Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done: Becoming Soldiers in God’S Kingdom

By Ralph E. Johnson M.D. D.Div.

After receiving baptism in the Holy Spirit in l988, Ralph began to pray for patients with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Immediate healing occurred without medical intervention including raising of a certified dead man from complete liver and kidney failure to active healthy life. As news spread in the medical community, patient referrals declined when doctors objected to not having all of their patients receive an orthodox treatment. The present book, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, is an autopsy on dying if not dead churches where the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit is not in evidence. It presents biblical steps for restoring the sovereignty, glory and manifested power of God known as the kingdom of heaven, a subject rarely if ever discussed from the pulpits of most churches.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Dec 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781512717013

Ralph E. Johnson M.D. D.Div.

A graduate of Northwestern Medical School, Ralph served as director of radiation oncology at the National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, piloting curative treatment for several types of cancer including Ewing’s sarcoma, small cell lung cancer, and Hodgkin’s disease for which he was recipient of a U.S. superior service award. He entered private practice in l978 to organize a cancer center in Pinellas County, Florida. After several medical missions overseas, he left medicine in l997 to become a volunteer prison chaplain. Six self-published books were used both in local churches and correctional institutions as well as in bible schools in Africa and India. A Doctor of Divinity degree was conferred by Emmanuel Bible College and Loving Hands Theological Seminary in Hyderabad, India in 2007 to recognize his contributions. He and his wife Sylvia live in St Petersburg, Florida where he authors a website (newwineministry.org) having wide international readership.

Book preview

Thy

Kingdom Come,

Thy Will Be Done

BECOMING SOLDIERS IN GOD'S KINGDOM

RALPH E. JOHNSON, M.D., D.DIV.

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Copyright © 2015 Ralph E. Johnson, M.D., D.Div.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

WestBow Press

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-1700-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-1702-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-1701-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015917385

WestBow Press rev. date: 12/18/2015

Contents

Prologue

CHAPTER ONE Hearing from Christ

CHAPTER TWO Submitting to Christ

CHAPTER THREE Learning of Christ

CHAPTER FOUR Abiding in Christ

CHAPTER FIVE Suffering for Christ

CHAPTER SIX Reigning with Christ

Epilogue

Study Guide

Acknowledgments

I am indebted to Dr. Wendell C. Wilson, the founder of Loving Hands Inc. in Bradenton, Florida, for help in preparation of this book. It has been a privilege to be a chapel teacher for nearly twenty years at his restoration and discipleship program for young men, His friendship and spiritual wisdom have been a source of great encouragement.

I also wish to acknowledge the friendship and insights of Dr. Henry Wright, founder of Be In Health Global located at Hope for the Generations Church in Thomaston Georgia. His teachings on spiritual warfare between the heavenly kingdoms of God and of Satan have been extremely beneficial in both spiritual and physical arenas.

The writings of a number of godly men served to inspire my thinking over the years about the kingdom of heaven. I'm grateful in particular for being nourished by the writings of Watchman Nee, A.W. Tozer, David Wilkerson, Derek Prince, Smith Wigglesworth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Nicholas Herman (aka Brother Lawrence).

The invaluable technical assistance of Rob Wheeler is likewise gratefully acknowledged.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture references use the King James Easy-Reading Study Bible published by KINGS WORD PRESS located at 5 Milan Hwy, Humboldt, TN 38343

New Wine Ministry

St, Petersburg, Florida

Published in 2015 A.D.

Dedicated to Sylvia

....my wife, best friend, and one whom Holy Spirit often uses to bring change in a character which remains flawed in so many ways. For such, my dear Sylvia, I'm forever grateful. I love you deeply and it has been a great privilege to share a journey of faith with you for the past thirty years.

Prologue

I n ascending to heaven, Jesus left those to whom He brought a new life and a kingdom to be entered by those born again (John 3:5). People were amazed by manifestations of this kingdom and asked, What new doctrine is this? For with authority commands He even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him (Mark 1:27). John the Baptist had been telling people the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2). And Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom of heav en.

Jesus brought a kingdom of power to invade Satan's dominion and what destroyed peace on earth. He taught disciples to pray to the Father, Your kingdom come, Your will be done in earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). But this kingdom encounters opposition. Paul told Timothy to endure as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). For Jesus came not only to atone for sins. He brought a kingdom to destroy the evil works of Satan and his own kingdom.

