The Keys to Expanding God's Kingdom on Earth
Luke 23:51b
…who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
It is with great anticipation and utmost priority that we are to seek first the Kingdom of God. Since both Jesus and John the Baptist preached that “the kingdom of God is at hand”, we then understand that what we are waiting for today is not its arrival in the earth, but rather its growth and influence in the earth, by which we are to win others to Christ. The church has been given the keys to the kingdom; the question is, are we using them? We have been promised that whatsoever we bind or loose on earth shall also be bound or loosed in Heaven. The words “bind” and “loose” literally mean to lock or to unlock. So then it could be said this way, “Whatsoever ye shall lock on earth shall be locked in Heaven, and whatsoever ye shall unlock on earth shall be unlocked in Heaven.” This really comes to light when we start talking about gates. Did not Jesus tell Peter in the same text, “…the gates of Hell shall not prevail…”? In other words, the gates of Hell shall not continue to be a hindrance to the furtherance of the Gospel.
How so? God has given us the keys by which to unlock Hell’s gates and open them wide for a clear passageway. We are to march right into enemy territory and declare openly and boldly the truth of God’s Word to a lost and lonely world. God will open doors that no man can shut, and He will shut doors that no man can open. However, God may lead us up to those doors, put the keys in our hands, and grant us the authority to open some and shut others. In fact, He does so quite often. The powers that be ARE ordained of God! To some God has entrusted more access and authority than others. Why? Some are more faithful than others. He will make those who are faithful over a few things, rulers over many. That’s why we are told, “Seek, and ye shall find.” Seeking requires time, patience, and faithfulness.
And for those who will “seek” their share, shall the kingdom of God appear unto them. In other words, the kingdom of God shall expand into their world to bring about change through great influence. Why? Because they were faithful to seek God’s kingdom first. If you will wait for, or seek, God’s kingdom, it will come to you, and you shall be trusted with great influence and domain by which to lead many to our Lord Jesus Christ!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill
…who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
It is with great anticipation and utmost priority that we are to seek first the Kingdom of God. Since both Jesus and John the Baptist preached that “the kingdom of God is at hand”, we then understand that what we are waiting for today is not its arrival in the earth, but rather its growth and influence in the earth, by which we are to win others to Christ. The church has been given the keys to the kingdom; the question is, are we using them? We have been promised that whatsoever we bind or loose on earth shall also be bound or loosed in Heaven. The words “bind” and “loose” literally mean to lock or to unlock. So then it could be said this way, “Whatsoever ye shall lock on earth shall be locked in Heaven, and whatsoever ye shall unlock on earth shall be unlocked in Heaven.” This really comes to light when we start talking about gates. Did not Jesus tell Peter in the same text, “…the gates of Hell shall not prevail…”? In other words, the gates of Hell shall not continue to be a hindrance to the furtherance of the Gospel.
How so? God has given us the keys by which to unlock Hell’s gates and open them wide for a clear passageway. We are to march right into enemy territory and declare openly and boldly the truth of God’s Word to a lost and lonely world. God will open doors that no man can shut, and He will shut doors that no man can open. However, God may lead us up to those doors, put the keys in our hands, and grant us the authority to open some and shut others. In fact, He does so quite often. The powers that be ARE ordained of God! To some God has entrusted more access and authority than others. Why? Some are more faithful than others. He will make those who are faithful over a few things, rulers over many. That’s why we are told, “Seek, and ye shall find.” Seeking requires time, patience, and faithfulness.
And for those who will “seek” their share, shall the kingdom of God appear unto them. In other words, the kingdom of God shall expand into their world to bring about change through great influence. Why? Because they were faithful to seek God’s kingdom first. If you will wait for, or seek, God’s kingdom, it will come to you, and you shall be trusted with great influence and domain by which to lead many to our Lord Jesus Christ!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill