THE KINGDOM CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES

VISION STATEMENT.

November 2005

             Our vision for the future of this organization is and must be tied to the prayer of Jesus "Thy kingdom come".1 This prayer is a declaration of faith that must be backed by action.2 While we know that many aspects of the kingdom cannot fully come until the King returns in the fullness of His glory, there is much that can be done before that time.3 Daniel's words show us that the saints “receive” and “possess the kingdom" amid a time of human contention and devilish activity.4 (Dan. 7:18)  Jesus described His own departure and reappearance by saying, "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return."5 Although Jesus receives the kingdom from his Father, there is kingdom preparation on earth as well.6   The saints through the ages have been working with Him ahead of His return  to prepare a kingdom for Him to receive.7 It is the work of the Holy Spirit and of the saints to bring this about.8  The challenge is to do our part to spiritually prepare, possess, and extend the kingdom of God on earth for its rightful heir and King, Jesus Christ.9 

            In order to be about the King's business we must engage in preaching the good news of salvation by faith in Christ alone.10 Further, we must strengthen and promote Christian faith in any way the Spirit leads.11 And we must pray for the fulfillment of Scripture,12 teach the Bible, and apply it to our lives.13 In essence our mission boils down to living the Bible, winning this world for Christ14 and extending His kingdom here on earth.15

Some of the implications and consequences of this mission are as follows:

Salvation and Christian Fundamentals

The fundamentals of the Christian faith are foremost.16   Salvation by faith in Christ's death and atonement on the cross is the cornerstone.17   He is the only source of salvation, the center and King of our lives.18  Following Him fully is the essence of His kingdom, and we yield our all to Him.19  His salvation and power produce a reality with God and a fullness of His Spirit that pervades every area of life.20

The Bible

"From first to last"--The Bible is the sole basis for all matters of faith, doctrine and practice.21   It reveals important principles such as the inherent power in baptism,22 the reality of the body and blood of Christ in communion,23 the distinct and simple act of receiving the Holy Spirit by faith,24 the reality of divine healing, the benefits of Sabbath keeping, and value of living by faith.  Such principles comprise the original and the future way of scriptural living that we anticipate will characterize the citizens of the coming kingdom.25

We view the whole Bible as God's eternal truth.26   The Old Testament as well as the New shows us God's ways and character, revealing those things that please Him.27   All of scripture is equally inspired and is "written for our admonition".28 (2 Tim. 3:16)  Therefore its principles and truths are relevant today.29   Wherever the New Testament supersedes or fulfills the Old, that is the final word.30  Our Statement of Faith gives further specifics on our doctrinal fundamentals and church practices,31  and our teachings are explained from Scripture in the book Thy Kingdom Come.

Kingdom framework

The scriptural concept of the kingdom takes in more than that of a Christian church made up of born again believers.  While we fully endorse and incorporate the elements and practices of the church, God’s kingdom includes the coming together of all His promises and designs.32   Under Christ’s dominion, New Testament Christianity merges into a structure of kingdom living which integrates the born-again heart into the kingdom framework which was established in ancient times and will be carried through into the millennial reign of Christ.33   That is why, for example, we keep the Sabbath and the Feasts under the gospel and in newness of Spirit, rather than oldness of letter.34

Other Christians

We stand ready to cooperate, as the Holy Spirit leads, with other Christians who hold a different view scripture.35 While the Bible calls for separation from worldly practices and doctrine that is clearly false,36 we heartily support those who are promoting the gospel of Christ and are sincerely seeking to follow Jesus fully.

            There is much to do for the King. His love constrains us to be lights in a dark world.37   May God help us to be about His business as we seek first His kingdom by promoting the whole Bible.38

Footnotes for Kingdom Christian Ministries Vision Statement
(All references are American Standard Version unless otherwise noted.)

1)  Matt 6:10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.
    Luke 11:2   And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.
2)  James 2:17  Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself.
3)  2 Tim 4:1  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; (KJV)
        Rev 11:15   And the seventh angel sounded; and there followed great voices in heaven, and they said, The kingdom of the world is become (the kingdom) of our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever.
        Luke 19:13   And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. (KJV)
4)  Dan 7:21  I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 22  until the ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
5)  Luke 19:12  He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
            Dan 7:14   And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
6 & 7)  Dan 7:18  But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
8)  Matt 12:28   But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you.
        John 3:5   Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God!
        Rom 14:17   for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
9) Dan 7:18  But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
10)  Rom 5:1  Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;
        Gal 2:16   yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
        Eph 2:8   for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, (it is) the gift of God;  9  not of works, that no man should glory.
        Acts 4:12   And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved.
11)  Rom 14:19  So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another.
        Jude 1:20   But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
12)  Isa 45:11  Thus saith Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: Ask me of the things that are to come; concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands, command ye me.
13)  Matt 5:19  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 
14)  1 Cor 9:22  To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.
        Prov 11:30   The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that is wise winneth souls.
15)  Matt 6:10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.
16)  Jude 1:3  Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.
        1 Tim 4:16   Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (NIV)
        Titus 1:9   holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict the gainsayers.
        Col 1:23   if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.
17)  Col 1:20  and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, (I say), whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens.
        Col 2:14   having blotted out the bond written in ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us: and he hath taken it out that way, nailing it to the cross;
        Eph 2:20   being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone;
        1 Pet 2:6   Because it is contained in scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame.
        Acts 4:12  And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved.
18)  Col 1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19)  Rom 6:13  neither present your members unto sin (as) instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves unto God, as alive from the dead, and your members (as) instruments of righteousness unto God.
        1 Pet 2:21   For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:
        Matt 10:38   And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.
        John 12:26   If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will the Father honor.
        Rev 14:4  These are they that were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These (are) they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, (to be) the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb.
20)  1 Cor 15:28  And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all.
        Eph 4:6  one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.
        Eph 4:15   but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, (even) Christ;
        Titus 2:7   in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine (showing) uncorruptness, gravity,
        1 Pet 1:15   but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living;
        Col 1:10   to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
        1Thes 2:12   to the end that ye should walk worthily of God, who calleth you into his own kingdom and glory.
21) 1Thes 2:13   And for this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when ye received from us the word of the message, (even the word) of God, ye accepted (it) not (as) the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also worketh in you that believe.
      Heb 4:12   For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.
        1 Pet 1:23  having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth.
        2 Tim 3:16   All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17   That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV)
22)  1 Pet 3:21  which also after a true likeness doth now save you, (even) baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ;
        Rom 6:4   We were buried therefore with him through baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.
        Acts 22:16  And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name.
23)  Matt 26:26  And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it; and he gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.  28   for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many unto remission of sins.
        Luke 22:19  And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
        1 Cor 11:24  and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, This is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me.
24)  Luke 11:13  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall (your) heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
        Acts 19:2  and he said unto them, Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed? And they (said) unto him, Nay, we did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit was (given).
25)  Matt 5:19  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
26 & 27)  Ps 117:2  For his lovingkindness is great toward us; and the truth of Jehovah (endureth) for ever. Praise ye Jehovah.
        Ps 119:160   The sum of thy word is truth; and every one of thy righteous ordinances (endureth) for ever.
        John 17:17   Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.
28)  Matt 5:18  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished.
        1 Cor 10:11  Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come.
29 & 30)  Matt 5:18  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished.
31) Rom 6:17  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. (KJV)
        1 Tim 4:6  If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. (KJV)
        II Jn 1:9  Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (KJV)
32) Acts 3:20  and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, (even) Jesus:   21  whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of His holy prophets that have been from of old.
33)  Matt 25:34  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
        Acts 3:21  whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of His holy prophets that have been from of old.
        Exod 19:6  and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
        Rev 5:10  and madest them (to be) unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth.
        Acts 1:6  They therefore, when they were come together, asked him, saying, Lord, dost thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? 7  And he said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within His own authority.
34)  Rom 7:6  But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that wherein we were held; so that we serve in newness of the spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.
35)  Luke 9:50  But Jesus said unto him, Forbid (him) not: for he that is not against you is for you.
36)  2 Cor 6:17  Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you,
        1 Cor 5:11  but as it is, I wrote unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no, not to eat.
        II Jn 1:9  Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son.  10  If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into (your) house, and give him no greeting:
37)  Phil 2:15  that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world,
38)  Matt 6:33  But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
        1Thes 2:12   to the end that ye should walk worthily of God, who calleth you into his own kingdom and glory.
        Psalms 119:160   160 The sum of thy word is truth; and every one of thy righteous ordinances (endureth) for ever.
        2 Timothy 3:16    Every scripture inspired of God (is) also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness.
        Matt 5:19   Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.