INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Thy Kingdom Come!
Remarks.
1. In this lesson today, we will be discussing the theme: “Thy Kingdom Come!" This is the seventh lesson in the sermon-series entitled: "Re-digging in Old Wells." There will be many others bearing this title. We are re-digging in old wells to receive what Isaiah promised: "With joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation," Isaiah 12:3. There are times we must re-dig in old wells to obtain the joy found in the: "waters of salvation." This sermon type is called "expository preaching." Our goal will be: "to dig a little deeper" into the text of emphasis in these lessons. We will allow the writer, the characters in the verses, and the Master's words to shed new meaning to His words of eternal life, John 6:63; John 6:67-69.
2. We will answer this question: "Have the Kingdom of God Come?” By this, we mean: “Has the kingdom of God already come, and Christians are members of it?” Most evangelicals and many Baptists teach, before the kingdom’s advent, there will be: "A great rapture, followed by 7-years of tribulation, and a 1000 year reign of Christ upon the earth?" We will re-dig in old wells to find a biblical answer. Ulysses Shields called this kind of teaching: "digging a little deeper," in the word of truth. He was my grandfather in Christ. We will use as a foundational text for this sermon-series: "And Isaac re-dug the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abraham...for the Philistines had stopped them (closed them up) after Abraham’s death,” Genesis 26:18. The Philistines: “Stopped them, and filled them with earth,” because they envied Isaac’s possessions, Genesis 26:14-15.
3. Our text of emphasis reads in this fashion: “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel,” Mark 1:14-15. Many pulpits across the country and around the world are still preaching the kingdom of God has not yet come. Is Jesus’ prayer still unanswered? I think not! Our purpose today will be to provide some clarity on this question: “Has the kingdom come?” With God’s help, we will draw: “New water from old wells.” With this brief introduction, let’s consider this topic carefully with both our bibles and hearts opened unto the living God.
BODY OF LESSON
I THY KINGDOM COME!
A. Background study. Before we investigate the text of emphasis, it is appropriate that we conduct a thorough background study. Some advocate that the kingdom of God has not yet come. We will consider this notion in our lesson: “Thy Kingdom Come!” It is always good to review the text of emphasis within the scriptures' context. This requires us to consider what is being said and unto whom it is being instructed. Mark recorded--
1. The beginning of the gospel. He wrote: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,” Mark 1:1. Mark does not build a narrative of the divinity of Christ; he straightly declares it. This is the message of:
a. The Christ, the Messiah of promise; the Son of God. Unlike the other writers of the gospels, Mark begins with the ministry of Jesus. He skips all the genealogy of His birth and His early life in Nazareth. He declares Him to be the Messiah, the “anointed of God.” His entire gospel is devoted to proofs to his declaration: that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Mark 1:1.
b. His gospel is one of the preaching, compassion, and miracles of Jesus. He wrote to a Gentile audience, who would not be interested: in Jesus’ ancestry tree as a Jew, Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38.
c. They would be interested in His miracles and message of the kingdom of God. This gospel begins with the preaching of Christ, His miracles and healings, Mark 1:21-28. The gospel ends with His apostles performing signs and wonders before the people, Mark 16:15-20.
d. Mark declared, Jesus was indeed the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus had authority over Satan's powers, sickness, and sin, “as the Son of Man,” while on the earth, Mark 2:10; Mark 2:1-13.
1) He was God in the person of a man, Matthew 1:23.
2) When we see Him, we see the Father, John 14:9; John 5:18; John 10:27-33.
3) Thomas confessed Him as: “My Lord, and my God,” John 20:28.
4) The Father declared His excellence, glory, and honor, while on the Mount of Transfiguration, Matthew 17:1-5; 2 Peter 1:16-18.
5) The apostle Paul attested to His divinity and exaltation, Philippians 2:5-11.
e. Matthew Henry wrote: “It is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the anointed Saviour, the Messiah promised and expected...It is called His, not only because He is the author of it, and it comes from him, but because he is the Subject of it, and it treats wholly concerning him. Jesus is the Son of God. That truth is the foundation on which the gospel is built, and which it is written to demonstrate; for (if) Jesus be (is) not the Son of God, our faith is vain,” Page 790.
f. Conclusion: The beloved Mark, son of Peter in the faith, 1 Peter 5:13. In one sentence said it all, in his Gospel of Jesus: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,” Mark 1:1.
