Kingdom News – Summer 2022

Since the beginning of the year 2020, I have looked to God for insight into what that year might hold. If you have been following me since then, you will know in January of 2020, I said it would be a year of testing, shaking, and separating. From the beginning of 2021, I said it would be worse than 2020. Both of these predictions went against what many were saying. For the year 2020, certain ‘prophets’ were saying it would be the year of 2020 (increased spiritual) insight. For the year 2021, they were claiming victory. Even during the year 2020, when COVID-19 appeared, ‘prophets’ were declaring victory as early as March, to no avail, and no surprise. As for the year 2022, there seems to have been a shift, where there is more talk now around judgment. Finally, we agree… in part. While most ‘think’ the judgment is aimed at the nations, it actually starts with the church (1 Pet. 4:17), again, for the purpose of testing, shaking, and separating. Now again, and following the trend set from 2020, when considering the year 2022, I ‘saw’ Isaiah, chapter 26, which confirmed that God must judge in order to save (Isa. 26:10). Through judgment, God humbles the proud (Isa. 26:6-8), where some repent and trust in Him, instead of trusting in governments, world leaders, (and even Christian celebrities and institutions) (Isa. 26:5, 13-14). Through God’s judgment, some would repent, albeit, most will not (Isa. 26:10). Those that do repent still may suffer, for a little while (1 Pet. 5:10), but they will rise again (Isa. 26:19). Others, who are also trusting in God will be hidden away until the judgment has passed (Isa. 26:20-21). Contextually, those hidden away refer to repentant Israel during the great tribulation (Zeph. 2:3, Rev. 12:6, 14). Yet still, the application also applies to the here and now. What we have seen and experienced to date are ‘birth pains’ (Matt. 24:8) leading into the tribulation, continuing and intensifying until Jesus returns. The ‘big idea’ therefore of Isaiah 26, and so many other similar passages, is to seek God in the midst of judgment. The purpose of judgment is to save, not slay. The purpose of the threat of judgment is the same, to turn people around that God would relent, albeit, Bible prophecy cannot be averted. What has been spoken must take place (Matt. 24:6).

Every Sunday, at 5pm, we meet in Broadbeach Waters, fellowshipping together, spending time discussing the scriptures, praying, and sharing a meal (everything is provided). Currently, we are going through Matthew 24. We are twenty-two weeks into our series, of some expected thirty weeks. Afterward, a video recording of the meeting is released, with the notes, allowing members to look over and study the verses discussed for themselves. This also ensures growth, transparency, and accountability. During the meeting, we encourage open conversation, where whatever is being presented can be tested and challenged, and also, questions can be asked, and impute added. Clearly, Kingdom Seekers Fellowship is not ‘church as usual’ where the person presenting is not generally open to questions and certainly not open to being challenged. The other major difference is, we share a home-cooked meal together, freely provided, every week. Our time fellowshipping over a meal is as important as the teaching, where relationships are built and strengthened, needs are heard, prayed over, and met. During the meal, everyone has an opportunity to minister to others, freely. Some share testimonies, others encourage and counsel, some play an instrument, and sing, etc. If you’re thinking, ‘that sounds a lot like a book of Acts church, you’d be right!’ Everyone is welcome; we also have an online Zoom-meeting option available for those unable to physically attend. If interested, contact me for details.

Up until mid-2020, Kingdom Seekers was active in missionary work, conducting two/three eschatological conferences per year in developing nations. Now bound, we continue to support those we have connected with over the years. One of them is Pastor Shiba, who traveled to remotes Nepali villages over Christmas to share the gospel and encourage isolated churches. We ensured he was equipped with supplies, ensuring everyone was fed spiritually and physically. Without fail, with every conference we have ever conducted, we fed everyone in attendance, spiritually and physically.
We never charge, and we never take an offering, ever! The purpose of this is to remove every obstacle, to promote Christ freely, as He was received. Although the gospel is preached free of charge, there are other costs, such as the risk of persecution. During the meetings Ps. Shiba conducted recently, he led some to faith in Christ and baptized them. In Nepal, this is a dangerous practice, with the threat of being jailed for converting anyone from one religion to another. Only an allegation of converting someone need be made to result in jail time. But again, that is the gospel, laying down your life to follow, serve, and proclaim. Sadly, this gospel is not the one experienced by many, particularly in the west. But, that is changing, and fast! The west is quickly catching up with persecution nations. And, for that, I am grateful, as the coming persecution will, and is already, separating the true from the false.

As mentioned above, we are now restricted from traveling; therefore, our physical conferences are on hold until restrictions are lifted, if ever. However, we continue to use technology by hosting online Zoom conferences weekly. Every Wednesday, we host an eschatological conference in Nepal for Nepalese pastors and church leaders. Currently, we are going through the book of Revelation. We are around six months in and halfway through. The teaching has challenged those attending by way of presenting ‘the gospel,’ which is often contradicted by another ‘gospel’ of wealth, health, and happiness. The weekly teaching encourages the hearer to stand, to remain, to endure, through tough times, preparing them for trials ahead and the return of Christ.