Joshua,

If increase is brought to the establishment of His Government in the earth, I would think that there would also be an increase in the manifestation of the Kingdom.

God's Kingdom is established through revival. And in order to have revival, change, community and sacrifice are necessary.

To answer your question, I'm not sure I would say that an increase in His Government is the same as an increase in manifestations of the Kingdom but I do believe they go hand-in-hand.

Yes, I suppose I am.

Joshua,

Just to be clear, are you asking if the increase of His Government is the same as the increase of God's Kingdom manifest among us / in the earth?

I apologize for my late input into this forum....

From what I understand, the increase of God's Government is dependant upon the church. Isaiah 9:6 says "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (KJV)The "He" refers to our dear savoir Jesus. His Body which includes shoulders is His bride (The Church). Interestingly, in a natural sense, when there is weight on shoulders, the whole body must engage to support it in order to progress. A weak body cannot support heavy weight. Bodies become weak because they are spiritually malnourished. How is that possible? Because many of our churches do not fully embrace the fullness of God that brother beau was speaking of. "An apostolic church embraces all that God has in store: the gifts / manifestations of the Holy Ghost, the governmental officers, the administrations,"(-BEAU) The baptism of the Holy Ghost and Fire. So why aren't these practiced or believed? Aside from many other issues, the biggest reason is because of the failure to accept Apostles (sent ones) and the apostolic. Of whom establish sound doctrine that build and is the foundation of the church. Apostles transforms culture to look and to live the culture that is of the kingdom they belong to, Which is the Kingdom of God. The Church that is established in a solid foundation of doctrinal truths, becomes empowered to carry the Government of God on their shoulders... I do have a question, is an increase of His Government, an increase of His Kingdom Among us?.... please comment so we many have dialogue among us brothers and sisters.

I understand the Kingdom to be the place of abundant resource and empowerment. The only way we can enter the Kingdom is by believing in Christ and being born-again (John 3:5, 16). By believing in Jesus, we are acknowledging His authority and lordship over all. His reigning and ruling within us becomes apparent as we begin to think, speak, and act like Him (1 John 3:2, Romans 8:29-30).

The scriptures I believe substantiate the Kingdom ruling in the believer would be:

"The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say: Lo here! or, lo, there! for behold, the Kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:20-21

"For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!" Romans 5:17

As discussed in class on 1/25, most of our congregations are pastoral. Thank God for the pastors but it was never the original plan for the Church to be described as pastoral. The Lord's intention for His Church is for it to be apostolic.

An apostolic church embraces all that God has in store: the gifts / manifestations of the Holy Ghost, the governmental officers, the administrations, etc (1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, Romans 12). There is more to the gathering of God's people than just "to be fed." An apostolic church is aggressive, missional, and progressive. It is the type of church that operates with an understanding of the Kingdom.

The reigning and ruling power of Jesus Christ is clearly present in the Apostolic Church. The children of God have matured into sons and are fulfilling the will of God.

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." -1 John 3:2 KJV

From what I have, it seems that a scripture to support that would be. Luke 17:20-21. "Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “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.” So far. Im still reading to find more though.

Beau, that is a good start but what do you understand that to mean? What scripture(s) substantiate the Kingdom ruling within the believer?

The Kingdom of God must include lifestyle and culture. It is the spirit of dominion upon His people. It is the force (the anointing upon) that displaces demonic influence, it is the power (the anointing within) that establishes culture. The preaching (enforcement) of the kingdom of God removes satanic dogmas, thinking and its culture (systems) from our society so much so that there is no room for satanic influence. The manifestation of the Kingdom of God is God’s idea of perfection in the earth.

This is extremely helpful. Thank you very much!

I had the following in my notes for Kingdom. Is this correct?

Kingdom - the reign and rule of Jesus Christ in the lives of His people in lifestyle and culture.

Romans 14:17 - For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

The term 'Meat and drink' means to be a source of great pleasure. To be a routine matter or task. Something that someone especially enjoys, usually because they do it well though others may find it hard.

We can understand Romans 14:17 in this light:

"The Kingdom of God is not a routine task or something you are naturally good at; but its Righteousness (your position in God's Kingdom/Presence), Peace (the atmosphere of the Kingdom) and Joy (the culture of the Kingdom) in the Holy Ghost (the Enforcer of Kingdom Order)."