THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES
THE KINGDOM OF GOD
“...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).
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Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God. “...the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV).
“...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV).
“...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).
Jesus was a WITNESS that the KINGDOM of God or RULE of God was RIGHT in the MIDST of the people and could be SEEN through HIM.
God, the Holy Spirit, RULES the hearts of his people, the redeemed, his children, the ambassadors of Christ, or the CITIZENS of the Kingdom. “...[their]... citizenship is in heaven...” (Philippians 3:20 NIV).
A CITIZEN of HEAVEN is an inhabitant or native of that place and owes allegiance to its government or governing authority. “...[they]... are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household...” (Ephesians 2:19 NASB). “...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God) ... the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV).
The WITNESS of a true citizenship of the Kingdom is the evidence in the Lordship of the King of kings in one’s HEART. “…[God’s people]... are citizens along with all of God’s HOLY people. [They]... are members of God’s family. …” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NLT). “...the Lamb (Jesus, the LIVING WORD) will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).
The KINGDOM of GOD is manifested, to the world, by its present intrusion and the proclamation of its future consummation, through redeemed citizens (the SAVED) who are witnesses of its existence.“...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV). “...if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV).
A KINGDOM is a REALM or COMMUNITY of people in which a SOVEREIGNTY “RULES.” ...he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV). “...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV).
“…[God’s people]... are citizens along with all of God’s HOLY people. [They]... are members of God’s family. …” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NLT).
HEAVEN and EARTH is God, the Holy Spirit’s, REALM as well as the community of people. However, true citizens are the ones in whose HEARTS he truly RULES. “…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …” (Genesis 1:1, 31 KJV). “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).
Sovereign God, the Holy Spirit, RULES his citizens from the INSIDE of their HEARTS. “...the kingdom of God is within you...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).
“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“...the crowds learned about [the Kingdom of God]... and followed [Jesus]. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). Jesus SAID: “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“…The Spirit of the Lord [was] upon [Jesus], because he hath anointed [him] to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him] to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
Signs, wonders, and miracles confirmed that God RULED in Jesus’ HEART and people witnessed, through HIM, God’s presence, God’s goodness, and his supernatural working POWER. “…God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).
THIS MEANT: “...[God, the Holy Spirit’s].. Kingdom [had]...come ...[upon earth]...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...if [Jesus]... with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the Kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV). “...the kingdom of God [was] within [Jesus, the LIVING WORD]...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).
Jesus was and is the HOPE and EVIDENCE that God RULES over ALL things and POWERS.
God, through Jesus, his LIVING WORD has the RULE and AUTHORITY over EVERYTHING, EVERYBODY, EVERY SITUATION OR CIRCUMSTANCE, SICKNESS, DEATH, ETC.
The presence of Jesus, the LIVING WORD and God’s citizens or ambassadors are WITNESSES that the KINGDOM of GOD has ARRIVED upon EARTH. “…Jesus ...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “...[Jesus]...spoke to [the crowds]... about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV).
“…[Jesus said:]...I tell you the truth, anyone (any real citizen of heaven]....who believes in me (depends upon me) will do the same works I have done, and even greater works (not different, but more global and expansive), because I am going to be with the Father…” (JOHN 14:12 NLT).
“...the Kingdom of God is within you...” (Luke 17:21 KJV). “...the Kingdom of God [is] within [God’s people or citizens]...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).
…it is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [his citizens]. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of [them] … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
“...Thy Kingdom [had]...come...[to earth]...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...The [complete takeover of the]....Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT).
“… Jesus (the WORD of GOD) …came and SPAKE, unto them saying, “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV). “...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God), who is ...the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV). “... he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).
“...[Jesus]...spoke to [the crowds]... about the Kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “…Jesus ...went about...healing all that were oppressed of the devil…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “...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...” (Matthew 4:23 KJV).“...for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did …” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
Every REDEEMED person knows the RULE of God and has experienced it when they HEARD the Good News and were SAVED from their sin-sick soul. “...the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in..” (Luke 16:16-17 NLT).
The Kingdom of God or RULE of God means the King of kings have taken authority over sin and spiritual death upon earth.
Jesus, from the KINGDOM of GOD demonstrates God, the Holy Spirit’s RULE, POWER, and SOVEREIGNTY over SIN every time he HEALS the lost, sick-sin and spiritually dead soul.… Jesus (the WORD of GOD) …came and SPAKE, unto them saying, “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV).
“...his Kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT). “...Thy Kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT). “...if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the Kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV). “...the Kingdom of God is within you...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).
The Kingdom of God is his RULE over ALL of heaven and earth and it has ARRIVED. “...his Kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT). “...Thy Kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV).
It is presently, in the midst of the world, dwelling within God’s people. “...the Kingdom of God is within you...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).
