Looking back, seemingly EVERY time God has asked me to give in his name, my business and personal life has realized a surge in profits/prosperity. Maybe not right away, but his 100 fold rewards are inevitably noticed. Listening to his instructions are just awesome! For example, I occasionally will see a homeless person on the street and God will not place the desire to help in my heart. Then I can be late for a meeting, see a homeless person on the street and God’s instructions to help are simply undeniable. My immediate response is “REALLY… NOW?!” I don’t dare ignore him, lol!

This is my favorite article. Without deep study I’ve known ever since I’ve became a Christian at the age of 14 that there is no significant discipleship model that focuses on progressive sanctification – UNTIL I attended an OA meeting in my 20s (Overeaters Anonymous).

I knew instinctively that program is what the Church SHOULD be like. Fast forward many years (I am now in my late 50s and I never stuck with OA) and I am now attending AlAnon meetings. Again the feeling is STRONG that THIS is what I’ve been craving that Church SHOULD be like.

Then I did some research and found out that the 12-Steps of AA (the original 12-Step program) were an off-shoot of a CHRISTIAN movement (the Oxford Group).

Here is some information taken from Wikipedia on the Oxford Group’s influcence on AA…

The Oxford Group was a Christian fellowship founded by American Christian missionary Franklin Nathaniel Daniel Buchman. Buchman was a minister, originally lutheran, then evangelist, who had a conversion experience in 1908 in a chapel in Keswick, England. As a result of that experience, he founded a movement named A First Century Christian Fellowship in 1921, which had become known as the Oxford Group by 1928.

Buchman summarized the Oxford Group philosophy in a few sentences: “All people are sinners”; “All sinners can be changed”; “Confession is a prerequisite to change”; “The changed person can access God directly”; “Miracles are again possible”; and “The changed person must change others.”[6]

The practices they utilized were called the five C’s:

Confidence
Confession
Conviction
Conversion
Continuance
Their standard of morality was the Four Absolutes—a summary of the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount:

Absolute-Honesty
Absolute-Purity
Absolute-Unselfishness
Absolute-Love
In his search for relief from his alcoholism, Bill Wilson, one of the two co-founders of AA, joined The Oxford Group and learned its teachings. While Wilson later broke from The Oxford Group, he based the structure of Alcoholics Anonymous and many of the ideas that formed the foundation of AA’s suggested 12-step program on the teachings of the Oxford Group.[7][8] Later in life, Bill Wilson gave credit to the Oxford Group for saving his life.[9]

An Oxford Group understanding of the human condition is evident in Wilson’s formulation of the dilemma of the alcoholic; Oxford Group program of recovery and influences of Oxford Group evangelism still can be detected in key practices of Alcoholics Anonymous.[10] The Oxford Group writers sometimes treated sin as a disease.[11] They saw sin was “anything that stood between the individual and God”. Sin frustrated “God’s plan” for oneself, and selfishness and self-centeredness were considered the key problems. Therefore, if one could “surrender one’s ego to God”, sin would go with it. In early AA, Wilson spoke of sin and the need for a complete surrender to God. The Oxford Group also prided itself on being able to help troubled persons at any time. AA gained an early warrant from the Oxford Group for the concept that disease could be spiritual, but it broadened the diagnosis to include the physical and psychological.[10]

In 1955, Wilson wrote: “The early AA got its ideas of self-examination, acknowledgment of character defects, restitution for harm done, and working with others straight from the Oxford Group and directly from Sam Shoemaker, their former leader in America, and from nowhere else.”[12] According to Mercadante, however, the AA concept of powerlessness over alcohol departs significantly from Oxford Group belief. In AA, the bondage of an addictive disease cannot be cured, and the Oxford Group stressed the possibility of complete victory over sin.[10]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Alcoholics_Anonymous

I have a heart for evangelism and have always believed that Christians should be like network marketers. They should have a product they believe in SO MUCH that they have meetings to share their success stories, and the conviction to share with EVERYONE they know their “stories” of their AMAZING product.

Christianity SHOULD be life changing, but I’ve never been educated on how to grow my relationship to God or to solve my moral and spiritual problems until I re-joined the 12-step program, and this time I’m ready to use listen to God, repent, and turn my sins over to him.

I am convinced that the new Kingdom of God message will be something like a revival of the Oxford Group/movement. Call it “Sin Anonymous”.

