The Kingdom of God Modules

THE KINGDOM OF GOD
RETREAT MANUAL
Prepared by: Dr. Oyewole O. Sarumi Date: Dec. 28-29, 2017
ORGANISED BY
PASTORAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, LAGOS.
FOR
JESUS’ BREEDS MINISTRY, Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria.

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P a g e | 1 PLI …..Raising & Empowering leaders
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
OPENING CHARGE: Understanding the Kingdom of God 2
PLI Vision & Mission 4
Seminar Hymnals 5
MODULE 1: The Kingdom of God 7
MODULE 2: The Kingdom of God Vs The Kingdom of Satan 11
MODULE 3: The Principles of the Kingdom of God 16
MODULE 4: The Culture of the Kingdom of God 21
MODULE 5: The Kingdom Life 26
MODULE 6: The Priority of the Law of the Kingdom 32
MODULE 7: The Law of Service in the Kingdom 34
MODULE 8: Our Motive for the Kingdom 37
MODULE 9: The Parables and The Kingdom of God 39
CLOSING CHARGE: The 7 Mountains of Cultures to Advance the KOG 43
References and Further Readings 45
PLI Short Courses for 2017 46

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OPENING CHARGE
UNDERSTANDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Text: Rom. 14:17, I Cor.4:20
The Kingdom of God is a Jesus-phrase that gets used in Christian circles most of the time,
but many Christians are still grappling with the depth of it. This often means that many
hasn’t realize the profundity of what they are talking about when these words are used.
However, as Christians who want to actively influence our homes, church, workplaces,
and communities for the honour and glory of Christ, understanding what Jesus meant by
the Kingdom of God has the power to bring remarkable clarity to how we interact with
both other people and our environment.
Here’s what we need to understand about the Kingdom of God:
1. We enter the Kingdom when we accept Christ as our King.
2. The Kingdom is a Direct Reflection of the King
3. Jesus’ gospel (good news) is the “good news of the Kingdom of God”.
4. We influence by making the Kingdom of God a reality to the people around us.
5. The Church is the Greatest Picture of God’s future Kingdom.
Please understand that living the culture of His Kingdom is process. Yes, you enter in by
faith, but it takes time and patience to become a full expression of the culture (James 1:4)
because the transition is not by mere behaviour modification brought on by mental
reasoning and compounding information (Romans 12:2, Mark 7:14-23, Matthew 23:24-
26, Luke 18:9-14). We move from glory to glory by a heart transformation that comes by
“oneness” with THE WORD and by the Spirit of God alone (John 1:1-5, Titus 3:5). We
enter the Kingdom of God when we renounce the right to rule our own lives and place
ourselves under the rule of Jesus instead, accepting His sacrificial righteousness for a
prideful self-righteousness that leads to our own destruction.
There are 3 underlying themes regarding the Kingdom of God: (a) The rule of God in
Christ over all areas of life, (b) The Kingdom is a gift, and (c) Jesus Himself as the
embodiment of the Kingdom, because God is unchanging, the principles by which He
rules – and has always ruled and always will rule – are unchanging.
What was the good news? It is this: “That because of Jesus and His sacrificial
righteousness, we can be ruled by God and live in His Kingdom, not just in the future,
but now.” Jesus told people that the Kingdom of God was coming in power…and then,
with each step He took He gave people a first-hand glimpse of what the prophets had
foretold…of what a realm looks like that is under the rule of God.
Christian leadership is about creating environments such that when people come into
that space, they are able to experience the atmosphere and amenities of God’s Kingdom.
Is that the case with you beloved of the Lord?
God’s Kingdom is found wherever the rule of God and the realm of God intersect. When
Jesus is ruling over and through us, we bring the Kingdom to every physical square inch

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of the realm that lies within our circle of influence. We bring the Kingdom with us to the
people when we feed the hungry, when we clothe the poor, when we teach people about
Jesus in a spirit of love, when our words and actions are marked by the fruit of the
Spirit, when we do anything for someone else out of love for Jesus. There will be many
people who will reject the Kingdom and thus will reject the King, but there are many
more who will be drawn to Christ through His Kingdom because of our good works.
The Church – everyone under the rule of Christ – is called to foreshadow the future
community that will be the residents of God’s eternal Kingdom:
• to embody in community what a redeemed people can look like (Acts 2:42-47);
• to witness to the world that the powers of evil have been defeated (Eph. 3:10);
• to call the world to live under the reign of Jesus Christ who is Lord of creation (Gal.
1:15-2:10);
• to go and tell the world the good news (Acts 1:8);
• to call the world to repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38);
• to invite all to live in the fellowship of God’s new community (Eph. 2:19-22);
• to enlist the world in expectation of Christ’s coming to set up his kingdom and rule
forever (2 Pet. 3:10-18); and
• to model exemplary lives (2 Pet. 3:14).
What we are called to do, we are called to do together. Not in competition with one
another but in collaboration. To encourage one another and build one another up, and
in doing so, intertwine our stories with the Kingdom of God as it grows to fill the entire
earth.
We plead with heaven to use this forum to help us mend our lives in tune with His purpose
for our calling in the name of Jesus Christ. You are welcome.

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PASTORAL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
VISION:
To be a catalyst for raising world class leaders who will disciple others for heaven.
MISSION:
To provide innovative and inspirational development for emerging and established
Christian leaders, by helping and giving them opportunities and resources for
personal and professional growth.
We shall accomplish these by the provision of various platforms and interface
where required information, knowledge and skills would be shared to engender
positive change and prosperity within the leadership cadre and consequently
impact the body of Christ.
OUR CALL
We are called to do the following:
 Pastors and Leaders Training
 Ministers and Workers Training
 Church Leaders’ Retreat & Conferences
 Strategic Church Management for leaders and under-leaders.
 Conference, Seminars and Workshop for Leaders.
 Church Advisory and Consultancy.
HOW TO CONTACT US
For your Training, Conferences, Retreats, Counselling and Advisory Services, please contact:
Executive Administrator,
Pastoral Leadership Institute,
Plot 1, Junaid Dosunmu Street, Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Tel: 0818 648 9589, 0708 306 3146.
Website: www.pl-academy.org
E-mail: pastorral.leadershipinstitute@gmail.com, leadershipmgtservice@gmail.com

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RETREAT HYMNS
HYMN 1 HYMN 3
THY KINGDOM COME O GOD
Thy kingdom come, O God
Thy rule, O Christ begin
Break with Thine iron rod
The tyrannies of sin
Where is Thy reign of peace
And purity and love?
When shall all hatred cease
As in the realms above?
When comes the promised time
That war shall be no more
And lust, oppression, crime,
Shall flee Thy face before?
We pray Thee Lord arise,
And come in Thy great might
Revive our longing eyes
Which languish for Thy sight
Men scorn Thy sacred Name
And wolves devour thy fold
By many deeds of shame
We learn that love grows old
O’er heathen lands afar,
Thick darkness broodeth yet,
Arise, O morning Star,
Arise, and never set
HYMN 2
THE HOLY GHOST HAS COME!
The Holy Ghost has come
The Comforter is here,
Flaming up our hearts
With fire so divine
Lord we lay down our lives]
Ready to burn. ] 2x
THY WILL BE DONE!
1.
My God, my Father, while I stray
Far from my home on life's rough way
Oh, teach me from my heart to say,
"Thy will be done."
Refrain:
Thy will be done! Thy will be done!
Oh, teach me from my heart to say;
“Thy will be done!”
2.
Though dark my path and sad my lot,
Let me be still and murmur not
Or breathe the prayer divinely taught,
"Thy will be done."
3.
What though in lonely grief I sigh
For friends beloved, no longer nigh,
Submissive still would I reply--
"Thy will be done."
4.
If Thou should called me to resign
What most I prized, it ne'er was mine;
I have but yielded what was Thine--
"Thy will be done."
5.
Should grief or sickness waste away
My life in premature decay,
My Father, still I strive to say,
"Thy will be done."
6.
Let but my fainting heart be blest
With Thy sweet Spirit for its Guest;
My God, to Thee I leave the rest--
"Thy will be done."
7.
Renew my will from day to day;
Blend it with Thine and take away
All that now makes it hard to say,
"Thy will be done."
8.
Then, when on earth I breathe no more,
The prayer, oft mixed with tears before,
I'll sing upon a happier shore,
"Thy will be done.”