As they minister the gospel, they demonstrate God, the Holy Spirit’s, REIGN is upon earth, right now, and will be taking complete control soon. “...his Kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT). “...Thy Kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT).
The Kingdom of God or the rule of God is witnessed in his absolute power and authority over sin and the sinful nature, the defeat of the evil one, the triumph over spiritual death. “...if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the Kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV).
Every, redeemed, child of God, has experienced the restoral of spiritual life. They are redeemed people and new creations, who are “RIGHT NOW, citizens of the Kingdom of God.
God, the Holy Spirit, GREATLY demonstrates his absolute power and authority (RULE), over SIN and SPIRITUAL DEATH. “...The sting of [spiritual]...death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ...” (1 Corinthians 15:56-47 NLT). “... Giving thanks unto the Father (King of kings) ...Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son...” (Colossians 1:12-13 KJV).
“...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil...” (1 John 3:8 KJV). “...The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work...” (1 John 3:8 NLT).
“...Thy Kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...his Kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT).
After Jesus, from the Kingdom of God, HEALS the lost, sin-sick, and spiritually souls, he gives them entrance into God’s KINGDOM.“... Giving thanks unto the Father (King of kings, SOVEREIGN RULER) ...Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son...” (Colossians 1:12-13 KJV).
After Jesus, from the Kingdom of God, HEALS the lost, sin-sick, and spiritually dead soul, he gives them GIFTS from heaven. "...NOW GOD GIVES [his people] many kinds of special abilities (and gifts) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these GIFTS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
“…BY GRACE [God’s people]... have been saved through… FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, it is the GIFT of God; NOT OF WORKS, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “...Jesus Christ...God’s free GIFT [that]...leads to our being made right with God ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). IT IS “…free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:6 NLT).
IN ADDITION, “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “... his GIFT of forgiveness..” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).
“…You will receive the GIFT of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).
“…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).
“… People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are GIFTS from God…” (Ecclesiastes 3:13 NLT).
“…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man (woman) hath his (her) proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV).
“…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him (her) from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV).
“…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these GIFTS and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am (I have what I have)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT[S]…” (2 Corinthians 9:16 KJV).
Jesus said: “..., “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God ... that is why I was sent...” (Luke 4:43 KJV) “...his Kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT). “...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...” (Matthew 4:23 KJV).
The POWERFUL Gospel of the Kingdom of God, which Jesus PREACHED about and DEMONSTRATED through righteous works (signs, wonders, miracles, etc.) and spiritual fruit (love, peace, gentleness, kindness, etc.) was a WITNESS that God’s Kingdom had ARRIVED upon earth. “...Thy Kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV).
“...his Kingdom rules over all [now]...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT). “...The Kingdom of God is near[in the future]...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT). “...if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the Kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV). “...the Kingdom of God is within you...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).
Jesus was the first ARRIVAL from God’s KINGDOM. Redeemed people BECOME CITIZENS of the KINGDOM and continue the WORKS Jesus started in order to be WITNESSES that God’s KINGDOM has ARRIVED and is STILL present upon EARTH.
EVERY CITIZEN of the Kingdom of God is under the GOVERNMENT or RULE of God, the Holy Spirit (King of kings) in their HEARTS. They are WITNESESS that “...Thy Kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). AND “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT).
“ ... in the PROCESS of TIME “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).
In the present and future “KINGDOM of GOD” God, the Holy Spirit is the supreme KING and RULER over ALL the heaven and earth. “...his Kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT).
The citizens of God's KINGDOM do the WORK of the KINGDOM while they WAIT upon the KING’s ARRIVAL. “...our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Philippians 3:20 KJV). “...Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed...” (1 Corinthians 1:7 NIV). “...Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel...” (Philippians 1:27 NASB). “...Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things...” (Colossians 3:1-2 NIV). “...As is the earthy one, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly one, so also are those who are heavenly. Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly...” (1 Corinthians 15:48-49 NASB).
“...We follow this sequence in Scripture: The First Adam received life, the Last Adam is a life-giving Spirit. Physical life comes first, then spiritual—a firm base shaped from the earth, a final completion coming out of heaven. The First Man was made out of earth, and people since then are earthy; the Second Man was made out of heaven, and people now can be heavenly. In the same way that we’ve worked from our earthy origins, let’s embrace our heavenly ends...” (1 Corinthians 15:47-48 MSG).
Thus, it is important to remember, “...If a man (woman) abide not in me, he (she) is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned... without me ye can do nothing (you cannot get into the kingdom of god...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). WHERE “...Jesus Christ ... is Lord of all. (Kingdom citizens)...” (Acts 10:36 KJV).
CITIZENS of heaven come to earth as AMBASSASDORS of Christ who emphasize and PROVES the GOOD NEWS of the God’s Kingdom has ARRIVED.
God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus truly RULES over the lives and within hearts of his citizens.
