gods kingdom (precepts and concepts)

65
Ogaga O. David Gods Kingdom Advancement Initiative www.gkai.net (Concepts and precepts)

Upload: gods-kingdom-advancement-initiative

Post on 14-Mar-2016

250 views

Category:

Documents


5 download

DESCRIPTION

A book that teaches the present reality of Gods Kingdom, and teaches how the Kingdom of God is within

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

 

Ogaga O. DavidGods Kingdom Advancement Initiative 

www.gkai.net 

(Concepts and precepts) 

Page 2: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or method of duplication, unless express written permission has been granted by the Author. Understanding the Kingdom 2009 © Ogaga O. David Ph.D ISBN -978-033-577-3 Xpress Image Media Divine Encounter Ministries Nigeria. Unless otherwise stated all scriptures are from the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible. Any emphasis in quoted scripture is mine. For more resource please visit www.gkai.net

Page 3: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

FORWARD

I believe that God is doing some amazing work across the nations of the world by bringing the Spirit of Truth and Accuracy back into His House. There are many voices trumpeting in the house of God, but it is important to know that there is only One Voice that accurately reveals the purposes of God for the establishment of His Kingdom in the earth. This is the Spirit of Truth. Indeed, there is no other gospel that is commanded to declare in all nations, apart from the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Much of what has been declared by the Church in the past season is inaccurate and has only given partial treatment; hence there is a lack within the message in the Body. It is with great honour that I recommend to you the writing of my friend and covenant Brother, David Ogaga, and endorse this book “The Kingdom of God”. There is a remnant within the Body of Christ that the Lord has given revelation and understanding to regarding His Kingdom. I believe Brother David Ogaga is one of them. This book is a timely insight that unveils the true heart of God for the Church. I pray that you will continue to receive this as a Word of the Kingdom and gain understanding in the mysteries, so you can be fruitful in His purpose. Israel Onoriobe World Vision Crusade Outreach Ministries Uitenhage (Port Elizabeth) - South Africa www.wvcom-international.org

Page 4: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

CHAPTER ONE

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not

God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the

Son. 2Jon 9. kJV.

Anyone who goes on and does not keep to the teaching of Christ has not God:

he who keeps to the teaching has the Father and the Son. BBE.

What is meant here is, he who abides not in the doctrine which Christ taught, or

the true doctrine respecting him, has not the Father and the Son. The truth

therefore must be held respecting the precepts, the character, and the work of

the Saviour

WHAT IS THE JOY OF STAYING WITH THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS?

Jon.14:15, 23. “If ye love me, keep my commandments… Jesus answered and

said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love

him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him”.

Those who stay with the teachings of Christ secure the presence of both the

Father and the Son: And if you lose one, you do not have the other either.

Thus; you secure the presence of the Father and the Son by way of being their

abode, a habitation; “he dwelleth in God, and God in him”; Furthermore, this

abiding presence of both the Father and the Son in the one that keep to His

teachings produces a communal fellowship, resulting in the Elohim society in and

on the Earth, “We will come unto them, and make our abode with them”. Jesus

said’. So we can see that, staying with the very teachings of Christ, not just about

the person of Christ and His power only, will bring to pass a clear statement of

prophecy,

Page 5: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Rev.21:3-4. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the

tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his

people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more

death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the

former things are passed away”

And this is actually a reversal of that which happened in Eden when man was

driven away from the presence of God. So the teachings of Christ will restore the

presence of God again on the earth, restoring the Fellowship of God and man -

Eden

Now let us observe this fact as we go on, “the tabernacle of God is with men”

should read, ‘the tabernacle of God with men ’as the is, is in italics indicating that

it was supplied by the translators.

Now, the word ‘with’ meta, really means; that which properly, is denoting

accompaniment; amid, among, in union with’ By implication, God is now in union

with man (kind).

Above all, those who stay with the teachings of the Christ have both the Father

and the Son, by way of assistance and approbation; (approval, consent, praise

and esteem of God) they have God to assist them, to accept them, and to reward

them.

Page 6: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Chapter Two SO WHAT WAS THE GOSPEL OF JESUS?

By implication, what was Jesus main passion? What occupied the centre of His

message? What did He really teach and preach?

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN PROPHECY/HISTORY.

When Jesus started His earthly ministry according to Mark’s account, we are told

“Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the

gospel of the kingdom of God,

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye,

and believe the gospel” Mk.1:14-15 (see. Da 9:25; Mt 3:2; 4:17; Gal. 4:4; Eph

1:10)

Now what ‘Time is fulfilled’ that Jesus is making reference to here? He was

simply making reference to the prophetic words of Daniel, In Dan.9:25-26. where

we are told “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the

commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince

shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built

again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks

shall Messiah be cut offqazAA, but not for himself: and the people of the prince

that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall

be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined” (please

see our Book ‘light in the word’ chapter one for the complete teaching on the

above prophecy).

But let us quickly move to Daniel Chapter two to see how Prophecy is fulfilled in

history.

In Dan.2:44. we read “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven

set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be

Page 7: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms,

and it shall stand for ever”.

What kingdoms was Daniel referring to here?

These were the four kingdoms, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and the Roman

Empire according to verses 33-43.of Daniel 2.

But in verse 45, we read “Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out

of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the

clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what

shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation

thereof sure”

The little stone here represents Christ and His kingdom making it the fifth.

This is the same picture painted for us as the ‘four beasts’ in Dan.7, and in verse

27, it says; “And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom

under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most

High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve

and obey him”

(Lk 1:33.Rev.11:15).

What do we mean the ‘Greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven?’.

This simply means the power, which those several kingdoms had possessed,

shall all be turned over to the kingdom of Christ. And Jesus rightly told the

disciples “…All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth”. Math.28:18.

And when we say "Under ... heaven" shows it clearly that this is a kingdom on

earth, not in up their in the sky in a location called heaven.

Page 8: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Whereas the phrase “ people of ... saints of ... Most High--" shows the people of

God, the saints are gathered out of both Jews and Gentiles, but the stock of the

Church is Jewish (Ro 9:24; 11:24); So here we are dealing with a victorious

church that no power can stop even in the ages to come.

That, it is an “everlasting kingdom”—shows it cannot be referring to a

millennial theology. For the stone that Daniel saw grew and became a mountain,

there is no stoppage or stunted growth of the stone which represents the

kingdom for a thousand years. Neither did the mustard seed that speaks of the

kingdom in Mark 4:30-32, had a stunted growth for a period, but rather grew to

become a mighty tree that the birds of the air will lodge under its shadows. “ And

he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison

shall we compare it?

It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than

all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and

becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the

fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it”.

So Daniel saw the whole time of future blessedness as one period there was no

division, but a continuous growth and the unfolding of events until the glory of the

Lord covers the earth as the waters covers the sea. Can we say Daniel was a

progressionist? Christ's kingdom is "everlasting.” not even a judgment period

can end it, it has started and it will continue to grow but men don’t know how that

this kingdom is advancing. The word of God says:

“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the

throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with

judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of

hosts will perform this”. Isa.9:7.

Page 9: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

It is interesting to know that, among the shades of the meaning of the word

increase is ampily, and multiply. In other words, there shall be a multiplication

and an amplification of the government of Christ upon the earth that shall know

no end.

Whereas in the Heb. It is marbeh, which means, properly, increasing; as noun,

greatness, or (adverb;) greatly:--great, increase”

The prophecy about the birth of Jesus confirmed this when it is said “And,

behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his

name

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God

shall give unto him the throne of his father David And He shall reign over the

house of Jacob forever; and OF HIS KINGDOM THERE SHALL BE NO END” Lk

I:31-32.

For we do also know that He was the son of David according to the flesh even as

we can read “Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the

seed of David according to the flesh

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of

holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” Rom.1:3-4.

29 “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that

he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to

him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, HE WOULD RAISE UP

CHRIST TO SIT ON HIS THRONE;

34 for David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, the LORD

said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand

35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that

same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ”.Acts.2:29,30,34-:36.

Page 10: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Therefore in Rev.3:7. Jesus the Christ is identified as “…. These things saith he

that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no

man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth”;

Fulfilling the prophecy of Prophet Isaiah, “And the key of the house of David will I

lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut,

and none shall open”.Isa.22:22.

The above scriptures prove the fact that, Jesus is now ruling as Christ on the

throne of his Father David as it were. It cannot be a tomorrow’s affairs, but now.

Christ is reigning and the kingdom is here and progressing.

Page 11: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Chapter Three

THE INTERPRETATION OF DANIEL.

While Daniel was interpreting this dream to Nebuchadnezzar, in Dan.2:37. He

said “Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a

kingdom, power, and strength, and glory”

Now understand this as we move on, that the title king of kings as applied to

Jesus is here applied to the king of Babylon, indicating to us that whoever the

Father gives Dominion to, in the course of time to rule the world is the ‘king of

kings’. Why is it that Christ is bearing that title now? Because all power in heaven

and earth has been given to Him by the Father. (Math.28:18). For “The kingdoms

of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall

reign for ever and ever”.(Rev.11:15).

