(Hebrews 12:18-29)

Introduction Much is said about the kingdom –Premillennial view: It is coming soon –Is that the correct view? –The answer is important

Introduction Three objectives –See if the church fulfilled OT prophecies –See when it was established –Discover the nature of the kingdom

Church From the Greek word eklesia meaning assembly, those called out –Of the world (2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14) –Of darkness (1 Peter 2:9) –A heavenly calling (Hebrews 3:1)

Kingdom Refers to a form of government –Born to be a king (John 18:36, 37) –Has all authority (Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:23) –Fulfilled the promise made to David (2 Samuel 7:12-14; Acts 2:29-36)

Church or Kingdom Jesus made no distinction –Promised to build His church (Matthew 16:13-18) –Gave the keys to Peter and the rest of the apostles (Matthew 16:19; 18:18) –How did Peter open the door in Acts 2?

Church or Kingdom Paul made no distinction –Letter to church at Corinth addressed to “saints” (1 Corinthians 1:2) –Letter to Colossae addressed to saints in the kingdom (Colossians 1:2, 13)

Church or Kingdom The entrance to both is the same –Must be “born of water and spirit” to enter the kingdom (John 3:3, 5) –Must be baptized in water in order to enter the church (Acts 2:47; 1 Peter 1:23; 3:21)

When Was It Established? Premillennialists say that it was postponed –The Jewish rejection meant God had to change His plan

The Kingdom Postponed “It has been shown in tracing the theme of the Gospel of Matthew that the pivotal point in the Lord’s ministry to Israel was reached in the twelfth chapter, where the rejection of Israel by Christ, because of their announced rejection of Him, and the withdrawal of the offer of the kingdom is recorded. J. Dwight Pentecost, Things to Come, pp , Chart by Ronny Milliner

The Kingdom Postponed Because the nation has rejected Him, the Lord announces the severance of every natural tie by which He was bound to the nation (Matt. 12:46-50). From this announcement of the Lord concerning the rejection of the nation a definite movement may be traced in the withdrawal of the offer of the kingdom.” J. Dwight Pentecost, Things to Come, pp , Chart by Ronny Milliner

When Was It Established? Premillennialists say that it was postponed –The Jewish rejection meant God had to change His plan –According to them the church is a last minute substitute to take up time until He can try it again!

Who Lied?  Did John The Baptist? “The kingdom of heaven is as hand” (Matthew 3:2)  Did Jesus? “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17) Chart by Ronny Milliner

Who Lied?  Did the Twelve? “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:1-7)  Did the Seventy? “The kingdom of God has come near to you” (Luke 10:1-9) Chart by Ronny Milliner

When Was It Established? Prophets tell us “when” and “where” –They speak of the last days of Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-3; Joel 2:28-32) –Last days (Acts 2:16, 17)

When Was It Established? Prophets tell us “when” and “where” –Jerusalem (Luke 24:47, 49; Acts 1:8, 12) –Was this all a matter of coincidence that something unplanned turned out right anyway?

When Was It Established? Four world empires (Daniel 2:31-45) –Babylonian: Nebuchadnezzar –Medo-Persian: Cyrus (Persia) & Darius (Mede)

When Was It Established? Four world empires (Daniel 2:31-45) –Greek: Alexander the Great –Roman: Octavios Caesar –Kingdom established in the days of these kings (v. 44; Matthew 11:11; Mark 9:1)

Nature of The Kingdom Jews longed for an earthly kingdom –They resented Roman domination –Remembered their great history

Nature of The Kingdom Jesus didn’t offer what they wanted –Rejected an earthly one (John 6:15) –Declared it spiritual (John 18:36, 37) –Spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) –Reigning (1 Corinthians 15:24, 27)

Conclusion Beware of this false doctrine Become a citizen in the kingdom