Chapter 11 Where is the kingdom

Part 3 Washing in the Kingdom

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire: Matthew 3:11

This Baptism of fire at Pentecost was the fulfillment of their appointment in Jerusalem, as promised and granted by Jesus when He sent them back to wait.

His called out, called the Church today, like the Levites before them were called out, to maintain an entrance to the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ¹. His Kingdom comes as His will is done on earth as it is done in Heaven. What should we do? How shall that kingdom look and act and be?

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1

Do we pray and apply to the Holy Spirit or to strange gods? Which activity builds faith? Are we looking for mercy or the judgment? Do we obey God’s commandments or make new laws for men? Do we have compassion while making a difference or are we like the gentiles who covet their neighbor’s goods? Have we kept ourselves from falling into the snares of rulers? Do we only dwell on the sin of the wicked, shouting of their injustice while hiding the covetous self-indulgence of our own dark hearts? In which dominion do we live?

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Romans 2:5

We know that to follow the LORD is to be hated by the gods of this world and those who serve and support those gods. We have, by faith, God’s law and promise to ensure justice and mercy by His Holy Hand. In vanity and pride, the sea of mankind shall roar against those who seek the true ways of His Holy Kingdom of Heaven on earth.

Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offenses will come: but woe [unto him], through whom they come! Lk 17:1

We should seek the Kingdom of God on earth. We should let God change our hearts and minds in humility and truth. This will change us and make us a new creature in Christ. The Ministers of God do not exercise authority over those who seek the Kingdom of God, but are the servants, ministers, and clerks of that blessed Kingdom for those who would live under the perfect law of liberty, abiding in the ways of the Father and the Son, who is King.

John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Luke 3:16

From the beginning, the prophecy of that baptism of fire was preached by John and by Jesus. Upon receiving their appointment by the King and their baptism of fire sent by the Father, the covenant was fulfilled and the responsibility of ministering to the Kingdom was passed to His Apostles and to the congregation of the people.

I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Mark 1:8

The Apostles went out preaching the Gospel, the good news of “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

It was and is an everlasting Kingdom, but it is not like the kingdom of the other nations. From that day to this, there have been many who have received the continuation of that appointment by Christ, but few have received the baptism of fire. Many have been anointed by men to serve the Kingdom, but few have been anointed by God.

The Church is established by Jesus. It is not established by application to other fathers, potentates, and powers as benefactors of the people.

Israel is the place where God prevails. The Church should be no different. Its citizens of the Kingdom are all of those on earth who come together in His ways and His will, whether bond or free. It is created, not by cleaning the outside, but by the submersion of ourselves in His Spirit of service and sacrifice, seeking to obey His commandments.

Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 1 Corinthians 8:1

The ministers of His Holy Church must give their lives and freedom for the Kingdom, as the Apostles and the Early Church once did and as the ancient Levites did before them. They are bondservants of the King. According to the Character of Christ, they come to serve.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Matthew 7:16

Christian fables have replaced those of the Jews who did not know or do the will of God. It is not enough to say that you are saved, born again, anointed of God, but you must learn to manifest the Kingdom of God on earth in thought, word, and deed.

Not giving heed to Jewish fables,² and commandments³ of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Titus 1:14-16

There is much work to be done, for we have been instructed by the King to preach His Kingdom to all nations and make the people whole again, to feed His sheep. “For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”⁴ For in that Day, “The wicked are overthrown, and [are] not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.”⁵