KINGDOMBITE # 10

THE KINGDOM: RELATIONAL

   The Kingdom of God is nothing, if not relational.  It begins and continues with a vital relationship between God and man. The moment we are related to God through the new both we are simultaneously related to one another, whether on earth or in heaven. When you and I are connected with God, we are immediately connected spiritually with like citizens on earth and in heaven.  As our relationships on earth are changed, due to our citizenship in the Kingdom, our relationships include those in heaven.  We are part of “all the saints”.  We have been changed from the common to the cosmic!
   As this idea is soaking in our souls, we will find it more difficult to exclude any fellow Kingdom citizens from our circle of love and cooperation.  We are all part of the same Kingdom, universal and infinite.  We are part of one another and parts together comprising the unending Kingdom.  We must give up the philosophy behind the adage:
To live above with saints we love,
Now that will be glory!
To live below with saints we know,
Now that’s another story.!
   It’s not another story; it’s a part of the whole story and a glorious part as we learn to enjoy, not endure, Kingdom relationships here and now.  “As it is in heaven”, the scope contained in the model prayer (Matthew 6:9), will put heaven on exhibit as we “live below with saints we know, exhibiting Kingdom love (agape).
   The Kingdom is inherently relational.  God’s kingly rule on earth, while including all citizens of the Kingdom,  call for a Kingdom, corporate and unified in experiencing and extending.  At no time are we to lose the individual facet of our relationship to the government of God on earth. It is from a healthy concept of our individual relationships to the King and His Kingdom that we facilitate the corporate aspects as well.
   I must think “cosmic” and if I don’t I will narrow and diminish my concepts and practice of life until I am alone and left out of the wider plan of God.
   I am not sure what all it will involve, but I feel strongly that God’s greatest waiting initiatives are held in check until we report For duty.
   For my part, count me in!  Reporting for duty, Sir!  Oh, by the way, the “relational” designation covers both the personal and corporate! 

Jack Taylor

Comments

[Dan Harris]

Jack,

Your comments fit right in with an experience I was blessed to have a few years back. While standing at the back of the congregation in our previous church, God allowed me to see a whole section of the congregation through His eyes. I experienced such love for those people that I was transformed in my relationship with them. This love has carried over to the whole body of Christ and helped me endure the culture shock of Kenya when I went there in November of 2000.

Blessings,
Dan

[James Sullivan]

Jack

Thanks so much for the kingdom teaching at Encourager Church this past weekend. I am coming to see that the kingdom is relational for both my wife and I together in a new way. Years ago you prayed with us in a mountain retreat in North Carolina during a very difficult time in our life together. This weekend was the icing on the cake: after 31 years of marriage. Both my wife and I came much closer together in Jesus after the teaching given at Encourager church by you and your wife. Will be looking forward to the next meeting in Texas at Encourager or Palestine Church. Also will be praying for your trip to Berlin to share the kingdom message with the soon to be European Kingdom ministry that will be delivered through Johnathan and Sarah in Berlin. They are a precious couple in Jesus. Am glad you are going to be with Dr. Ricky Paris during this time. Blessings to both you and your wife.

James ( Eddie ) Sullivan

( From Palestine , Texas )