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THE CHURCH - THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Matt.16:18; Col.1:13
- The word kingdom denotes the government aspect of the church. It speaks of the rule of God over men today.
- Common sectarian argument says two separate and distinct institutions.
- To be in the kingdom is to be saved from sin - then you join a church. According to them - you can be in one without being in the other,
- There is another age to follow this one - with an earthly kingdom. This is the church age followed by another - premillennial error - materialistic in nature.
- Church and kingdom share alike in everything. I propose to set forth the reason showing church and kingdom possess same identifying marks.
- THE BEGINNING DATE AND PLACE OF THE KINGDOM.
- Prophecy - Isa.2:2-4; Dan.2:44; Mark 9:1; Matt.3:2.
- Fulfillment - Acts 2:1-47; Acts 8:12; 28:31; Col.1:13; 1 Thess.2:12 - after Pentecost, spoken of as in existence.
- THE ESSENTIALS OF A KINGDOM.
- Ruler - 1 Tim.6:15; Eph.5:23; John 18:36; Matt.16:18 (my).
- Territory - Luke 4:5-8; Matt.28:18-20; Rev.1:5-9; Dan.2:44.
- Subjects - Eph.1:21-23; 1 Pet.3:22.
- Law - John 12:48; Isa.2:3; Acts 2:38-47.
- THE REQUIREMENTS OF CITIZENSHIP.
- Enter by a "new birth." John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38.
- Must do God's will - Matt.7:21; Col.1:2,13.
- Greatness in kingdom seen in humble service - Matt.18:3; Mark 10:15.
- Must seek it above worldly interest - Matt.6:33; John 18:36; Rom.14:17.
- Must sacrifice for it interest - Mark 10:23-31.
- THE REWARDS OF CITIZENSHIP.
- Fellowship with Christ - Matt.26:29; 1 Cor.11:20-27.
- The final picture - Matt 13:36-43; 25:31-46; 1 Cor.15:58.
- The time of deliverance into the presence of the King - 1 Cor.15:24; 1 Thess.4:16-17.
CONCLUSION:
- The Old Testament concerning the kingdom are all fulfilled in the New Testament church.
- "World without end." Eph.3:21; Dan.2:44; Heb.12:28.
- It is the only age-lasting, God-pleasing, Christ-honoring, soul-saving brotherhood on face of the earth. Names of members recorded in heaven.
- "The kingdom of earth pass away one by one, but..."