1) Not the beginning of the: “Son of God,” John 1:1-3; John 1:14; John 8:58.
2) But, this is the beginning of the “good news” of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I wish I had some help with this lesson! Amen, brother Ushers!
3) Mark continued his introduction of the gospel narrative of Jesus Christ. He announces John the Baptist, the preacher of preparation, he was--
2. The voice of one crying in the wilderness. When quoting the prophets: “As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,” Mark 1:2-3; Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1. Observe--
a. In the Book of Malachi, we have the Old-Testament’s farewell, which spoke very plainly concerning John the Baptist, in Malachi 3:1.
b. In the gospel of Mark, we have John the Baptist, in the New-Testament being given a welcoming address. He wrote: “Behold, I send my messenger before thy face,” Mark 1:2. John the Baptist was that messenger!
1) Christ himself takes notice of this and accredits John the Baptist, as this messenger, Matthew 11:10-15.
2) He was God's messenger, sent to prepare Christ's way of salvation. He was to make His path straight, Matthew 3:3.
c. Isaiah, the most evangelical of all the Old Testament prophets, begins his utterance, forming the first sentence of Mark’s gospel: “The beginning of the gospel of Christ, the Son of God,” Isaiah 40:3-5.
1) He, too, speaks of John the Baptist as: “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness,” Mark 1:3.
2) Matthew’s gospel has also attributed this announcement to John the Baptist, Matthew 3:1-3.
d. Conclusion: Mark begins his gospel narrative quoting the Old Testament prophets, as having spoken of the coming Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God. He makes His appearance immediately in Mark’s gospel. Coming to bear witness that: “The kingdom of God is at hand: repent you, and believe the gospel,” Mark 1:14-15. We will explore this text in great depth later in the lesson. Mark further wrote of--
3. The preaching and baptizing of John the Baptist. Mark penned: “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair and a girdle of a skin about his loins, and he did eat locusts and wild honey. And John preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost,” Mark 1:4-8. In summary--
a. John preached and baptized in the wilderness, and preached a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. He preached ...there would be: “A baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,” Mark 1:4. He preached that this baptism “is to come.” It was nigh, soon to be taught by Him that cometh after him.
1) But, he baptized with water, “unto repentance,” Matthew 3:11; Acts 19:1-3.
2) The people came and were “baptized unto John, in the river Jordan, confessing their sins,” Mark 1:5; Matthew 21:23-27.
NOTE: The preaching of repentance and baptism for the remission of sins would begin in the city of Jerusalem after Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension into the heavens, Luke 24:45-47; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19.
b. And the people went out of every place to be baptized of John in the river of Jordan. All the people came confessing their sins and being admonished to bring "fruits worthy of repentance," Mark 1:5; Matthew 3:8.
c. John’s attire was that of a man living in the wilderness. He was clothed with camel's hair and a girdle of a skin about his loins, and he did eat locusts and wild honey. He was not fashionably dressed, nor was his diet that of delicacies; but, of locusts and wild honey, Mark 1:6. He was the Elias that “was to come,” Matthew 11:7-14.
d. John preached that he was not the Messiah. But that: “There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost,” Mark 1:7-8; John 1:6-9; John 3:24-30.
e. The Messiah will come after John: “And baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire,” Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4.
NOTE: To learn more about these two baptisms, download our lesson entitled: "Ye shall receive power" from SermonCentral.com. Ron Freeman, Evangelist. Moving forward, Mark wrote of the baptism and temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. Observe--
B. The baptism and temptation of Jesus. He further wrote: “And it came to pass in those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying: Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And immediately, the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto Him,” Mark 1:9-13.
1. Jesus was baptized. He came from Nazareth of Galilee:
a. First, “To be baptized of John in the Jordan.” Matthew tells us why this was so, Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 1:22. That he might "fulfill all righteousness." All of the Lord's "commandments are righteousness," Psalms 119:172; Psalms 119:138. Can one claim to have "fulfilled all righteousness" and yet, fail to comply with the least of His commandments? He said: "If ye love me, keep my commandments," John 14:15. Beloved of God: "The commandments of God are not grievous unto us,” 1 John 4:3. Mark continues--
b. Further, “And straightway coming up out of the water.” Please note that Jesus’ baptizing took place in the water. Baptism is performed, “where there is much water,” John 3:23.
