John 18:36 (KJV): “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.”

Beloved, these powerful words were spoken by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, as He stood before Pontius Pilate. Accused, rejected, and bound, He nevertheless declared a truth that echoes through eternity: “My kingdom is not of this world.”

This was not the language of defeat; it was the language of divine authority. Jesus was making it clear that His reign does not originate from earthly systems, political power, or human strength. His kingdom is heavenly in origin, spiritual in nature, and eternal in duration.

From the beginning, many expected a Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and establish a political throne in Jerusalem. But Jesus did not come to establish an earthly empire. He came to establish a spiritual dominion over the hearts of men. He did not come to deliver Israel from Caesar; He came to deliver humanity from sin. As He said elsewhere:“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost,” (Luke 19:10, KJV).

When He declared that His kingdom is not of this world, He was drawing a sharp contrast between what is temporary and what is eternal. The kingdoms of this world are unstable. History proves it. Thrones rise and fall. Nations prosper and collapse. But Scripture reminds us, “The Lord shall reign for ever and ever,” (Exodus 15:18, KJV). His authority is not subject to elections, revolutions, or decay.

If we belong to Christ, then we belong to His kingdom. And if His kingdom is not of this world, then our mindset must change. Apostle Paul writes: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,” (Philippians 3:20, KJV). The word “conversation” there speaks of citizenship. Our true citizenship is in heaven. Though we live on earth, we are governed by heavenly principles.

This truth should transform how we view success. The world measures greatness by wealth, fame, and power. But Jesus said: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”(Mark 8:36, KJV). Earthly gains without eternal life is ultimate a loss. The world applauds accumulation; heaven values transformation.

Jesus made it clear that if His kingdom isearthly, His servants would fight. But His weapons are not swords and spears. The Bible says: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds,” (2 Corinthians 10:4, KJV). His kingdom advances not by violence, but by truth, righteousness, love and sacrifice.

Consider how Jesus faced suffering. “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth,” (Isaiah 53:7, KJV). Earthly kings defend themselves with armies. The King of glory defended humanity by giving Himself. The cross may look like a weakness, but it was, indeed,a divine victory. Colossians 2:14–15 declares: He blotted out “the handwriting of ordinances that was against us… and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

Beloved, many believers struggle because they try to live in two kingdoms at once. They want heaven, yet they cling tightly to the world. But Scripture is clear: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world… And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever,” (1 John 2:15,17, KJV). The world is fading. Its pleasures are temporary. Its systems are unstable. Only God’s kingdom endures.

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:33:“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Notice the order—seek first the kingdom. Not second. Not occasionally. First. When the kingdom becomes our priority, everything else falls into proper perspective.

To understand that our kingdom is not of this world is to live as pilgrims. Hebrews 11:13 says:“Of the faithful, ‘they confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.’” A pilgrim does not settle permanently in a place. He travels lightly. He keeps his eyes on his home. Likewise, we must not build our identity on what is passing away.

This world offers glitter, but heaven offers glory. This world offers temporary pleasure, but the kingdom offers eternal joy. The Psalmist wrote: “In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore,” (Psalm 16:11, KJV). Earthly joy fades; heavenly joy endures.

Understanding our heavenly citizenship also gives us courage in trials. Jesus warned: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33, KJV). Notice—He did not promise a trouble-free life. He promised victory amid it. Why? It is because our hope is not anchored here.

When persecution arises, when misunderstandings come, when standing for righteousness costs you comfort, remember this: you belong to another kingdom. The Apostle Peter reminds us: “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul,” (1 Peter 2:11, KJV). We are strangers here. Our values are different. Our goals are different. Our destiny is different.

One day, the kingdoms of this world will crumble. Revelation 11:15 declares: “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” This is our hope. This is our assurance. Earthly systems are temporary interruptions in the story of eternity.

But here is the glorious truth: entrance into this kingdom is available now. Jesus proclaimed: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel,” (Mark 1:15, KJV). Through repentance and faith, we are translated from darkness into light. Colossians 1:13 says: He “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”

Beloved, where is your treasure? Jesus said: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” (Matthew 6:21, KJV). If your treasure is earthly, anxiety will rule you. But if your treasure is heavenly, peace will guard you. If your hope is in money, you will fear loss. If your hope is in Christ, you will stand secure.

Let this truth anchor your soul: you are not living for a fading world. You are living for an everlasting kingdom. Do not be overly disturbed by political unrest, economic instability, or cultural confusion. Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Our security is not in governments; it is in God.

Fix your eyes on eternity. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:18: “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” The visible is temporary. The invisible is everlasting.

Live holy. Live boldly. Live purposefully. Let your choices reflect your citizenship. Let your speech reflect your King. Let your conduct reveal your allegiance.

And when this earthly journey ends, when the curtain of time closes, those who belong to Christ will rejoice forever in His presence. “And so shall we ever be with the Lord,” (1 Thessalonians 4:17, KJV).

Our kingdom is not of this world. Therefore, let us not live as though it is. Let us set our affection “on things above, not on things on the earth,” (Colossians 3:2, KJV). Let us press forward with unwavering faith. Let us endure with steadfast hope.

For we serve an eternal King, we belong to an unshakable kingdom, and we are destined for everlasting glory. Amen!

Testimony Of The Lord’s Doing

Graduated From The University In Flying Colours

I am Sister Esther Igwe. I am from Oworo Region. I thank God for making my family and I members of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries. Moreover, l glorify the name of the Lord for making it possible for me to graduate from the university with a good result and stillretained my salvation. Praise the Lord!

After passing out from the Chosen International School, JAMB gave me admission into the university. When l got to the university, they said it was JAMB that gave me admission and l should go home and re-apply the coming year. My father and l tried all we could, my father got tired and said we should travel back to Lagos. l told my father no, that devil would never win the battle, because before we went to that school, l had a dream where my admission letter was given to me. So, when my father could not continue, he went back to Lagos, while I continued with the school.

One day, l summoned courage and went to the school admission office and the man l met there asked for my name, l told him, that my name is Esther Igwe. He said l was a criminal, that how could my name appear in four different departments, that l had gone to bribe the lecturers. I told him that I am a chosen and, therefore, could not have bribed anybody. The man said I should leave his office, before l left his office, I made a prayer and said that my God would fight for me.

I went home and then prayed together with my mother, then went back the next day, when l got to the admissions office, l heard the man asking: “Who is Esther Igwe?” l said l was the one, the man then asked, “were you not the girl that came to my office yesterday?” l said, l was the one. He said somebody phoned from JAMB headquarters in Abuja that admission must be given to you (me). As if that was not enough, another man entered the office with a laptop and asked who is Esther? The other man pointed at me, and the man that came with a laptop said the Vice-chancellor said they must give me admission. The man asked whether l was related to the VC, I said no, that l have never met the VC before. They now asked, which church do you attend? I said, I am a chosen, immediately, l became a champion; they left all other things they were doing and began to attend to me and that very day, I collected my admission letter. Praise the Lord!

That was how l was admitted. During the academic activities God truly helped me overcame all the obstacles and hurdles. God of Chosen is so great. When l was sick, my mother made a pledge to God to pay N50,000, if God healed me and truly God healed me and that N50,000 is with me here to pay. Praise the Lord!

I pray for our G.O. that God will make him to finish well and give him a resounding testimony that will shake the whole world. Amen!