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HYMN 4 HYMN 5
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU
1.
The kingdom of God
Is justice and joy;
For Jesus restores
What sin would destroy.
God's power and glory
In Jesus we know
And here and hereafter
The kingdom shall grow.
2
The kingdom of God
Is mercy and grace;
The captives are freed,
The sinners find place,
The outcast are welcomed
God's banquet to share;
And hope is awakened
In place of despair.
3
The kingdom of God
Is challenge and choice:
Believe the good news,
Repent and rejoice!
His love for us sinners
Brought Christ to his cross:
Our crisis of judgement
For gain or for loss.
4
God's kingdom is come,
The gift and the goal;
In Jesus begun,
In heaven made whole.
The heirs of the kingdom
Shall answer his call
And all things cry 'Glory!'
To God all in all.
SEEK YE THE KINGDOM OF GOD!
1.
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto
you
Allelu, alleluia
Refrain:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,
Alleluia, alleluia.
2.
Man shall not live by bread alone
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God
Allelu, alleluia
3.
Ask and it shall be given unto you
Seek and ye shall find
Knock and the door shall be opened unto
you
Allelu, alleluia.
4.
And if the Son shall set you free.
You shall be free indeed,
You shall know the truth and the truth shall
set you free,
Allelu, alleluia.
5.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And He shall direct your paths,
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
Allelu, alleluia.
6.
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto
you
Allelu, alleluia.

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MODULE 1:
THE KINGDOM OF GOD
What Is The Kingdom Of God?
Rom.14:17-18 …… is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace
and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing
to God and approved by men. [NIV]
Rom 14:17 ……. Right conduct, peace and joy, through the Holy Spirit;(WNT)
Rom 14:17 …….Righteousness and peace and gladness through the presence of the Holy
Spirit.(TCNT)
Rom 14:17 ……Righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives. (GW)
Where Is the Kingdom of God?
Luke 17:20-21 ….He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with
observation; .. "nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of
God is within you."
Not the Externals……but the ETERNALS which starts within you…. Ecc. 3:11(ACV,AMP)
Manifesting the Kingdom’s Life Style
2Pet. 1:3-11 (KJV):
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and
godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue :4
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye
might be partakers (Join in, take part of, to share) of the divine nature, (compare Jos1:8)
having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (human/canal nature).
Divine Promises Divine Power Divine Nature
2Pe 1:3 For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things ……
2Pe 1:4 …..to become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.
2Pe 1:5 For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises],), (AMP)
No Amount Of Polishing Of Human Nature Can Reflect Divine Nature, Its Only
Through His Great And Precious Promises
2Pe 1:5 For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ
every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution, Christian
energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence), :6 And in
[exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control
[develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness
[develop] godliness (piety),
Exercising:
An activity carried out or engaged, or practiced for a specific purpose i.e. to sustain or
improve health and fitness §An activity that is planned, structured and repetitive for the
purpose of training or conditioning any part of the body…to improve health, maintain
fitness etc.

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Develop:
§To bring, convert, transform, from latency to…. or toward fulfillment
§To bring, generate into being gradually
§To grow by degrees into a more advanced, expanded or mature state
2Pe 1:7 And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising]
brotherly affection [develop] Christian love.
2Pe 1:8 For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep
[you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus
Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
11) In this way you will be given the full right to enter the eternal Kingdom of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ. (GNB)
For thus you will be given a triumphant admission into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord
and Saviour, Jesus Christ. (TCNT)
The Resultant Effect:
JOHN 15:1,4-5(MSG):
"I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer, Live in me. Make your home in me just
as I do in you. …"I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I
with you, the relation intimate and organic (living entity), the harvest is sure to be
abundant……. Separated, you can't produce a thing.
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (1Cor6:17)
The Vine The Branch & The Fruits
Facts on vine fruits:
Grapes
• it takes up to three years to produce viable grapes
• soak the bare root vines in a bucket of water for 3-4 hour before planting
• the first year is to support its root growth, and training the vine to keep it straight (tied
several times to make it straight), without strong root, the vine cannot develop
properly….2nd year is for pruning about 70% of the plant to leave main trunk and
canes(branch).
• heavy pruning provides best fruits, light pruning gives large yield of poor quality
fruits, over pruning produce little fruits &vegetables only
• sunlight (up to 7 or 8 hours a day) and full sun and heat is needed to mature the fruit
John 15:7,8 (MSG):
• John 15:7 But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in
you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon.
• John 15:8 This is how my Father shows who he is…. (DIVINE NATURE) When you
produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.
• But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
(NLT)

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Gal 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (NKJV)
These “qualities" in (1Pet1:5) relate to each other the way the branch relates to the vine
and the fruits to the branch. (John15:1-8) Like the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal 5:22-23), this
nature grows out of our lives and out of a vital relationship with Jesus Christ.
• It is not enough for the Christian to "let go and let God," as though all these were
God's work alone. Literally, Peter wrote, (2Pet1:5a)
• Employ every effort in exercising your faith.
• The Father and the child must work together.
• "Work out your own salvation. ... For it is God which worketh in you" (Phil 2:12-13) …
According to the power at work in you (Eph3:20c)
• Jesus says….my father work…I work - John 5:17
The Questions of Nicodemus in - John 3:1-5
One Pharisee, however, called Nicodemus, came to Jesus privately at night, anxious to
solve the mystery of the Kingdom weighing on his mind. The conversation between the
Lord and Nicodemus, (John 3) recorded in part, gives more insight into the Kingdom of
God and may be paraphrased as follows:
Nicodemus—
“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher from God: for no man can do these miracles that
you do, except God is with him.” Yet, you and your disciples claim, “The Kingdom of
heaven is at hand,” while you have no army or power! When and how will this Kingdom
be established?
Jesus—
I can answer your question about the Kingdom, but still you would not understand.
“Except a man be begotten from above, he cannot see” [know or be acquainted with]
the Kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus, even my disciples have much to learn about the Kingdom they are
proclaiming! I cannot tell them more for the same reason I cannot tell you. Our Father
requires obedience to the enlightenment already possessed before more light is given.
Those worthy of sharing in that Kingdom need to walk by faith—sometimes seeing only
one step in advance clearly.
Nicodemus—
But what do you mean? “How can a man be begotten when he is old? Can he enter a
second time into his mother's womb and be born?” I notice your disciples, like John the
Baptist’s, preach and baptize in water regularly. Is this baptism a symbolic birth,
somehow necessary to see or enter your Kingdom?

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Jesus—
Our nation is a consecrated nation, baptized into Moses “in the sea” and “in the cloud” when
they left Egypt (1 Corinthians 10:1,2). God accepted our nation in Moses as mediator of our
covenant at Sinai. But this covenant has been forgotten. Many are openly sinners; others are self-
righteous hypocrites. That is why John and my disciples preach repentance!
But more than this is necessary. You must also receive a begetting and birth of the spirit,
in order to see my Kingdom. Repentance will bring you back to a justified condition—
then you will be able to recognize me as Messiah, the greater Moses. When one receives
me, and consecrates their life to do God's will, then one is begotten to a new life by our
Father. After developing as a new creature, one will be “born” in the first resurrection.
Then one will both see and share in the Kingdom.
The change to this new birth of the Spirit is truly great, Nicodemus. What is born of the
Spirit is spirit. Let me illustrate: “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound
of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is
born of the Spirit” (John 3:8 NAS). In the resurrection they will “enter into” or become
part of the Kingdom administration. They will be like the wind—powerful, yet invisible.
Nicodemus—
How can this be? Invisible beings?
Jesus—
Now, Nicodemus, surely as a well-studied Pharisee you know that spirit beings can be present,
yet invisible. Remember Elisha and his servant as well as Balaam's ass. Spirit beings were
present, yet invisible. Angels are invisible spirit beings. As I told you, except a man be begotten
from above, he cannot understand the Kingdom of God.
To become a joint-heir with me in this Kingdom, you must follow the light step by step.
You acknowledge me to be a teacher come from God, but with all my preaching and
miracles, you have not acted on your faith and openly become one of my followers. What
I have taught with earthly illustrations, such as the wind, has not brought understanding
or conviction, so “how shall you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” (verses12,13) I
know of what I speak, for I alone have descended from heaven and no man has ever
ascended to heaven. The knowledge of heavenly things can only be received with the
begetting of the Spirit. Heavenly things themselves can only be experienced when
“born” as a spirit being (verses 3, 6).

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MODULE 2:
THE KINGDOM OF GOD VS THE KINGDOM OF SATAN
Text: I Cor. 4:20, Gal.5:21
In the universe, there is the kingdom of God, and there is also the kingdom of Satan. The
spiritual warfare we are speaking of is the warfare between these two kingdoms.
Therefore, in order to engage in spiritual warfare, we must first know the opposition
between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.
God’s kingdom is eternal, both in time and in space. Since God Himself is from eternity
to eternity, so also is His kingdom from eternity to eternity. Furthermore, since God
Himself is in light, so also is God’s kingdom in light.
Satan’s kingdom is not eternal. As to time, it is limited in time; as to space, it is limited to
the air and the earth. Furthermore, Satan’s kingdom is in darkness, the exact opposite of
the kingdom of God.
In addition, there is still another great difference: God’s kingdom is legal, whereas the
kingdom of Satan is illegal. The whole universe was created by God and belongs to Him;
hence, God has the legal right to reign. On the contrary, Satan’s kingdom was
established by rebellion against God; hence, it is entirely illegal.
In Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:11-17, through the king of Babylon and the king of Tyre
(both of whom had been instruments utilized by Satan), God relates the process of
Satan’s rebellion. Satan was originally an anointed cherub, the archangel, who occupied
a special place before God. Because he was proud in heart and desired to exalt himself
to equality with God, he rebelled against God and tried to overthrow God’s authority,
thereby establishing his own authority. Since then, there has existed in the universe the
illegal kingdom of Satan.
Satan’s kingdom is the sphere of Satan’s reign. The Lord Jesus once called Satan “the
prince of the world” (John 14:30). This reveals that Satan not only has his kingdom, but
also reigns in his kingdom. Moreover, within his kingdom are his messengers of various
ranks, all of which were angels who followed Satan in rebelling against God. Today these
are the principalities, powers, rulers, dominions, and spiritual hosts of wickedness of the
air, Satan being their head (Eph. 6:12; 2:2; 1:21).
Furthermore, in Satan’s kingdom there are many demons, evil spirits, who serve as his
servants. Based on the various records in the Bible, we can ascertain that before the six
days’ recovery work of the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1), there existed a world wherein
lived a group of living beings with spirits. When Satan rebelled against God, they all
followed him and rebelled together. Therefore, God judged that world, on one hand by
shutting off the sun and moon in the sky so that they gave forth no light, and on the other
hand by destroying the earth and the living beings with water. These living beings,
judged as they were by water, became separated in spirit and body. These disembodied

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spirits who dwell in the waters of judgment are the demons, the evil spirits, mentioned
in the Bible.
Therefore, originally, there were three groups of characters in the kingdom of Satan:
first, Satan, the head, the ruler; second, the angels who followed Satan in rebelling
against God and who served as ministers and officials to rule for him in the air; third, the
disembodied spirits, or the demons, the evil spirits, who acted as Satan’s servants to run
his errands on earth.
Later, after men were created, Satan came to entice men and succeeded in seducing
them. Men became his kingdom’s subjects, the ones who were handled and abused by
him. Therefore, there are four classes of personalities in Satan’s kingdom today. In the
air are Satan and his messengers, and on earth are his servants and subjects, the
innumerable demons and the myriads of people. At the time when the Lord Jesus was
preaching the gospel on earth, He met people everywhere who were possessed by the
demons. Today there are still flocks of demons who are manoeuvring among people in
this world. Although their dwelling place is in the sea, they like to seek a body where
they can live. When we say a person is possessed by a demon, we usually refer to the
human body being possessed by a demon.
In summary, the kingdom of Satan consists of these four classes of personalities. They
are organized altogether into a system through which Satan usurps the air and the earth
to the end that he may overthrow God’s authority and set up his own kingdom. Therefore,
this kingdom, organized by Satan’s rebellious force is absolutely illegal.
It was not till four thousand years after the fall of the human race, at the beginning of the
dispensation of the New Testament, that the Lord Jesus came forth to His ministry and
declared, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” What the Lord meant was
that before this it was the kingdom of earth, the kingdom of Satan, wherein Satan ruled,
that held sway; but now it is the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of God, coming upon
this earth to reign. Later He taught the disciples to pray, “Let thy kingdom come.” The
full accomplishment of this matter will be seen at the sound of the seventh trumpet in the
future (Rev. 11:15). Then the kingdom of this world will become the kingdom of God and
Christ. Thus, God’s kingdom will practically and completely come upon the earth.
Before that day arrives, the period in which we are living is the time for the people of
God to fight for Him on earth. From the time the Lord Jesus came forth to minister, till the
time of His second coming, all the works the people of God are doing for Him are
instances of spiritual warfare. God’s desire is to rescue, through those who belong to
Him, the people who were captured by Satan, and to recover the earth which was
usurped by Satan. This rescuing and recovering is, according to what the Lord has shown
us in Matthew 12, the warfare between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.
(The Experience of Life, Chapter 18, by Witness Lee)
Now let's examine The Difference Between the Church and the Kingdom. In the
thirteenth chapter of the First Gospel, of Matthew, our Lord said to His apostles and His

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disciples, in the eleventh verse, "It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the
kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given" [Matthew 13:11]. They do not see it, but
we do. Now in the message, you can make you a little note, put your finger there; put
that little ribbon there because we are going to look closely at the thirteenth chapter, the
whole thirteenth chapter of Matthew.
The kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven, and the church of our Lord Jesus Christ:
what is the difference between them? The kingdom of God is the everlasting, universal,
eternal, all-inclusive kingdom of the great Creator in heaven. It goes from eternity to
eternity. It includes all of God’s creation: it includes all time, it includes all matter, all
created matter. It includes all the things in heaven; the angel host. It includes all the
things in earth; humanity. And into it finally shall be merged all things, even the
kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of God is all-inclusive from eternity to eternity. The
psalmist will say, in Psalm 103:19, "The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens;
and His kingdom ruleth over all." Then he continues, "Bless the Lord, ye His angels, Bless
the Lord, all ye hosts, Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion" [Psalm
103:20-22]. That is a reference to the kingdom of God; it is forever and forever, from
eternity to eternity.
In the fifteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, beginning at verse 24, Paul writes: Then cometh
the end, when Christ shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; When
He shall have put all rule and authority under His feet. For He must reign, until all of His
enemies are under His feet. And the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. [1
Corinthians 15:24-26].
That is a reference to the kingdom of God into which shall be merged all creation – the
church, the kingdom of heaven, the angelic hosts, human history – everything shall
finally be delivered up to God. The kingdom of God is from everlasting to everlasting;
from the eternity before, through all time, to the eternity that is yet to come.
The kingdom of heaven is the mediatorial reign of Christ on this earth. It has to do with
humanity. You could call it "the sphere of the influence of Christ"; you could call it
Christendom. And in the kingdom of heaven there is good, there is bad; there are tares,
there is wheat [Matthew 13:24-30]. The kingdom of heaven is the expression of the
influence of our Lord that you see in this earth, in our time, and it has to do with humanity
alone. The kingdom of heaven is here in our presence, in our midst, and is what we
would call "Christendom," where the name of Christ is known.
The church is an altogether different entity; the church is the body of
Christ [1 Colossians 1:18]. It is the presence of our Lord visibly expressed in this age, in
this time, in this dispensation. The church is the ekklēsia, the "called out" group in the
earth [1 Corinthians 1:2], and it has an assignment to preach the gospel, to win the lost,
and to build up the faith, the family of God [Matthew 28:19-20]. In the Scriptures, there
is very careful distinction made, setting the church apart. For example, in 1 Corinthians
chapter 10, verse 32, Paul writes, "Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the
Gentiles, nor to the church of God" [1 Corinthians 10:32]. The church is very carefully
set aside as a separate significant ekklēsia, a "called out" group.