1) There must be enough water to: “go down into,” to be “baptized," and then "to come up out of," Mark 1:10. Baptism is not a “sprinkling or pouring.” It is an “immersion,” in water, to symbolize the "death and burial to sin," Romans 6:3-6; Colossians 2:11-13.
2) We see this in "real-time,” when Philip baptized the treasurer, Acts 8:26-39.
3) The word “baptized” in Gr., is baptizo or bäp-te'-zo, which means to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., thoroughly wet); used only (in the New Testament) of the ordinance of Christian baptism:—Baptist, baptize, wash, to bathe.
4) It means to bury, dip, bath, wash, plunge beneath, or immerse, i.e., in water (to baptize).
5) There is no reference to sprinkling or pouring when the word “baptizo” is used in the New Testament. Those who sprinkle or pour are not baptizing their subjects, consistent with New Testament teaching. They have altered the scriptures and rejected the "pattern of conversion" of the Holy Spirit, as outlined in the Book of Acts. The message of baptism, and the method by which it is done, is the revelation of the Holy Spirit of God. And neither the message nor method can be altered, changed, or amended by men.
6) And only those that can “repent” and “believe the gospel” are fit candidates to be baptized, as outlined in the New Testament. This would, therefore, exclude any practice of “infant baptism.” They are unable to comply with the mandates of repentance and faith, prerequisites to water baptism. Say, Amen, when you can!
c. Next, “He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him,” Mark 1:10. He is the Son of God, Matthew 3:17.
1) John’s gospel identifies Jesus as the one who would: “baptize with the Holy Ghost.” Matthew associated Him as baptizing: “with the Holy Ghost and with fire,” Matthew 3:11.
2) John wrote of the Baptist: “And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is He which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost,” John 1:33. In each account of Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit descended from heaven like a dove and lighting “upon Him,” Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:29-34.
d. Finally, “And there came a voice from heaven, saying: Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” Mark 1:11; Matthew 3:16-17. After Jesus is baptized, he is driven by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. I might add the Lord has equipped us for our temptations by giving us His Spirit, Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:12-13. Observe--
2. Jesus was tempted. Mark wrote: “And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto Him,” Mark 1:12-13.
a. Mark does not give us a full accounting of this event, just, “that the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.”
b. The purpose was for Him: “To be tempted of Satan.”
c. The place was where: “Wild beasts had their habitation.”
d. The provisions: “The angels ministered unto Him.”
1) The angel’s ministration unto Jesus was at the end of His temptation, not before, or during it, Matthew 4:11. He endured all attractions and distractions as a man.
2) That’s why Paul wrote: “He (Jesus) was tempted in all points like as we, yet without sin,” Hebrews 4:15.
3) Before the cross, Jesus, while praying in the garden, the angels again ministered unto Him, Luke 22:40-43. They were there to strengthen Him, to endure the cross of Calvary that lay heavily upon Him while praying in the garden.
4) Beloved, “Let us not be forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unaware,” Hebrews 13:2.
NOTE: Illustrate, Does your house (congregation) entertain strangers? Some have entertained angels while not being aware of their presence. “Let brotherly love continue,” Hebrews 13:1.
3. Temptations are not sins. If this is so, we are yet in our sins. The Lord, our Savior, was tempted in all points as we are, yet did not sin. Observe--
a. First, We are tempted when we are: "Drawn away with our lust, and enticed. And when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: when it is finished, it bringeth forth death," James 1:13-15.
b. Further, There hath no temptation: “Taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it,” 1 Corinthians 10:11.
c. Finally, We are tempted in the world by: “The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God, abideth forever," 1 John 2:15-17. Therefore beloved, love neither the world nor the lust therein. Live in it, but don't allow it to live in you, Romans 12:1-2.
d. Matthew Henry wrote: “Christ himself was tempted, not only to teach us, that it is no sin to be tempted but to direct us whither to go for succor when we are tempted, even to him that suffered, being tempted; that he might...sympathize with us when we are tempted,” Page 794.
e. Conclusion: We can no longer keep ourselves from temptation than keep the birds from flying over our heads. However, with some effort, we can stop the birds from building a nest in the hairs on the top of our heads. With prayer and fasting, we can also overcome the desire to yield to temptations. God will enable us to be: "Strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in our heart by faith; that we being rooted and grounded in love...Now unto Him, that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” Ephesians 3:16-20; Jude 1:24-25. We are now ready to begin the discussion of our text of emphasis.