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8

Opposition developed to Jesus' ministry, not only from Satan's kingdom but from established religion. Institutional religion is still an obstacle to advancement of the kingdom of heaven. Many profess Jesus yet deny the works of Satan. Others do not believe in a literal hell or they claim that Calvary provides automatic immunity against Satan, so great is their deception. Still others are convinced God no longer carries out miracles or healings by the power of the Holy Spirit. In spite of these and other heresies, the kingdom of heaven advances as witnessed by God's Word being confirmed by the miraculous.

The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:12

The word violence is a translation of Greek literally meaning forceful or energetic. Resistance to the kingdom of heaven is forceful, not only where Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism predominate and the persecution includes death. Resistance is also true in America where the unsaved and lukewarm profess Christ without risk. But when truth is taught without compromise, the kingdom suffers violence.

Few in America can be called soldiers of the kingdom, for Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is taken by force, entered only by those with hearts willing to accept the sacrifice and suffering experienced by true soldiers. It means family members are often offended, friends lost, rejection experienced and workplace persecution occurs. One must turn his back to the world in countless ways when in the kingdom.

Parables of Jesus using circumstances of everyday life illustrate spiritual truths concerning His kingdom. But eyes have been so blinded by Satan that teaching the gospel of the kingdom is rare, irrespective of denominational persuasion. Such is astounding for it is mentioned often as Jesus went through all of Galilee teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23).

This raises a question. Why has Satan worked diligently to draw attention away from the gospel of the kingom? Does it correlate with an undeniable fact there is little distinction between the churched and the unchurched in America regarding divorce, addiction, immorality, greed for worldly possessions, and diseases including those which often lead to premature death? I believe a correlation does exist.

Not every one that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that does the will of My Father which is in heaven. Matthew 7:21

Throughout scripture, it is stressed that those refusing to repent of unrighteousness and obey God's ways will not inherit the kingdom. But instead of heeding Jesus' words to beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15), many are bewitched by an idea that graduation from a bible school or seminary qualifies one for spiritual leadership and to teach the Word of God.

Now the Spirit speaks expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. 1 Timothy 4:1

Scripture is frequently distorted by doctrines of devils which have entered schools devoted to the training of spiritual leaders. For example a doctrine of Balaam commonly known as eternal security can be traced back to the early church when Jude tells us that ungodly men had crept into the Church, changing grace into a license to sin without consequences (Jude 3,4). So it is Paul warns,

What shall we say then? Shall we continue to sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Romans 6:1,2

Paul is saying those buried with Christ by faith are raised to live in righteousness. Jesus commands those coming to Him to move out of unrighteousness and walk in His ways. Yet this is seldom emphasized, nor is the kingdom of heaven discussed from pulpits.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth. 2 Timothy 4:3

Teaching often ignores spiritual warfare, yet Adam experienced thoughts not learned when he ate the forbidden fruit. The LORD asked "Who told you that you were naked?" (Genesis 3:11). The same source has been speaking to man ever since. We often think of thoughts as our own when they come from Satan. Minds must be renewed to discern the source of thoughts as our battle is against spiritual forces..

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

The devil is adept at deflecting attention from his wiles, and we hear little of Jesus coming to destroy the works of the devil. Evil spirits tempt with thoughts and feelings contrary to the will of God like fear, unforgiveness, rejection, immorality, greed, and envy. And what these spirits succeed in doing with our participation is sin.

I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Romans 7:22,23

Paul speaks of two laws within, and finds himself doing what he'd not do and not doing that he would (Romans 7:19). How familiar! Yet despite Paul's description of this inner conflict, we ignore it exists. But we receive a spiritual as well as biological inheritance. Not only is color of eyes inherited. With Adam's fall, thoughts called iniquities are inherited and predispose to rebellion against God.

Not only are iniquities inherited. There is no evidence that they automatically disappear with salvation. Depression has believers taking the same psychiatric drugs as non-believers. Both groups use the same drugs for hypertension caused by stress and die prematurely from heart attacks. While victory was secured by Jesus, it must be appropriated by waging spiritual warfare against a ruthless enemy.

The apostles all tell us to be aware and vigilant, resisting forces of evil. Jesus warning to disciples at Gethsemene is for us lest we be deceived. Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). We must choose daily to whom we yield, as to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are (Romans 6:16).

Factors influencing this book included experience that miracles, healings and expelling devils are for today and conviction the power of Holy Spirit will not manifest until seeking God's face and righteousness overtakes seeking of blessings from His hand. Jesus came to teach what is to characterize His bride as well as to provide a dowry, His life as a ransom for our deliverance from sin.

