Real Hope: Back to Basics - God's KingdomSample

Growing Kingdom

A kingdom has a king and subjects, and God’s kingdom operates by love and power and is within those who put their faith in Jesus as Lord and Saviour. He is a kind, gentle shepherd-King who laid down His life and rose again to redeem us and give us eternal life. He said, ‘if I am lifted up, I will draw men unto myself,’ referring to His death on the cross, but when we uplift Jesus with our actions and words when His love flows through us, people are drawn to Him. It is Jesus’ power that changes us into His likeness and draws others to Him.

Jesus gave power to His subjects, saying, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father’ (John 14:12 NKJV). On earth, Jesus was one person in one place at one time. Now He dwells in each person committed to Him; therefore, His work can continue worldwide through His disciples. Jesus said, ‘And these signs will follow those who believe: In my name they will cast out demons… they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover’ (Mark 16:17–18 NKJV).

Don’t shy away when someone needs a miracle. Offer to pray (on the spot if they don’t mind) and bring it to God. This may not happen every time you pray, but God may surprise you – and them. If the person doesn’t want you to pray right then, tell them that you (and your prayer group) will pray, but when God answers, ask that they come and tell you so you can all give God thanks. When sceptics see God’s power in action, many come to Christ, and God’s kingdom grows.

Written by DAVID SMETHURST