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There are three groups in the world that Paul differentiates: the Jew, the Gentile, and the
church [1 Corinthians 10:32].
Now the church has an unusual place of honour in the presence of our Lord. In the
nineteenth chapter of the Book of Revelation, the marriage supper of the Lamb is
described like this: I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and the voice of
many waters, the voice of mighty thundering, saying, Hallelujah, for the Lord God
omnipotent reigneth.
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come,
and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed
in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of the
saints. [Revelation 19:6-8] That is the church! That is the bride of Christ. That is His wife
at the marriage supper of the Lamb when our Lord comes – in the nineteenth chapter of
the Revelation, the second coming of Christ, the marriage of the Lamb, the bride – and
what a distinct privilege and honour to be the bride.
Now there’s another group there, verse 9, "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they
who are also called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb" [Revelation 19:9]. In John 2:2,
do you remember? The Lord and His disciples were kaleō; they were called, they were
invited to the wedding at Cana in Galilee. They were not the bride, they were kaleō,
they were invited to be participants in the wedding; they were wedding guests. That’s
the same word used here, "Blessed are they who are kaleō, they are invited to the
marriage supper of the Lamb" [Revelation 19:9]. The bride is the church, distinctly
honoured, beautifully glorified and arrayed; gorgeous and glorious [Revelation
19:8]. But there are also guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb. I would think those
guests are all of those who were saved in the old dispensation. For example: John said,
in the third chapter of John, "He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of
the bridegroom, standing by, rejoices to hear his voice"[John 3:29]. There are guests at
the marriage supper of the Lamb: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the prophets, all of the
patriarchs of the old covenant. But the bride is the church. The church has an especial
and distinctive honour in the presence of our Lord. "Christ loved the church, and gave
Himself for it" [Ephesians 5:25]. With all of the honour that God has bestowed upon the
patriarchs, upon Abraham, upon all the prophets, there is no honour such as the Lord
will bestow upon His church: we are the bride of Christ.
The Key Differences Between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of the World
Jesus’ kingdom is “not of this world,” for it contrasts with the kingdom of the world in
every possible way. This is not a simple contrast between good and evil. The contrast is
rather between two fundamentally different ways of doing life, two fundamentally
different mindsets and belief systems, two fundamentally different loyalties. Here are
five ways that it is different:
1. A contrast of trusts:
• The kingdom of the world trusts the power of the sword, while the kingdom of God
trusts the power of the cross.
• The kingdom of the world advances by exercising “power over,” while the
kingdom of God advances by exercising “power under.”

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2. A contrast of aims:
• The kingdom of the world seeks to control behaviour, while the kingdom of God
seeks to transform lives from the inside out.
• The kingdom of the world is rooted in preserving, if not advancing, one’s self-
interests and one’s own will, while the kingdom of God is cantered exclusively on
carrying out God’s will, even if this requires sacrificing one’s own interests.
3. A contrast of scopes:
• The kingdom of the world is intrinsically tribal in nature, and is heavily invested in
defending, if not advancing, one’s own people-group, one’s nation, one’s ethnicity,
one’s state, one’s religion, one’s ideologies, or one’s political agendas. That is why it
is a kingdom characterized by perpetual conflict.
• The kingdom of God, however, is intrinsically universal, for it is cantered on simply
loving as God loves. It is cantered on people living for the sole purpose of replicating
the love of Jesus Christ to all people at all times in all places without condition.
4. A contrast of responses:
• The kingdom of the world is intrinsically a tit-for-tat kingdom; its motto is “eye for an
eye and a tooth for a tooth.” In this fallen world, no version of the kingdom of the
world can survive for long by loving its enemies and blessing those who persecute
it; it carries the sword, not the cross.
• But kingdom-of-God participants carry the cross, not the sword. We, thus, aren’t ever
to return evil with evil, violence with violence. We are rather to manifest the unique
kingdom of Christ by returning evil with good, turning the other cheek, going the
second mile, loving, praying for our enemies. Far from seeking retaliation, we seek
the well-being of our “enemy.”
5. A contrast of battles:
The kingdom of the world has earthly enemies and, thus, fights earthly battles; the
kingdom of God, however, by definition has no earthly enemies, for its disciples are
committed to loving “their enemies,” thereby treating them as friends, their
“neighbours.” There is a warfare the kingdom of God is involved in, but it is “not
against enemies of blood and flesh.” It is rather “against rulers, against the
authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12). <Adapted from Myth of a Christian
Nation, pages 46-48>

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MODULE 3:
THE KINGDOM PRINCIPLES
Text:
And I appoint you a Kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. (Luke 22:29)
Introduction
Kingdoms are not something we observe outwardly, but they are a system made up of a principality
(a ruler), authority (the right to act), power (the force to act) and dominion (the territory or
jurisdiction). A Kingdom is established by words that carry power. Agreement brings establishment.
The Gospel of the Kingdom is an invitation for man to return to the realm of life God originally
intended. But God does not set up a standard of morality and declare that when you have achieved
it you can enter the Kingdom. There is one requirement for entrance: Repenting from sin and
spiritual rebirth. Through repenting and accepting Jesus Christ as Saviour you are born into the
Kingdom and become a Kingdom resident.
Residency in the Kingdom of God requires a new lifestyle governed by the laws of the Kingdom. Life
in the spiritual Kingdom affects the quality of life in the visible world. The lifestyle of the Kingdom
is exactly opposite of the lifestyle of the kingdoms of the world. It is different in both structure and
principles. When you enter the Kingdom of God it is like immigrating to a new country. You must
learn a different culture.
In the natural world, "culture" is the behaviour patterns which govern life in a given society. In this
and the following lesson you will learn about the culture of the Kingdom of God. In a later lesson,
additional truths about the Kingdom revealed through parables will be presented.
The Importance Of Kingdom Principles
It is important to know the principles which govern life in the Kingdom of God because:
You Must Live By Kingdom Principles To Maintain Residency:
Although repentance is the only requirement for entrance to the Kingdom, there are definite
requirements to maintain residency after being born into this spiritual realm. Jesus said: Not
everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth
the will of my Father which is in Heaven. (Matthew 7:21)
The will of the Father, revealed by Jesus Christ, was that believers be governed by the laws of the
Kingdom.
Jesus Said Kingdom Principles Are Important:
In Luke 12:22-31 Jesus taught that the Kingdom should be the primary concern of life. He concluded
with this statement:
But rather seek ye the Kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Luke 12:31)
If you seek the Kingdom first...its principles, its lifestyle, its Gospel...then all other necessary things
in life will be provided.

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Fruits of The Kingdom Are The Test Of Possession:
Jesus told the Jews that the test of possessing the Kingdom was bringing forth the fruits thereof
(Matthew 21:43). The fruit of the Kingdom is that which is outwardly produced by the inward life
flow, just as fruit on a natural tree is the outward product of the flow of life within. If you are a
resident of the Kingdom of God it will be apparent in your visible lifestyle.
To Reign in The Future Kingdom We Must Know Its Principles:
II Timothy 2:12 indicates that believers will reign with Jesus in the future Kingdom of God. To
"reign" means to "rule with power and authority." If you are to reign with Him, you must know the
laws which govern the Kingdom.
The Foundation of Kingdom Principles
A foundation in the natural world is the underlying structure on which something is built. Whenever
men erect a building they must first lay a proper foundation. The foundation supports the
superstructure or the visible building. The foundation of the Kingdom of God and its governing
principles is righteousness:
But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the
scepter of thy Kingdom. (Hebrews 1:8)
A scepter is a rod or wand held in the hand as an emblem of power or authority. The authority or
power of the Kingdom of God is righteousness. It is not the righteousness of self-improvement or
religion. Jesus said: For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness
of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:20)
The Scribes and Pharisees were religious leaders in the time of Christ's earthly ministry. Their
spiritual experience was founded in their own attempts to be righteous. They had many rules,
regulations, and traditions which governed every area of life.
The righteousness upon which the Kingdom is built is the righteousness of God. We are told: But
seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto
you. (Matthew 6:33)
The foundation of God's Kingdom stands on righteous men living righteous lives: But the firm
foundation laid by God stand sure and unshaken, being this seal and inscription: The Lord knows
those who are His and let everyone who names himself by the name of the Lord give up all iniquity
and stand aloof from it. (II Timothy 2:19Amplified Bible)
This is illustrated below:
The Foundation of God's Kingdom
Righteous Men -----------> The Lord knows those who are His
Living righteous lives ---> Let everyone who names himself by the name of the Lord give up all
iniquity and stand aloof from it
There are two levels of commitment to this righteousness. These are evident in the following passage:

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And behold, one came and said unto Him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have
eternal life? And He (Jesus) said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one,
that is God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
The young man saith unto Him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus
said unto him, if thou wilt be perfect go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt
have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he
went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (Matthew 19:16-17; 20-22)
There is one level of righteousness necessary to "enter into life." This is the righteousness that comes
through the new birth experience when man is cleansed from sin and begins to live by God's
commandments. But there is another level of righteousness known as perfection (spiritual maturity).
To achieve perfection requires total consecration of worldly values, standards, or possessions which
are precious to you.
This does not mean we all have to sell what we own and give it to the poor. Jesus required this of this
man only because his riches were more important to him than God. Nothing in the world can be
more important to us than the King. To achieve perfection, we must abandon the principles of the
world and embrace the principles of God's Kingdom.
The Two Greatest Kingdom Principles
There are two great Kingdom principles upon which all other principles are based. When asked what
were the greatest commandments, Jesus replied: ...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the
second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang
all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40)
Mark recorded the same statement in the following way:
And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is
one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all
thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely
this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
(Mark 12:29-31)
Jesus stated the second commandment in another way: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would
that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (Luke 6:31)
To summarize, the two greatest principles of God's Kingdom are:
1. Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
2. Loving and doing to others as you love yourself and want others to do to you.
All other Kingdom principles are based upon these two key principles. Each Kingdom principle
relates either to your relationship with God or others.
The Kingdom Introduced
From the time of the introduction of the Kingdom, it was apparent that its structure was exactly
opposite to the structure of the kingdoms of this world. After the angel appeared to the virgin Mary
and proclaimed her to be the mother of the coming King, Mary praised God. The words of her
worship were prophetic and revealed the new world order of the Kingdom of God:
For He that is mighty hath done to me great things: and holy is His name. And His mercy is on them
that fear Him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with His arm;

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He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from
their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich
he hath sent empty away. (Luke 1:49-53)
The proud and mighty of the world were to be brought down, and those of low degree exalted. The
hungry were to be filled, while the rich were to be sent away empty.
When John introduced the Kingdom of God, this same order was revealed:
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall
be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of
God. (Luke 3:5-6)
The first miracle Jesus performed was turning water into wine. This illustrated that laws governing
the Kingdom would be contrary to those of the natural kingdoms of the world.
General Principles: Culture of The Kingdom
The basic principles upon which the Kingdom of God operates are exactly opposite of the common
thinking of man and the accepted structure of earthly kingdoms. These principles include:
1. The Principle Of "It Shall Not Be So Among You":
Jesus established this basic Kingdom principle in (Matthew 20:25-28, (Luke 22:26, Mark 10:43-44)
2. The Principle of Unity:
There are many earthly kingdoms, all divided from one another. There are also divisions within
earthly kingdoms which result in coups and revolutions.
• God's Kingdom is a united Kingdom. It is described as one spiritual body with many parts: (I
Corinthians 12:12-14)
• The residents of God's Kingdom are united together in God and Jesus: John 17:21-23
• God's Kingdom has no relationships with the kingdom of Satan: Matthew 12:25-28. See
also Mark 3:23-26 and Luke 11:17-20
• One of the main purposes of unity in the Kingdom of God is the unlimited power it produces.
Jesus promised: Matthew 18:19-20)
• Because the residents of God's Kingdom are still in fleshly bodies, division may arise from time
to time. Jesus gave instructions for handling such divisions in Matthew 18:15-35.
3. The Principle of Penetration:
The Kingdom of God is to penetrate the world in two ways: As light and as salt: Matthew 5:13-16,
Luke 11:33-36, Luke 14:34-35, Mark 4:21, Mark 9:50)
In the natural world, salt works silently. It is used to preserve food, heal wounds, and add flavour. A
little salt affects a great amount of food.
In the spiritual world, Kingdom residents are to penetrate the world as salt. They are to preserve the
values and quality of the Kingdom, be a healing balm to others, and like the flavour of life. They are
to spread the Kingdom steadily. As salt, they can affect a great mass of humanity. In another passage,
Jesus compared the penetration of the Kingdom to leaven (Matthew 13:33). Like salt, a little leaven
works silently to penetrate a great lump of bread.
In the natural world, light exposes darkness. It shows the way out of darkness. Light in darkness
cannot escape notice. The Kingdom resident is to be a spiritual light in the world. He is to expose and
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the Kingdom. Believers are to live the life of the Kingdom in a visible way, steadily penetrating the
kingdoms of the world with the Gospel of the Kingdom.
4. Principles of Prayer:
Prayer in the Kingdom is based on three principles: Asking, seeking, and knocking: Matthew 7:7-8
Each level of prayer speaks of greater intensity in seeking God. Jesus also gave a model prayer for
Kingdom residents in Matthew 6:9-1. and Luke 11:2-4.
5. Principles of Worship:
The basic principles of worship in the Kingdom are described in Matthew 6:1-18. The basic principles
of worship include:
Giving: Outward look Matthew 6:1-4
Praying: Upward look Matthew 6:5-15
Fasting: Inward look Matthew 6:16-18
All three areas of worship are to be done in secret in order to be blessed of God.
6. The Principle of Singleness of Vision:
The single vision of Kingdom residents is to seek first the Kingdom of God. Reading Matthew 6:19-
34, and Luke 12:22-34, we observed the following:
• Jesus speaks of singleness of heart in Matthew 6:19-21.
• He speaks of singleness of vision in Matthew 6:22-23.
• He speaks of singleness of devotion in Luke 16:13.
• He speaks of singleness of service in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 9:60 and 62.
• He speaks of singleness in thought in Matthew 6:25-32 and 34.
The following verse summarizes this principle of singleness of vision: But seek ye first the
Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Matthew 6:33)
Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The
coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘here it
is,’ or ‘there it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17: 20-21)
The kingdom is here now! Jesus wasn’t just pointing his followers to some future place; he wanted
them to live into the reality of the kingdom in their daily lives! Take a moment to look at the words
of Jesus from that point of view, and think about what Jesus is trying to tell us.
In many churches we pray the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6 every Sunday. When we pray “thy
kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”, how can we understand that from the
perspective of the kingdom being right here? To me, it means that the way we live our lives should
bring a little bit of heaven to the here and now…acting and reacting in our daily lives in ways that are
consistent with what we know of God’s character.
And in the prior chapter, Matthew 5, Jesus gives us the character qualities that are foundational to
living that kind of life…hungering for righteousness, being merciful, pure in heart, and committed to
peace. As these character qualities are developed and cultivated daily in our hearts and in our
actions, we are making the kingdom of God visible to those around us.
Living a kingdom life will set us apart. That’s what Jesus intended, and it will get attention. When
we love when others would hate, we’re making the kingdom of God visible. When we speak up and
defend the voiceless when others would be silent, we’re making the kingdom of God visible. When
we insist on justice for the oppressed and victimized when others are just looking out for themselves,
we’re making the kingdom of God visible.

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MODULE 4:
THE CULTURE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Text: Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and
heirs of the Kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him? (James 2:5)
Introduction
As we pursue the study of Kingdom principles, we will learn much on the culture of the Kingdom of
God. These are specific principles of this spiritual Kingdom which rest on the general principles we
learnt in the last module.
Specific Contrasts: Culture of The Kingdom
Now let us study about specific principles of the Kingdom which rest on the general principles
already discussed. Many of these contrasts are found in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6, and you may need
to read them to have full grasp of this teaching.
These passages are part of the teachings of Jesus which have come to be known as the "Sermon On
the Mount" because He first taught it on a mountainside in Israel. This sermon contains many
specific Kingdom principles. The sermon does not cover every life situation, but the principles are
representative. They establish a pattern for ethics and behaviour applicable in all situations.
The first part of the sermon, Matthew 5:1-12 known as the "Beatitudes" deals with basic Kingdom
attitudes which are blessed by God. Those who are blessed do not hold the conventional values of
society. The word "blessed" used in this passage means to be approved by God. There is a difference
between being blessed and being happy. Being blessed depends on God and is unaffected by
circumstances. Being happy depends on circumstances of life.
Here are some of the specific contrasts in the culture of the Kingdom of God.
1. The Kingdom Belongs to Those Who Are Poor in Spirit:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
The world honours those with material wealth. God chooses the poor of the world and makes
them rich in faith: James 2:5, Luke 6:20
2. The Poor Are Rich and The Rich of The World Are Poor:
The world emphasizes the spirit of self-reliance, self- expression, and self-improvement. But God
approves those who are poor in spirit who realize they have no ability to save themselves, to
satisfy their spiritual needs, or to solve their own problems. Luke 6:24
3. Sorrow Brings Joy:
There are two kinds of sorrow. The sorrow of the world is sorrow resulting from sin. It is a sorrow
which comes through suffering the penalties of sin. But this sorrow does not result in a change
in lifestyle. Godly sorrow is sorrow for sin. Godly sorrow results in repentance: I Corinthians 7:10
God approves of such sorrow. He says those who experience it will receive comfort: Matthew 5:4,
(Luke 6:21, John 16:20)
In the Kingdom, those who mourn are comforted and sorrow brings joy. Joy is turned to sorrow
for those in the kingdoms of the world: Luke 6:25

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4. The Meek Are Conquerors:
Meekness is not weakness or passiveness. To be meek means to be gentle in nature, not easily
provoked, and to have a mild temperament. It is the opposite of worldly principles which advise
"assert yourself, stand up for your rights."
Meekness is not a natural quality of fleshly man. It is one of the spiritual fruits of the Kingdom:
Galatians 5:22-23
Each of these qualities should be characteristic of Kingdom residents. They are spiritual fruit
which are a result of the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
The world does not consider meek people as conquerors, but God promises the meek will inherit
the earth: Matthew 5:5
5. The Hungry Are Filled:
Men hunger after many things in the kingdoms of the world. They hunger after power, wealth,
success, and happiness. Kingdom residents should not hunger for such material things. They
should seek righteousness which is the basic principle of the Kingdom: Matthew 5:6, Luke 6:21
Some believers go from religious meeting to meeting seeking "blessings" from God. They are
never satisfied spiritually. In this Kingdom principle, Jesus reveals that only those who hunger
for righteousness will be spiritually filled.
When you are hungry in the natural world, you do not sit down and passively wait for food. You
take action to satisfy your hunger by obtaining food and preparing a meal. In the spiritual world
you cannot sit and passively wait for God to satisfy your spiritual hunger. You must actively seek
spiritual food by communicating with God in prayer and studying His written Word.
The hungry are filled in the Kingdom of God. Those in the kingdoms of the world are left hungry:
Luke
6. The Merciful Obtain Mercy:
Worldly principles warn that if you are too merciful with others, they will abuse you. If you show
too much kindness, they will take advantage of you. Kingdom principles teach the opposite. If
you show mercy you will obtain mercy instead of abuse: Matthew 5:7
7. Inward Rather Than Outward Stressed:
The religious leaders of Jesus' day stressed the outward keeping of law and tradition rather than
inward heart attitudes. They observed the Sabbath strictly, fasted regularly, prayed openly, and
gave alms to the poor.
But Jesus stressed the inward attitudes of the heart rather than the outward sacrifices: Matthew
5:8.
It is not those with the outward signs of religion that will see God. It is those who are pure in
heart.
8. Peace Instead of Revolution:
Revolution is the method of change in the kingdoms of the world. Peacemakers are those who
bring change in the Kingdom of God. Matthew 5:9
Peace is not running away from problems or the absence of war and strife. The peace of which
Jesus spoke is different from worldly peace: John 14:27

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In the peace of the world there is fear. Will they keep the peace treaty? Will they abide by their
promises? In God's peace, there is no fear. He has promised to keep believers in perfect peace.
They can have the peace of God even while in unpeaceful circumstances of the kingdoms of the
world.
9. The Persecuted Are Rewarded:
This Kingdom principle pronounces blessing on those who suffer for a specific reason: For
righteousness sake. Matthew 5:10, Luke 6:22-23, Luke 6:26)
It is not a general blessing on all who suffer, because some people suffer for their own faults: I
Peter 2:20
Sin is behind some suffering: James 5:14-16)
10.The Least Are Greatest:
In the world, greatness is exalted. People are considered great if they are successful, famous, have
great wealth or power. In the Kingdom of God, those who are great live and teach Kingdom
principles. They may be considered the least in the kingdoms of the world, but they are greatest
in the Kingdom of God: (Matthew 5:19)
11. The Humble Are Exalted:
For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
(Luke 14:11)
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be
exalted. (Matthew 23:12)
12. Servants Are Leaders
The kingdoms of the world hold leaders in high esteem. They are honoured and exalted. They are
waited upon by servants and are considered in a social class far above all others.
In the Kingdom of God, to lead you must become a servant: Matthew 20:25-28, Luke 22:26, Mark
10:43-44, Matthew 23:11
13. The Last Are First:
Those who are first in the kingdoms of the world are last in God's Kingdom: Matthew 19:30,
Matthew 20:16, Luke 13:30
14. Small Becomes Great:
Jesus illustrated this principle by the natural examples of a mustard seed, leaven, and a widow's
mite: Matthew 13:31-33. See also Mark 4:30-32, Luke 21:1-4
15. That Which Is Highly Esteemed Is Lowly Valued:
And He said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men: but God knoweth your
hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (Luke
16:15)
16. Adults Become as Children:
In the Kingdom of God, adults must become as children. This means they must accept the Gospel
of the Kingdom in the same way as a child: In simple faith. Matthew 18:1-4, Matthew 19:14, Luke
18:16-17)

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Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, he shall
not enter therein. (Mark 10:15)
17. Lose Your Life to Save It:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat falls into the ground and die, it abideth alone:
but if it dies, it bringeth forth much fruit. (John 12:24)
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the
Gospel's, the same shall save it. (Mark 8:35)
He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. (Matthew
10:39)
You lose your life by denying yourself of worldly pleasures and standards in order to follow the
King: Matthew 16:24-25
18.Hate Life Instead of Loving It:
He that loveth his life shall lose it: and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life
eternal. (John 12:25)
19. Give to Receive:
Give, and it shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and
running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it
shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:38)
20. The Impossible Is Possible:
And He said, the things which are impossible with men are possible with God. (Luke 18:27)
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things
are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God
all things are possible. (Mark 10:27)
21. Those Without Sight See and Those with Sight Are Blind:
And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and
that they which see might be made blind. (John 9:39)
Jesus came to give spiritual vision to those lost in spiritual darkness. Those who thought they
had spiritual vision through religious tradition were actually blind.
22.Take A Yoke and Burden to Rest
A yoke is a piece of equipment used to pair up two animals to pull a plow. It speaks of labour. A
burden is something that is carried. It is a weight: Matthew 11:28-30
You find true rest by being yoked together with Jesus to carry His burden. His burden is that the
Gospel of the Kingdom be extended to the nations of the world.
23.Heavenly Rather Than Earthly Treasures Are Emphasized
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where
thieves break through and steal: Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus compared those who emphasize earthly treasures to a fool: Luke 12:21.

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24.Heavenly Rather Than Earthly Glory Is Sought:
He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory; but he that seeketh His glory that sent him,
the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (John 7:18)
How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh
from God only. (John 5:44)
Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing; it is my Father that honoureth me; of
whom ye say, that He is your God. (John 8:54)
25.Division Instead of Peace Results:
Jesus is peace. When He came to the world in fleshly form, peace was on earth.
But Jesus brought division instead of peace to the kingdoms of the world. Families, cities, and
kingdoms were divided because of Him. Some believed and accepted Him as King. They became
residents of the Kingdom through spiritual rebirth. Others did not accept Jesus as King and did
not become part of the Kingdom. This resulted in division: Luke 12:51-53
...And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. (Matthew 10:36)
26.That Covered Is Revealed:
...There is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I
tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light; and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the
housetops. (Matthew 10:26-27)
27.The Kingdom Is Extended to Sinners Instead of Righteous:
...for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matthew 9:13)
28.Spiritual Rather Than Natural Is Emphasized:
For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy
Ghost. (Romans 14:17)
For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (I Corinthians 4:20)
29.Additional Contrasts
Use the following chart to study additional contrasts between the Kingdom of God and the
kingdoms of the world:
Two paths and two gates:
Two prophets:
Two trees:
Two claims:
Two houses:
Matthew 7:13-14
Matthew 7:15
Matthew 7:17-20; Luke 6:43-44
Matthew 7:21-23
Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49

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MODULE 5:
THE KINGDOM LIFE
Text: Matt.22:29
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and
heirs of the Kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him? (James 2:5)
Opening Illustration:
“A very popular and highly placed Bishop and preacher was found dead on his bed one
morning. His close associates were aghast and surprised. One of the asked; ‘where has he
gone? Heaven of course, replied the other.
But his personal assistant interjected by saying: “I have serve him closely for more than a
decade, and he always prepared for whatever he is going to do. If he wants to travel, he
would prepare, pray, get ready and talk about it for weeks. But I never heard him talk or
prepare for heaven, so I’m not sure he went there because my Bishop never go on a journey
he is not prepared for.”
Lessons:
If you are indeed going to heaven, we must talk about it here more often.
Poser: “When last did you talk about your preparation for heaven with somebody?”
On this note I heartily welcome you to this convention, and pray that you catch something
eternal in Jesus name. Amen.
Sing: Father Lord, let thy Kingdom come ]2ce.
May thy will be done in my life] 2ce
Shall we turn it to prayer now: Oh Lord, let your kingdom come into my life, home and
church. Let thy will be done in this convention, my home and life and in Nigeria.
Introduction
There are about 3 misconceptions about the KOG. First, the Jews thought the first coming
of Jesus was meant to bring back the kingdom to Israel, destroy their enemies and
dislodge the Romans and become political leaders – Amos 9:14, John 6:14-15.
Second, that the Kingdom is only futuristic and that it will be in heaven and cannot be
attained here on earth – Dan.2:44-45. Thirdly, they thought the kingdom would come
during the second coming of Christ during the millennial reign – Isa.35:3-6.
They never knew that God’s intention is for the KOG to come to earth and dwell in us:
The 2 key words in this topic are: Kingdom and life. The Greek word for kingdom is
‘basileia’, meaning a ‘rule’ or ‘authority’, and this includes the idea of power. So, there’s
a realm – Jn.18:28-40, a rule, a king, subjects and servants – Col.1:13. The Kingdom of
God is His rule, His plan, and His program. This is all embracing as it covers everything