We will need to establish this fact here that, when Daniel spoke about the king

being the king of kings, he was not by any means indicating that

Nebuchadnezzar was the first king to reign in Babylon. There were other kings

before him.

But this is in reference to the fact that, he was the Head or beginning of the

reign or Dominion of a Gentile Nation in the earth once Israel was removed or

taken into capacity. He was the first Gentile world king and power to rule over

Israel.

Let it be noted also that Nebuchadnezzar came into prominence because of his

dealings with the Israelites. In the Bible, only those or kings who had contact with

Israel, whether positive or negative are mentioned or recorded.

This is made plain from the following passages

Page 12: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

“Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Because ye have not heard my words,

Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and

Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this

land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round

about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an

hissing, and perpetual desolations”.Jer.25:8-9

What families of the North was He talking about? It is simply the Northern

kingdom of the two kingdom of Israel after the reign of Rehoboam when

Solomon’s kingdom was divided.

And so we read;

“And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of

Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in

Jerusalem”.

“And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the

pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth,

to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all

the nations whither I have driven them” Jer. 15:4, .29:18.

In the words of Adam Clark, commenting on this verse, he said ‘This seems to

have respect to the succeeding state of the Jews in their different generations;

and never was there a prophecy more literally fulfilled; and it is still a standing

monument of Divine truth. Let infidelity cast its eyes on the scattered Jews whom

it may meet with in every civilized nation of the world; and then let it deny the

truth of this prophecy, if it can. The Jews are scattered through every nation, and

yet are not a nation; nor do they form even a colony on any part of the face of the

earth. Behold the truth and the justice of God!’ end quote.

And this truth of the scattering of the Jews and being ruled over by the Gentile

world, Nebuchadnezzar being the first king in this regard, of cause can be

Page 13: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

verified as well from the writing of Apostle Luke when he wrote of what will befall

the Jews-Jerusalem by the hands of the Romans as prophesied by Jesus.

“And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into

all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times

of the Gentiles be fulfilled”.Lk.21:24.

History has it that those who perished in the siege are reckoned to be not less

than eleven hundred thousand. (See Mt 24:22)

While those who were taken into slavery was to the number of ninety-seven

thousand, according to Josephus, the Jewish historian.

And when we speak of the prediction of ‘Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the

Gentiles’. It has been so ever since its destruction. In the succeeding years, it

has been held by the Romans, the Parthians, the Saracens, the Crusaders and

the Turks, but never by the Jews. Judea was so completely subjugated that the

very land itself was sold by Vespasian; the Gentiles possessing it, while the Jews

were either nearly all killed or led away into captivity and scattered all around the

world.

So when we are talking about ‘the time of the Gentiles being fulfilled’. It simply

means the different nations of the earth, to whom God shall have given the

dominion over this land, will have to accomplish all that which the Lord hath

appointed them to do; until the time of their conversion to God will take place.

Even the Mohammedans it is said to had possession of the city since AD 636 in

succession to the ‘’fourth” or Roman possession. But when shall the conversion

of these people be? No one knows yet. The nations are still treading down

Jerusalem, and the end is known only to the Lord. For the times and seasons are

in his hands. Acts.1:7.

Page 14: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

So according to Dan.2:44.we are told “And in the days of these kings shall the

God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the

kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and

consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever”

‘Days of these kings’, What kings? This is reference to the successive kingdoms

of Babylon, Greece, Medo-Persia and the last being the Roman Empire. Now

what the Lord is referring to here, according to this prophecy is that, the Father

will set up a kingdom which can not be moved. Speaking to us of a 5th kingdom

or power, which is now the kingdom of God. And this took place when the fourth

kingdom was in place, the Roman kingdom and that is when Christ was born.

In Dan.7:27 this kingdom is described as “And the kingdom and dominion, and

the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the

people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

and all dominions shall serve and obey him”

Jesus confirmed this prophecy of Daniel as fulfilling it when He was on trial by

Pilate who was a Roman Governor in Charge of Jerusalem as well in Jon.18:33-

37.

“Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said

unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this

thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have

delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is

not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight,

that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from

hence.

37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered; Thou

sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the

Page 15: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth

heareth my voice”.

Now we have some very interesting facts here to consider

Why did Pilate ask this question; Art thou the king of the Jews? This is simply

because according to Lk. 23:2, when the Jews brought him to Pilate they began

to accuse him as a rebel, who said he was king of the Jews, and so stopping the

people to pay tribute to Caesar. So Pilate was trying to find out from Jesus if this

accusation is really true. By implication, if he is really a king of the Jews, then He

will be in pace to be collecting tributes from the people and they will no longer be

paying to the Romans. Secondarily, it is a major fear of another king arising from

among the Jews. The same fear that Herod had when the wise men from the

east said they saw the star of the new king that was born.

Part of the answer Jesus gave to the above question is that, my kingdom is not of

this world. By this He meant to say, His kingdom is not Jewish in nature, function

and character. In other word, He is not a successor neither His kingdom a

succession to any Jewish monarch. But He admitted He has a kingdom and by

that as well, He is a king. For you cannot have a kingdom without a king.

And again, when He said, my kingdom is not of this world…Now is my kingdom

not from hence.

He was simply saying, I am a king whose kingdom does not take its root from

the social, economic and the political structure of this world, neither is it an

offshoot of the previous four kingdoms that existed.

For you know that, every kingdom that is conquered, its elements of

governance, political and economical structure are most often carried over to the

present one by the new king.

For instance, the principles in God’s kingdom, which is being administered by

Christ, if you want to be great, you have to be a servant, serving others. For you

to be successful financially, you have to be a regular Tithe payer and a giver. It is

more blessed to give than to receive, the word says. You do not give or do good

Page 16: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

to be seen by men and praised, but in secret for only God to reward you openly

by exalting you. For you to be highly exalted you have to be humbled. In other

words, for you to go up, you must first go down. The fact is everything in this

kingdom is opposite to human understanding and operational modalities. It is an

upside down kingdom. You win by loosing. You give off two coats, when your

enemy wants one. You go two miles, if you are compelled to go one. You don’t

open your mouth in self defense when on trial and being accused unjustly. You

look like a fool to every man because you don’t seems to have a right. You gain

your life by loosing it and loose your life by retaining it. The very poor are your

friends and companion in celebrations and not the rich who can reward you or

invite you in return to their festivities. You don’t judge by what you see or hear,

but by what the spirit ministers to you, as you hear the mind of the Father. You

don’t fight wars with human instruments and philosophies, but by the word of

God which is defined as sharper than any two edged sword. It is truly a kingdom

upside down.

This is what Jesus was telling Pilate when He said my kingdom is not from this

world.

Again in response to the question as to whether Jesus is a king, He admitted so

by saying “To this end was I born”, In other words, the only major reason why I

am born is to be a king. The wise men from the East did not come looking for a

child, but for a king that was born.

The proof of their conviction is that they came with gifts meant for a king for it is

customary in major traditions of the world not to go to the king without a present,

no matter how small. The queen of Sheba who came to King Solomon with all

manner of gifts was not because Solomon was a poor man and has needs, but it

was in recognition of his kingship. It is therefore a fact here also that your calling

Jesus king, does not prove you recognized Him as such except by honouring

Him with gifts.

So Jesus was saying, I am truly a king and not just one of the kings of the Jews

that rose at a time, but rather I am a universal king. My Domain is not just Israel,

Page 17: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

but the whole wide world. And with that He simply told Pilate, with regards the

question Art thou a king? . He replied by saying; “Thou sayest” which is

common form of expression for, yes, it is so. I was born into the world that I might

set up and maintain a spiritual government, but this government is established in

and by truth

Furthermore, He said; “and for this cause came I into the world, that I should

bear witness unto the truth” What truth was He to bear witness to? First of all this

government is to be established in and by truth

But above all, it is to bear witness and fulfill the truth of the prophecy of Daniel.

“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which

shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it

shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Dan2:44

Again, we state that ‘In the days of these kings’ means in the days of these

kingdoms, that is, of the last of the four. Therefore Christianity was set up when

Rome had become mistress of Judea and the world

God of heaven will set up a kingdom; This then is the "the kingdom of heaven,"

set up by God of which Christ is the head.

Here it is said that by the setting up of this kingdom, all the empires which human

hands have established shall be destroyed; but the kingdom which God has

established "without hands" meaning efforts through warfare shall increase

continually, till the earth is filled with its glory and blessedness.

And this kingdom shall.. not be left to other people.. All the preceding empires

actually swallowed up each other successively. So we see that the Chaldees

were forced to leave their kingdom to the Medo-Persians, and these to the

Greeks, and the Greeks to the Romans

Page 18: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

But here is the kingdom of God which shall never be destroyed which is the

extensive and extending empire of Christ over the world that shall remain to the

end of the ages.

Page 19: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Chapter Four. ‘THE KING OF KINGS..’

