The Proclamation of the Kingdom

Introduction

Thomas Fuller once said, “The darkest hour of the night comes just before the dawn.”

As I look at our country and all the division of thoughts, words, decisions, and actions, I can’t help but think we are in some dark times.

I also see the coming of the Lord Jesus just on the horizon the day star rising from the East to take his rightful place on the throne of David. But just before the Son of Righteousness arises we find ourselves in that dark hour.

But Jesus said,

Matthew 5:14–16 ESV

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

What a great opportunity when people are living in the darkest hour for the children of God to be the light of the world and lead people out of this darkness into His glorious light.

Definitions:

The Kingdom of God: The sovereignty of God to rule and reign over his creation.

The Gospel: God’s redemptive work of restoring all relationships back to himself.

The restoration between God and humanity. (Love God)

The restoration communion between God and self. (Love Yourself)

The restoration between us and others. (Love Others)

The restoration of all creation back to God. (Love Creation)

What does it take for us to reveal the Kingdom of God to a world that has turned it’s heart, soul, and mind from God.

Prepare for the Kingdom through repentance.

Pursue the Kingdom by following King Jesus.

Promote the Kingdom with Authority.

Proclaim the Kingdom through the healing power of the gospel.

Prepare for the Kingdom through Repentance.

Mark 1:1–5 NKJV

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

Repentance is a lifestyle of decisions based on the truth of God’s Word.

The beginning of repentance is the confession of sin or acknowledging the truth about your current actions against the ways of God.

Repentance is the adjustment of your life to match the known ways of God.

Repentance is a proclamation of living in the Kingdom of God and not under the authority of this world.

Repentance is not sinless perfection but living in the knowledge of the truth.

True repentance leads to a renewing and change of the mind that produces righteous acts of obedience to God.

The more you learn and understand God’s ways the more you can live in repentance.

Pursue the Kingdom by following the King.

Preparation and anticipation of the King produces a pursuit of the King.

Mark 1:14–15 ESV

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

The King of the Kingdom has come.

Jesus is telling the world that we are not waiting on anything. “The time is fulfilled.” The authority of the kingdom is now on Earth. The gospel “good news” of God redemptive work is actively changing things. This statement of Jesus is just as true today as the day he make the proclamation in 26 A.D.

The Kingdom defines purpose and meaning for the followers of the King.

Mark 1:16–18 ESV

Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Following Jesus requires you leaving the passions and pursuits of this world for the passions and pursuits of the heart of God.

Becoming a “Jesus follower of faith” is joining God in what he is doing. The desires of your heart are transformed into the heart and desires of God.

Promote the Kingdom with Authority

Preparation through repentance coupled with the pursuit of the King leads to the promotion of the Kingdom.

Mark 1:21–28 ESV

And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

Authority in the Word of God.

He speaks with authority because His Word is true.

People are searching for the truth knowing deep down truth does exist.

In the forge last Thursday there were two guys that Ray Havens works with that shared no matter what spiritual question they brought to Ray he had an answer and spoke with authority.

Authority over death of this world.

Jesus reveals authority over physical death

Jesus reveals authority over emotional death.

Jesus reveals authority over spiritual death.

Mark 1:29–31 ESV

And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

Proclaim the Kingdom through the healing power of the gospel.

Mark 1:32–34 ESV

That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

The power of the kingdom heals the spiritual issues of sin, the emotional issues of brokenness, and the physical issues of death.

We have the power to proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom today.

We proclaim salvation from the penalty of sin trough King Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice.

We proclaim emotional healing and acceptance through a love relationship with King Jesus and his followers.

We proclaim victory over the powers and principalities of this world that oppress, kill, and destroy through the victory of King Jesus.

Rising to the Challenge

Here are some steps that you can take this week to prepare, pursue, promote, and proclaim the kingdom God.

Repent of your sinful ways and begin to walk in the truth of God’s Word.

Find a friend and mentor that is willing to help you see your blind spots.

Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life as he guides you into all truth.

Learn the truth of the Bible so that you can speak with authority about the kingdom.

Sign up for the Discipleship path here at Reliant and let us teach you the fundamentals of the faith so that you to can speak with authority.

Pursue the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through prayer.

Mark 1:35 ESV

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.