The Kingdom Of God
What is the Kingdom of God? Is it heaven? Is it coming at the end of the age? Is it already here? This is perhaps a topic that is very misunderstood even among the many denominations of Christianity. The word "kingdom" is used intensively in the Bible — 149 times in the N.T. (more than in the O.T.); 114 times in the Gospels alone. Most of Jesus' parables began with the phrase, "the Kingdom of heaven is like...". Today we will study the Scriptures to see what this "kingdom" is and if it has come or not! There are many prophecies concerning the Kingdom of God that we will read, and if we can witness together that these have been fulfilled, then our faith in the Word will be strengthened and we may begin to understand what the Kingdom of God is! Old Testament Predictions Around 1000 B.C. we will find the height of Israel's glory under the incredible kinship of King David. This was an incredible time for the people of Israel. They were a powerful kingdom with the temple of God in its presence. But within only 300 years we would see this Kingdom fall into complete despair and even captivity. We only need to read the Bible account to know that their turning away from God's commands led to this downward spiral into darkness. But God had promised that if they would ever humble themselves and return to Him, they would be restored to his Kingdom. At this time prophets came to give them encouragement and hope with incredible prophecies concerning this Kingdom! Isaiah 2:1-4 (750 B.C.) _______ 1. Last Days _______ 2. All nations _______ 3. Jerusalem
Daniel 2:44, 7:18 (550 B.C.) _______ 4. Endure forever _______ 5.Possess forever
New Testament Predictions Many years would pass until there would be more prophecies concerning this "kingdom," that is until the emergence of John the Baptist and Jesus. John the Baptist (25 A.D.) Matthew 3:1-6 _______ 1. Kingdom is near Do you think the Kingdom comes at the beginning of Jesus' ministry? Jesus Christ (30 A.D.) Matthew 4:17 _______ 1. Kingdom is near Jesus says Kingdom is near too! Not here yet! Mark 9:1 _______ 2. Kingdom will come in lifetime of some of the disciples ("some" — Judas died) _______ 3. Kingdom will come with power John 3:1-7 _______ 4. Kingdom entered by new birth Entered by new birth. This new birth requires water and spirit. Luke 17:20-21 _______ 5. Kingdom is within you It can be assumed that Jesus preached about the Kingdom coming, because the Pharisees asked about when it would come. It would be within us; can't be seen. Matthew 16:13-19 _______ 6. Peter has the keys Talk about what the people thought about Jesus (who he was like). Not like the white, wimpy, soft, unblemished stereotype we are presented today. He was compared to prophets like Jeremiah and John the Baptist. We need to change our view of Jesus. Luke 23:50-51 _______ 7. Joseph of Arimathea was still waiting for the Kingdom when Jesus died Has the Kingdom come when Jesus died? Luke 24:44-49 _______ 8. Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached first in Jerusalem to all nations. Has the Kingdom come when Jesus resurrected? No! Mention prophecies: Repentance and forgiveness will be preached first in Jerusalem to all nations. Fulfillment of Predictions Now, if we can confirm that all of these predictions have been fulfilled, then we will know if God's kingdom has come and what it is! We will find that all of these predictions have already been fulfilled: let's read Acts 1 & 2. Acts 1:1-3 For forty days what does Jesus talk about? About the Kingdom! Must be pretty important. Acts 1:4-6,7-11 People assumed Jesus was going to restore a physical kingdom like David's. (Mention that Judas dies, another replaces him) Acts 2:1-4, 5-13, 14-17 Tongues = languages. Peter stands up and quotes O.T. verse ("in Last days") as being fulfilled at the present time. (Mention that it continues talking about the resurrection of Jesus) Acts 2:36-42 What is this describing? The church! It is the beginning of the church. But it is even more than that, what we have just read does not only talk about the beginning of the church, but if fulfills all the prophecies concerning the Kingdom of God. Acts 2:42 As citizens of God's Kingdom and members of his Body, we must be devoted to: 1. Doctrine (Apostle's teaching!) 2. Fellowship 3. Breaking Bread 4. Prayer Acts 6:33 We must seek his Kingdom first! We need to commit ourselves to His Church! And perhaps the most important question of today: are you in God's Kingdom? How you respond to the message of the "Kingdom" will show your heart. Matthew 13:19-23 What will your response be? "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power..." — I Corinthians 4:20 |
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