Before proceeding, let us take a look at the above phrase which is commonly

applied to Christ. It is used six times in the Bible, one time for Artaxerxes, twice

for Nebuchadnezzar, and three times for Christ. The question then is, does it

have any special significant? What does it connote when it is applied to a

person? This is important, because we realized that even Artaxerxes and

Nebuchadnezzar were addressed by this title, so why is it also applied to Christ?

The first place that we encounter this phrase is in Ezr 7:12 where it is said

“Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of

heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time”.

Now, Artaxerxes itself is not a persons name, but the title of the several kings of

Persia, eg Smerdis the Margian, Longimanus and Xerxes.

Whereas the second place is in Ezek 26:7,where it is said of “..Nebuchadrezzar

king of Babylon, a king of kings..”

Then you have it used in addressing Christ in 1 Tim.6:15, as He “ who is the

blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” and then in

Rev.17:14, and Rev.19:16.

But the true meaning of this Title comes out when you read of what Daniel told

Nebuchadnezzar when interpreting the king’s dream to him in Da 2:37-38 “Thou,

O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom,

power, and strength, and glory. And whosesoever the children of men dwell, the

beast of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and

hath made thee ruler over them all, Thou art this head of gold”

Page 20: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

That tells us that, this title is given by God to whomsoever He has given absolute

authority to per time to rule in the universe as his kingly regent if you will, just like

Adam was before the fall. It is to those who have been given a kingdom, power,

strength and glory that all men under heaven and the creatures may obey him.

Math.6:13 reveals to us who owns all authority when Jesus said in reference to

God.. “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

It is this kingdom Dominion mandate that He now gives to the one He has

elected at a particular time in human history to take charge of the earth.

And so as it relate to Nebuchadnezzar, we are told, God said “Behold, I will send

and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadnezzar the

king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against

the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly

destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual

desolations… And it shall come to pass, that the nation and kingdom which will

not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put

their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith

the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I

have consumed them by his hand”. Jer.25:9, 27:8.

Now, are you beginning to see the weight of this title to those who bore it? Hear

God saying that Nebuchadnezzar is His servant, because He has given him an

assignment specifically to deal with other kings in order to bring God’s kingdom

rule and ethics to bear on them. Here we observed that all other kings are to be

subject to the particular one that is to bear this title. The purpose is not just for

political expansionism on the part of the elect kings with this mandate, but that

the mind and desires of God for His creation and humanity might be fully

expressed through these instruments of His which He has chosen, that is why

they are called God’s servant. But unfortunately too, these kings being used of

Page 21: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

God do not know that they are only playing out the will of God and so ought to

limit themselves to the dictates of the Father and know where to draw the line.

But power often corrupts, therefore they go over board thinking it is by

themselves that they are doing and achieving those glory. So Nebuchadnezzar

will say ‘is this not the great Babylon that I have built’? All because he did not

know that he was only a servant.

CHRIST AS KING OF KINGS

So what then do we mean when we say Christ is the ‘king of kings and the Lord

of Lords’?(1 Tim.6:15).

Just like we have indicated, those whomsoever receive this title is the servant of

God to do His will; therefore God introduced Christ to us as. “Behold my servant,

whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon

him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles”.Isa.42:1

And while introducing Himself to the Disciples and commissioning them once He

has finally being given this mandate therefore qualifying for this title, He said “….

All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the

Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” Math.28:18-19.

What He was actually saying here is that just like all kings and authority was to

bow to Nebuchadnezzar, this same power has being transferred from

Nebuchadnezzar to Him, such that Christ who is now in charge of God’s affairs in

the world with all kings and the realms of the heavens and earth being subject

unto Him. Therefore, the disciples should go and make this known and cause the

Nations and inhabitants therefore to be brought under obedience to the rule and

will of God-‘thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth’ using man as the

instrument to bring this to pass. This is the expression of the kingdom.

Page 22: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

This is what it really means to have someone Baptized, it is to bring someone

into absolute realization, believe and obedience to a ruling and higher authority

and not necessarily to be dipped in water of any river. And there is nothing wrong

with that as a religious ritual or belief, because we do know that water by itself

cannot save man, but the issue at stake about baptism is that of salvation. We

can understand this from the life and ministry of Moses as we read in 1Cor.10:1-

4. “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our

fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all

baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same

spiritual meat;

And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that

followed them: and that Rock was Christ”

Verse two in the Amplified says;

“And every one of them (allowed too) to be baptized into Moses in the cloud and

in the sea, ( that is, they were thus brought under obligation to the law, to Moses

and to the covenant, consecrated and set to the service of Go;”

In other words, being baptized into Moses, a person, simply means being

brought under obligation to the law and the leadership of Moses, to be able to get

them out of the wilderness into the Promised Land.

In the same vein, to be baptized into the name of the ‘Father, son and holy

Ghost’ is to be brought into alignment, and full obedience to the threefold

manifestation of the Godhead for total salvation, not three persons. Again on this

fact, talking about Christ now, just as Moses we read;

“For in Him the whole fullness of Deity ( the Godhead) ,continues to dwell in

bodily form-giving complete expression of the divine nature, And you are in Him,

made full and have come to fullness of life-in Christ you too are filled with the

Godhead; Father, son, and Holy Spirit, and reach full spiritual stature .And He is

the head of all rule and authority-..” Col.2:9-10.Ampl.

Page 23: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

What it is saying here is that, the Father, son and Holy Ghost which are simply

titles, is a dimension of spiritual experience and expression that every true

believer must come into which is our ultimate baptism, and this is what we are

asked to go and bring the Nations into. That by so doing they too will come into

this experience. And with that, we are establishing the kingdom of God all over

the world, for that is the desire and the purpose of Christ coming even as the

servant of God.

“Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and

be very high

As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man,

and his form more than the sons of men:

So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for

that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not

heard shall they consider” .Isa.52:13-15.

Therefore in Rev.11:25 we are told;

“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying,

The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his

Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever”.

At the sounding of the seventh last trumpets, with rejoicing in the heavens

implies, there has come to an end to the series of visions, and next thing to be

introduced is the new dispensation under which the affairs of the world were to

be brought to completion. One thing is important; you can not have a proper

understanding of the Book of Revelation without the Book of Daniel and major

elements from the old Testament. For to a large degree, the Book of Revelation

opens the sealed Book of Daniel and the events thereof.

The period in question under discussion has to do with the events that pertains

to the Roman power—which is the fourth kingdom of Daniel (Daniel chapters 2-

Page 24: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

7)—then, should have been completed, and with the introduction of the reign of

the saints according to Daniel 7:9-14,27-28. This is also directly tied to the

finished work of Christ, leading to the overthrow of the ecclesiastical power of the

Roman Empire. So we found that with the end of the persecuting power, is the

introduction and beginning of the reign of the saints, the downfall of the Papacy,

and the emergence of the kingdom of God and its establishment on the earth.

This is the picture being painted for us here.

So the joy in heaven as it were, is because a new order of God’s reign has being

introduced with the right foundation laid.

Therefore, when we are saying “The kingdoms of this world are become the

kingdom of our Lord..”. The declaration is simply that all the kingdoms of the

earth, though many, but being ruled by one spirit, the prince of the power of the

air-satanic deceptions, have now been brought under the one authority of the

Christ; as the world controlling power has now been legitimately been given to

Christ by God.

Therefore it is now ‘the kingdoms of our Lord’. The word Lord--kuriov--implies the

notion of possessor, owner, sovereign, supreme ruler—and that is God Himself.

And ‘the kingdom is of his Christ’. Of his anointed; of him who is set apart as the

Messiah, and consecrated to this high office. Even as God appointed Him to

perform the work appropriate to that office on earth, just like we indicated earlier

on that He is the servant of God in this service. The clear simple meaning here

therefore is that, the kingdom of this world had now become the kingdom of God

under Christ. That is, in other words, it is that kingdom, that is been administered

by the Son of God. Even as the word says; “Ask of me, and I shall give thee the

heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy

possession”.Ps.2:8.

Page 25: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

And “He shall reign for ever and ever” as opposed to the previous ‘king of kings-

Artarxexes and Nebuchadnezzar whose reign ended. This kingdom which has

commenced shall never come to an end. The point that calls for rejoicing and

why it is good news is that, the sceptre of this world has now, after so long a

time, come into the hands of the son of God never more to pass away or to be

passed to another. It may not seem it mow, but we are in the very reign of the

Almighty Father, whose kingdom shall be universal on the face of the earth,

whose laws shall be everywhere recognized as binding; for all idolatry and

human philosophy shall come to an end; and the understandings and the hearts

of men everywhere shall bow to his authority.

“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved,…” Heb.12:28a

And “All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all

the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee

For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and he is the governor among the nations.

All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the

dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul”. Ps.22:27-29.

Page 26: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Chapter Five.

