The War of TWO Kingdoms

                                            

John 1:1-13

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

 

 

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he  came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

 

The War Between Two Kingdoms

Kingdom of Light	Kingdom of Darkness
Kingdom of Heaven	Kingdom of Hell
Moves in the Anointing	Moves in Deception (Perception)
Creates a Presence that Glorifies God	Creates a Presence that Glorifies Man
Spirit of TRUTH	Spirit of LIES
Is Holy in Nature	Is Profane in Nature
Breeds UNITY, LIFE & PEACE	Breeds SEPARATION, DEATH & DESTRUCTION
Performs Miracles	Performs Magic
Convicts Hearts	Controls Minds
Invites	Seduces
Spiritually Transforms	Physically Masquerades
Loves the Things of God	Hates the Things of God
Is Humble and Self-reflecting	Is Prideful and Self-centered
Is BEAUTIFUL	Is BEWITCHING
Encourages & Builds Up	Criticizes & Tears Down
Aligns with Nature – Health	Misaligned with Nature – Disease
Respects Order	Dishonors Order
Pursues Peace	Pursues Violence
Patient & Self-Controlled	Impatient & Out of Control
Is Spiritually Free	Is Spiritually Enslaved
Joyful, Hopeful, Optimistic	Depressed, Doubtful, Pessimistic
Is Long-suffering Toward Others	Will Not Suffer for Others
Giving & Forgiving	Self-centered & Vengeful
Consecrated	Religious
Honors God	Honors Man

This list could probably go on and on as we contrast and compare the existence of these two kingdoms operating in the earth.  While there are two prominent spiritual kingdoms in our midst there are also a variety of “sub-kingdoms” in the earth.  These would be the kingdoms of Religion, Family, Art & Entertainment, Education, Government, Media, and Business.  These various kingdoms of influence are called the “7 Mountains of Influence.  It is upon these earthly kingdoms of influence that the spiritual kingdoms of this world at war with one another to impact the lives of mankind.  As believers, it is important to have a working knowledge of how these kingdoms contrast with one another in order to live authentic lives in Christ Jesus (the reason we were born again).  Do you struggle, debate or wrestle with kingdom living?  Well, this is a good thing if your desire is to walk after the Spirit.  Do you legalize, ritualize or create your own doctrines and honor them as though they were the standards of God?  This may sound harsh, but it’s real.

 

If we are not mindful of these kingdoms and the way in which they operate we will unknowingly take on the “way of the world” in the way we understand God, pursue purpose, express love, and define happiness and success in life.  The benefit of comparing these kingdoms will illustrate the believer’s light in the world and their powerful distinction among men.  The benefit of contrasting them will expose what is hidden from us and ultimately the way in which they are capable of destroying our lives. Consider then, what reality you are living?  What philosophies are you lending your attention to?  What paradigms of life are you shaping your life around?

 

The culture of the Kingdom of Heaven is indeed a different culture.  If you are a believer, it is a lifestyle that must be loved, embraced and trusted.  This is a way of life and a way of thinking that is remarkably different from the world and it is through your relationship with God through Jesus Christ, His Word (Law) and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit within your heart, mind and spirit that you will not only “SEE” the Kingdom of Heaven but will also live in it with a unique sense of pride as a people of God.

 

Remember, the believer was born of God to live “IN” the world and not be “OF” the world. (John 17:14-15, Rom. 12:1-2)  What this means is that their godly presence, love, and power is supposed to always shed light upon the deception that exists in the world.     Remember the story of Joshua? (Num. 13:1-33) When he was preparing to take the promise land, he sent spies out to survey the land and they returned to report that the land was occupied with GIANTS!   Well, in the same way, this is how the Body of Christ should survey the kingdom of Darkness in the earth.  You see, you should never be intimidated by the giants that already possess the land (kingdom) God has given you.  This is indeed the LIFESTYLE of the believer.  They have been called to “dispossess the lands” and take dominion of it!

 

The giants in the land are those that govern this earth. They are doctrines, rulers, principalities and spiritual wickedness in which the Kingdom of Heaven has been raised up to overturn through the powerful presence of the people of God (Eph. 6:12).  Take stock today in how you live, think, and pursue life.  You cannot live between two kingdoms no matter how tempting it seems.  You will either love one or hate the other (Matt. 6:24) whether you realize it or not.  Our hearts are never hidden from God and He knows what’s in us even when we don’t know ourselves. (Jer.17:10)  So it literally boils down to the matter of TRUTH…What is it that we really BELIEVE?  There’s an easy way to find out!

 

“What you Really Believe is What You are Living Out.”

 

Despite what you say, you LIVE what you believe.  Thankfully, God already considered this would be a challenge for us and therefore gave us the ministry of reconciliation through confession and repentance which provides us forgiveness and restoration with God and men.  God knew we would struggle with life, with His spiritual culture and maintaining life in His kingdom so He has caused LOVE and FAITH to be the only thing that is required of our lives. When we strive to love and exercise faith to believe (God’s way) we will live more authentically.  God’s love for us and the love He desires from us is not based on merits or righteousness it is based upon PASSION after a relationship with him and a desire to please Him as much as He wants to please us.

 

When there is a lack of genuine love for God, our human nature will resort to having faith in the philosophies of the world (Kingdom of Darkness).  This is the natural response of a heart separated from God.  However, as growing believers, it is important to recognize that a heart that STRIVES after God is a heart that is capable of transformation.  This is genuinely what the believer’s walk of faith is all about.  Realize, when it’s all said and done, the believer’s walk of faith is not about the spiritual gifts, it’s not about righteousness, it’s not even about heaven or hell.  It’s about a genuine faith and a love relationship with God, through Jesus Christ and when that is REAL He knows, everything else in our lives will fall in line and the kingdoms of this world will have no power over us.