take. My good actions then become a by-product of righteous status award me because of my faith.

Additionally, my peace (and that offered me by others) is highly limited and oftentimes collapses under pressure. But, the peace of God - that which comes from him to Guard our hearts and minds (Phil 4.7) - affords us the ability to mark consistent progress in chaotic surroundings. It is a gift from God that enable us to not allow our choatic world to shake our kingdom emphasis or block our path to a fulfilled destiny. It allows us to success amid the distractions and rest in him while engaged in intense ministry.

Lastly, my joy is only as strong as my ability to stay focused on the positive I can track; but the joy that God gives lifts me even we I can't see the any positive in the natural. It is oftentimes unspeakable and unexplainable, but yet it is real and sustainable. Sometimes we experience unreasonable joy - that which has no logical right to exist, yet it empowers us for victory. It does not surprise me that our adversary is often confused and shaken by the joy God gives us. What a kingdom advantage.

Each of these come from God through the Holy Spirit that possesses us. I am declared righteous and am given peace and joy thanks to only one step on my part. I put my faith in him and allowed that faith I have in him to lead my life; for as they say, the just person shall live by his faith.

In this kingdom, there is no room for vanity, pride, self-grandizement. In this kingdom, we all celebrate a God who "always causeth us to triumph in Christ".

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