THE PRESENT SPIRITUAL REALITY OF THE KINGDOM

At the very beginning of Jesus ministry in Mrk.1:14-15. we read “Now after that

John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the

kingdom of God And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at

hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Within the 31/2 years of His earthly ministry, we are told in Lk.8: 1 “And it came

to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and

shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him”

When He commissioned the Apostles in Lk.9:1-2. We read, “Then he called His

twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and

to cure diseases.

2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick”

Even to the man who gave the excuses not to follow Jesus because he wants to

bury the Father, He told him in verses 50- 60.. “And he said unto another, Follow

me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the

kingdom of God”.

To Jesus, the kingdom message is a priority above any social or paternal

obligations.

In the prophetic declaration of the signs of the Fall of Jerusalem and what we can

apply as the End of the Age, He said in Math 24: 14 “And this gospel of the

kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then

shall the end come”

Page 27: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

It shows that ‘The Gospel of the Kingdom’ getting to all hooks and corners is a

major sign of the end. But I wonder if the Church is aware of this, such that they

have to commit themselves to it.

In Acts 1:1-3. In what we can called the post- resurrection message of Jesus the

Christ, for forty good days while He walk on the earth with flesh and bones,

(Lk.24:39) we are told in Acts.1:1-3.“ The former treatise have I made, O

Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had

given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible

proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to

the kingdom of God:

There was nothing more central, passion driving and life consuming for Jesus

than the message of the Kingdom. It must be noted that, things like healing and

the casting out of demons were all the integral part of the message of the

kingdom. Jesus never classified them as a ministry of their own. The Lord’s

pattern in ministry reveals this “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their

synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of

sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick

people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were

possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the

palsy; and he healed them”.Math.4:23-24.

Surely enough, Jesus has left for us an example to do ministry. The emphasis is

‘teaching’ and ‘preaching’ the ‘Gospel of the knigdom’ and the rest things follow.

Don’t forget, doing what he did, preaching and believing what he preached, will

grant us access to both the Father and the son. Or else we will become orphans

Page 28: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

and be without God in the world, though we are still running with signs and

wonders in the world, only to be told, for

“Not every one 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.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy

name? And in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many

wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that

work iniquity”.Math.7:21-23.

The word ‘iniquity’ is anomia, which means illegality, i.e. violation of law or

wickedness; transgress (-ion of) the law, unrighteousness. It means, no matter

the nature of your ministry, or the signs and wonder following, if it is done out of

the contents of the will and purposes of God and without the true communion

with him, then you have no place in His kingdom. It also means doing a thing that

is not in line with the will of the Father whether it be ministry is simply

‘unrighteousness’. The only statement awaiting us at the end is ‘Go Away’. You

better watch it!

.Acts.8:12.Philip the Evangelist message was the kingdom, “But when they

believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the

name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women”.

Paul’s Message was the kingdom of God. Acts.19:8. “And he went into the

synagogue and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and

persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God”.

Acts.20:25. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone

preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Page 29: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Acts.28:22-23. 22 “But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as

concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. And when

they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom

he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning

Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till

evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed

not”.

Acts.28:30-31. “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and

received all that came in unto him,

Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the

Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him”

The kingdom Message was central in the Gospel of Paul.

Page 30: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Chapter Six. THOSE WHO UNDERSTOOD PRESSED INTO THE KINGDOM.

Lk. 16:16. The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom

of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

The word pressed is biazo, and it means to force, i.e. (reflexively) to crowd

oneself (into), or (passively) to be seized:--press, suffer violence.

Mathew would say; “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom

of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force” Math.11:1-12.

The word pressed as used by Luke is the same thing as suffered violent ,(biazo.)

as used by Mathew.

So we can see that, the kingdom is a whole new dimension in God’s Economy,

full of force, power and dominion that is completely different from all the former

moves and economy of God put together to be made manifest at the last time.

The law and the prophets were truly the words and works of God but never the

Reign and the Rule of God. These were men in contact with God but never the

Dominion of God. They could declare the intentions of God but do not have the

power to live it. They prophesied about it but never come under the influence of

that which they spoke and wrote about

The phrase “Every man’ Many men or multitudes” was supposed to be a very

common expression just like when we say ‘everybody is engaged in a particular

piece of businesses, meaning that it occupies general attention.

Even the --Publicans and sinners ,indicating that all levels of persons, were

eagerly forcing their way into the kingdom because of what they have seen and

have come to understand . Those who were given to mere forms of religious

economy of the Law and the Prophets which was passing away could not discern

the signs of this time.

Page 31: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

It is such a serious issue for the very tide of the present order of God’s dealing

with man in His ultimate plan to go past you and be found a stranded monument

of blindness and religious rebellion. In this case, you require divine insight based

on prophetic understanding to move beyond the level of just being religious in

order to press into the kingdom as you begin to behold the power and the

dominion therein

EXAMPLES OF MEN WHO WERE PRESSING INTO TE KONGDOM

Math.20:20-21 “Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her

sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him, And he said unto her,

what wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the

one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom”.

The mother of the sons of Zebedee discovered something great and ahead and

was prepared to go for it. She knew that what the Lord came for, was not just a

mere religious movement, neither a repetition of the movement of old. But rather

the establishment of God’s Government and rule upon the earth, and so she

desire that her sons be partakers of that order.

In a similar vein, in Jn.6:15, we read “When Jesus therefore perceived that they

would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a

mountain himself alone”.

These groups of people could not wait for anything else or longer, they wanted

the kingdom NOW, no matter the cost.

Same with those in Lk 19:11. Who “… thought the kingdom will soon appear

because Jesus told Nicodemus that Salvation has come to his house and that he

Page 32: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

is a son of Abraham, then He gave a parable of a man that must go away to

receive a kingdom”

But the story of Joseph of Arimthaea marks a turning point in the haert of those

desiring the kingdom and their level of investment and commitment because of

what they know.

Mark.15:42-46. “And now when the even was come, because it was the

preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the

kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and crave the body of

Jesus .(Isa.53:9, Math.27:57. Jon.19:38)

And Pilate marveled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion,

he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and

laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the

door of the sepulcher”.

It is a clear indication from the life of Joseph that those who find excuses not to

invest in the kingdom is simply because they lack proper understanding and have

not seen it. Those who have seen it, gave their best like Joseph, for they have an

understanding of what they are investing in. They don’t need to be cajoled or

forced to do so.

Page 33: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Chapter Seven. THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM.

Math.4:23-24.” And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching (to teach-) in their

synagogues, and preaching (herald- kerusso, to herald, as a public crier),

especially divine truth (the gospel):--preacher(-er), proclaim, publish).

the gospel of the kingdom, and healing –(to wait upon menialyly,to adore, to

relieve of (of disease ,cure ,heal ,worship-demonstration) all manner of sickness

and all manner of disease among the people.

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick

people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were

possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the

palsy; and he healed them”.

So what is ‘The Gospel Of The Kingdom of God’?. The Greek word for Gospel is

euaggelion, and it means; a good message, i.e. the gospel; gospel.

And Kingdom is; basileia, and it also means, properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly)

rule, or (concretely) a realm-kingdom. When put together therefore, ‘the Gospel

of the Kingdom of God’ simply means ‘the Good news of the realm of the royal

kingdom, and rule of God on the earth. Just like He taught the disciples to pray -

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy

will be done in earth, as it is in heaven ” Math.6:9-10.

‘Thy kingdom come’--The kingdom of God can as well be described as that moral

and spiritual kingdom which the God of grace is setting up in this fallen world,

whose subjects consist of as many as have been brought into hearty subjection

to His gracious authority, and of which His Son Jesus is the glorious Head. . In

the inward reality of it, this kingdom has existed ever since there were men who

‘walked with God’ on the face of the earth.

And so the kingdom is defined in 1 Cor.4:20 as;

“For not in word is the reign of God, but in power” YLT.

Page 34: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

“For the kingdom of God consists of and is based on not talk, but MORAL

POWER and EXCELLENCE OF SOUL” Amp.

“God’s way is not a matter of talk; it’s an empowered life” (The Message).

“For Apostolic authority is not a thing of words, but of power”.

WNT.

In the same vein, ‘The Message’ in defining the kingdom in Math.6:10 say “Set

the world right; Do what’s best-as above, so below”.

In other words, God should set the world that has gone ‘haywire’ through the fall

of Adam, right, by reigning again in the lives of men. And this is what God is

achieving through the release of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not just a factor

for gifts manifestation, but the reconfiguration of our ‘inner man’ that is tainted

with evil so that we can finally begin to release the attributes, the mercies,

justices and the compassionate nature of God on the earth. Therefore in Ps

82:1-6. “God is in the meeting-place of God; he is judging among the gods.

How long will you go on judging falsely, having respect for the persons of evil-

doers? (Selah.)

Give ear to the cause of the poor and the children without fathers; let those who

are troubled and in need have their rights.

Be the saviour of the poor and those who have nothing: take them out of the

hand of the evil-doers.

They have no knowledge or sense; they go about in the dark: all the bases of

the earth are moved.

I said, You are gods; all of you are the sons of the Most High” BBE

This is the role that the Father is intending us to place as those who have come

into the place of maturity and aware of their position on the earth.

