THE ‘RELATIONSHIP’ BETWEEN THE KINGDOM AND THE CHURCH (Isaiah 2:2-3)
A. People ‘waiting’ for establishment of Christ’s kingdom today
1. Many believe that Jesus was “unable” to establish his kingdom
B. Let us examine what the Bible say about the kingdom….
1. Old Testament prophesies to fulfillment in the New Testament
A. To be called:
1. God’s House (Isaiah 2:2-3) (Micah 4:1-2)
2. God’s Kingdom (Daniel 2:26-45)
a. A different kingdom from Israel
B. CITIZENS of the new kingdom
1. All nations eligible
a. Have to be taught FIRST
C. Starting LOCATION of new kingdom
1. Mountains (of Jerusalem)
D. Time of new kingdom establishment:
1. “In the days of these kings” (feet & legs of iron and clay)
a. Historical order: Head of gold = Nebuchadnezzar/Babylon Arms and chest of silver = Medo-Persian Belly and thighs of brass = Grecian Empire (Alexander)
b. Legs & feet of iron and clay = Roman Empire ~Roman empire was strong (iron) in some places, but Weak (clay) in others. (1) (2)
A. Announced by an angel (Luke 1:31-33)
B. John the baptist (immerser), preparing the way (Matthew 3:1-2)
1. John was not a member of the promised kingdom (Matthew 11:11)
C. Jesus prepared also (Mark 4:17)
D. The kingdom is imminent (Mark 9:1)
A. Apostles at Jerusalem
1. Sent by Jesus (Luke 24:49)
2. Apostles waiting (Acts 1:12)
3. Power (Holy Spirit) arrives (Acts 2:1-4)
A. “Last days” from Jerusalem (Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:16-17)
B. Preached to every nation (Colossians 1:23; Romans 10:18; Acts 10)
C. Christ is on David’s throne (Acts 2:30-31; 1 Corinthians 15:24ff)
D. “Have received” (past tense) (Hebrews 12:28)
1. Paul was “translated” into the kingdom (Colossians 1:13)
A. Lord’s House = House of God (1 Timothy 3:14-16)
B. Jesus built HIS church – gave “keys” to HIS kingdom (Matthew 16:13-20
1. Kingdom/church are same thing
2. Jesus did not “build” one thing, then give the “keys” to something else.
a. Jesus purchased the church with his blood (Acts 20:28)
b. He gave the “keys” (gospel and power of the Holy Spirit) to “unlock” the kingdom on Pentecost (Acts 2) (3)
A. House of God (1 Timothy 3:15)
B. Kingdom of God (Revelation 12:10)
C. Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27)
D. Churches of Christ (Romans 16:16) *These are NOT “names” of the church. God only gave one name (c.f. Acts 11:26)
A. ALL Spiritual blessing “in” Christ (Ephesians 1:3)
B. ALL things are new “in’ Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
C. Complete/Mature “in” Christ (Colossians 2:10)
D. SALVATION is there
1. The saved are added by God to the church/kingdom/body of Christ (Acts 2:41-47; Ephesians 5:23)
A. Given to Father at last day (1 Corinthians 15:24-26)
B. Forever with Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) “On that great day of judgement, those who are faithful to Jesus in the kingdom, the church, of Christ, will find an eternal home with God. Those will not come back to any physical realm, nor be in any earthly kingdom. All who are in that number will be gathered to meet the Lord “in the air”, and shall “ever be with the Lord.” -EDR-