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in the universe, i.e. it is the comprehensive rule of God over all His creation. This
Kingdom lives by rules and standards as prescribed by the Ruler, God the Father, for all
that is done in God’s Kingdom is subject to His will and sovereignty and must bring glory
to Him alone – Matt.6:13, Rom.11:36, Rev.4:11, Psa.113:19, 115:3, 145:13.
Let’s briefly examine the other kingdom and its constituents where Satan is in charge. It
was rebellion against God’s Kingdom in heaven led by Archangel Lucifer – the anointed
cherub and the star of the morning – (Isa.14:12-14) that created Satan and his kingdom
of fallen angels (demons). Every child of God should note that it was pride that made
Lucifer to become the devil.
Please take note of the five “I wills” that changed the destiny of Lucifer for ever – “I will
ascend to heaven, I will raise my throne, I will sit on the mount of assembly, I will ascend
above the heights of the clouds, and I will make myself like the Most High”. No wonder,
pride was the first sin that God hates – Pro.6:16-17. Satan’s kingdom is a spiritual one
also, and no Christian should be carried away, for he is the real enemy that militates
against your stewardship to God. The main weapon he uses is deception, and death is
the reward for anyone so deceived.
The Meaning of the Kingdom of God.
John 18:36: Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this
world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My
kingdom is not from here." NKJV
The kingdom of God is the dynamic and spiritual rule and reign of God in the hearts and
lives of men and women. It is not a political reign or physical kingdom territories, but
making changes in the spiritual order in the lives of men and women. The kingdom of
God changes man from within.
It is the coming of Christ into the world to assert His power, glory and rights against the
kingdom of darkness, dominion of sins and course of this present world.
Matt.12:28 says: “But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the KOG is come unto you.”
It is more than salvation from sin or the church; it is God expressing Himself with power
and ruling in the hearts and lives of men in the world. John 14:23, 20:22.
The kingdom is now present in the world with power – Luke 4:18-19 shows the manifesto
of the kingdom as declared by Jesus. The kingdom power is not political or material but
spiritual. Hence, we must seek the kingdom first into our hearts and lives. Matt.6:33.
The kingdom of God must be inside us and rule within everyone – Lk.17:20-21.
Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus
replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor
will people say, ‘here it is,’ or ‘there it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your
midst.” (Luke 17: 20-21)

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The kingdom is here now! Jesus wasn’t just pointing his followers to some future place;
he wanted them to live into the reality of the kingdom in their daily lives! Take a moment
to look at the words of Jesus from that point of view, and think about what Jesus is trying
to tell us.
In many churches we pray the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6 every Sunday. When we
pray “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”, how can we
understand that from the perspective of the kingdom being right here? To me, it means
that the way we live our lives should bring a little bit of heaven to the here and
now…acting and reacting in our daily lives in ways that are consistent with what we know
of God’s character.
And in the prior chapter, Matthew 5, Jesus gives us the character qualities that are
foundational to living that kind of life…hungering for righteousness, being merciful,
pure in heart, and committed to peace. As these character qualities are developed and
cultivated daily in our hearts and in our actions, we are making the kingdom of God
visible to those around us.
Living a kingdom life will set us apart. That’s what Jesus intended, and it will get
attention. When we love when others would hate, we’re making the kingdom of God
visible. When we speak up and defend the voiceless when others would be silent, we’re
making the kingdom of God visible. When we insist on justice for the oppressed and
victimized when others are just looking out for themselves, we’re making the kingdom
of God visible.
Take some time to look through the Gospels for that phrase, especially in the parables
of Jesus, and think through what they can mean to you in the light of the kingdom being
right now. Does it come alive in a different way than before? Does it call you to change
anything in your life? If our task as Christians is to build up the kingdom of God right
here, then we need to experience it first in our own hearts and minds, and then live it out
for the world to see.
It is the kingdom within that takes care of our environments, so we must all pray the
kingdom into our hearts. Matt.6:9-10.
JOSEPH AS A CASE STUDY OF KINGDOM LIFE
III. Living the Kingdom Life
Joseph's life under the heavenly vision was the life of the kingdom of the heavens
described in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. According to the constitution of the
heavenly kingdom revealed in these chapters in Matthew, our anger must be subdued
and our lust conquered (Matt. 5:21-32). If we claim to be the kingdom people, yet we
cannot subdue our anger or conquer our lust, we are finished. Instead of being in
the kingdom, we are on the seashore. We are those giving vent to our anger and
indulging in lust. But all the kingdom people subdue their anger and conquer their lust.
This is the kingdom life.

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In the kingdom life today, kings are being trained. We, the kingdom people in
the kingdom life, are being trained to be kings, to be Josephs, to be the reigning aspect
of the mature life. For this, we must subdue our anger and conquer our lust. What a
wonderful picture Joseph's life is of our experience today! Day by day, we are subduing
our anger and conquering our lust. Instead of agreeing with our anger or cooperating
with our lust, we reject our anger and condemn our lust, because we are the reigning
aspect of the mature life. We have the constitution of Christ within us, and we are being
prepared to reign as kings.
IV. ENJOYING THE LORD'S PRESENCE
A life such as Joseph's always has the presence of the Lord (39:2-5, 21-23). Wherever the
presence of the Lord is, there is authority. If you have the presence of the Lord, the
authority of the Lord will be with you. For example, in captivity Daniel had the Lord's
presence; therefore, the Lord's authority was with him. Even a child in a family may have
the Lord's presence and therefore be the genuine authority in that family. In the case of
Joseph, Potiphar, an officer in Pharaoh's palace, was in control of things. Eventually,
however, Potiphar was under Joseph's control because Joseph had the Lord's presence.
Also consider Joseph's experience in prison. Although there was a ruler over the prison,
eventually this ruler was not the actual ruler. Instead, Joseph, a prisoner who had the
presence of God, became the ruler. Both in Potiphar's house and in the prison Joseph
became king.
Wherever the constitution of Christ goes with the presence of God, there will be the
reigning part. In the coming kingdom it will be this part that will be the co-kings with
Christ in the kingdom of the heavens. Thus, the reigning aspect of the mature life is
a life that always enjoys the presence of the Lord. The authority in this universe is the
Lord Himself. Wherever His presence is, there is authority, the ruling power. As long as
we have the Lord's presence, we have authority, even if we are in prison. Although we
may be prisoners, we shall eventually become rulers. We shall rule wherever we are.
This indicates that we are the reigning aspect of the mature life.
A. Prospered by the Lord
In the presence of the Lord, Joseph was prospered by Him (39:2-3, 23). Where the
presence of the Lord is, there is not only the Lord's authority, but also prosperity brought
about by the Lord's sovereignty. While Joseph was undergoing ill-treatment, he enjoyed
the prosperity that came to him under the Lord's sovereignty.
B. The Favour with the Lord's Blessing
In the Lord's presence, Joseph was favoured with the Lord's blessing wherever he was.
The Lord's blessing always accompanies prosperity under His sovereignty. When
Joseph enjoyed prosperity, he and those who were involved with him were blessed
(39:4-5, 22-23).

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Kingdom Lifestyle
The eternal purpose of God since the foundation of the world is to have His own people,
family and peculiar unto Him. He called out those who will serve Him willingly and
genuinely and wants them to be different from the world.
“Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a
peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:” - Exodus 19:5-6.
➢ People of the kingdom are those who have their sins forgiven and have been
translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Christ - Colossians
1:13.
➢ They are to live a life of peace with God, righteousness and joy in the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 14:17).
➢ The lifestyle of the kingdom is that of being different, separate from sinful and
fleshly desires of this world. The people of the kingdom are a new tribe, nation and
peculiar unto God. (1 Peter 2:9).
➢ Kingdom living is a life of heaven on earth – free from pollutions, corruptions and
ungodliness of this world. It is doing the will of God on earth as is being done in
heaven. (Matthew 6:9-10)
➢ Kingdom living is being eternally minded and with godly values in everyday
lifestyle. Jesus the King of the kingdom says that citizens of the kingdom are not of
this world, as He is not of the world. (John 17:14)
This means that their lifestyle must model His and be radically different from that of the
world that surrounds them.
A. Church In The World, World In The Church
The church is in the world and the love of the world is in the church. The scriptural truth
of 1 John chapter 2 verses 15 to 17 has been derided and explained away by preachers
in the name of success, prosperity and grace teachings.
❖ Today, Christians compete with the world in fashion, automobiles, mansions, gold,
jewelleries and immoral lifestyles.
❖ Christians divorce, remarries, follow latest fashion, pursue money and live
extravagantly like the rest of the world.
❖ The attitudes, characters and choices of so-called Christians are radically different
from that of the disciples of the Lord and teachings of the Bible.
The words and sad comment of Indira Ghandi is playing itself out again right before our
eyes. He said; “When I read the Bible, I love the Jesus I saw and want to follow Him. But
when I looked at the life of those who say they are Christians, I don’t want to have
anything to do with their Christ”
B. Kingdom Lifestyle
If we are true citizens of His kingdom, now and for eternity, then we must daily live the
kingdom lifestyle. What are the features of kingdom lifestyle?