Page 35: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

And so we read in Rom.14:17-18;

“God’s kingdom isn’t a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness’

sake. It’s what God does with your life as he sets it right, put it together, and

completes it with joy. Your task is to single –mindedly serve Christ. Do that and

you’ll kill two birds with one stone:-please the God above you and proving your

worth to the people around you” (The Message).

But the Weymouth Translation says “For Apostolic authority is not a thing of

words, but of power”.

Now why is the kingdom seen as “an Apostolic Authority” It is because the

Apostle is ‘a sent one’ “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise

men (Apostles), and scribes:(Teachers) and some of them ye shall kill and

crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute

them from city to city”: The word send is apostello; which means; set apart, i.e.

(by impl) to send out (properly, on a mission)

And because they are sent by God, they therefore carry His authority. This is why

we read that the Church is… “…built upon the foundation of the apostles and

prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” Eph.2:20.

And, on this issue of being sent, Jesus Himself said;

“And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father

that sent me”.Jon.8:15-16

Again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send

receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me”. Jon.13:20.

.And so for those who wanted to know what to do in other to work the works of

God, we are told;

“Then said they unto him, what shall we do, that we might work the works of

God?

Page 36: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on

him whom he hath sent”. Jon.6:28-29.

By implication, His authority to do things was resting on the Father that sent

Him.

It therefore follows that the Apostle whose core message and values is and

should be the kingdom of God, that have to do with the transformation and

transitioning of the world-(Reformation?) into the reign of God, is a man of

transformed character, moral power and excellence of soul according to the

Amplified Translation.

Don’t forget that the soul of a man is made up of his Mind, Intellect, Will and

Emotions.(1 Thes.5:23). And so in demonstration of this fact, Paul would say; “

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful

for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any”-“Looking at it one way,

you could say, “Anything goes. Because of God’s immense generosity and

grace, we don’t have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it pass

muster” But the point is not to just get by. We want to live well, but our foremost

efforts should be to help others live well” (1 Cor.6:12, KJV. 1Cor.10:23.The

Message)

Besides, like we read of Jesus, the kingdom message carries with it the

demonstration of the power of God for signs and wonders. It is not just theoretical

but practical. Jesus said if I cast out devils with the Spirit of God, then the

kingdom of God has come unto you. So while He was preaching it, He like the

Apostles was also healing the sick.

`

Evidently then we found that, the shift from kingdom to Church is a misgiving of

theological imbalance resulting from uninformed Biblical ethics and premise.

God’s mind for His people is kingdom, because that is what can only lead to

world transformation as paradise on earth.

Page 37: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

*The Church therefore is raised for the Purpose of the kingdom and not the

kingdom for the church, though they both cannot be ultimately separated.

* The kingdom is the sphere of God’s rule and not just a gathering of some

people

* Those He is ruling over in this sense are they who have accepted the Lordship

of the Christ-the Image of God.

* The Church is a servant structure meant for the expression of kingdom values.

It must not be taken as the Normative or finale

* The seduction of the church occurs when its institutional values are shaped by

the prevailing cultural values rather by kingdom perspectives.

* The Church is an agent for subduing of that which is not of God in a person,

Family and Nation etc .in other to awaken in them the reality of the God’s life

within-the unlighted candle-the spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, the Bible

says, not the candle of man.. Prov.20:27. He God owns the candle and it is the

centre of the king’s Authority, hence the kingdom is within you.

Page 38: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Chapter Eight. SO WHAT AND WHERE IS THE KINGDOM?

Therefore in Lk 17:20-2i, in answer to the question of the Pharisees as to the

location of the kingdom, we are told;

“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God

should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with

observation:

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is

within you”.

Here we see that Jesus answered the where but not the when. The location, but

not the time. This shows that the kingdom has always being in existence, and it is

not to be measured by time frame.

The kingdom is within and not around or among you. This is so because the word

‘within’ is enthos= inside (adverb or noun)-within, in the Greek, which is the same

word used in Math 23:26 when Jesus said to the Pharisees “Thou blind Pharisee,

cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may

be clean also”

It is also a fact that man is capable of experiencing two kingdoms, which is

Darkness and Light, just as we can see in

Rom.7:22-23. “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and

bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”

Again, in Col.1:12-13.we read: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made

us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into

the kingdom of his dear Son”

Page 39: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

The first dimension of the kingdom here is the realm of the soul.

And the second dimension is the realm of the spirit, and you have both within

you. Therefore when we read in Jon,1:9, that Jesus “..was the true Light, which

lighteth every man that cometh into the world”. What He lightens is the spirit of

man which is the candle of the Lord. Even as the word tells us that God is the

Father of our spirits.

“Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the

congregation”…“Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected

us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto

the Father of spirits, and live?” . Nub.27:16, Heb.12:9

So we can see that ;

1.The kingdom of God is not a date on the calendar

2. It is God’s light.

3 It is a condition that takes place within a people

4 It is the light in our understanding that begins to dawn in our consciousness,

which elevates our awareness of God and the dimension of spirit.

5. It is the revelation of God’s Glory and Majesty. Starting from within the

individuals to be revealed outwardly at the end.

Therefore when we read in Math.12:28. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of

God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. It is really describing a

dethroning of a reign, a kingdom of darkness within, to be replaced by another

reign, the kingdom of light. Here again, it is evident that the Holy Spirit is the

carrier of the kingdom of God. This is why we read

“ Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace,

and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Page 40: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of

men”.Rom.14:16-18.

‘But righteousness’. This word here means virtue, integrity, a faithful discharge of

all the duties which we must perform toward God or to our fellow-men.

Thus it is said, "Every one that doeth righteousness is born of God;" 1Jon 3:10.

By doing righteousness here is meant the practice of universal goodness, and a

thorough conformity to the law of God in opposition to sin, which is the

transgression of the law.

In line with the above thought, William Burkitt has commented

“That every man may come to the certain knowledge of his own condition,

whether he be a good or a bad man; By this the children of God are manifested;

that is, hereby good and bad men are really distinguished; the Scripture has laid

down real marks of difference between them.

That the love and practice of universal righteousness, and nothing short of it, will

denominate a person a child of God, and evidence to his own conscience, that

he is brought into a state of grace and favour with him: In this the children of God

are manifest, whosoever doth righteousness is of God.

This discovers a farther difference between the children of God and the children

of Satan, namely, Brotherly love; he doth not say, he that hateth his brother is a

child of the devil, but he that loveth not his brother; intimating, that not only

hatred and malice against, but want of brotherly love towards each other, is the

mark and sign not of a child of God, but of the devil. He that doth not unfeignedly

love men as men, and all Christians as Christians, is no child of God, no lover of

God; for he that loveth not God's image, loveth not God himself” .end quote.

Therefore Apostle James would say;

Page 41: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy

to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without

hypocrisy.

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make

peace”.Jm.3:18.

“The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceful, courteous, not self-

willed, full of compassion and kind actions, free from favouritism and from all

insincerity.

And peace, for those who strive for peace, is the seed of which the harvest is

righteousness”.WNT.

“Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with holy and is characterized by getting

along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and

blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a

healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if

you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating other with dignity

and honour” The Message.

Here we see that the issue of Righteousness’ is not an isolated one, but that

which gendered to the building up of the entire Christian community. Therefore

you cannot claim to be a righteous man when you are living in isolation and

having nothing to do with others. And anything you do that does not work

towards developing a healthy robust community is unreasonable, wicked and

perverse. As a matter of fact, the fruit of righteousness can only be revealed and

known by your response and relationship to others. And this will demonstrate to

the world your Christ like nature. Anything short of that is termed living in an

unreasonable life. So righteousness’ is not just about what you think is in you that

will guarantee your going to heaven, but that which you do that helps to

transform the world into a better place than you met it. Don’t forget the drive of

Page 42: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

the Father is the Earth recreation into a paradise state that it was before the fall.

And your life style is an impute in this regard.

So Paul would say, the true life of righteousness that can only be imparted by

Christ, is worth living out;

“So that you may be men of transparent character, and may be blameless, in

preparation for the day of Christ,

Being filled with these fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ--

to the glory and praise of God”.Phil.1:10-11.WNT

.

Therefore

“ Put in the seed of righteousness, get in your grain in mercy, let your

unploughed earth be turned up: for it is time to make search for the Lord, till he

comes and sends righteousness on you like rain”. Hos.10:12.

For “The sinner gets the payment of deceit; but his reward is certain who puts in

the seed of righteousness”.Prov.11:18.

“And THE WORK OF RIGHTEOUSNESS shall be PEACE; and the effect of

righteousness quietness and assurance for ever” .Isa.32:17.

And the throne of God found in His kingdom is established by Righteousness.

Prov.16:12, Heb.1:8.

“And peace”. . The word peace here does not in itself refer to only the internal

peace and happiness which the Christian has in his own mind in the midst of

trouble, such as the one Jesus had, sleeping while with His disciples in a stormy

sea.

