What is Jesus' Kingdom?

John 18:36 (NIV)

[36] Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

In the Christian American culture today there is this undercurrent of thought that the USA is a Christian nation therefore part of the kingdom of God. When it comes to world affairs we are doing Gods works. This idea has been promoted so much that Islam, in the Middle East area especially, equates the USA with Christianity. So that when the jihadist war against the west (i.e. USA) it is a war against Christianity. In their minds there is no distinction. And the Christianity they see is one of violence. It is a Christianity that promote the use of weapons and death to carry out Gods will here on earth. This idea is not one they made up. Americanized Christianity has promulgated this belief, encouraged this belief and prayed for this belief.

Is this what Jesus and his disciples thought and passed on to us? Jesus first recorded message was, Mark 1:15 (NIV) [15] “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” The message of His kingdom never stop being proclaimed throughout His earthly ministry and the disciple continued this message. The parables, Matthew 4:23, Acts 20:25, 28:23 and the very last verse of Acts says, Acts 28:31 (NIV) [31] Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

When I read about this part of the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ I'm reminded of when these documents were written. At the time there was only one kingdom that matter to the known world and it was the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire was always concerned about agitators and those that wish to plant seeds of sedition against the Empire. The Roman solution to these seeds was to respond with violence and death. So for these manuscripts to proclaim another Kingdom and to call people to follow another King was highly provocative. One thing that people understand is that you can’t pledge allegiance to two kingdoms. God's kingdom is no different. Just like you can’t serve two god's, in the same way there is no dual citizenship with God. Jesus made it very clear to Pilate, who was an ambassador of man's kingdom, that His kingdom was not of this world and that His kingdom would not advance through violence.  Like all the rest of the kingdoms that existed on the earth. Whether then or now. This hasn't changed.

Consider this, you are a follower of Jesus Christ. You have the message of God’s love, peace and salvation for all people. Jesus tells all those that claim to be His followers to proclaim this message. Now you are in the military, part of man’s kingdoms. You march into a town where you just killed people. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and friends. You find the survivors of these dead family members and now you must share Jesus with them and His message of love, peace and salvation as they bury their dead. Now remember in Colossians 3:17 (NIV) [17] “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” You just got finished killing these peoples loved ones in Jesus name to God’s glory. Now you have to turn around and explain to them how Jesus wanted you to kill their family members because he loves them.  And this same Jesus loves them also. If I wanted to survive, looking at the weapons in your hands or the weapons that just destroyed my family, I’d be saying I believe.

For some reason I don’t see Jesus or the 12 living like this. Killing for the kingdoms of man in the name of Jesus. We must remember that in the name of Jesus means you represent the gospel message of the Kingdom. Be careful not to create a Jesus in the image of your patriotism. Or create a Jesus in your image because you love this life.

If Jesus is your king then, like the disciples of Jesus time, your priority is "Your kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven." Our purposes and causes and the way we live are to be dictated to us by Jesus not the kings of the earth or a Jesus created in the image of our patriotism. Jesus told His disciples that His kingdom would not advance through violence and the death of others. But through love. The love for God, our neighbors, our brothers and sisters in Christ and our enemies. As citizens of His kingdom we are to put away the sword and take up our cross. Not to take life but to lay down our lives. Because death has been conquered. We do not need to fear death as the world does. We are not to love this life more than our obedience to Him.

Philippians 3:20 (NIV)

[20] But our citizenship* is in heaven.* And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,*

1 Peter 2:9, 11(NIV)

[9] But you are a chosen people,...a holy nation,* a people belonging to God,* that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light... [11] Dear friends,* I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world,* to abstain from sinful desires,* which war against your soul.*

If we claim to be followers of Jesus Christ then let’s follow Him and not be afraid of those that believe the lie that a particular nation of this planet is a Christian nation. The only nation on this planet that is a Christian nation is the true body of Christ and no other. A nation without borders. Jesus didn't come to prop up the Roman Empire or restore the Nation of Israel. He came to invite people into his kingdom. A new kingdom. To become citizens of His kingdom. To pledge allegiance to Him and Him alone. To follow Him and Him alone. To live as strangers here on the planet during our brief sojourn. Jesus said if you love me then you'll obey me.

2 Corinthians 6:17 (NIV)

[17] “Therefore come out from them*

and be separate,

 says the Lord.

Touch no unclean thing,

and I will receive you.”**

Revelation 18:4 (NIV)

[4] Then I heard another voice from heaven say:

“Come out of her, my people,*

so that you will not share in her sins,

so that you will not receive any of her plagues;*