“…Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel.’” Mark 1:14-15
Jesus Preached the Gospel of the Kingdom
The word Church occurs only three times in the Gospels. Yet the terms Kingdom and Kingdom of God occur over 120 times in the Gospels. The overwhelming emphasis of the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ was a Kingdom message. We read that our Lord Jesus Christ preached the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, yet today it is generally the Gospel of Salvation which is preached.
The Therapeutic Gospel
The Gospel of Salvation, as preached in all too many churches and through much of the main stream Christian media is mostly about me and how I can be blessed, healed, prospered, enriched, improved, saved from all the negative consequences of my bad choices and ultimately end up in Heaven. The way this gospel is preached by all too many today, is something of a therapeutic self-help message where the emphasis is on me, with God playing a supporting role in how I can fulfill my dreams and attain my desires.
The Message of the Kingdom of God
However, the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is all about the King of kings and the Lord of lords. His Crown, His Coming, His Cross, His Great Commission, His plan and purpose for the nations and what we can do to be faithful subjects, servants and soldiers of His eternal Kingdom.
The Glorious Fruit of the Kingdom
The Kingdom of God is seen where men and women submit to our Lord Jesus Christ as King of kings. The fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are seen in the lives of subjects of the Kingdom. Excellence is seen in the art, architecture and music of the Kingdom of God. The great cathedrals proclaim the Kingdom of God. Great musical compositions such as Handel’s Messiah, proclaim the Kingdom of God.
Stand Up! Stand Up! For Jesus
When King George II stood during the Hallelujah chorus, he initiated a tradition that endures to this day. Even to the ends of the earth, in Cape Town, at the southernmost tip of the African continent, every time Handel’s Messiah is performed, we all stand to our feet at attention for the Hallelujah chorus. As King George II declared: “It is impossible to remain seated for the anthem of the King of kings!”
Kings and Queens Bow to Christ
When Queen Victoria was very old and attending a performance of Handel’s Messiah, she was informed by the organizers, that in view of her great age, she should please remain seated and everyone else would stand for the duration of the Hallelujah chorus. When the Hallelujah chorus began, Queen Victoria, Empress of the greatest Empire the world had ever known, stood and bowed, with tears in her eyes, her lips trembling and her body shaking.
To Establish Justice in the Earth
When Queen Victoria was asked by a visiting African prince: “What is the secret of Britain’s greatness?” she handed him a Bible and stated: “The Bible is the source of Britain’s greatness.” “He will not fail nor be discouraged, till He has established justice in the earth; and the coast-lands shall wait for His Law.” Isaiah 42:4
The Duty and Destiny of Queen Victoria
Dean Farrar reported that Queen Victoria declared to her that she wished that the Lord would return while she was alive, “Because nothing would give me more joy than to pass on the crown of Great Britain and India to Him with my own hands.” Queen Victoria recognized her duty and destiny to rule and reign His Kingdom, faithful to the Scriptures and to the Laws of God in order to hand on the crown and scepter to the King of kings and Lord of lords.
The Servant Queen and the King She Serves
In 2016, in celebration of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday, the Bible Society published the book: The Servant Queen and the King She Serves, using the Queen’s own words to draw out the central role of her Christian Faith and the Bible.
The Coronation Oath
In the Coronation ceremony of 2 June 1953, one of the highlights was when Queen Elizabeth II made the Coronation Oath. The Archbishop asked: “Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God with true profession of the Gospel? Will you to the utmost of your power maintain in the United Kingdom, a Protestant Reformed Religion established by Law? Will you maintain and preserve the settlement of the Church of England and the Doctrine, worship, discipline and government thereof, as by Law established in England?” To this, the Queen responded: “All this I promise to do.” The Archbishop asked: “Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in mercy, to be executed in all your judgements?” The Queen responded: “I will.”
The Great Bible
With the sword of State carried before her, the Queen arose from her chair, went to the altar, made the solemn oath in the sight of all the people, laying her right hand on the Holy Gospel in the Great Bible and declaring: “The things which I have heretofore promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God.” The Queen then kissed the Bible and signed the Oath.
“Thine is the Kingdom”
Historically most of the kings and queens of Europe have recognized that the Kingdom belongs to God and is under the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. The throne is His throne and the realm is His realm. As we declare in the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven… for Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever, Amen.”