C. Text of emphasis. Mark wrote: “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent you, and believe the gospel,” Mark 1:14-15. Mark begins in our text of emphasis, telling us when these events occurred. Observe—
1. After John the Baptist was put in prison. Jesus came into Galilee. Jesus came announcing the good news, beginning in Galilee. John was the forerunner, preaching that the Messiah would come, and all Israel should: “repent and believe the gospel,” Matthew 3:1-3; Matthew 3:11.
2. Jesus came: “Preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. The gospel is an announcement of joy that God provides unto us. It is “good news.”
a. It is Jesus that is announcing this good news. He began his ministry of preaching the “good news of the kingdom of God.” This good news is, therefore, tied to the coming of the kingdom of God.
b. It is blessed words and well worthy of all acceptation; it brings unto all glad tidings of good things.
c. Christ's teaching of it was not like the scribes and Pharisees who expounded upon the Law of Moses, emphasizing the: “Sayings of their fathers.” They were neither acquainted with it (like Saul himself, as a Pharisee), ignorant and blinded by its teachings; not fully understanding its truths; because their education of it came not from its commands and precepts, and, therefore, was without authority, and did not have the divine sanctity of God, in their words or deeds.
d. Jesus, however, taught the people, as one that had authority, Matthew 7:28-29. He knew the doctrine of His Father and was commissioned by Him to declare it unto the people. Observe--
1) Jesus said: “My doctrine is not mine: but, His that has sent me,” John 7:16-18.
2) The officers said: “Never man spake like this man,” John 7:46.
3) Mark wrote: “And they went into Capernaum, and straightway on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes,” Mark 1:21-22. Let’s return now to our text of emphasis. Mark continued--
3. Jesus came preaching. "Now, after John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. Notice--
a. First, “After John was put in prison," Mark 1:14. John, as you know, was the forerunner of Christ. He preached the kingdom of God and baptism. John was put in prison for preaching against Herod’s marriage to his brother Philip's wife, Matthew 14:1-4. He was later put to death, Matthew 14:5-12; Luke 9:7-9.
b. Further, “The time is fulfilled.” The great truths Christ preached was: “The fullness of time has come, and the kingdom of God is at hand.” Referring to the Old Testament, in which the kingdom of the Messiah was promised, Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:13-14. Observe--
1) Daniel’s prophecy: “In the days of these kings, shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom,” Daniel 2:44. This prophecy goes back to Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Daniel 2:38-44. This dream revealed to the king, that there would be four world empires. And he was the “head of gold,” Daniel 2:38.
a) The Roman Empire was the last empire: “in the days of these kings,” Daniel 2:44; Luke 9:7-9.
b) Rome ruled at the time of Jesus’ birth, Luke 2:1-3; Acts 12:1; Acts 13:1.
c) God sent His Son, “in the fulness of time,” Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:10.
d) Christ came in the “last days,” Hebrews 1:1-3. His coming was “in the days of these kings,” Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 2:2-3; Micah 4:1-2.
e) It was in “the fulness of time” or during the last Empire: “in the days of these kings,” that God “set-up” His kingdom. Thus, Jesus preached: “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand,” Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 4:17.
2) This new dispensation is far more spiritual and heavenly than that, which they were presently observing, was beginning, and all nations will have a part in it.
3) It was to this dispensation Paul wrote: “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him,” Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 3:1-7.
c. Next, “The kingdom of God is at hand.” The Lord is the great keeper of time. Jesus announced: “That the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand,” Mark 1:15. In other words, it is time for the kingdom of God to be preached, that all might be made subjects of it.
1) The word “at hand” bears some discussion. The verb “at hand” in Gr., is engizo or en-ge'-zo, which means to make near, i.e., to:—approach, be at hand, come (draw) near, be (come, draw) nigh.