This kind of peace is that which is described as the “the peace of God, which

passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ

Jesus”.Phil.4:7.

The word ‘Passeth’ =(huperecho), means, to hold oneself above, i.e. (fig) to

excel; superior, superiority, better, excellency, higher, pass, supreme.

Page 43: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

While ‘Understanding’=(nous), means; the intellect, i.e. mind (divine or human; in

thought, feeling, or will); by impl, meaning:--mind, understanding.

So here Paul was describing to us the kind of peace that is granted us in the

midst of trouble and very hard conditions. It is living and being at peace, yet there

is commotion every where around you. It will look stupid and unreasonable for

one to be sleeping as Jesus was doing in a situation where others are seeing

death right in front of them. This is why it is the peace that goes beyond and far

superior to any human reasoning and intellectual articulation of any sort, put

together either to resolve an issue or being prompted to fight back, where others

will want you to do so in there reasoning.

But above and beyond that, the kingdom peace that we are talking about is

beyond personal issue or self, this is rather the peace or agreement in opposition

to strife and contention among brethren. This is why verse 19 of Rom 14, says;

“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things

wherewith one may edify another”.

Not just your peace, but the peace of others. Why, you may ask? Because the

ultimate goal, structure and design of the kingdom of God is to produce harmony

and love, and to put an end to division, alienation and strife amongst men of all

race and gender. It is that inner strength and disposition to promote the peace of

Jerusalem-the Church of God and humanity, that is truly the kingdom peace. You

cannot be talking of kingdom peace when you are pursuing your own selfish

interest and favour. When all you are after is that which can make you happier

even when others are perishing, then you have not seen nor entered the

kingdom, neither have you received the grace for peace from the lord.

Therefore we are told “… the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight

themselves in the abundance of peace”. (Ps.37:11) because “… God is not the

author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints”(1Co.14:33).

Page 44: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Therefore we should “Endeavour-(ing) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond

of peace,.. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil

speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as

God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you”(.Eph 4:3;31-32).for “Blessed are the

peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Mt 5:9)

So “…let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in

one body; and be ye thankful”.Col.3:15.

“And joy” This refers, doubtless, to the personal happiness produced in the mind

by the influence of the gospel as in Rom.5:.2-5. “By whom also we have access

by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our

hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us”.

Jesus personally gave us a clue to the nature and cause of this joy when He

spoke to the Apostles in the book of John, while speaking about His death and

Resurrection.

“Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye

enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me:

and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall

rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as

soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for

joy that a man is born into the world.

Page 45: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall

rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you” Jon.16:19-22.

The Little while that He spoke about was the period of His Death, Burial,

Resurrection, His walk with them for Forty days and finally the outpouring of the

Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost. The period of sorrow was the persecution

they will face when their leader was taken from them, but He came back to them

as the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the ‘little while’ that He promised them. The man-child

is the birth of the New Church as the Holy Spirit was released. That empowered

church that was destined to rule, that really shook the Roman Empire.

Thus we found that no persecution or trial was able to shake their faith;

therefore, in the midst of all their afflictions, they had an unshaken source of joy.

The resurrection was such an assurance to them, that they should never have a

doubt concerning it and the rest of the promises He made to them; and

consequently that their joy should be great and permanent, knowing that the

atonement has been made, the victory over death and the world gained, and the

kingdom of heaven opened to such that will be humbled enough to believe.

The same faith follows all those who are in the kingdom today, with absolute

confidence in the Lord as we live out the life In the Holy Ghost. So we are talking

about the Joy as Produced by the Holy Ghost.

“For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of

men”.

What things? They are righteousness, peace, and joy.

Serving Christ in the kingdom therefore means, obeying all that He

commanded, and in doing these things, is to do honour to Christ, by receiving

Him as your Master and Teacher and thereby proclaiming the Excellency of the

Christ Faith.

Page 46: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Then you will have the acceptance of God into and in this new Faith from which

religious background you have been so converted, your past not withstanding.

And finally, you have “the approved of men”. That is, men will approve of such

conduct; they will value it to be right, and to be in true conformity with the spirit of

Christianity. This is not to say there will never be criticism from or persecution

from the unconverted world, but the lifestyle of righteousness, peace and joy as

kingdom ethics will commend itself to the dying world, demonstrating how men

ought to live and lead their lives through the influence of the spirit of the Christ,

and so re –inaugurating, re-introducing and re-producing the lost paradise of

God on the Earth.

The scriptures therefore would say “Avoiding this, that no man should blame us

in this abundance which is administered by us:

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight

of men”. 2 Cor.8:20-21.

Again,

“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak

against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold,

glorify God in the day of visitation Pet 2:12.

Therefore

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and

glorify your Father which is in heaven”.Math5:16.

This is God’s kingdom in expression in the midst of a perverse world. You are not

called or lightened by the Lord to live in Isolation as a monk. Your true worth is

revealed in the midst of the unbelievers in the market places etc.

Page 47: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Chapter Nine. GOD USED CHRIST SACRIFICE TO BRING US INTO THE KINGDOM.

For us to understand the kingdom of God properly, we must understand the

purpose of God in Christ and His sacrifice. Why did God become a human being

in Christ Jesus?

For we must understand that Jesus took His flesh nature from Mary to identify

with humanity, but His blood, He took from God and not Joseph (.. But while he

thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a

dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy

wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall

save his people from their sins” Math.1:18-21).

And so in Acts 20:28 we are told “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all

the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the

church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood”.

The word clearly states here that the Church is bought with God’s own blood,

and this blood was release through a man called Jesus in order to free man from

their sins that they incurred in Adam, knowing that the blood of animals cannot

redeem or pay for man’s sins, help or deliver him from corruption or death

because that is not the equivalent of the blood of a man. This is why animal

sacrifices to gods and shrines and the Jewish sacrifices cannot bring deliverance

to any body or bring Him to perfection.

“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come… Neither by the

blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy

place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Page 48: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the

unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered

himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the

living God? Heb.9:10-14.

So, talking about the purpose of God in Christ, we are told; “For Christ also hath

once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being

put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” 1Pet.3”18.

Therefore, “… God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing

their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of

reconciliation” 2 Cor.5:19.

This then is the mystery of Christ death, which to me is God, who is Spirit

becoming a man in order to die for the purpose of reconciling man back to

Himself.

And so “Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was

revealed in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the

nations, Believed on in the world, And received up in glory”1 Tim.3:16. WEB.

“This Christian life is a great mystery, far exceeding our understanding, but some

things are clear to us; He (God) appeared in a human body ,was proved right by

the invisible spirit ,was seen by angels, He was proclaimed among all kinds of

peoples, believed in all over the world ,taken up into heavenly glory”. The

Message

.

Now, we can understand the role of God in Christ towards humanity and as many

as have received Him constitute a community of people-the Church, through

Page 49: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

whom He is now passing to reach the rest of mankind of all tribe and tongue just

like He passed through Jesus in a human form.

Meaning, for those whose eyes have being enlightened, and have come to this

awareness of the dealings of God in humanity, now constitutes God’s New Race

of humanity-a Royal priesthood, a holy Nation, (1 Pet.2:9) to Himself upon the

earth, and here is the attitude, exclamation and the appreciation to God of these

group of people;

“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the

inheritance of the saints in light:

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into

the kingdom of his dear Son” Col.1:12-13.

“God rescued us from dead –end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the

kingdom of the Son He loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we are

in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating” The Message

So how did we receive the inheritance of the saints in light according to

verse.11?

Paul explained this when he was giving his defense before Festus on the way

of his conversion into the faith that he now professed in Acts 26, reading from

verses 13-18, which says; “

“At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of

the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me,

and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is

hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou

persecutest.

Page 50: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this

purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou

hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send

thee,

18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the

power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and

inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me”

Now, the word inheritance kleros, is very important to us here, for it means;- a

portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (esp. a patrimony, fig.-

heritage, inheritance, lot, part.

What it is saying therefore is that, those of us who have been able to come to the

lord have, and should receive our own portion or lot in the Father’s house as

sons. This is something we ought to receive by right of birth that is why it is an

inheritance. You never worked or laboured for it. You got it because you were

born into the family and you have a father whose’s got so much wealth for every

one in the family to have a share. “For the earth is the Lords and the fullness

threreof”(Ps.24:1).

The trouble with us in the Body of Christ today, is that, though we claimed to be

born again, we do not know that we have a father and as such we ought to have

an inheritance so as to live in it. Jesus taught the disciples to pray “our father

which art in Heaven”(Math.6:9) Which really means the Father belongs to all of

us, His Father is our father too, we being joint heirs with Him and He being our

eldest brother in he Family.

Even when we have come to know this fact of God been our father, we still

religiously believe that the so called devil can rob us of our right though we are in

Page 51: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

the Father’s house who has released to us what rightly belonged to us. And so

we go about ‘devil chasing’. The truth is, whatever is ours, the devil can’t take

from us, unless it was not ours in the first place and it was not given to us by

God.

