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Scripture Reading:  Acts 28:23-31

The Kingdom of God

“Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven…” (Matt. 13:11)

“…he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets…” (Acts 28:23)

I.  DEFINITION.

• Know the mysteries of the kingdom:  Christ has made known what we can / need to know about the kingdom of heaven – cf. Eph. 1:9-11; Col. 1:24-27

• Kingdom:  The sovereign rule & reign of God in the lives of men & women (Matt. 6:33; Lk. 17:20-21)

• The church of Christ is depicted as the kingdom of Christ, composed of willing subjects of the King (Matt. 16:18-19; Col. 1:13; Psa. 110:3; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6; 5:9-10)

• The salvation of God is obtained in the kingdom of God (Acts 28:23, 28)

II.    USAGE.

• The kingdom:  Matt. 8:12

• Kingdom of heaven:  Matt. 8:11; 13:11

• Kingdom of God:  Mark 4:11; Eph. 5:5

• Kingdom of Christ:  Luke 1:33; 22:29-30; Jno. 18:36; Eph. 5:5; Col. 1:13

III.   APPLICATIONS:

• “Kingdom of heaven” and “kingdom of God” are equivalent:  Matt. 13:11; Mk. 4:11

• The nature of the kingdom is spiritual & heavenly, not physical & earthly – Jno. 18:36; Lk. 17:20-21

• The kingdom exists today – Col. 1:13; Heb. 12:28; Rev. 1:9; et al.

• The kingdom will never be destroyed – Dan. 2:44; Heb. 12:28; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; 2 Pet. 1:11

• The everlasting kingdom of heaven is prepared for the faithful – Matt. 25:34; 2 Pet. 1:11

Conclusion

1.  Heb. 12:28:  The nature & presence of the kingdom of God persuades people of faith to acceptably serve God with reverence & godly fear.

2.  Acts 8:12:  When Philip preached about the kingdom of God, men & women believed & were baptized.  Do the same today.