REDEEMED citizens DO righteous works and display spiritual fruit WHILE looking forward to the coming of and complete consummation of God’s Kingdom RULE. “...Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Philippians 3:20 KJV). “...Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed...” (1 Corinthians 1:7 NIV).
In the New Testament, “...The Lord ... chose ...disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Now go.. (Luke 1:1-5 NLT).
"..Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation...” (Mark 16:15 KJV). “... Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit...” (Matthew 28:19 NIV).
“...you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).
“..If I (Jesus, the WORD) be lifted up from the earth, WILL DRAW all men unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV). “… I will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT). “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).
“… [The WORD)… is the power of God at work,(MIRACULOUSLY) saving everyone who believes (or everyone who depends upon his powerful Word to save them)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).
“...he doeth the works (of SAVING the lost, sin-sick and spiritual dead soul)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD (the husbandman) WAS WITH HIM. …” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“...[JESUS].... went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings (Good NeWS) of the Kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).
“...he doeth (the INDWELLING Holy Spirit does) the works ( righteousness works and displaying of spiritual fruit)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit] ... anointed (empowered Jesus) to preach the gospel to the poor; ... to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“…[Jesus said]…the Father (the INDWELLING Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (of righteousness as well as producing and displaying spiritual fruit)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…God (the INDWELLING Holy Spirit) publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him…” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).
“...Herein is my Father glorified, that ye (citizens of god’s kingdom) bear much fruit...” (John 15:1-10 KJV)."...My Father is glorified by this, that you (citizens of God’s KINGDOM) bear much fruit, and ...PROVE to be My disciples...” (John 15:8 NIV).
“…Let your (citizenship) ...shine before men, that they may see your good works (righteous deeds and spiritual fruit) and glorify your Father (SEE or WITNESS his presence through righteous deeds and the displaying of spiritual fruit upon the earth)…” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).
“...[JESUS].... went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings (Good News) of the Kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).
“…The [Holy] ...Spirit of the Lord … anointed [empowered JESUS] to preach the gospel to the poor ... [empowered him] to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“… [Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit and he] went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [BECAUSE] ...GOD [THE HOLY SPIRIT] ...WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“...Now [new creations and citizens of the Kingdom of God, also]... GO.. (Luke 1:1-5 NLT). "..Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation...” (Mark 16:15 KJV). “... Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations..” (Matthew 28:19 NIV). “...you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).
“...Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works (not different works, but greater works) than these he will do; because I go to the Father...” (John 14:12 NIV).
“…Ye shall know [the WITNESSES and true citizens of the Kingdom of God]… by their [spiritual]...fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…He (she) who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he (she) bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” (CITIZENS of the KINGDOM of GOD) bear much fruit, and ... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).
HOW? “…God (the Holy Spirit DWELLS within the citizens and) ...does the work IN AND THROUGH all of ...his…[people]...” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
“…The fruit of the Spirit (the righteous conduct of God’s citizens, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit) is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [indwelling] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [the citizens of God’s KINGDOM] …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
"…My Father is glorified by this... ” (John 15:8 NIV).
GLORIFIED BY WHAT? "… that “YOU” (HIS CITIZENS of the KINGDOM) bear much fruit...” (John 15:8 NIV).
WHAT WILL DISPLAYING FRUIT PROVE? “ ... [IT WILL] ...PROVE [THE FRUITFUL CITIZENS are GOD’s]... disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).
"…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” (HIS CITIZENS) bear much fruit, and ... PROVE to be [God’s]... disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).
“...without me (God, the indwelling Holy Spirit) ye (citizens) can do nothing... If a man (woman) abide not in me, he (she) is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned......” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “... Every branch (citizen) in me that beareth not fruit he (God, the Holy Spirit) taketh away .....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).
“...The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray...[and]...ask him to send more workers into his fields. Now go...” (Luke 1:1-5 NLT).
“... every branch (citizen) that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit....” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “...you (fruitful CITIZENS) will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).
“...[JESUS also].... went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings (Good News) of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).
“...the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in..” (Luke 16:16-17 NLT). “...you (fruitful CITIZENS) will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).
OTHERWISE, “... Every branch (citizen) in me that beareth not fruit he (God, the Holy Spirit) taketh away .....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).
“...each one of us (citizens of God’s KINGDOM) will give an account of himself (herself) to God. Therefore let’s not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this: not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s or sister’s way. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to the one who thinks something is unclean, to that person it is unclean. For if because of food your brother or sister is hurt, you are no longer walking in accordance with love. Do not destroy with your choice of food that person for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For the one who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and approved by other people. So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the person who eats and causes offense. It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother or sister stumbles. The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is the one who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin...” (Romans 14:12-23 NASB).
“...[JESUS].... went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings (Good NeWS) of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).
“...you (CITIZENS of God’s Kingdom) will ... [also]...be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).
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