THE LION, THE PIT, AND THE PROMOTION PART 1: THE MAN BEHIND THE EXPLOITS

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THE LION, THE PIT, AND THE PROMOTION PART 1: THE MAN BEHIND THE EXPLOITS   2 Samuel 23:20–23 (NKJV) "Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day."   Some people become known for their positions, while others become recognised for their exploits. In the Bible, Benaiah was one man whose courage and extraordinary deeds distinguished him among David's mighty warriors. His story is fascinating, but before we examine the lion, the pit, and his eventual promotion, let's first understand the man behind these remarkable achievements. 1. A MAN WITH A BACKGROUND Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, a valiant man from Kabzeel. He was not an ordinary warrior. Scripture records several extraordinary victories that distinguished him among David's mighty men. His background introduces us to a family ass...
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KINGDOM COLONIZATION: EXPANDING HEAVEN’S RULE ON EARTH PART 4: THE NECESSITY OF SPIRITUAL BIRTH — WHY NO ONE CAN ENTER GOD’S KINGDOM WITHOUT BEING BORN AGAIN

🌍 KINGDOM COLONIZATION: EXPANDING HEAVEN’S RULE ON EARTH


PART 4: THE NECESSITY OF SPIRITUAL BIRTH — WHY NO ONE CAN ENTER GOD’S KINGDOM WITHOUT BEING BORN AGAIN



John 3:1-17

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God...Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God...

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit...


Previously, we discovered that every colony mirrors the kingdom that rules it. Likewise, every believer should reflect Heaven’s values on earth — righteousness, love, and truth. We learned that God’s Kingdom expands through transformed lives, not territorial conquest.


No one becomes a citizen of a nation without first being born into it or legally accepted. Likewise, entrance into God’s Kingdom requires a new birth — not of the flesh, but of the Spirit (John 3:5). This divine transformation is not just a change in status but a complete renewal, marking the beginning of our journey as Kingdom citizens, aligned with God’s rule and purpose.


The Necessity of Spiritual Birth

Throughout history, colonized nations often had local leaders who resisted or misunderstood the ways of their new rulers. Similarly, Nicodemus — a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law — struggled to comprehend the nature of God’s Kingdom. He approached Jesus at night, seeking answers, yet his deep religious knowledge did not prepare him for Jesus’ profound statement:

“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” — John 3:3 (KJV)


Nicodemus expected a conversation about laws and religious tradition, but Jesus introduced a radical truth — God’s Kingdom is not entered through rituals or good deeds but through spiritual rebirth. This rebirth is the gateway to experiencing the fullness of God’s reign and purpose.


Why Jesus Emphasized Being Born Again

Just as physical birth is essential for entry into the natural world, spiritual birth is essential for entry into God’s Kingdom. Without it, one cannot perceive, understand, or partake in God’s divine order.

Jesus clarified further:

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” — John 3:6 (KJV)

Spiritual birth, therefore, is not a human achievement but a divine work. It is God’s way of transforming us from within, so that we can live under His Kingdom’s influence.


Citizenship in God’s Kingdom is not inherited through family, tradition, or religious background — it is received through surrender and faith in Christ. The Holy Spirit gives us a new heart and nature, empowering us to live in obedience to the King’s will.



Reflection:

Have you truly experienced the new birth, or are you still relying on religion or effort?

Does your life reflect evidence of the Spirit’s transforming work?

In what ways is the Holy Spirit leading you to live more fully as a Kingdom citizen?

Take a moment to reflect: Jesus invites you beyond religion — into rebirth, renewal, and relationship.




Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of new birth through Your Spirit. Help me not to rely on my strength or religious performance, but to surrender daily to Your transforming power. Renew my spirit, align my life with Your Kingdom, and make me a true reflection of Heaven’s culture on earth. Amen.



Up next  Part 5: “Natural Birth vs. Spiritual Birth.

In part 5, we’ll explore the powerful difference between being born of the flesh and being born of the Spirit, and how this truth defines your identity as a Kingdom citizen.


Do you love this message?

Share it, reflect on it, and invite someone to experience God’s kingdom today!

✅ Follow The Herald’s Devotional for more insights from The Kingdom Colonization series.

✅ Comment your reflections — we’d love to hear what God is revealing to you.

📍 Visit: theheraldsdevotional.blogspot.com

God is speaking, are you listening?





✍🏽 Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson

(El-PJ God’s Penman)

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