Category: Kingdom

When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray in Matthew 6, what did He mean by the words, “Thy kingdom come?” Obviously, he meant for them to pray for the arrival of His kingdom. The Old Testament had prophesied that coming in numerous places, including Daniel 2:44, “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.”

This prophecy was fulfilled in the first century. Remember, Jesus promised the establishment of His kingdom during the lifespan of his contemporaries (cf. Mark 9:1). Those prophecies were fulfilled at His resurrection—this attested to by Peter who wrote in Acts 2:36, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. His kingdom is present with power. In fact, Paul wrote that those who became Christians were conveyed into the then existent Kingdom in Colossians 1:13.

Religious people today who continue to pray “Thy kingdom come” are either ignorant of, or refuse to grant that it already HAS! So, while a beautiful sentiment, the request should not be prayed today. Instead, we should praise God for having fulfilled His promise. Glory to God that He has exalted His Son. Today, Jesus is King in His kingdom!

Jesus promised to establish his Kingdom in Mark 9:1. Many religious people todaly still look for him to keep that promise. However, he already has. Scriptures are examined to establish at what point the Kingdom came into existence.

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Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin uses parables found in Matthew 13 to help explain what is the Kingdom of God.

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Prior to his ascension, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” As was His common practice, our Lord responded by telling them what they needed to hear rather than what they wanted to hear. Though the advent of the kingdom was indeed near, (and accomplished only 10 days later, as recorded in Acts 2), Jesus first informed them that it was not their place to know the time (vs. 7).

Then He told them what they needed to know, giving them a lesson on power. He told the apostles that they would receive power. The Greek word here is dunamis, and indicates power or might. What is evident when the scriptures are examined, is that this might is not military, social or political. The might supplied through the work of the Holy Spirit is bound up in inspiration! “However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would enable them, through truth, to witness for Him. This the apostles did first on Pentecost, and the spiritual Kingdom of God was realized.

Our text reveals the fulfillment of Malachi 4:5-6, which prophesied the coming of Elijah in preparation for Messiah. John’s preparatory work was finished, as signified by his imprisonment, and now Jesus of Nazareth began his ministry, “preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.”

John’s imprisonment by Herod led to his death by beheading (as seen in Mark 6:14-29). John himself foretold the transition in essence when he said in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Jesus ministry and teaching prefaced his kingdom, established after his death and resurrection (cf. Acts 2). At this time, he said, “the kingdom of God is at hand.”

There is a peculiar false doctrine that contends Jesus’ teaching in such places as Matthew 5-7 was not the gospel of the kingdom, rather a simple explanation of old covenant law. This passage shows the view to be incorrect. Jesus preached His own gospel, and His words must be heeded. As the Hebrew writer stated, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son…” (Hebrews 2:1-2a).

True greatness is found in the Kingdom of Christ, and accomplished in service to man and God.

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The Lesson notes the promises regarding, and fulfillment of those promises regarding the Kingdom of God. Passages such as Mark 9:1; Acts 1 and Acts 2 are examined.

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A companion to the previous week’s sermon, The Kingdom of God. This sermon examines the nature of Christ’s reign in His kingdom.

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This sermon examines the usage of the phrase “Kingdom of God” in scripture.

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The sermon describes and establishes the identity and nature of the Kingdom of Heaven.

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Mark 9:1

The chapter break here is unfortunate, as this verse belongs with the Lord’s discourse that started in 8:34.

The promise here made was two fold: 1) The kingdom would come with power; and, 2) Some of those with him as he spoke would still be alive when it came.

This simple text deals a death blow to those who claim the kingdom of Christ is yet to be established. If it hasn’t been established yet, one of two things must be true:

1. Jesus did not keep his promise to his disciples.
2. Some of Jesus disciples are alive at over 2,000 years of age.

Both assertions are untenable and obviously untrue.

While the errorist can’t reconcile this passage with his doctrine, the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise is evident.

On the day of Pentecost following Jesus’ resurrection, as He promised here and in Acts 1:4-8, the kingdom arrived with power upon the immersion of the disciples in the Holy Spirit. The kingdom exists, and we who are His are citizens of it, (cf. Colossians 1:13).

Though many fail to see it, the date the Lord’s church was established is significant. It is significant because all of truth is significant. It seems the height of arrogance for man to take God’s revelation, and seek to place value on the constituent parts. While some of God’s word is “milk” and some is “meat”, nothing of God’s revelation should be considered unimportant.

This can be clearly seen by Paul’s treatment of those who taught error on the subject of circumcision. Some taught that the Gentile had to be circumcised (a Jewish covenant) as a part of their Christian profession. Continue reading “Church and Kingdom” →