2) The kingdom of God is nigh unto you. It is imminent; it is soon to be established. The word does not indicate something a long way off; but, it is near.
a) The kingdom of God would not be an earthly kingdom. Jesus said to Pilate: “My kingdom is not of this world,” John 18:36.
b) Disciples will see its advent. Jesus said: “Unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power,” Mark 9:1. Now let's be explicit. In summary, Jesus said:
i. Some of you that stand here—shall not taste of death.
ii. Till you have seen the kingdom of God. Some of them would bear witness to the coming of God's kingdom.
iii. Come with power. The kingdom was to come with power.
iv. Conclusion: Jesus said: “Some of you that stand here shall witness the kingdom of God’s advent.” It shall come with power! How can the “millennium” contend that the kingdom has not yet come?
v. Where are Peter, James, and John? We know Judas did not see it come, Matthew 27:3-5; Acts 1:16-20. What about the rest of these apostles? Are they still among us alive? I trust the Master's words; but, not the teaching of the pre-millennialist!
3) After Jesus’ resurrection, He spoke to His apostles of: “Things concerning the kingdom of God,” Acts 1:3. Even at this time, the kingdom had not yet come!
a) The apostles asked: "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” See Acts 1:6. Notice--
i. What were they asking Christ regarding the kingdom of God?
ii. These apostles had a different view; how God’s kingdom would come at this time, Matthew 11:12; Luke 16:16.
iii. Jesus suspected during His ministry; that some men would desire to take Him by force, to make Him king, John 6:15. They wanted to set-up the kingdom of Israel, by overthrowing Rome.
iv. The apostles were still uncertain of the kingdom’s advent and their role in it.
b) Jesus answered: “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His power. But ye shall receive power,” Acts 1:7-8.
c) Jesus then ascends into the heavens, Acts 1:9-10. The kingdom was not yet established. However, we have learned some “key points” of the kingdom, which might enable us to put it together NOW. They are:
i. The kingdom of God would come with power, Mark 9:1.
ii. The apostles would receive power after the Holy Ghost comes upon them, Acts 1:8. Are these the same thing?
iii. The apostles did receive power on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost made His advent into the world, Acts 2:1-4.
iv. The kingdom of God was preached after that, not as “at hand” but, as being in existence (or set-up), Acts 8:12; Acts 14:22; Acts 19:8; Acts 28:23. We will revisit this point later in the lesson. As the Lord preached the kingdom’s coming, He also preached that men should repent and believe the gospel. Observe--
d. Likewise, “Repent.” To save time, let me direct your attention to our lesson entitled: “Repent and be converted.” This sermon on repentance and being converted can be downloaded from SermonCentral.com. Ron Freeman, Evangelist.
e. Finally, “Believe the gospel.” Again, it is proper to direct you to our previous work in this word also. Download our lesson entitled: “A Commentary on Faith,” from SermonCentral.com.
4. Conclusion: Here we have it. Jesus came preaching the gospel (the good news) of the kingdom of God. What was it he preached? He preached: that the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God was “at hand," and that all should repent and believe the gospel. Jesus spoke elsewhere of the “time is fulfilled,” Matthew 5:17-18; Matthew 24:33-36; John 19:28-30.
a. As we have seen, the kingdom’s advent was drawing nigh. It would be set-up before the twelve (12) apostles’ had tasted death.
b. That meant, sometime before A.D. 96, John wrote this Revelation.
c. He then fell asleep in Jesus while on the Isle of Patmos.
D. The kingdom’s advent. Let's now begin in earnest to discuss this lesson's theme: "Thy Kingdom Come." You should have by now a better understanding of the verb “at hand.” It does not mean, “Way off in the distance future!” The verb "at hand" surely meant: “near” or “eminent” in its coming and set-up by God. Let’s hear from Jesus, the Son of God, regarding His kingdom. Observe--
1. The prayer of Jesus regarding the kingdom. Jesus, in his model prayer, mentioned the kingdom of God, its proposed coming, and divine purpose: “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” In His--
a. Model prayer. Jesus prayed: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,” Matthew 6:9-10. This prayer places the kingdom's coming squarely as the "will of the Father," Acts 1:7; Luke 17:20-21. Observe--
1) The same was correct then, regarding the "day of the Lord.” Matthew wrote: But of that day and hour knoweth no man, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only,” Matthew 24:36. Some text read, “Nor the Son.” Other ancient manuscripts eliminate the phrase: “nor the Son.” The two Greek-English texts below come from these other manuscripts. Observe--
a) The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament reads: “Except the Father alone,” Page 96.
b) The Englishman’s Greek New Testament reads: “But my Father only,” Page 70.
c) There is no mention of “nor the Son” in either Greek Interlinear.
d) Whatever the day or hour, the time was near. All would be fulfilled during this generation, Matthew 24:34-35.