To the Ends of the Earth
The Kingdom, instituted by Christ, almost 2,000 years ago, has led to the greatest creativity and the noblest expressions of duty, honor, charity, mercy, art, architecture and music. It pioneered hospitals, schools and churches, ministering to body, mind and spirit throughout the world, to the remotest shores, converting cannibals in the Pacific, bringing respect for life, liberty and law to the wildness regions. It ended the slave trade, ended widow burning in India, cannibalism in the Pacific Isles, inter-tribal genocide, incessant warfare and Islamic slavery throughout Africa. It lifted industry, arts and sciences to the pinnacles of human achievement. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14
We Must Return to the Kingdom Message
It is only by returning to the Kingdom message that the nations can be saved from the disastrous consequences of violating God’s Laws, forgetting our covenants and allowing those who hate God to hijack so much of the culture through secular humanist “education” indoctrination and defilement of debased, blasphemous and vile “entertainment” from Hollywood.
Christ-Centered
Our Lord Jesus Christ personified the Kingdom He proclaimed. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is the living embodiment of all that He enunciated. The person and proclamations of our King are inseparable. His life and His lips are always in unison. His counsels must determine our conduct. His person and His proclamations were as seamless as the robe He wore. The Words He declared were confirmed by His deeds, bringing sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the mute, cleansing the lepers, making the crippled to walk and raising the dead to life. “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the Kingdom of God has come upon you.” Matthew 12:28
Behold Your King
Our Lord Jesus was born King (Matthew 2:2), acclaimed King by God the Father (Psalm 2:6) and He affirmed His Kingship before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate (Luke 23:3). In Luke 17:20-21, we read our Lord’s answer to the pharisees, where He said: “The Kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the Kingdom of God is within you.” The word within you should read in the midst of you. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was in the midst of the pharisees and He, the King, is the epitome of the Kingdom.
Humbled for a Season
He had a humble entry into this world, born in a stable, but the angels sang. In time, His Kingdom has been displayed with outward Glory. But in the person of the King, walking the dusty paths of Galilee, the Kingdom of God was present. The kingdom does not make the king. The king makes the kingdom. The nature of the king determines the character of his kingdom. The fact that the Jewish religious leaders failed to recognize the fulfillment of all Old Testament Messianic prophecies in our Lord Jesus Christ, is to their eternal shame, but it does not, in any way, negate His sovereign power. The fickle mob in Jerusalem went from crying: “Hosanna!” to “Crucify Him!” within less than a week.
The Kingdom of God Requires Repentance, Discipleship and Evangelism
Jesus said: “…Follow Me and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17
The Kingdom of God is a Mystery to Most
“And He said to them, ‘To you it has been given to know the mystery of the Kingdom of God’…” Mark 4:11
The Parables of the Kingdom
Five our Lord’s parables describe the beginnings of His Kingdom, whose value justifies any sacrifice. In five parables, the growth and principles of His Kingdom are outlined. Seven of the parables of Christ forecast the consummation of His Kingdom. Other parables emphasize the personal experience of the subjects of the Kingdom.
The Kingdom Grows by the Word of God
“And He said, ‘The Kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground… and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how… It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown… is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs and shoots out large branches…’” Mark 4:26-32
Humility and Faith
“…Let the little children come to Me and do not forbid them; for of such is the Kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Mark 10:14-15
A Miraculous Work
Jesus said to His disciples: “…How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the Kingdom of God!… With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:23,27
The Kingdom of God Destroys the Enemies of God
When Jesus taught the parable of the Wicked Vine-dressers in the Temple, the Jewish scribes and pharisees: “…knew He had spoken the parable against them…”Mark 12:12. “So they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard. ‘Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vine-dressers and give the vineyard to others. Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the Chief Cornerstone’.” Mark 12:8-10
Jesus Introduced the Kingdom of God on Earth
John the Baptist began his ministry declaring: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
Our Lord Jesus began His earthly ministry with the message: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17. The Sermon on the Mount details the required conduct of subjects of the Kingdom of God. “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
The Lord’s Prayer is Centered on the Kingdom of Heaven
“Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven…. For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever.” Matthew 6:9-13. For God’s Kingdom to come, Satan’s kingdoms must be defeated. For God’s will to be done, Satan’s plans and schemes must be exposed and defeated.
