dennis j adams

The kingdom of God was the central image in Jesus’ preaching as clearly seen in Mark 1:14-15  After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. [15] “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” In His parables Jesus spoke of the kingdom in many different ways. He said that the kingdom is like a farmer (Matthew 13:24), a seed (Matthew 13:31), a yeast (Matthew 13:33), a treasure (Matthew 13:44), a pearl merchant (Matthew 13:45), a fishnet (Matthew 13:47), an employer (Matthew 20:1), a king inviting people to a marriage feast (Matthew 22:2), and ten young women (Matthew 25:1). He spoke also of the glad tidings of the kingdom (Luke 8:1) and of the mystery of the kingdom of God (Mark 4:11). What did Jesus mean when he spoke of the kingdom of God? He meant, quite simply, the rule of God. The kingdom of God is the reign of God.

This is best understood if it is distinguished from what Jesus did not mean. He was not speaking of a geographical area such as the Holy Land or the Temple. He was not speaking of a political entity such as the nation of Israel or the Sanhedrin. He was not speaking of a group of people such as His disciples or the church.  Rather, the kingdom of God is God’s ruling. It is the sovereign reign of God. This rule is independent of all geographical areas or political entities. It is true that the rule of God implies a people to be ruled, and Jesus called upon people to enter the kingdom. The kingdom itself should be distinguished from the people who enter it.  Studying this subject for several weeks you will learn what the Kingdom of God is and what your part in this kingdom is.

Dennis

Remember prayer moves the Hand of God.