2) The word “knoweth” in the Gr., is eido or a'-do, which means to know:—be aware, behold, can or (cannot) tell, say, disclose, etc. The Son of man knew but voluntarily chose not to disclose “the day.” This was the will of the Father.
a) In like fashion, He voluntarily chose not to tell the rulers, that He was the Jesus the Christ,” Matthew 16:20-21; Acts 2:22-24.
b) Jesus in like manner chose not to tell the Pharisees: “By what authority doest thou these things? And who gave thee this authority?” See Matthew 21:23-27.
3) Did the Son know the will of the Father? Matthew 11:27; John 16:15.
a) Jesus said: “All authority in heaven and earth is given unto me,” Matthew 28:18. He told his apostles, after His resurrection, and before His ascension!
b) Paul wrote: "For it pleases the Father that in Him should all the fulness dwell," Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:3; Colossians 2:9.
4) Conclusion: As the Son of man, He chose not to disclose. As the Son of God, He in the same manner as the Holy Spirit: “Searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God,” 1 Corinthians 2:10; Romans 8:26-27. And the things of men, John 2:23-25; John 3:34-35. I wish I had some help with this lesson!
NOTE: Remember, Jesus emptied Himself of all glory, honor, and divinity when He came to do the will of His Father, Philippians 2:5-11. Download our lesson entitled: "The Mind of Christ" from SermonCentral.com. It will help right about now for you to understand Christ's: humility, obedience, and exaltation, by the Father. Paul wrote: "He made Himself, of no reputation,” Philippians 2:7.
6) Conclusion: We are not talking about the Lord's inability to "know and perceive," but what He chose to do in keeping with the “will of the Father,” John 7:16-18; John 8:28; John 14:10.
b. He prayed that the Father’s: “Kingdom would make its appearance; to bring about His will in earth, as it is in heaven.” The Lord will speak about the kingdom of God throughout His ministry unto Israel. Several authors have written about the kingdom, which I share with you now. Consider---
c. Matthew Henry wrote: “Christ came to set up the kingdom of God among men, that they might be brought into subjection to it, and might obtain salvation in it; and he set it up by the preaching of (His) gospel, and a power going along with it,” Page 795. Notice, Matthew Henry wrote: Jesus came in His first advent, to set up the kingdom of God. If this were so, there would be no need for a Second Advent, "to set-up the kingdom of God."
d. B. W. Johnson wrote: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand. John the Baptist, and Christ also, had preached, “The kingdom is at hand.” It had not yet been inaugurated. So the apostles were still to preach. It was near, but not in existence. There was no such charge in the second commission. Then "all power in heaven and earth was in the hands of Christ." He became King after he suffered, and his kingdom was inaugurated on earth on the day of Pentecost,” Page 74.
2. The church (Kingdom) promised. Until this time, we have had the kingdom of God preached; it is "at hand" or soon to be set-up. Jesus, while in Caesarea Philippi, promised His apostles that He would build His church. Could the kingdom and the church be the same thing? Observe--
a. Matthew wrote: “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying: Who do men say that I the Son of man am? ... He saith unto them: But who say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God..."
b. He continues: "I also say unto thee: That thou art Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, etc.,” Matthew 16:13-19. I have collapsed these verses for summary purposes. Observe--
3. Jesus’ promises of the church--
a. First, “I will build of me, the church,” Matthew 16:18b. After Peter’s affirmation that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God, He makes some important promises. Observe--
1) The New Greek-English Interlinear reads: “And upon this rock, I build of me, the church,” Page 62. The church would consist of Jesus’ “flesh and bones,” Matthew 16:18b. Just as Adam said of Eve, she: “was bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh,” Genesis 2:23-24. So is the church of Christ! Ephesians 5:30-33. The church was still in promise: it had not yet been set-up as some claim in Matthew 10:1ff.
2) This proves that the church was not yet built during His ministry, but it also was “nigh.” The church was also “at hand.” Stay with me, beloved of God.
