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New Testament Foundations: The Kingdom Of God

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New Testament Foundations: The Kingdom Of God
Running head: THE KINGDOM OF GOD

The Kingdom of God
Jimmy West
Grand Canyon University
New Testament Foundations
BIB 502
Andy Wood
November 27, 2013

The Kingdom of God The teachings of Jesus are where the main expressions of the kingdom of God originate. It is a theme that is evident throughout all Scripture, and Jesus’ teachings become understood alongside previous thought. In the Old Testament the word “kingdom” is uncommon. The basic concept was that Yahweh ruled as King of the universe. This came about in three ways. God, Rules the world. His throne is in heaven (Ps 103:19; Ezekiel 1: 26-28) where army of heaven was standing near him on his right and his left (1 Kings 22:19) He looks down from heaven …show more content…
Jesus did not have much to say about ruling or even acting like a king and He mostly related the kingdom with the blessings to be bestowed upon men geared toward a family relationship with God that men could enjoy in the kingdom (Luke 12:32). “This distinct family-like characteristic of the church community was one which almost unconsciously drew others into its network because it powerfully embodied the gospel message” (Hussey, 2012, p 216). While the Kingdom of God was present during the ministry of Jesus, He also indicated in no uncertain terms that it is a future thing which is why He told his disciples to pray and be ready for its coming because it would come soon. This is in reference to the age to come which involved the coming of Son of Man and, the resurrection of the dead. Jesus was more than just the proclaimer of the kingdom of God but He carried the kingdom of God to men thru His teachings and works. The point of emphasis is on the fact that these were Jesus’ own words and actions or those that he sent out in His name. God chose to work thru Jesus. He knew that a new age had begun and this was good news unto man. It was required of men to personally respond to Jesus in faith and discipleship in order to enter the …show more content…
Using dialect synonymous with Psalms 45:6 “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom.” this is an expression of Jesus’ divine kingdom (Hebrew 1:8). The reader is encouraged thru knowing they possess a kingdom that is unshakable with God as king. Within a world that is perishing, the kingdom will stand. James, in his epistle, makes reference to the blessings that come with the kingdom of God in which the poor are the recipients (James 2:5). James exhortations are much like the gospel beatitudes. James also reiterates the command of the king to love your neighbor as yourself (James 2:8). In Peters first epistle he proclaims that all believers are a royal priest hood, privilege combined with service (1 Peter 2:9). In his second epistle he emphasize the importance to live a life that will pave a way into the kingdom of Jesus (2 Peter 1:11). The Book of Revelation points to the age of the kingdom of God and of Christ when the earth comes under the rule of the kingdoms as opposed to the rule of Satan (Revelation 1:8; 4:8). The believers form as a kingdom and take part in the rule of Christ both during and after the millennium (Revelation
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