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NewsDay

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The Gospel of Christ and the Kingdom of God (2)

Opinion & Analysis

There is an erroneous belief among some quarters of christendom that in this age, Christians or believers will take over in politics, commerce, finance, industry, media, entertainment etc. This teaching is generally called Kingdom takeover. We have many examples which we shall look at along the way. A quick example is that Noah preached for 120 years and there was no Kingdom takeover.

Many misinterpret the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:14, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” We shall expound later, however, we want to highlight the error that many fall into. They say that Jesus said it, so that’s final.

Careful preachers and expositors know 2 Timothy 2:14-15, “[14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” We have to rightly divide the Word of Truth. We extensively taught on this on this platform.

We need to know the message for the New Covenant church. Let's see how Jesus admonishes the Sadducees in Matthew 22:29, "Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err [you are mistaken], not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." This is really ignorance on rampage. They didn't know the Scriptures as well as the power of God.

Such people are like those in the following parable in Luke 6:39, "And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?" We even see it in better light in Matthew 15:14, "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." As a born again believer, you have the Spirit of God the Father inside you, you should be able to discern what's resonates with your Christian nature.

We have to push the Gospel of Christ nonstop. Before we get to discuss the Gospel, let's hear the following defining and directional words, Acts 1:6-8, “[6] When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? [7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. [8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

The disciples were supposed to be witnesses. You may want to know what they were supposed to witness. Let's read the following passage, 1 Corinthians 15:1-5, “[1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; [2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: [5] And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:”

The message therefore is the death, burial, resurrection, ascension and seating on high on the right hand of God the Father. We can also put it this way. 1 Peter 1:10-12, “Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: [11] Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. [12] Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.”

It is the suffering of Christ and the glory that should follow. We're also told that it's grace. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Grace and peace be multiplied to you through knowledge.

 

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