Yet we can't respond to His proposal of marriage by our desire alone: "No man can come to Me, except the Father which has sent Me draw him (John 6:44). Nor will all be invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). Jesus warns not all will be ready at His return. Sanctification is needed, the bride dressing in fine linen, clean and white representing righteous acts (19:8). It isn't works to be saved but putting off the conduct of the old man or flesh and putting on a new man created by God to live in true holiness.

That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt...and that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and.true holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

The gospel of the kingdom fulfills a mystery: Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:25-27). This requires an exchange of lives, the old crucified to receive a new life. Paul says, I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20). This brings us to a third factor influencing writing of this book. With Adam's Fall in Eden, something joined man's nature initially created in God's image. Paul calls it the sin which is in my members (Romans 7:23). All since Adam inherit a disposition to do as we choose, and we need to realize that having our name written in the book of life is not permission to live as one chooses.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1

Some translations end the verse with Christ Jesus. But it is deception to believe we may continue walking after the flesh without consequences. We must come out of agreement with unrighteousness. Paul warns those born again of the dire consequences of continuing to live carnally. For it is only those who are led by the Spirit of God who are the true sons and daughters of God.

If you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:13,14

A question: Do not Jesus' letters to the seven churches tell of blessings only promised the overcomers and warn of blotting out names from the book of life for not overcoming (Revelation 3:5)?

A challenge: Will we set aside denominational catechisms and deal with ungodliness so we can press forward to the goal set before us? It's my prayer this book will be helpful in so doing.

CHAPTER ONE

Hearing from Christ

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

A story is told of an American Indian brave who found a nest containing eggs of a golden eagle. He placed one in a nest alongside eggs of prairie chickens, and the young eaglet grew up as a brother of prairie chickens and found itself acting in like manner, scratching in dirt for grubs and seeds and searching for insects. On one occasion, a moving shadow on the ground passed in front of the young eagle and he paused to look up into the sky.

There a mature golden eagle was soaring to amazement of the young eagle. But as prairie chickens fly but a few feet off the ground at most, the young eagle was told, He's king of the air so don't think about it. You could never fly like he does! And the young eagle died as he lived, like a prairie chicken, and never realized his potential for soaring on wings like an eagle.

Such is the condition of many in the Church. A harsh truth is that most scratch in the dirt like those denying God. Polls comparing the churched and unchurched show little difference in divorce, greed, addiction, depression or serious illnesses like heart disease or cancer. Apart from attending services, the churched generally have lifestyles identical to those who never enter a church.

Broadly speaking, there is marked failure of most believers to overcome obstacles keeping them from living in their inheritance. At times this can be attributed to not knowing their inheritance. Many do not realize what was purchased by Jesus' death and resurrection. And dispensational teaching prevents many from experiencing healing of disease or experiening freedom from the demonic.

The unsaved fail to see those professing Jesus as dealing with trials in serenity and trust in God, let alone soaring on spiritual wings like eagles. There are entrenched errors as to how one is saved and how the redeemed are commanded to live. Both of these subjects have been corrupted by doctrines of devils that have entered curricula of many present day bible schools and seminaries.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. 1 Timothy 4:1

It is heresy to claim the kingdom of heaven no longer operates as in the early church when Holy Spirit manifested gifts of healing, miracles, prophecy, etc. Such never ended. Another myth is the idea that being born again comes by making a decision, i.e. by the will of man (John 1:13). Conviction of sin is a product of the Spirit's office and repentance is the first teaching of Christ, not faith as often taught (Hebrews 6:1). Another heresy is that God exists to bless us instead of our living so He is glorified. Most do not even understand the nature of covenants as a biblical principle.

The nature of biblical covenants

Two principles operate in biblical covenants. The first is that God establishes both the promises and conditions. Bargaining is not an option! The second is expectation that conditions will be followed to maintain covenant integrity. There are binding terms between the parties, each responsible for meeting the conditions for covenant to remain intact. The first covenant between God and man offered a life never duplicated with the single condition that Adam and Eve avoid eating of the fruit coming from a single tree.

Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat thereof, you shall surely die. Genesis 2:16,17

After listening to Satan's temptation and exercising free will, disobedience led to the Fall of man with its consequences. Not only did daily communion with the LORD end. Adam and Eve were driven from the garden, a flaming sword keeping them from the tree which offered eternal life (Genesis 3:23,24). Adam's disobedience impacted mankind such that all born thereafter would be conceived in sin and subject to a curse of spiritual and physical death.

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Romans 5:12

We find a difference in the covenant with Noah. He was to build an ark to avoid God's wrath and then he did all that God commanded (Genesis 6:22). With obedience, Noah and his family survived the flood bringing judgment for sin.

God made