Confessions of a Heretic

Ok, so I’m going to revisit the prosperity gospel.  I’ve been doing a lot of thinking recently about the Gospel of the Kingdom.  The Gospel that Jesus preached.  He always told the people that the Kingdom of God was “at hand.”  Meaning that it was close by.

We’ve been taught that the Kingdom will come - some day.  Upon Christ’s imminent return.  But until then we are destined to walk this God-forsaken planet that is clearly under the enemy’s control - and “hold on” till He gets back.  However I don’t think this is what Christ had in mind when He taught His disciples how to pray.

Christ said that we should pray that His Kingdom would come on earth as it is in heaven.  My question is this:  “Why would Jesus tell his disciples to pray an unanswerable prayer?”  Think about it.  If God never intends to answer this prayer before the imminent or unavoidable return of the King, then why would Jesus teach them to pray this way?  Unless, it is possible.  That His Kingdom can come on earth - here and now - as it is in heaven.

What message did Jesus preach - the good news of the Kingdom (of God).  And what was this good news?  That the King had brought the Kingdom with Him.  That the Kingdom had come!  The Kingdom’s coming was evidenced in signs, wonders & miracles - good things.  Whenever the Kingdom came near to the people, good things would happen.  Someone would get healed, delivered or raise from the dead.  And then Jesus would say - the Kingdom has come near to you.

I have too much to say on this topic at present, so I’m going to pause here.