"Introduction to the Kingdom".

where do we begin?

If everything has a starting point then our kingdom journey thus far is no exception. From those small beginnings we have arrived to this first destination - The "Introduction to the kingdom".

We have always held to the philosophy that you teach what you know. As we learn and grow we invite you to come on the journey with us.

The takeaway from the following video is this:

The kingdom IS a literal government, as such it's structural order is comprised of four components:

1. A King - Jesus Christ (See Isaiah 9:6-7)
   
2. Subjects - People of all nations (You! - Everyone has the potential to be a part of His kingdom)
   
3. Law - The law of God as revealed in the bible - The constitution of God's people.
   
4. A Territory - The entire earth. Where God's people use their influence for His glory, the kingdom is manifested in that area. 

All things have a beginning, I pray that this may be yours.

Luther.

Recap: "Rediscovering The Kingdom" Retreat.

The following post is a brief recap of our (Maranda and myself) experiences attending the "Rediscovering The Kingdom retreat" in Naples Florida hosted by Trista Sue Kragh of K.C.I.

Naples Florida.

The affluent culture here is a stark contrast to Midwestern norms. As you can imagine we both were quite awestruck at the beauty and overall opulence of the area.

In light of our observations and after much discussion - (this is of paramount importance) - we are thoroughly convinced that the residents of Naples cannot properly celebrate Christmas. At least not to the superior level as us Michiganders do! (how could they sans snow? do they decorate palm trees?)
I felt for all those poor souls, unable to experience the months of sunless grey skies, brutally cold temperatures, treacherous roads, and the coup-de-Gracie Lake effect snow!

The Elusive Floridian Squirrel

Well all jesting aside. We had a wonderful time at the Rebuilding The Kingdom retreat. It was refreshing not to mention energizing meeting and interacting with this (Kingdom minded) extended community.

It was a common to hear accounts of those who had experienced the confines of religion. And then see these same individuals awaken to the Kingdom message and more so the implications that message had upon their lives. As the retreat progressed one could witness connections being made, friendships garnered, and attendees gathering in small groups discussing what they learned in the previous session. A highlight for me personally was the baptisms which took place at Mrs. Kragh's residence. To me it was a picture of what early church baptism must have been. Authentic, organic and intimate - these are the words that come to mind when I replay that afternoon.

There is much much more I could say but by way of synopsis; The surroundings were beautiful, the teaching was authoritative while being undeniably biblical - in essence it was truth. And the experience was as revelatory as it was intimate. So will we return next year? I have no doubts. Yet until then we will continue learning, seeking and feeding our hunger for the Kingdom.

Luther.

"Jumping Ship".

If you can imagine a ship stuck in port. Busy with preparation yet somehow it never embarks. The passengers, akin to seagoing residents of the "hotel California".


The temptation to jump ship is only experienced by those who are called toward the horizon. The complacent know nothing of these kind of impulses, they simply wait for the ship to embark; which it has historically never done.


So if you are one to whom the horizon calls, I offer this advice. Know that if you jump, you place yourself at the risk of drowning. Yet despite personal peril, it may be more beneficial to drown on your way toward the horizon than to stay in port, gazing into the unreachable distance which calls to your heart.


For all the days you are separate from the hearts true place of residence are only a cold sort of death. Like a warm blanket on a cold day its comfort and security will slowly draw upon your strength until you are no longer capable of answering the call of the distant horizon. And in that day of bitter discovery the ship in port will be revealed as your eternal prison.


So if you are of the called, then my advice is to jump. Brave the chill waters, face the unknown. Take this action now while you have the fortitude to do so. Yes, you may drown. You may fail. But you may succeed. The alternative is to live a life wasted and bitter - gazing into the "could've been".

Luther.