The Eternal Kingdom. We could trace the idea of kingdom all the way back to the beginning, because God himself has always been king (Psalm 47). During the Old Testament, for a while, he also exerted his reign through the kings of Israel (Psalm 2). But it seems to me that the kingdom proper unfoldsContinue reading “The Story of God’s Kingdom 12”
Author Archives: Marvin Bryant
The Story of God’s Kingdom 11
Where are the Better Days? In the first post of this series, we noted the Old Testament prophecies that say better days are coming. God promised he would intervene and bring deliverance, mercy, forgiveness, and peace. He would pour out his Spirit on all who submit to him and would bring about fear of theContinue reading “The Story of God’s Kingdom 11”
The Story of God’s Kingdom 10
Living a Life Worthy of the King. We cannot enter the eternal kingdom unless we live a life worthy of the King. Some of us will be bothered by that statement because of the way we have come to think about God’s mercy and grace. Yet Scripture emphasizes both God’s grace and obedience. Let’s beginContinue reading “The Story of God’s Kingdom 10”
The Story of God’s Kingdom 9
The Right Response to the King. The reality of God’s reign among us through Christ is not just interesting. It is extremely significant. It is not merely to be understood and discussed. It is meant to revolutionize our lives. You may remember that the prophecies about the kingdom describe God bringing better days among us.Continue reading “The Story of God’s Kingdom 9”
The Story of God’s Kingdom 8
Five Vital Roles of the King in His Kingdom. We have noted Jesus’ utterly unique identity. It is revealed by His own powerful deeds, God’s raising him from the dead, and special terms like Messiah and Christ. The early proclaimers in Acts acclaimed him with several other special titles also, including Lord (2:36; 10:36), CornerstoneContinue reading “The Story of God’s Kingdom 8”
The Story of God’s Kingdom 7
What Does it Mean to call Jesus Messiah? One of the most important truths of the gospel is that Jesus is the supreme authority of the universe. This truth, with God’s help, we must see with both our minds and our hearts. Last time we noted the Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is a centralContinue reading “The Story of God’s Kingdom 7”
The Story of God’s Kingdom 6
What the Resurrection Says about Jesus. For many years I knew the resurrection of Christ was important but did not clearly understand why. I realized it gives us hope that we will be raised from the dead and live forever. I even had an instinctive sense that Christianity was wrapped up in Christ’s resurrection, butContinue reading “The Story of God’s Kingdom 6”
The Story of God’s Kingdom 5
They Killed the King. Jesus spoke and acted with authority, like a king. Through his words and especially his deeds, he revealed the truth and reality of the kingdom of God and of his own kingship. As Peter later described it, Jesus was “a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signsContinue reading “The Story of God’s Kingdom 5”
The Story of God’s Kingdom 4
WDJS? How would you describe what the kingdom of God is like? What do the people you know say about it? Scripture shows that it is really easy to misunderstand the nature of God’s kingship. We’ve noticed that Jesus began his ministry with an announcement that God’s kingdom was at hand and then later,Continue reading “The Story of God’s Kingdom 4”
The Story of God’s Kingdom 3
WDJD? It is possible to see someone do something but not really realize what they are doing, especially if we aren’t paying close attention. I’m convinced people do that with Jesus all the time. Like the Jews of his day, “… seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand”Continue reading “The Story of God’s Kingdom 3”