I’ve had this article on my list to read and I finally accomplished it—I’m so glad I did. For 10 years, I’ve been a writer for fiction (seeking publication in a world where publication is extremely difficult) and just recently, with thanks to Tim for help, I’ve switched to “Christian” nonfiction and completed my first “devotional” or as I like to call it—just a book about God. Until now, I hadn’t read the Bible straight through or studied it the way I have been in the past year (although I’m a pastor’s daughter, ha) but now I have a deeper relationship with the Lord, and this article gives me such confirmation that I’m writing the right things when I was questioning it all after fasting and prayer. It’s truly good news and once your eyes are opened to the truth, you can’t accept anything but true change through the Holy Spirit if you’re a true believer. Thanks Tim, I’ve read many articles but I’m currently working on my attitude and words and in the middle of your wife’s podcast regarding complaining. It’s a true quest to achieve victory over our mouths and attitudes, isn’t it? Keep up the good work!!

Tim but I’m just wondering….why would God want to deny the world or believers this social-program-like blessings of the GOTK for this long number of years. Was it meant for certain believers at a certain time in history? Was Jesus’ message of GOTK a function of time or era? Please could you shed more light on this.

Thanks Tim for sharing. I am a frequent consumer of the contents you put out on this blog. This particular post about the Kingdom of God caught my attention. It’s an area I believe God is calling me into. God opened my eyes about the Gospel of the Kingdom as far back as 2004 when I was in my final year in the university. Ever since I have been studying, researching and telling everyone that cares to listen, the good news of the Kingdom.

I’d love to share with you some of the resources that blessed and enriched my life in this area:
1) Rediscovering the Kingdom – by Myles Munroe (He spent the few years of his life spreading this message till his death in 2014–Youtube videos also available)

2) Kingdoms in Conflict by David Pawson (a very powerful comprehensive teaching on the Kingdom—Youtube videos also available)

3) The Gospel of the Kingdom by George Elden Ladd ( I can’t recommend this book enough)

Wow! Glad I didn’t miss this one. I thought I had down everything you had to teach but now this. Lots of new thoughts. Thanks

Hi Tim, This article has truly blessed me. When I first became a Christian I wanted to share with everyone that the good news was Jesus died for your sins and wow we all get a free pass into heaven. Then as years went by, I wasn’t convinced that I knew the truth….I didn’t see change in people that claimed to be Christian, I didn’t see happiness , and most of all love!

I don’t know why this happened to me but every church I went to I would became fast friends with the preacher and his wife . Every church and it was many…..It got so I would say to myself I’m not getting close to the clergy at this church…..because what would happen is I would discover a terrible thing about them and then there would be exposure and then the church would fall apart. I’m not saying I was the one exposing them, I’m saying that it made me realized that church was not for me and it was so discouraging! People are all human and sinful and the leaders of the churches I went to seemed to be the worst offenders. I also realized that once saved always saved could not be true…..and deep inside me I knew there would not be a pretrib rapture as it never made sense to me for God to leave all the bad people on earth to suffer trials and tribulations and then throw them into hell. He could just throw them there to begin with and save himself a lot of time and trouble….seriously it just never made sense….Then one night while searching the internet I was blessed to have found your book, and since have read most of your articles and even listen and watch Katrina on YouTube! All of which are inspirational!

After reading this article I am wondering about my brother who is a Jehovah’s Witness. I feel in my heart that something is wrong with his beliefs but I don’t know what to say to him to help him or does He need help? He has told me that he personally knows one of the 12,000 that is talked about in Revelation. I asked him how this person knew this and never got direct answer from him. Do you think there are people walking the earth today who are actually part of the 12,000 . He is under a strong I don’t know how to say it, maybe force, IDK, but it’s like he is held captive to the church. Is there anything I can show him in the bible that would help me to help him again, if he needs help.

Ha he studies the bible far far more than I Do! I need to work on this and because of your article I feel driven to try and do better with my study life.

Thank you for all the hard work and love you invest in helping people to know the truth! – In God’s love, Cindy

Tim,
From your chart you show: Way to Salvation?

Christianity: Believe in Jesus,

Jesus: “Keep the commandments”

That appears that you are saving that simply by “keeping the commandments” you have salvation. This statement then negates Jesus coming, his death and resurrection.
Can you clarify ?

