Welcome to Word of Life Study Series- Our glorious inheritance! The subject of the “Kingdom of God” or the “Kingdom of Heaven,” is referenced eighty five times in the Gospels as recorded in the New International Version of the Bible. It was a central theme that Jesus preached and taught all throughout His earthly ministry. What is the difference between the terminology “Kingdom of God” and the “Kingdom of Heaven”- using the New International Version? Well, neither of these terms are ever found in the Old Testament and the majority of the references are made by Jesus Himself in the Gospels. Interesting that all the references to the “Kingdom of Heaven” are made in the Gospel of Matthew. Bottom line I believe that both references “Kingdom of Heaven” and “Kingdom of God” mean the same thing.
1. An Invisible Kingdom Made Visible
Through faith in Jesus Christ we have become citizens of a heavenly kingdom, the Kingdom of God. As a result, we are entitled to unalienable rights, promises, benefits and blessings by God’s grace and through our faith in the Word of God. God has made abundant provision to supply, equip and endow us with all things that pertain to life and godliness while we are here on earth, and for all eternity.
2. The Manifestation of God’s Kingdom
Although the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John focus on the present aspect of the Kingdom of God, it is also clear that the Kingdom will be realized perfectly only at the SECOND COMING of Jesus. The Kingdom that came through the life and ministry of Jesus dawned in the form of a spiritual Kingdom. Although it was physically present in the deeds and words of Jesus, it did not overwhelm the world like it will at the Second Advent- Habakkuk 2:14.
3. What the Kingdom of God is Like
We need to relate the parable to Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom of God and to His miracles. This means that parables are more than simple folk stories; they are expressions of Jesus’ view of God, humanity, salvation, and the Kingdom of God He was ushering in through His ministry. A major theme in Jesus’ parables is the demand of following Him in authentic discipleship. Jesus has conferred upon us a Kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit according to Romans 14:17. So let’s allow that Kingdom within us to have full expression in our lives; that those around us would see His light shine through us, and take note that we have been with Jesus!
4. Forget Not All His Benefits
It may be self-explanatory why the Scriptures in Psalms 103:1-12 would make the admonition to, “forget not all his benefits.” it seems to be human nature to have a short memory span, so the Bible is great about putting us into remembrance of essential truths. Knowing God’s precious promises should be a priority for every believer. If the Lord had went to all the trouble to provide a benefit, it would be rude on our part to ignore it- take the general area of salvation for example in Hebrews 2:1-4.