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a. Christ-like Living – 1 John 3:1-3
The deep desire of God is that every believer be fashioned like Christ. Each of us must
become like Christ – living holy, pure and become like Him in our attitudes, manners
and choices.
b. Obedient Living – Eccl. 12:13-14
The lifestyle of the kingdom is to live in implicit and complete obedience to the will of
the Father. It is a life of purity (1 Thess. 4:3-8); Faith (John 14:21); walking in the Spirit
(Gal. 5:16); walking in the light (Romans 13:13; Ephesians 5:8); Love (Matt. 5:43-48);
Shinning as light and salt in the world (Matt. 5:13-16); Separation from the world (Heb.
11:13; 1 Peter 2:11).
c. Powerful Living – Acts 1:8; 2:17-18
Kingdom lifestyle is a life empowered by the Holy Spirit and strengthened to be a
blessing to others. It is an overcoming, prevailing, victorious and triumphant life over
the situations and circumstances of the world.
d. Dominion Living:
It is a life of dominion over sin, Satan, sicknesses and problems of this world. It is reigning
as kings and priests of God over the challenges of this present world.
e. Offensive Living – Ephesians 6:10; Matthew 11:12; II Cor. 16:13
The kingdom lifestyle is not only to be strong in the Lord, which is defensive, but also in
the power of His might, which is offensive. We must use our spiritual armour to push back
the kingdom of darkness and advance the frontiers of the kingdom of light.
Those who seldom pray, compromise with the world, neglect the word of God and have
little spiritual hunger cannot live the lifestyle of the kingdom. Those who are secular,
carnal and fleshly in their desires and choices cannot live the kingdom lifestyle and they
will be thrown out of the kingdom.
It is only those who are ready to pay the price and ready to confirm to the will of God
that will be enabled to live the kingdom lifestyle and they are the only ones that will
enjoy the benefits of His kingdom, now and in eternity.

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MODULE 6:
THE PRIORITY OF LAW OF THE KINGDOM
Text: Matt.16:18-19
Introduction
You need power to accomplish many things on earth as all things on earth are made to
obey laws: You see brethren, laws give freedom: Pencil on a table (one law) - Law of
gravity. The movement of a reptile (two laws) - Law of gravity and Law of motion. A Bird
Flying (three laws) - Law of gravity, law of motion and law of aerodynamics. So, the more
laws obeyed – more freedom you get.
Points for Discussion
1. The most important knowledge in life is law.
2. The powerful force on earth is law.
3. Law is inherent in creation
4. Law is necessary in creation
5. Law is essential to life
6. The key to success in life is law
7. Absence of law is the beginning of destruction. The law of plant is the soil. The law of
fish is the water. Without these, they die.
8. Every problem in your life is a violation of laws
9. Laws are designed to protect you from problems
10.God created life to function only by laws.
11.The goal of God was to colonize the earth with the kingdom culture of heaven.
12.Man was created to manifest a community of heaven on earth
13.Earth was created to be a colony of heaven
14.The kingdom of heaven is the original of invisible nation
15.All nations are built by laws
16.Laws produce the culture of the community of a nation.
17.The water responds differently to Jesus and Peter because they were operating on 2
different laws.
18.The kingdom of God is the country of God that operates on kingdom laws.
19.Religion is a gravity that holds people down, it is gravity.
20.Believing the ridiculous is the lifestyle of the kingdom - p
21.Laws is inherent principles that regulate the people's life, and regulate relationship.
22.Nothing is truly impossible once you live by laws.
23.Human relationships are built on laws including social relationships
24.Law is the key to prosperity, once you obey the laws of God you will get want you
desire.
25.Jesus came and what he did while on earth was to preach the kingdom of heaven -
Matt.4:17, 23-24. He preached the laws.
26.The kingdom standard - the KOG brings the laws of heaven back to the earth.
27.Matt.5:3, 13, 14 - when you obey God laws, you can't be ignored.

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28.Abraham obeyed Gods law, and he became prosperous, so also for Solomon.
29.People will come to you where ever you are because you obey the laws of God.
30.Those who obey the laws are sought after all over. Things work for them.
31.The laws of lighthouse - A law is like a light house
The Laws Of Lighthouse
The principle of light is the measure of standards and guide.
The lighthouse principles include:
1. They are built on rock so that lost ship can see it.
2. Lighthouses are never threatened by the storms. So, if you're in the lighthouse in
storm, they you're safe.
3. They can never move or be moved.
4. It is a sign of warning
5. Submission to produce protection
6. Lighthouse are used as a guide and a measure to protect your lives.
7. Lighthouse protect lives, i.e. The laws of God protect lives.
8. Lighthouses can never be violated.
9. Lighthouse is always in charge and it's there to protect you.
10.Lighthouses is the laws of life and God gave us these laws so that we don't crash.
Conclusion
I believe you will start taken your bible seriously from today, because that is your
lighthouse i.e. the laws. I pray you will start to fall in love with laws of God and to obey it
faithfully so that you won't crash your life on the altar of disobedience.
Please don't use this bible as a religious book anymore, but as the laws of God. Your
obedience of these laws is to protect the ship you're living in, which is your life. May you
receive the wisdom to do what is good for your life. Amen.

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MODULE 7:
THE LAW OF SERVICE IN THE KINGDOM
Texts:
“I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27).
“A disciple is not above his teacher or a slave above his master” (Luke 6:24).
Opening illustration:
In the days following Hurricane Katrina, Rudy and Rose travelled to New Orleans to help.
Unable to find a place to plug in, Rudy walked into the kitchen of Williams Boulevard Baptist
Church and volunteered. That church was strategically situated next to the Highway Patrol
headquarters, which was hosting hundreds of troopers from the nation as they protected
the darkened city. The church had become a hotel for the troopers and the women of the
congregation were serving three meals a day. They welcomed Rudy and assigned him to
the garbage detail.
Not exactly what he had in mind. Rudy had been pastoring a church in southern Canada.
When he saw the suffering of our people on television—entire neighbourhoods flooded,
thousands homeless, people being rescued off rooftops—he resigned his church, sold his
gun collection to fund the move, and he and Rose came to help.
Now, he ends up emptying garbage cans. By his own admission, Rudy was developing an
attitude problem. One day he was lifting a large bag of garbage into the dumpster. The
kitchen workers had been told not to put liquid garbage into the bags, but evidently, they
didn’t get the message. Suddenly, as Rudy was lifting it up, the bag ripped and all kinds of
kitchen leftovers poured down over him—gumbo, red beans and rice, gravy, grease,
whatever. Rudy stood there drenched in garbage, crying like a baby. “That’s when the
Lord broke me,” he said later. “I told the Lord, ‘If you just want me to empty garbage cans,
I’ll do it.’”
That was a Thursday. That Saturday night late, a minister from that church woke him up.
“Rudy, our pastor is sick. They tell me you are a preacher. Can you preach for us tomorrow
morning?” In time, Rudy became pastor of one of our churches. He turned the little
congregation into a centre for training teams to go down the river sharing the love of Christ
with those whose lives had been upended. The Lord gave Rudy and Rose French an
unforgettable ministry to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. But it began with his “baptism of
garbage,” if you will.
You will be a servant. You have no choice if you are to follow Jesus. He characterized
Himself as a Servant. The way to greatness in the Kingdom, He said, is through serving.
The Scriptures are saturated with teachings and examples and encouragement
regarding servanthood. Here are seven laws—non-negotiable elements, iron-clad
principles—regarding serving in the Kingdom of God.
1. Only the strongest can serve.
The weak, the immature and the carnal want only to be served.

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