David

Hi Tim, I’ve struggled a long time with Christian teachings and what it means to be saved, and heaven and hell. I feel I’m gaining a better understanding of Gods word but Still have a long way to go. I wanted to ask you say there is a person who lives their life in line with the kingdom of heaven without realising it as in loving others and even trying to please God but never comes to know about the Bible or Jesus. What do you believe happens to them in regards to eternity? Thanks Joy

I don’t disagree with you. However, when I read Acts 2:14-42 I hear a different gospel of the kingdom than what you say the disciples preached. There is no grace mentioned. There is a guilt trip given for the Jews killing Jesus and Peter clearly says repent and be baptized. Verse 40 also is a plea to save themselves from punishment. After reading and rereading Acts and the letters, I can see how the 12 still thought obeying the law and repenting was the way to get to the kingdom (no grace). Peter even thought baptism was the way someone received the Holy Spirit but God showed him his error in Acts 10:44-48.

It is only after Paul receives his teaching from Christ that grace enters the scene and Peter confirms this later on. I believe the disciple believed the end was coming soon and that was their gospel of the kingdom (which I believe was what Christ told them to preach initially). I believe the prophet coming will preach more like Peter did in Acts 2 before the end is coming – like you have said.

The Jews were given a chance first and then Paul was commissioned to preach the gospel of the kingdom with the added grace to the Gentiles. All of his letters reflect practical application and discipleship.

Once the fullness of the Gentiles has come then we will hear the gospel preached more like Peter in Acts 2. Paul’s gospel included the hope of the future kingdom but focused more on how to apply Jesus’ teachings. So, I agree with how you see the gospel in the NT but if we didn’t have Paul’s conversion story and his letters would we have known about grace from what would be left?

I see Frank Viola’s new book is out:

https://www.amazon.com/Insurgence-Reclaiming-Kingdom-Frank-Viola/dp/080107701X

Haven’t read it yet but have enjoyed his previous work. I’m really excited that the kingdom of God is beginning to get more and more airtime from diferent sources.

Tim, as important as prophecy is, THIS article is more important. You don’t even care about prophecy unless you repent and are awakened spiritually. I have picked up on this message years ago and can see my walk in your story. But this is the most concise, well written article in one location I have seen. Have you thought about posting this for FREE on your websites? This could very well be one of the methods to have it go global.

Prophecy summarized:
1. Yahusha is Yahuah in our 3D/matter/light dimension.
2. Yahusha is coming back for his own.
3. He wins

The rest are just details. Repentance is key. Personally, I try to imagine what the kingdom will be like and what we will be doing. And then I start doing here and now to the best of my ability.

Hi Tim
The gospel of the Kingdom of God shall be preached till the end.What about gospel of grace which all the churches preach?

Hi

What a shame that one has to be a memebr of your support team to read the full aticle. It sounds very interesting. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to be part of the support team or give donations or anything, nor yet buy books.

However, from some of the comments posted, I can glean a little of what perhaps the article is about.

I’d always felt it was very important not to simply ‘stay in church’. Whenever I was there, I kep thinking, what about all those people ‘out there’. I wanted to be instrumental in bringing them to Christ, but more than merely that. I didn’t want this in order to make them a member of a church institution but rather that they would come to a full knowledge of God and His Kingdom. I can’t wait until the ‘the whole earth is filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea’.

Has anyone read this yet? Ted Dekker talks about something similar to what Tim is teaching in his fiction series AD. He has a study guide out now.

https://theforgottenway.com/home

Hello

Just found your blog and I haven’t stopped reading the many articles. You have great insight. I’m like you, and look for nuggets everywhere

Ron Wyatt
Michael Rood
Nehemiah Gordon
Etc

I have spent all day today reading supporter articles. I had to put on sunglasses due to all the light bulbs going off (joke). Christianity (attended many denominations and nondenominations) could never answer my questions. The kingdom of God finally makes sense! I am studying my Bible with “a clean slate” now and the kingdom of God makes perfect sense.

Thank you for your time, research and articles. They really mean a lot to me and saved me hours of my own research and years in my spiritual growth. One thing leads to another, and another…and it all clicks into place.

Thank you again!

To Jehovah be the glory! He is certainly using you my brother.

I have known, way down keep in my spirit, that showing love by your deeds and actions has more impact than declaring your love. In fact I had just such an encounter with my grant-son. He said, I love you Grandma, but I’m not going to try and prove it. My response to him was, you prove your love by your actions and the way you treat me. Saying you love me means nothing.

