The Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God
Background
Psalms 103:19
“The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His Kingdom rules over all.”
The Kingdom of God
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come, your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9, 10)
The kingdom of God
In broad strokes, most biblical scholars agree that the Kingdom of God means dynamic rule or reign of Jesus.
The reign involves God’s intentions, authority, and ruling power.
It doesn’t refer to a territory or physical place
It’s not static; it’s dynamic, always becoming, spreading, and growing.
What is the Kingdom of God?
The reign of God in Heaven and rule of God on earth.
“The Kingdom of God is the range of God’s effective will, where what God wants done is done.” (Dallas Willard)
A future kingdom into which the righteous will enter.
A reality that is already present on earth.
A realm which persons are entering or turning their backs on now.
The kingdom of God
The word kingdom implies a collective order beyond the experience of any one person.
Kingdom living is fundamentally social. It involves membership, citizenship, loyalties and identity.
Kingdom membership clarifies a citizen’s relationship to our king.
Biblical foundations of the Kingdom of God
God is sovereign. He reigns. He rules
KG is future and it is present
KG mandates personal commitment
Obedience of the disciple (the kingdom apprentice) is key: Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me (Jesus)
It is a community that seeks justice
It is opposed vehemently by the enemy.
The Kingdom is Present
The Kingdom of God is present and realized
Jesus came to destroy the kingdom of the enemy and take back that which was lost in the Garden
The Kingdom of God is…
Future and Unrealized
It is like a hurricane
The Kingdom of God is…
… coming in the future in a powerful and glorious manner like the eye of a hurricane hitting land.
And when will it come?
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come.” Matt 24:14
But for the present moment, let us remember that the Kingdom of God is Present and we have all power in Heaven and earth to Glorify God and enjoy him for ever! Amen!
The Kingdom is like finding a pearl…
The merchant finds this rare and invaluable pearl. He sells everything he has and buys the pearl. Jesus said the Kingdom of God has such value.
What does this say about Kingdom Commitment?
The Kingdom is Like a Mustard Tree
The kingdom is like yeast in flour…
Romans 14:17
The Kingdom is not flesh and blood but peace and joy and righteousness in the Holy Spirit
Church father Ireneus said, “The Kingdom of God is a man fully alive.” Are you fully alive today? This is the hallmark of the Kingdom of God.
The Kingdom of God is an Holy Community
In the Old Testament people are called to be a community by example and deed. Micah wrote, “ What doth the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love mercy and walk humbly before your God.” In the New Testament believers met together, sold their possessions and gave to those in need.”
The Kingdom is within you
It is in us to give us power over the enemy. We are in a war. The Kingdom of God is not the Magic Kingdom of Mickey Mouse.
“When we were born again we were not dropped into a maternity ward but into a war zone.” (Erwin McManus)
The Kingdom of God empowers us in four areas of our life:
It give gives us:
Victory over sin
Victory over suffering
Victory over Satan
Victory over death
A Biblical Foundation
G. W. Peters states, “Because missions embraces the totality of the task God sent his church to do in the world, we must select a theme that is prominent in both Testaments. That theme is the kingdom of God which dominated the ministry of Jesus.”
The Kingdom is suffering
Paul wrote, ”I count all things lost that I might know Christ…and that I might participate in the fellowship of his suffering,”
The Kingdom is Fun
Laurie Salerno tells how she witnesses to everybody telling them that she parties for God
The Kingdom is Holy
Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see the Kingdom of God”
Purity
Prayer
Passion
The Kingdom of God must be first in our lives.
Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all of these things will be added unto you.”
What is the Kingdom of God?
The Kingdom of God is the reign of God in Heaven and rule of God on earth.
May your kingdom come soon, May your will be done here on earth just as it is in heaven (Jesus)