NOTE: Reference, see, The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament.
b. Further, “And the gates of Hades will not overcome it,” Matthew 16:18c. Peter, death and the grave shall not prevent me from building it.
c. Next, “I will give you (Peter) the keys of the kingdom of the heavens,” Matthew 16:19a. Observe that the Lord promises to give the keys of the kingdom of heaven unto Peter. He would be the administrator, of the church or the kingdom, in some capacity. Hear the rest of the Master’s promise.
d. Finally, “And whatsoever:”
1) "You may have bound in the earth it will have been bound in the heavens,"
2) "You may have abolished in the earth it will have been abolished in the heavens," Matthew 16:19b.
3) Conclusion: “Then He gave orders to the disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ,” Matthew 16:20.
4. Analysis of Jesus’ promises. As we begin to dig a little deeper, we must analyze Jesus' pledge for the church. Now let’s make some connections.
a. The church and the kingdom of God are the same. One can be in the church, as well as be in the kingdom of God. However, the church was not built; and, the kingdom was "at hand." So, this was its condition even until the Lord's ascension into the heavens, Acts 1:9-11.
b. Recall, the 11 asked: "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” See Acts 1:6. And Jesus responded: “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons...Ye shall receive power...Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth,” Acts 1:7-8. I have collapsed these verses for summary purposes.
c. The church and the kingdom of God; did not make its appearance until the Day of Pentecost. Recall, we learned some “key points” of the kingdom, which will enable us to put all this together. They were:
i. The kingdom of God would come with power, Mark 9:1.
ii. The apostles would receive power after the Holy Ghost comes upon them, Acts 1:8. These refer to the same thing.
iii. The apostles did receive power on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost made His advent into the world, Acts 2:1-4.
iv. Therefore, the kingdom of God is preached no longer as "at hand" but as now being in existence (established or inaugurated). As the Lord preached the kingdom’s coming, He also preached that men should repent and believe the gospel. Therefore, associated with the kingdom's coming is the: “preaching of repentance and the remission of sins,” Luke 24:45-47; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19.
v. This is the preaching of: “Repentance and the remission of sins;” that John the Baptist had promised, Mark 1:4? I wish I had some help with this lesson!
E. Church and Kingdom are one. Therefore, the church and the kingdom of God, being the same thing: began on the Day of Pentecost. The first Pentecost after the death, burial, resurrection, and the ascension of Christ into the heavens, Acts1:9-11. This establishes that the church and the kingdom are the same things.
1. Church and kingdom of God. It would then serve that the preaching and teaching regarding God's kingdom or the church would be that which established its inauguration (it coming). Jesus promised--
a. The “born again” would be in the kingdom of God, John 3:3-5. Peter wrote that the saints were born again, 1 Peter 1:22-23.
b. The “converted” would be in the kingdom of God, Matthew 18:3. Peter preached that believers should repent and be converted, Acts 3:19.
c. The “saved” would be in the kingdom of God, Matthew 19:23-24. Peter preached that believers should “save themselves,” Acts 2:38-40. Luke wrote: “The Lord added to the church, those that were being saved,” Acts 2:47.
d. Conclusion: Therefore, we can conclude that any who are "born again," or "converted," or "saved,” as a result of the: "Preaching of repentance and remission of sins,” must undoubtedly be members of the church or Christ's kingdom. Luke provides us an answer to this, showing the results of Peter’s and the other apostles preaching on the Day of Pentecost. Notice--
2. Saved added to the church. The fruit of Peter's preaching on the Day of Pentecost yielded 3000 souls, becoming obedient to the gospel, Acts 2:40-41. And the Lord, Himself, “added these to the church,” Acts 2:47. If the church and the kingdom are synonymous, then these 3000 souls were added to the kingdom of God on Pentecost.
a. Beloved friends, visitors, and saints, I think the evidence is clear the church of Christ, or the kingdom of God, made its advent into the world on the Day of Pentecost, in the city of Jerusalem, AD 33. This was in keeping with the promise of Jesus: “I will build the church of me,” Matthew 16:18.
b. Let me encourage you and those visiting to review our lesson entitle: "The Church Christ Built" on SermonCentral.com. Before concluding this lesson, I will outline several scriptures capturing first-century preaching of God’s kingdom.
3. First Century preaching of God’s kingdom:
a. Philip preached it to the believers in Samaria, Acts 8:12.
b. Paul reminded the saint of the kingdom’s existence, Acts 14:21-23.
c. Paul preached it to the believers in Ephesus, Acts 19:8.
d. Paul preached it to the Jewish elders in Rome, Acts 28:23.
e. Paul was assured of an entrance into the heavenly kingdom, 2 Timothy 4:16-18.
f. John was a brother and in the kingdom of Jesus Christ, Revelations 1:9.