There is a lot on this site, including the emails from others, that have also put my mind to rest. After reading all of the links I know that I am a different person. My suspicions are confirmed and it lifts a huge load off of my conscience. God Bless you.

I shall await every succeeding article. I am sure I will be supporting your efforts financially. I can do that by not supporting the wrong places. God Bless, I am an 81 year old, married woman, mother of 3 (all of whom are on Social Security), who is striving to become like Jesus in every way).

Hi Tim,

Great article confirming my understanding … I have a friend who asked the question: If we are not going to Heaven then why did Yeshua say in Matt 14:2,3 that He is going to prepare “many mantions” in His Father’s house and He will return to take us there… My gut feel is that he was using a Hebrew idiom with his Hebrew speaking disciples but I have not been able to find an explanation for such an idiom…

The parable of Lazarus and the rich man in hell can be explained as a parable and not reality… I think…

The criminal to whom Yeshua said you will be in paradise with me today is another one I cannot explain… any thoughts you have on these?

Tim, this is such an enlightening article. Thank you for putting it together. I have been to the worship services of just about every denomination of church and nothing has given me more insight than reading your articles. When I read them, it feels “true”. Church services are ok, but they always left me feeling somewhat empty so, as a result, I always felt like I was unable to “join the party” and I was always an outsider looking in. Through reading your insights, I know now that I was looking for guidance. The message of love is simple, but it is indeed the hardest. I don’t attend church these days. The last church I joined was the Catholic church and that was only because I was at a low point in my life and the music and ritual (not so much these days) made me feel that there was indeed something/someone “greater” in existence. I have been searching for a greater relationship with God and I no longer feel like I need a church to be a middle man, I just need teaching. Thank you again.

Thanks, Tim. This is a great article. I shared this with one of my friends who happens to be a preterist and thinks Christ returned in 70 A.D. He made the following comment: “According to Paul, the gospel had already been preached to every creature under heaven while he was still alive in the first century. Colossians 1:23. Compare Acts 1:8 and 1Tim. 3:16.” How do I respond to his comment.

Tim-

What would you say to a Jehovah’s Witness who claims to be spreading the news of the kingdom and who believed when they are done they will have fulfilled this scripture? This is their great commission correct? Don’t they have Kingdom Halls? The ones I’ve heard sure tell about it as if they have been working diligently throughout their existence.
Just a thought that occurred to me today.
Thx!

Tim and Katrina-

I was compelled to join your support team this evening because for years I have credited you for keeping me close to YHVH. I have read everything you have put out and every time you guide me to review scripture again or to new insights( the ted talk you recommend to another supporter was generous and warmly eye opening) I know that God has connected us and I give thanks for that. I wish you all the best on your new book and can’t wait to read it- as always!

Kindest blessings
Debra

Wow Tim, I can’t tell you how much this teaching means to me. This really makes everything come together. 1) The world will know we are his disciples if we love one another. 2) By loving one another, we glorify and lift up Jesus. 3) If He be lifted up, He will draw all men to Himself.

My struggle has always been: How do I love God with all my heart and all my mind? Well, I am ashamed now! That’s because I got saved in 1983 when I saw a glimpse of the kingdom: “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul – neither said any of them that the things which he possessed was his own; but that they had all things common. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and distribution was made to every man according to his need.” Acts 4:32, 34-35 (paraphrased). That was enough to convince this sinner that what he was reading was Truth. The answer to my question was in these very verses that brought me to my knees 34 yrs ago! We should love one another, this is what pleases God. I believe I can have peace now, because I know where I need to be focused. Thanks so much for your diligence.

Two quick questions:

1) Why is the “First Sign” you mention in this article not mentioned on your timeline? (reference: https://escapeallthesethings.com/2017-prophecies/)—and is also in your book. Where would this even fit into your timeline? (assuming I’m not missing it somehow)

2) Is there any correlation between the “First Sign” and the appearance of the “Elijah” person (ie: proclaiming that message)? I’m having difficulty imagining any other way in which this would be fulfilled (outside of a prophet—which would be obvious)

Thus far your articles have been great—unfortunately, they seem to create many more questions which I have yet to resolve.

This article is so on point and confirming!!

It’s confirming because I stopped going to the traditional church and have been treating my household like the church then I started thinking this is what the first century church must’ve been like. I find this and it is like music to the soul. No acrobatic scripture play. No overemotional play on people’s ignorance–just pure and clear teaching. Good stuff.

