I am encountering a growing number of believers who are examining the difference between the gospel of salvation and the gospel of the kingdom. Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14).
The basic difference between these two concepts is that the gospel of the kingdom teaches people how to apply the influence of heaven to their everyday lives—including their surroundings and daily activities.
There are seven major spheres (or mountains) which impact society: business, government, media, arts and entertainment, education, family and religion.(1) Every believer moves in at least one of these areas, and God wants to use our influence for His glory. As we do this, we are reformers, bringing God’s government (organization or influence) to earth.
Scripture provides the threads from which to weave a picture of God’s reformation plan.(2) A primary thread is Isaiah 9:7, which says, “Of the increase of His government… there will be no end,” that He will “order it and establish it,” and that “the zeal of the Lord” will accomplish this.
Another vital thread is found in Matthew 16:18, where Jesus says, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
And still another important thread is in Matthew 6:9-13. When we pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done, we must understand that everything God intends to do on earth, He intends to do through His church—meaning you and me!
The church is currently in a final age of reformation which will culminate with the announcement found in Revelation 11:15, that the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ.(3)
You were born “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). But we must not miss the first part of this verse, which basically says if we can’t or won’t do what He wants done, He’ll find someone else! Like me, I’m sure you want God to use you as a reformer—not someone else!
Reformation Demystified
God has always been a reformer. From the moment Adam and Eve fell into sin in the garden, He had a plan to restore the environment of heaven to earth through His Son, Jesus.
Being a reformer is not that complicated. Daniel was a perfect Old Testament example of this.
I’m sure Daniel had no plans to be a reformer—he did not even choose to be where he was. He was very young, not a spiritual leader or someone well known. He simply stuck by his godly convictions, even when faced with persecution or death. God poured out a spirit of excellence on him, and in time, he was elevated to a position of great influence.
It’s important to believe that we are blessed of God. As we obey the voice of His Spirit and observe His commands, He promises to open the treasures of heaven and bless all the work of our hands—to set us above the people of the earth, to make us the head and not the tail.(4) It is critical to catch the progression—obedience brings blessing, and blessing brings influence!
Believers are the spiritual children of Abraham under the new and better covenant.(5) Jewish people understood the concept of blessing and even today are known for financial and cultural prominence. As the church catches this impartation and uses it to bring the full manifestation of “Thy kingdom come,” we will see cultural revolution!
What Might Reformation Look Like?
Once when my husband was serving on the board of our local public high school, we unified believers and successfully removed Planned Parenthood from involvement with the sex education program. Everyone said it couldn’t be done, but God had a different idea!
So much good came from this. The media’s biased reporting allowed me to write a lengthy guest editorial in our local newspaper. Then, we helped rally believers and introduced legislation banning their involvement in all state high schools. It passed both the house and senate, but ultimately was vetoed by our liberal governor. It clearly showed, however, how believers can unite to bring kingdom influence.
How Can I Fit In?
– Reformation flows from a life of obedience. Remember, Daniel did not intend to be a reformer. He was simply faithful and obedient in the place he found himself, and God honored this.
– Understand you are blessed by God, and blessing brings influence.
– Let God position you and give strategy.
– Allow God to shape your character, and endure through the process. Every step of your journey brings you closer to the fulfillment of your ultimate calling and purpose.
– Reformers are motivated by God’s heart of love. When removing Planned Parenthood, God rocked my world by imparting to me how much He loved those unbelieving high school students and was grieved they were being deceived. Those motivated by God’s love will become reformers!
[1] See Isa. 2:2; Mic. 4:1
[2] See Acts 3:21
[3] See Rev. 20:6; also see Prophetic Scriptures Yet to be Fulfilled, by Dr. Bill Hamon.
[4] Deuteronomy 28:1-14; 30:11-20
[5] See Gal. 3:29; Heb. 8-10
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Diane is a writer, speaker and minister ordained with both Christian International and Generals International. Her articles are regularly featured on The Elijah List, as well as platforms like Charisma Magazine, Charisma News, Intercessors For America and others. She and her husband, Allen, co-founded Starfire Ministries with a vision to see the kingdom established beyond the four walls of the traditional church. They host a podcast with Charisma Podcast Network, and serve as Church Mountain, Regional, and Montana Coordinators for the Reformation Prayer Network, and as Media Mountain Leader/Facilitators for C.I.’s Culture Influencers.
I dont see that you have reformed anything if the Liberal Governor vetoed your efforts. When do Christians ever become victorious. ? I am seriously asking God that. Im not trying to discourage anybody I have paid a high price for following H S and I need some hope that is real and not hyped.
Hi Angela! Great question! Several thoughts. One is that we removed their influence from our school. Another is that I was able to write a lengthy article in our local newspaper explaining why we organized to do this and outlining why a casual view of sex harms our kids emotionally and spiritually (in non-church language). We also showed others what could be done, and the importance of being willing to serve in places such as school boards, city councils, etc. It also showed what unity can accomplish, as we had every religious element involved on the map! As to the governor question, we are working on that! We’re fully backing a solid godly man for our 2016 election, both in prayer and practical efforts (see our Facebook page). Last election, God honored our efforts to switch our congressional delegates, and I believe He will do it again! How do you eat an elephant… one bite at a time! And I just saw this recently…
Thankyou for explaining. Im in the middle of a Legally challenging disability rights and financial cuts to children needing education with Special Needs. The Local Government called Council are forcing these vulnerable kids in mainstream with no support financially or Teaching Assistance with distressing outcomes . It is far from over but I feel so alone in the war and a I have been asking Father to bring some favour as my hope is small. We have 3 months till tri bunal and my son begins high school in 4 months but we have no realistic school for him to attend. My stress levels are high. Im glad you have given me hope to continue. I believe we must raise the standard of Kingdom and it is good to know we have believers doing that. Lord your right hand give us strength and roar through our praise – thank you for speaking to me. Love Angela
You are welcome! We will pray for you! The last part of my previous reply was cut off, but Alaska’s senate recently passed similar legislation! I will try to re-post the link, or you can view it on our Facebook page. Also, we believe the tide has turned and the Lord is fighting on behalf of His people to see great things done. Stay encouraged!
http://liveactionnews.org/alaska-senate-passes-bill-banning-planned-parenthood-from-schools/