The good news of the Kingdom of heaven is that people have been given access to learn the original culture and lifestyle God intended man to have on earth again. The prophet Isaiah said it this way "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and THE GOVERNMENT will be upon His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."(Isaiah 9:6) This verse is talking about Jesus, The Christ. Jesus came to bring back to us a culture and lifestyle that we had lost. This wonderful government called "The Kingdom of Heaven" comes with a culture and lifestyle which requires us to change the way we think. This is why Jesus’ first words to the public were “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matt. 4:17 NKJV) Only a king can establish a kingdom.
When Jesus came into the world, the Roman Empire (Kingdom) was ruling the whole entire known world at the time. The Roman Kingdom had everything God needed so that the people would understand the gospel of Jesus. One aspect of kingdom living and functionality that we should come to understand and apply in the church today, is what is called “common wealth”. In an earthly kingdom like the Roman Empire, common wealth is the equal distribution of goods and riches to all the citizens of the kingdom by the king. In the time of the Romans, soldiers would go out and conquer territories. They would bring back the riches and goods to the king, and then the king would say what amount to distribute to the citizens in equal shares. For example, if there were 100 citizens in the kingdom and the kingdom acquired 150 gold pieces. The king would keep 50 gold pieces and give each citizen 1 gold piece.
This kingdom practice of common wealth is also something Jesus brought with His kingdom of heaven. Common wealth in the Kingdom of Heaven is similar, but not the same. In the Kingdom of Heaven the distribution of riches and goods is done by the citizens themselves. Why? because the King lives in them and they in the King. We can first see the citizens of the kingdom of heaven practice common wealth in the book of Acts. The bible says “And all the believers met together in one place and SHARED EVERYTHING they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.” (Acts 2:44-45 NLT) again the bible states “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common…. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked…” (Acts 4:32, 34a NKJV)
In today’s church there are many people with needs and most people usually go to the Pastor of their local congregation in private to ask for help. (I know this because I myself did it) The thing is that this is a mistake we have allowed in our church today. It brings and puts terrible pressure on the Pastor of the congregation to provide a solution. Yet, the Pastor is NOT the only one responsible for meeting the people's needs in church. It is supposed to be a congregational effort to make sure that NO ONE is in need in that congregation. Pastors it is NOT your responsibility to meet all the physical needs in your congregation. It is the congregation’s responsibility to provide and help each other. Let those who have ears listen to what the Spirit is saying.
Written by Edil Ortega
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