Is it at all possible that the “Good News” will be broadcast by the ‘Elijah’ character of Revelation? I’m having difficulty imagining other possible scenarios where this message would be that obvious to everyone on the planet (outside of a Prophet).

Tim, This is very powerful teaching. You continue to open my eyes to the misdirection I followed for too many years by allowing myself to believe the teachings of various Christian pastors/leaders.

Thank you.

Took me two days to fully read this because was going slowly and digesting as I read. To me this is your best article yet . I wish I could share it but I’ll just have to wait and buy everyone a copy of your book. 😀 Since you aren’t for regular church, I’m curious about your thoughts on what part tithing plays in the Kingdom. Do you have any articles about that?

I knew Jesus’s message of the kingdom of God was more than “believe on Jesus’s ” etc…and you will be saved…we will have adversity but God will provide, stop thinking you have to do everything, that’s very hard…but we must do it…

Absolutely wonderful, Tim! I’m so blessed to have the honor of being your friend. Your wisdom and knowledge about the good news along with your easy to understand writing style keeps me coming back daily. I’m so excited about your new book. Your blessings are my blessings!

My favorite part is surely this,

“* Note: Christianity summarizes the good news as “Christ came and died for your sins.” But this forgets that people don’t go around worrying “who is going to pay for my sins when I die?” (At least not until they come into contact with Christianity telling them they’re going to Hell for their sins.) No, people universally worry about getting what they need in life: food, drink, clothing, etc. (Mt 6:31). Therefore telling a person, “Good news! Christ paid for your sins” does not qualify as good news because it solves a problem they are not even aware of or worrying about.”

I agree that for many the gospel has been watered down to a gospel of salvation only – I personally do not like the preaching of hell to begin with a lot, saying that Jesus has come to save us from hell…as if we are created for that. The Bible begins with creation how God has created us according to His image; it doesn’t begin with the fall.

In my experience I would say there are some who call themselves christians but you can tell right away they label themselves as that because of culture or family, etc but yet really don’t know the Lord – to be frank they haven’t started a new life in the Lord. Then there are a lot of Christians that I know, who try very hard to “bear fruit” and “keep the commandant”, I was like that, but it does not work because the source is wrong – it is motivated and driven by self, not by the Spirit. We are distracted by Christian work but not attracted to Christ Himself in the very first place – so the fruit/work doesn’t last long as the source is not from Christ our real life. And like you said, it can cause to a lot of pride as well.

My take is that the gospel is the good news of the “unsearchable riches of Christ” which also includes and consummates to the Kingdom :). Truly the Lord is infinitely rich! Keep it up Tim and blessings!

Oh Tim!!! What is the gospel/good news of the Kingdom? I just finished reading it to my girlfriend. I didn’t just read it to her we studied it, followed the scripture links, discussed it and recognized several comparisons in our lives and I can truly tell you it has blessed us this day. I feel extremely blessed beyond words and am grateful for this message…that has been right there all along! It is rewarding to know what the good news is as apposed to what I thought it was, and broken pieces of it at that. This messaged reached Tammy and I in many ways. It reminded me of when I first met her and recognized that it was like she was actually living in the Kingdom doing His will by her ongoing acts of kindness and the way in which she behaves and treats her fellow humans. She reached me by her actions of leading by example of what Jesus was trying to teach us all along. Your explanation of the obvious message was masterful and revealing although it was not hidden from my eyes. I am excited now to think of the many applications I can dream of helping to do my part in spreading and teaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God to others. To bring awareness and clarification to an otherwise major blunder on the Christian front. We need to remedy this! I will continue now to saturate myself with this teaching and all surrounding supporting scriptures connected to it as you have until it is embedded on my heart. I also look forward to reading your next article for members (Depart from me/I never knew you). That has always had a major impact on my spirit to think of it happening to me! What if? It is terrifying to think. What is it to know Jesus and He know you…what it means. Anyhow I am excited to hear about your next book! I want to know what your vision for this book is but apparently it is not posted? I want to be the first also to read chapters as you release them. In summary, Tim today Yahway, Elohim our Father has communicated to me thru His word! Thanks to your gift He has blessed you with. My spirits ears are hearing ringing sounds of truth today and I am inspired. Thank you brother and keep spreading the gospel. The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His face on you and give (you and your family) peace.