The following is a skeletal sermon notes based on Rev. Sun Ho's preaching of "The Kingdom of God Is Within Us" at City Harvest Church on 25 August 2018, with adaptation.
In the LORD's Prayer, Jesus taught us a prayer which includes these words: "Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven."
When the Kingdom of God comes, what is real in heaven will be real on earth, as well. For example, there will be Hope and Healing against all odds.
Where is the kingdom of God? Jesus replied thus in Luke 17:20b-21 (NKJV), "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”
This internal reality of God's kingdom overflows out of us and permeates, affect and changes our external reality. For example, in Mark 4 Jesus rebuked the windstorm with "Peace, be still!" and the wind ceased. Jesus’ internal reality became His external reality. The kingdom that Jesus lives in has no storm.
We need to appropriate more of heaven on earth as a living reality beyond mere knowledge. Let our consciousness of His kingdom and presence be greater than our circumstances. The devil is not worthy of our attention.
Our eyes ought to be set on God who will rule and reign in our heart and soul if we humble ourselves and submit to His authority. Learn to fear God. Psalm 25:12-13 (NKJV) has this to say to us, "Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land."
Psalm 25:14 (NKJV) goes on to say, "The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them." Lovers of God has a private place and receive the revelation secrets of His promises.
Right now, Jesus is giving fresh revelation and interceding for all believers who have been gifted to Him by God the Father. "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours (John 17:6-9; NKJV)".
The world is at its best when the church is at its best.
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!(Mark 1:15; NKJV)”
Repentance involves a total change of thinking resulting in a total change of action. The kingdom of God within you will transform your life supernaturally.
Genesis 1:26 reveals that we are made in the image and likeness of God. "Image" refers to external physical form while "likeness" means similar inner nature. We are the exact copy of God.
We are to have dominion and subdue the earth. God has given us the legal authority of a lease agreement over earth.
However, we gave it away to the devil when Adam and Eve were deceived and he now asserts that he can pass it on to whomever he wants (Luke 4:6).
We need to contend for more of the Kingdom of God and take back what the devil has stolen. Will you stay loyal to God and receive His power to accomplish your mission? "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9a; NKJV)."
We are well able to fulfill the call and mission if we adhere to the following spiritual disciplines:
1) Have the right image of ourselves; and
2) Partner with the Holy Spirit.
When Moses had his burning bush encounter with God, he asked "Who am I? (Exodus 3:11)" "And God said, “Certainly I will be with you,... (Exodus 3:12; AMP)”
Moses had doubts and felt unqualified. On the other hand, God had chosen Moses (think of how Jesus also chose His inner circle of 12 disciples) and pre-qualified him for the task at hand.
According to a revelation from Pastor Bill Johnson in modern-speak, God is affirming Moses that 'You are the person I like to hang out with'.
We will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit has come upon us (Acts 1:8). You are not inadequate no more with the Holy Spirit.