Jesus Christ is the King Over the Kingdom of God
“Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His Kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:7 “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.” Luke 1:32
The Kingdom of God Requires Obedience
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven.” Matthew 7:21. A simple profession of faith is not enough. Practical obedience, applying the Lordship of Christ to all areas of life is essential. What you say is not as important as what you do. “For the Kingdom of God is not in word but in power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20
Regeneration is Essential
Jesus said: “…Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3
Perseverance is Required
Jesus said: “No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62. Lot’s wife was warned not to look back as the angels rescued her family from Sodom. God had condemned that wicked city to destruction. Yet Lot’s wife still desired Sodom. Her disobedience to a clear command brought severe judgment. Many of the Hebrews, having been delivered from slavery in Egypt, yet wanted to go back to Egypt. They were condemned to wander in the wilderness and all die there before God raised up a new generation, a faithful generation, to enter and take the Promised Land.
Be Counted Worthy of the Kingdom of God by Being Willing to Suffer for Christ
“…that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you also suffer.” 2 Thessalonians 1:5. John has promised the Kingdom of God “…to those who love Him.” James 2:5. True love is measured by sacrifice. Jesus said that those who love Him obey His commandments. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 5:10. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Romans 8:16-17. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21
Endurance is Essential
“…We must through many tribulations enter the Kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22. “Yes and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12. Jesus said: “…In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Babylon, the Beast and the Harlot Wage War Against the Kingdom of God
In Revelation 17, we read that Babylon and the Beast, the false church, the great harlot and the rulers and inhabitants of the earth who “…were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.” Revelation 17:2; the blasphemous religious leaders “…arrayed in purple and scarlet and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication…. MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH…. drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus… These will make war with the Lamb and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen and faithful.” Revelation 17:4-14
War Against God
We see all the evidences of this hostility to God and hatred of the Kingdom of God in the blasphemy industry of Hollywood; the Christo-phobia of the main stream mass media; the apostasy of the World Council of Churches; the Roman papacy; the anti-Christian agenda of the United Nations and the violent persecution of Christians by so many member states of the UN, including members of their so called “Human Rights Commission,” which includes Red China and Sudan.
The Inevitable Ultimate Victory of Christ
The Lamb of God will utterly defeat the Beast and his apostate, blasphemous religious leaders, the arrogant political leaders, Babylon, the harlot, those guilty of abominations and drunk with the blood of the saints, guilty of murdering babies in the womb and massacring the martyrs of Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ came into this world to destroy the works of the devil. Our Lord Jesus Christ is “…the Faithful Witness, the Firstborn from the dead and the Ruler over the kings of the earth…” Revelation 1:5; “…He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords.” 1 Timothy 6:15. “…on His robe… a Name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:16
The Statue and the Stone
Sin in a single soul had brought the entire human race and all societies to collective ruin. The promised Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, came to destroy the empire of sin as described by the Prophet Daniel. The prophetic vision given to King Nebuchadnezzar and revealed to Daniel, was of a great statue with a head of gold, the chest and arms of silver, the stomach of bronze, the legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. Then a stone struck the statue and broke it in pieces (Daniel 2:28-35).
The Vision of Daniel
“And in the days of these kings the God of Heaven will set up a Kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the Kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these Kingdoms and it shall stand forever.” Daniel 2:44. “Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a Kingdom, that all peoples, nations and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away and His Kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:14
The Everlasting Kingdom
“How great are His signs and how mighty His wonders! His Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom and His dominion is from generation to generation…. For His dominion is an everlasting dominion and His Kingdom is from generation to generation.” Daniel 4:3,34. “I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the Living God and steadfast forever; His Kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed and His dominion shall endure to the end.” Daniel 6:26
The People of God Must Serve and Obey God
“Then the Kingdom and dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole Heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.’” Daniel 7:27
Ultimate Victory for the Kingdom of God is Inevitable
“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in Heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ and He shall reign forever and ever!” Revelation 11:15. Every knee will bow. Every tongue confess. The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord.
The Devil Shall be Defeated
“Then I heard a loud voice saying in Heaven, ‘Now salvation and strength and the Kingdom of our God and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.’” Revelation 12:10
We Must Proclaim the Rule and Reign of God Above All
“And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!’” Revelation 19:6
Every Knee Will Bow
The question is not: Will you bow to Christ? But: When will you bow to Christ as your rightful King of kings and Lord of lords? Each one of us may bow to Him now, in the day of grace, while forgiveness is freely offered; or we will be forced to bow on the Day of Judgement. When the day of grace has ended. When the door to Heaven is firmly closed. The fact is that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).
Subject, Servant and Soldier of the Kingdom
Do you understand what the Bible teaches on the Kingdom of God?
Do you acknowledge your responsibility to be a faithful subject, servant and soldier in the Kingdom of God?
What a privilege to be one of the called, chosen and faithful of the greatest King and Kingdom in all Eternity (Revelation 17:14).