You might be tempted to be thinking of the ‘prodigal’ son here. Well you better

be informed that, he chose to waste it and not the devils that rob him of it. But

besides, when he came back to his mind and went back to the father’s house,

there was still more than enough for him. So what is this trouble of ‘devil chasing’

all over the place instead of giving attention to the will and mind of the father for

us?

Again, don’t be tempted to think that, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and

to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might

have it more abundantly” (Jon.10:10) has anything to do with the so called devil.

Jesus was not talking about the devil, but about the ministers of the gospel who

will not come through Him as the door in practice and principle, to minister to the

body –the sheepfold. When He said in verse 8. “All that ever came before me are

thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them”. Was He saying some

devils came before Him that the people did not listen to or it was a reference to

the religious ministers who claimed to have been sent from God even the

Pharisees who sat on Moses seat? (Math,23:1-7).

Please read your Bible very well and stop picking information from ‘the box’.

Now, what has resulted today in the strife and competitive spirit that we now

have within the body of Christ? It is because, we do not yet know what belongs to

us individually, so we end up envying the other person as to what we feel they

are enjoying that we think we do not have, all because we have left off minding

our portion and that which belongs to us, and so there is no contentment. Any

wonder then, that we are never happy with life and even the work we are doing,

or the call that we are into to which the lord has called us?

Page 52: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Why then can’t we discover our portion and be satisfied? Simply, because our

eyes have still not been opened to know what belongs to us though we claimed

to be born again.

“and from the power of Satan”—Beloved, please be diligent to observe this

phrase. Can you see the connection between being "turned from darkness" and

"from the power of Satan," What do you think is the strength of satan? It is simply

keeping people in ignorance, ‘in the dark’, That is simply his whole power over

men, hence he is called "the ruler of the darkness of this world."

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,

lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should

shine unto them.” 2Co 4:4.

“Of the saints in light”. In Jon. 3:17-19 we are told “ For God sent not his Son

into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be

saved

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is

condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only

begotten Son of God.

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved

darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil”

This is simple enough, that those who have received Christ are in the light and so

they are accurately termed ‘the saints in light’ because Christ is truly “… the true

Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world... In him was life; and

the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness

comprehended it not” Jon.1:9, 1:4-5.

Page 53: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

So ‘the saints in the light’ are those that have presently been taken over by the

Christ of God. It is a community of people who have so received the light that the

Father sent into the world in order to redeem and transformed the world unto

Himself. This is why God Himself is called “… the Father of lights, with whom is

no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” Jm.1:17.

In other words, every one of those lights in the kingdom is endowed with a

unique gifting, properly fitted to manifest an aspect of His mind in the kingdom as

released by the Father who doesn’t deny anyone neither will do so at any time as

long as you are in the kingdom and have so received the son whom He sent. You

can not claim to be in the kingdom and be envious of any mans gift, for you have

yours specially given to by the Father.

This is why John said “..A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from

heaven” (Jon.3:27) When he was told by his disciples that Jesus whom he

introduced is Baptizing and all men are coming to Him (Jon.3:27). Those who

have discovered their place in the kingdom are at peace within themselves and in

the Body of Christ.

And beyond that, Light, in the scriptures, is used to express knowledge, felicity,

purity, comfort, and joy of unimaginable kind; Just as darkness stands for

blindness, hatred, misery.

And so for those who are perverting the gospel, it is said;

“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is

because there is no light in them” (Isa.8:20).

As “They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways

thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof”.Job.24:13.

Page 54: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

What light are we then talking about? The scriptures talking of Christ, said

“…light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”(Jon.3:19).

And this state of not coming into the light is called condemnation (krisis, kree'-

sis) decision (subj. or obj., for or against); by ext., a tribunal; by impl, justice

(esp, divine law):--accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment.

By implication, those who refused to come to the light-Christ because of what

they believe and trust in, have received to themselves divine judgment of

exclusion from the rights, privileges and the favour of sonship now, not just in the

ages to come. Judgment therefore is not just a matter of tomorrow, but even now

for refusing the light of God.

And of course we do know that, the holy and gracious persons, that walk

uprightly, certainly love the light; in other words, they delight to have their

thoughts, words, and actions, tried by the light of the word, because they

proceed from the Father ; in whose presence they dwell. They live out the

direction of the word of God, and with a single eye and with a sincere motive,

aiming at the glory of Father.

It must therefore be observed that, the word of God, the very gospel of Jesus

Christ, has all the properties of a great and true light. With such a pure and

purifying nature, that is revealing and discovering in nature. As a double edged

sword, it has the piercing capacity power, and penetrating virtue; that enters into

the darkest recesses of the soul, and detects the errors of men's judgments, as

well as discovers the abnormalities of men’s lifestyle.

So now, as we talk about the saints in the light and the power of darkness, it is

here being used to make a difference between those in the darkness of the world

of sin ruled by the power of evil as compared to Egypt-the world, and the

Children of Israel –the Church-(Zion), who had light in the midst of darkness.

Page 55: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Therefore we found that, the worldly, the unredeemed, the unenlightened being,

is the ones that make satan their god (Php 3:19). He is, itruly "the prince of the

power of the air, the spirit that ruleth in the children of disobedience" (Eph 2:2)

So also by the phrase “ that they may receive forgiveness” ... “and inheritance

among them that are sanctified by faith that is in me” we do understand, beloved

of the Lord, that the instrument that guaranteed you, your inheritance in the

Father’s house is the power of Faith. Now the first thing that faith guarantees you

in the process of your salvation is forgiveness, and then your admission as a free

citizen into the home of the sanctified. But the faith leads you into all these, is the

one that is released to us by the glorified Redeemer to rest upon Himself, hence

this ‘FAITH’, is spoken of as that “even THAT WHICH IS IN ME”. It can’t be

drummed up, by human and religious methods of ‘seven steps to great faith’.

This is rather an impartation from the Lord Himself. And it is called the ‘goodness

and mercies of God’ “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and

forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth

thee to repentance”? (Rom.2:4).

This is why for those of us who have come to this realization, that our salvation is

not a matter of our personal choice and desire, and the inheritance thereof, that

we have come into is all from and through the Lord, all that we owe the Lord is

‘Thanksgiving’ “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be

partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” Col.1:12.

Why are we giving thanks to the Father?, it is because, of ourselves we merit

nothing, but all things have come to us by the mercies and goodwill of God the

Father who deemed it fit to get us back to Himself.

“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst

not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not

received it” 1 Cor.4:7.

Page 56: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

“For who do you know that really knows you, knows your heart?.And even if they

did, is there anything they would discover in you that you could take credit

for?Isn’t everything you are sheer gifts fromGod?..” The Message.

Furthermore, when read of “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son”

The word Delivered. Is the Greek word “rhoumai,”which actually means to to

rush or draw (for oneself), i.e. rescue:-deliver(-er), indicating to us that the

redemptive work of God in Christ is a rescue operation, as God in His love and

mercies snatches us from the ruling power of darkness that we were once under.

from--Greek, "out of the power," the sphere or the realm in which the power of

satan is exercised. The major manifestations of satanic power through ignorance,

is that, it is restrictive, abusive and stagnates its reluctant captives, while those in

the kingdom of light are cherished, nourished and are provided for by their

merciful and loving king as they willingly submit unto Him as His subjects.

In the light of the above understanding of where and who we are right now, we

are admonished in 1 Thes. 2:12. That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath

called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Firstly, let us observe that, it didn’t say we shall be called, but we have been

called into the kingdom already.

Now, “That ye would walk worthy of God” Simply means that, those of us in the

kingdom should, in every respect, act up to the high calling that the Father has

bestowed upon us, such that our attitude and conduct both in the house of faith

and among the gentiles would not bring a reproach to the name and God of

holiness and love, who have acknowledge us as His sons and daughters in the

world. What should constitute this worthy walk? Paul in answer to this would say

in Eph.4:1-6;-

Page 57: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

“In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a

prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk-better yet, run!- on

the road God called you to travel. I don’t walk any of you sitting around on your

hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And

mark you do this with humility and discipline-not in fits and starts, but steadily,

pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences

and quick at mending fences. You were all called to travel on the same road and

in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have

one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all,

work through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is

permeated with oneness”.The Message.

Apostle Peter adds his voice to this when he said;-“Friends, this world is not your

home, so don’t make yourselves cozy I it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense

of your soul. Live an examlary life among the natives so thatyour actions will

refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be worn over to God’s side and be there to

join in the celebration when he arrives”(1 Pet.2:11-12).

Albert Barnes commenting on this would say;- “A child "walks worthy of a

parent" when he lives in such way as to reflect honour on that parent for the

method in which he has trained him; when he so lives as to bring no disgrace on

him, so as not to pain his heart by misconduct, or so as to give no occasion to

any to speak reproachfully of him. This he does, when

(1.) He keeps all his commands;

(2.) When he leads a life of purity and virtue;

(3.) When he carries out the principles of the family into his own life;

Page 58: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

(4.) When he honours a father by evincing a profound respect for his

opinions; and

(5.) When he endeavours to provide for his comfort, and to promote his welfare.

