SIGNS THAT GOD'S KINGDOM HAS "ALREADY" COME UPON THE EARTH

         

THE HUSBANDMAN, THE FRUITLESS BRANCHES and THE KINGDOM OF GOD!

“... I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

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As important as Jesus is to the Gospel message, his particular message focused on  “preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” “...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).

He TAUGHT that the RULE (Kingdom) of God had come upon the earth. “...his kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT).

 “...And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people...” (Matthew 9:35 KJV).

“...this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come...” (Matthew 24:14 KJV).

“...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 (is CLOSE): repent ye, and believe the gospel...” (Mark 1:14-15 KJV).  “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT).

“...he replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent...” (Luke 4:43 KJV). “... And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent...” (Luke 4:43 NLT).

“...it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).

“...The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail...” (Luke 16:16-17 KJV).

“...Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in. But that doesn’t mean that the law has lost its force. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the smallest point of God’s law to be overturned...” (Luke 16:16-17 NLT).

“...this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come...” (Matthew 24:14 KJV).

The GOOD NEWS of the gospel is about the KINGDOM OF GOD. “...his kingdom ruleth over all...” (Psalms 103:19 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit’s RULE governs ALL things. 

 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).

 “...the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in..” (Luke 16:16-17 NLT).

HOW DO YOU GET IN? “…You must be born again …” (John 3:7 NIV).  “...I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God...” (John 3:5 KJV).

“...Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again...’ (John 3:5-7 NLT).

“... one of the soldiers with a spear pierced [JESUS’]... side, and forthwith came there out blood (spiritual life) and water (cleansing Holy Spirit). …” (John 19:31-37 KJV). “...Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit ...You must be born again...’ (John 3:5-7 NLT).

Water is used figuratively to represent the Holy Spirit and its cleansing power. “... Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit...” (John 3:5 NLT). “... ye have purified  (cleansed from sin) your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit...” (1 Peter 1:22 KJV).

The water represents, the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…THE WORDS ... they ARE SPIRIT,…” (John 6:63 KJV). “...[Jesus] ... gave up his life for  [mankind, to make them] ... holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s Word (JESUS)...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV).

“... one of the soldiers with a spear pierced [Jesus’]... side, and forthwith came there out blood (spiritual life) and water (cleansing Holy Spirit). …” (John 19:31-37 KJV).

Out of Jesus’ side came the cleansing power of God’s Holy Spirit and the spiritual blood (LIFE) of the  ATONEMENT!!! THIS IS WHERE JESUS CHRIST IS CLEARLY SEEN IN THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM of god, the holy spirit.

“...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 the universe, it has COME upon the earth, it is presently active, it is within God’s people, and God, the Holy Spirit’s, complete, supreme REIGN is coming soon.

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.

Every, redeemed, child of God, has experienced the restoration 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).

The kingdom of god or rule of god means the king of kings have taken authority over spiritual death. “...the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in..” (Luke 16:16-17 NLT).

 “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT).  

“...Jesus replied ...no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit ...You must be born again...’ (John 3:5-7 NLT).

The 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 was BEING established upon earth. “...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). 

“...his kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT).  “...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 ESTABLISHING and COMING of the KINGDOM of GOD means that EVERYTHING and EVERY CITIZEN is being PREPARED and are PROCESSING toward the SPIRITUAL GOVERNMENT and RULE of God, the Holy Spirit (King of kings). “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT). “...the kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV). “...the kingdom of God is within you...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).

 “ ... 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 over which the WORLD and the universe is his territory, the REDEEMED are HIS citizens, and the laws that GOVERN are HIS WORD.

HOWEVER, “...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). “... 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...” (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV). “...those who first heard this good news failed to enter because they disobeyed God...” (Hebrews 4:6-7 NLT). “... Now the deeds of the flesh are evident ...I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the KINGDOM OF GOD...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

“...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...[WHERE]...Jesus Christ ... is Lord of all. ( all Kingdom citizens)..”  (Acts 10:36 KJV).

Spiritual FRUIT emphasizes and PROVES the GOOD NEWS of the God’s Kingdom has come and that Jesus is truly LORD and KING over the lives and hearts of his redeemed citizens.

REDEEMED citizens DO righteous works and display spiritual fruit WHILE looking forward to the coming of and complete consummation of  God’s Kingdom. 

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)…” (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 husbandman) the works (of righteousness works and displayed 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 husbandman) that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (of righteousness and spiritual fruit)…” (John 14:10 KJV).  “…God (the husbandman) publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene (the True Vine) by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him,  …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).

“...Herein is my Father glorified, that ye (branches) bear much fruit...” (John 15:1-10 KJV)."..My Father is glorified by this, that you (branches) bear much fruit, and ...PROVE to be My disciples...” (John 15:8 NIV).

“…Let your (branches) light so shine before men, that they may see your good works (righteous deeds and spiritual fruit) and glorify your Father  (REVEAL his presence through righteous deeds and 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 (the husbandman) of the Lord (the TRUE VINE)  … 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 HUSBANDMAN] ...WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“...Now [you branches, 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 citizens of the Kingdom of God]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” (BRANCHES) bear much fruit, and ... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

HOW?  “…God (the Holy Spirit and husbandman) ...does the work  IN AND THROUGH all of ...his…[branches]...” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

 “…The fruit of the Spirit (the righteous conduct of the 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 branches] …” (Galatians 5 NLT). 

"…My Father is glorified by this, ” (John 15:8 NIV).

 GLORIFIED BY WHAT? "… that “YOU” (HIS BRANCHES) bear much fruit...” (John 15:8 NIV).

WHAT WILL DISPLAYING FRUIT PROVE? “ ... [IT WILL] ...PROVE [THE FRUITFUL BRANCHES]...to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

"…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” (HIS BRANCHES) bear much fruit, and ... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

“...without me (god, the husbandman and caregiver) ye (branches) can do nothing... If a man abide not in me, he 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 in me that beareth not fruit he (the husbandman) 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 that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit....” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “...you (fruitful branches) 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 branches) will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT). 

OTHERWISE, “... Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he (the husbandman) taketh away .....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

FRUITLESS BRANCHES DO NOT PROMOTE OR DEMONSTRATE THE GOOD NEWS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD