5 Minute Lessons on the Kingdom of God
Jesus Commissions His Followers to Preach God's Kingdom
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After Jesus' baptism by John, He went to Capernaum and began His public ministry.
"From that time (the beginning of his public ministry) Jesus began to preach (and continued to preach, the Greek uses the present tense, something that continues, habitually, over and over), and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17 KJV)

[And] "23Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 24News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon-possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all." (Matthew 4:23‑24 NLT)

"1Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, 2along with some women he had healed and from whom he had cast out evil spirits..." (Luke 8:1‑2 NLT)

[And Jesus said], "43...'I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.' 44So he continued to travel around, preaching in synagogues throughout Judea." (Luke 4:43‑44 NLT)

Jesus then commissioned His twelve apostles to preach and do as He had done.
"1One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out demons and to heal all diseases. 2Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick." (Luke 9:1‑2 NLT)

"12And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
13And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them."
(Mark 6:12‑13 KJV)

"6So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick." (Luke 9:6 NLT)

Jesus then commissioned 70 others to preach the message of the Kingdom of God.
"1After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2Then He said to them, 'The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'" (Luke 10:1‑2 NKJV)

"8Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9And heal the sick there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'
10But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11'The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.'"
(Luke 10:8‑11 NKJV)

Did Jesus preach the gospel of the Kingdom and the Apostle Paul preach the gospel of grace? What does Acts 20:24‑25 say?
"24But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God (see John 1:17).
25'And now I know that none of you to whom
I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again." (Acts 20:24‑25 NLT)

Can you see that "the preaching of the Kingdom" and "God's wonderful grace" are one and the same message (Galatians 1:8)?

Paul said the same thing in Acts 28:28‑31.
"28So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.'
30For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, 31boldly
proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him." (Acts 28:28‑31 NLT)

Can you see that "proclaiming the Kingdom of God" is "this salvation" that is from God?
"3So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself...? 4...God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose." (Hebrews 2:3‑4 NLT)

And it is this gospel that must be preached in all the world before He again appears.
"14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matthew 24:14 KJV)

Do you believe this?
Questions
  1. Examine Acts 20:24-25.
    "'24But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God (see John 1:17).
    "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." - John 1:17 (KJV)
    25'And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again." - Acts 20:24-25 NLT
    Can you not see that "the preaching of the Kingdom" and "God's wonderful grace" are one and the same message (Galatians 1:8)?
  2. Examine Acts 28:28-31.
    "'28So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.'
    30For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, 31boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him."
    ‑ Acts 28:28-31 (NLT)
    Can you see that "proclaiming the Kingdom of God" is "this salvation" that is from God?
  3. Examine Matthew 19:16, 22-23, 25.
    "16Someone came to Jesus with this question: 'Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?'
    22But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
    23Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.'
    25The disciples were astounded. 'Then who in the world can be saved?' they asked."
    ‑ Matthew 19:16, 22-23, 25 (NLT)
    It is clear that this rich man was asking about eternal life. He turned away Jesus' offer of eternal life and entrance into the kingdom of God. Then the disciples said, who can be saved? Eternal life, entering the kingdom, and being saved are being used as synonyms. Check this out for yourself.
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