4. First Century writings regarding the church, or Christ’s kingdom. Paul wrote:
a. The churches of Christ at Rome, should salute one another, Romans 16:16.
b. The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, Romans 14:17.
c. The saints in the church at Corinth are sanctified in Christ, 1 Corinthians 1:2.
d. The unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
e. That Christ is the Savior of the body, the church, Ephesians 5:23; Ephesians 1:22-23.
f. That Christ is the head of the body, the church, Colossians 1:18.
g. The righteous will inherit the kingdom of God and Christ, Ephesians 5:5.
h. That God has “translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son,” Colossians 1:13.
5. Peter wrote to the flock, God's kingdom, 1 Peter 5:13; 2 Peter 1:11.
6. Promises in the kingdom. This is our last point to be made in this lesson. I ask: “If Christ promises something to be in the kingdom; and, we see it in the church: could that mean the kingdom has come? Consider these—
a. Jesus promised, “to drink the cup of the fruit of the vine” with His apostles.
1) The cup was to be drunk with Him in the kingdom of God, Mark 14:22-26.
2) The cup is drunk with Him during communion in the church, 1 Corinthians 11:23-30.
b. Jesus promised “to shed His blood for many for the remission of sins,” Matthew 26:28.
1) He shed His blood for the church of God, Acts 20:28; John 19:34; 1 Peter 1:18-19.
2) He shed His blood for the kingdom of God, Revelation 1:4-6.
c. There were to be “saints in the kingdom,” Daniel 7:18; Daniel 7:22.
1) There are saints in the church, Ephesians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:13.
2) There are saints in the kingdom of God, Colossians 1:12-14; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5.
d. Summary: Therefore, the kingdom and the church are one of the same. If one is in the church; then, he is also in the kingdom of God. The church was purchased with the blood of Christ, and so was the kingdom. Saints are in the church, and therefore, in the kingdom as well. Christ promised that we would drink the "fruit of the vine" along with Him in the kingdom of God. We observe the communion service, eating of the bread, and drinking of the cup. This we do "in remembrance of Him." None of these things could be so if the kingdom of God has not yet come.
7. Conclusion: These are just a few mentions of the church and the kingdom of God in the writings of Paul and the other apostles. Time would escape me to list them all. What these scriptures prove is the kingdom of God has been established. The kingdom existed, and the apostles and disciples preached it so, in the first century! Therefore, if the church and the kingdom are the same things; then, the kingdom came on Pentecost. Beloved, if you are in Christ, you are in the church and the kingdom of God, 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14. As I begin to conclude this lesson, let me review...
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Thy Kingdom Come!
B. Summarize main points.
1. We have indeed answered this question: "Have the Kingdom of God Come?” By this, we mean: “Has the kingdom of God already come, and Christians are members of it?” Most evangelicals and many Baptists teach, before the kingdom’s advent, there will be: "A great rapture, followed by 7-years of tribulation, and a 1000 year reign of Christ upon the earth?" None of this occurred on Pentecost. We will discuss these theories in our new lesson.
2. However, we thoroughly investigated our text of emphasis, which read in this fashion: “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel,” Mark 1:14-15.
3. Many pulpits across the country and around the world are still preaching the kingdom of God has not yet come. We did provide great clarity on this question. The kingdom of God came on the first Pentecost after the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ into the heavens, Acts 1:9-11. As the Lord had promised, it came with power, Mark 9:1; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4. The church's first members were also members of God's kingdom, Acts 2:41; Acts 2:47; Colossians 1:13.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
References:
1. I recommend the [Neal – Wallace Discussion on “The thousand Years Reign of Christ”] by Foy E. Wallace, Jr., Publication, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Copyright 1933. This discussion was conducted at Winchester, Kentucky, during the dates January 2 to 6, 1933.
2. God's Prophetic Word, by Foy Wallace, p. 347-349; cf. Lion and the Lamb on Planet Earth, by Rodney Miller.
3. Merriam-Webster, since 1828, by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated (merriam-webster.com), 2017.
4. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
5. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
6. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
7. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
8. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
9. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
To: "Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
ronald.e.freeman@wwmchurchofchrist.org
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org/
Website: https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
