Last week we noted there is a lack of Kingdom terminology used in the Church. Lack of Kingdom Thinking leads to a self focused Christian life. The affects this has had on the Church are devastating. But before we start throwing “kingdom” words around, what is the Biblical basis? What is the relationship of the Church to the Kingdom of God?
Kingdom terminology is rooted in the promises of Gen 12 made to Abraham regarding his descendants. “I will… I will… I will.” Then to King David, 2 Sam 7:8-17. “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” Further revelation through the Prophets give fascinating details regarding the nature and characteristics of the kingdom.
The Lord will reign over flesh and blood people from Jerusalem. All the nations of the world will be in subjection to the Lord. (Is 2, 11, 65) The effects of the Fall will be minimized, there will be prosperity and long life. (Ez 36, 39; Joel 2, Amos 9, Zech 8) And all this is guaranteed by God. One would have to stop the cycle of night and day to prevent God from fulfilling His Kingdom promises. (Jer 31:35-36)
Jesus declared, “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” The kingdom was offered to that generation, but according to the ordained Plan of God, it was rejected, and Jesus was crucified. (Matt 12; Acts 2:23) The Kingdom promises made to the nation Israel still stand, but have not been fulfilled.
This is where the Church enters God’s Plan. Jesus declared “I will build My Church.” (Matt 16:18) Beginning on the Day of Pentecost, through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Jews (Chap 2) , then Samaritans (Chap 8) , and finally Gentiles (Chap 10) became part of the Body of Christ. Each believer is a member of the Royal Family of God, who will share in the inheritance of Christ. This is our position in Christ, blessed with every spiritual blessing. (Eph 1-3) Jesus is our King and our citizenship is in heaven. (Phil 3:20-21)
But with our position comes responsibility. As Royal Family members, we have been sent into a foreign land as Ambassadors, to announce the invitation of our King to become part of His Kingdom. (John 17:18, 20:21; 2 Cor 5:16-21) Jesus really is coming again. For 40 days after the resurrection, Jesus taught His disciples about the Kingdom. The angel declared Jesus will come back the same way He departed. (Acts 1:1-11) Jesus REALLY is coming back to restore His Kingdom!! Failure to fulfill our role as Ambassadors brings disgrace to ourselves, and shame before our King.
We are not here to simply enjoy the blessings of this life. (We have been warned of that by the Preacher in Ecclesiastes.) We are here to fulfill our role as Ambassadors of our King. Our message: “We beg you on behalf of Christ, to be reconciled to God. His Kingdom is coming, but you must respond to His invitation if you are to be part of His Kingdom.”
Restoring Kingdom terminology in the Church will help us to get back on mission, to regain our identity and our primary calling.
May the Lord use each of us to be part of a Disciple Making Movement within our sphere of influence.