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The Kingdom of Heaven

Introduction. In Jesus' parables the general theme was

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The Kingdom of Heaven

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    2. The Kingdom of Heaven Mt 13:11

    3. Introduction In Jesus’ parables the general theme was “the kingdom of heaven” Many parables (esp in Matt 13) begin with “The kingdom of heaven is like …” Before we can appreciate the parables, we need to know what He is talking about What is the kingdom of heaven?

    4. The kingdom of heaven The kingdom of God Is there a difference? Premillenialists want there to be a difference But a comparison of different gospels shows there is no difference Matt 4:17 with Mark 1:14-15 Matt 5:3 with Luke 6:20 Matt 13:31 with Mark 4:30-31

    5. The kingdom of heaven The kingdom of God Why the different expressions? Matthew uses “of heaven” and the other writers use “of God” Matthew wrote to a Jewish audience Jews in their own writings used “kingdom of heaven” so as not to misuse the name of God Could be using to avoid offending the Jews Could be “of heaven” emphasizes its spiritual nature, as opposed to a physical kingdom

    6. Related Concepts The Reign of God The word “kingdom” stressed the idea of rulership, dominion, not a geographic area The kingdom of God is wherever God exercises dominion In one sense, includes everything for all time (Psa 103:19) But prophets spoke of it as a future kingdom (Dan 2:44-45; Matt 3:1-3; Matt 4:17) God is King of all, but many are in rebellion Within the kingdom all have subjected themselves to God’s reign (1 Cor 15:23-26)

    7. Related Concepts A spiritual kingdom Jn 18:36 No physical form or boundaries No physical conquests Rom 14:17 The kingdom would be about “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit”

    8. Related Concepts The church A term synonymous with the kingdom of heaven Mt 16:18-19 Col 1:13-14; 1 Thes 2:12 Rev 1:4, 6, 9 What is the church? A community of believers who have recognized God as Sovereign in their hearts Therefore, the church is by definition the kingdom of heaven

    9. Related Concepts Both present and future The church is the present aspect of the kingdom There is a future aspect as well Matt 25:34 1 Cor 15:50 (at the time of v. 24) 2 Tim 4:18 2 Pet 1:10-11

    10. A summary definition The kingdom of heaven is… In the present sense Wherever the sovereignty of God is accepted It is a spiritual kingdom in the hearts of men It is the church belonging to the Lord In the future sense When the present kingdom is handed over to the Father Will be made up of those who subjected themselves to God in this life

    11. Conclusion The parables are about the kingdom of heaven They may refer to the kingdom in the present sense, the church They may refer to the kingdom in the future sense, eternal life in heaven They may be revealing truths that encompass both senses Would you be part of that kingdom? John 3:3-5

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