In a manner similar to this, a true Christian honours God. He lives so as not to

bring a reproach upon him or his cause and so as to teach the world to honour

him who has bestowed such grace upon him”. end quote.

And when we read of “His Kingdom and glory”. That is another way of saying

‘His Glorious kingdom’ which actually is His Church here and now, for that is the

medium of the expression of God’s kingdom amongst men; and of course we do

know that the dispensation of grace in His church will lead to a greater glory in

the ages to come.

Evidently therefore, “the kingdom of His dear son” is the same thing as “the

kingdom of sons” because, He rules through the church, if only the church can

understand this fact the she might brace up to this divine responsibility even as

we read;-

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you

the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: {in...: or, for the

acknowledgement}

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the

hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the

saints,

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe,

according to the working of his mighty power, {his mighty power: Gr. the might of

his power}

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at

his own right hand in the heavenly places,

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name

that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Page 59: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all

things to the church,

Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” Eph.1:17-23.

“And he has put all things under his feet, and has made him to be head over all

things to the church,

Which is his body, the full measure of him in whom all things are made

complete”.(22-23). BBE

“God has put all things under His feet, and has appointed Him universal and

supreme Head of the Church, which is His Body,

the completeness of Him who everywhere fills the universe with Himself”. WNT.

“The Church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to

the Church. The Church is Christ body, in which He SPEAKS and ACTS, by

which He fills everything with His presence.” (The Message). Emphasis mine.

The word ‘Peripheral’ means, marginal, unimportant, side-line, minor

nonessential and secondary. In other word, the Church does not need the world,

but the world needs the Church to survive.

It simply means the dominion of Christ over the universe can not be made known

except through the Church, for He has filled the Church with Himself. Therefore

we are called to manifest the kingdom lifestyle, and the dominion of the kingdom

in and to the world.

Page 60: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

Chapter Eleven ‘IN THE KINGDOM OF HIS DEAR SON’?

THE DIVINE GOVERNMENT Once the word kingdom is mentioned, then we must be thinking of Governance.

For no kingdom can exist without Government-rulership, if you will.

And like we have mentioned earlier, ‘the kingdom of His dear son’ is the same

thing as “the kingdom of sons”, reason because, He is ruling through the sons-

His church.

Now, a Government can only be formed out of citizenship. You must first

become a citizen of a nation or kingdom before you become among those that

constitute the government, in this case the Divine Government of God in His

kingdom.

In Rev.20:6.we read of “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first

resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests

of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years”.

On the rulership of the priest, I recommend you study J.Preston Eby’s work on

“From The Candle Sticks To The Throne”

But the fact I want to draw out from the above passage is that, the Priesthood is

made up of the Elect, while those born again are the citizens. You can see this

clearly in man’s democratic principles and practice of governance, when those

that are elected are empowered to take on the rein of leadership and to rule the

rest of the citizens.

But in God’s Divine Government, the Priest are not Elected or voted for, but

they are rather chosen by God Himself as we can read in the case of the Levites

and even Aaron as the High Priest and that of Christ. “For every high priest taken

from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may

offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins….. And no man taketh this honour unto

himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said

unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee”.Heb.5:1-5.

Page 61: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

And so in, Eph.2:10-12,19 we read in regards to our citizenship. “For we are his

workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before

ordained that we should walk in them

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are

called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made

by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the

commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no

hope, and without God in the world-- Now therefore ye are no more strangers

and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God”;

The word fellow –citizen- sumpolites, means a native of the same town, i.e. (fig)

co-religionist (fellow-Christian):--fellow- citizen. A citizen has the right to vote,

Whereas the word –stranger- xenos, alien, a guest, and this man cannot vote

constitutionally until the citizenship has been conferred on him. Meaning tha,t

those who are born again, has constitutional right in the word and will of God

both to made demands and change things in this world using the will of God-the

Bible, which is what we called, Governmental prayer. That is exactly what Daniel

did in Babylon. Even Joseph has to manifest his kingdom right as a market place

minister in Governance in Egypt.

People make the mistake of thinking that they have to be a gospel preacher-man

of God? Before they can change things in the world. That is far from the truth, all

you need to make changes governmentally is to align yourself with the will and

mind of God for that season and in that Nation, after you have obtained your

heavenly citizenship by being born again into the kingdom.

OUR CITIZENSHIP IS HEAVENLY.

“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the

heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

Page 62: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven,

and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,” Heb

12:22-23

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the

Lord Jesus Christ” Php 3:20.

“ But ther’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven!..” The Message.

People of God, let understanding be granted us that, the citizenship of those born

again is not a tomorrow issue, but right now in a heavenly state of being. The

word comversaton as we read from Phil.3:20 is politeuma, which means

“community, citizenship” What it means therefore is that, the body of Christ to

which we belong is presently existing in a heavenly state by way of Character,

attitude and norms as opposed to earthly the Government and lifestyle of men. It

has nothing to do whatsoever with our relocating latter to a geographical location

called heaven above when we die. This has never being in the intents of God for

His people as that itself will violate his thought for creating man to not only have

Dominion over everything that He God has created, but that Man should inhabit

the earth.

Isaiah prophesied about this fact when he said, “I have made the earth, and

created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all

their host have I commanded. I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will

direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for

price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts… For thus saith the LORD that

created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath

established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the

LORD; and there is none els”. Isa.45:12,13,18.

The above scripture proved beyond doubt that the earth was not created in vain,

but it is created to be inhabited by man. The very redeemed enchrist man, for

Page 63: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

when he said, ‘ I have raised him up in verse 3, it was in direct reference to king

Cyrus in verse 1, whom he called His ANOINTED, because of the assignment He

has given to him to carry out in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple wall

that were fallen down.(44:28). And Cyrus is this sense is a type of the glorified

church that shall be raised up upon the face of the earth, to which all nations

shall come bowing down and submitting their resources unto the lord through

her, for the building as it were the tabernacle of God-man, that is fallen down.

Such that God shall truly have a place of worship again on the face of the earth.

Jesus Himself confirmed this fact of man inhabiting the earth, and even went

further to add that it is not just a question of inhabiting the earth, but man

inheriting it, meaning the earth was given to man by God for an inheritance.

Listen to Him.

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” Math.5:5.

Paul also knew this, so he said;

“For the promise, that he (Abraham) should be the heir of the world, was not to

Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith”.

Rom.4:13.

And we are Abraham seed by faith, for “And if ye be Christ's, then are ye

Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise”. Gal.3:29.

If we be heir, what are we to inherit then? But only that which is promised to our

Father and that of course is the world-earth.

So the belief of you going up into the sky later on in life, denies you your right as

a citizen right now to effect changes around you and in the world as operators of

Gods kingdom Government.

“ And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to

open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy

blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Page 64: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the

earth” Rev.5:9-10)

From the scripture, we reiterate the fact that the Priest are the Elect that are

formed into the Divine Government out of the citizen of a nation. The Kings are

those in rulership in the market places, in contact with the world every day, while

the priest functions within the body.

This shows that, there are some with real sphere of influence in the market

place just like even in the priesthood, there are spheres of influence, for;-

“Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of

miracles”? 1 Cor.12:29.

Beloved, the “time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is a hand: repent ye, and

BELIEVE THE GOSPEL”.

Page 65: Gods Kingdom (Precepts and Concepts)

Ogaga David Gods Kingdom www.gkai.net

About the Author David Ogaga serves as an International Bible Teacher and Pastor of Divine

Encounter Ministries (www.demintl.org) a local assembly committed to present

Kingdom truth in Nigeria and Sierra Leone. He also serves as the Apostolic

Director of Gods Kingdom Advancement Initiative (www.gkai.net) a kingdom

missionary organization that seeks to take the message of the Kingdom to the

Nations of the earth. The body has offices in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Mozambique,

South Africa and Cameroon.

He has conducted kingdom advancement meetings and conferences in over 10

countries- West, East and Southern Africa, and also Europe

An author of over 80 teaching Articles on various themes in the Kingdom of God,

David has ministered (conducting Kingdom Advancement Summits, Seminars

and Pastors/Leaders Congress) in over 8 countries teaching and declaring

present truth Kingdom eschatology. His current focus is reaching leaders with

this message of the Kingdom.

He serves in the Apostolic Team of Global Kingdom Community (GKC) under the

Apostolic oversight of Dr. Robert Munien of Grace Outreach Ministries, Durban

South Africa (www.grace-outreach.net)

He currently resides in Nigeria with his family.

Contact: Ogaga David Gods Kingdom Advancement Initiative

P.O Box 3625,Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

Web: www.demintl.org / www.gkai.net

E:mail: [email protected] / [email protected]

Phone: +2348034810869, +2348050637252

Ministry: David Ogaga is available for Kingdom ministry. To invite him to speak at your church, home group, fellowship or conference, please make a contact and a response will be sent to you as soon as possible from our office: