Jesus and the Kingdom of God -- Joyful Heart Ministries

Jesus and the Kingdom of God

What is the Kingdom of God anyway? Why was this so central in Jesus' teaching?
John the Baptist and later Jesus came with the message, "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!" When will the Kingdom come?
"... but if I cast out demons by the Finger of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you." What do miracles have to do with the Kingdom?
We'll be looking at the tabernacle in the Wilderness and the life of David to see some early themes of the Kingdom.
We'll be examining some of the parables of the Kingdom to understand just what this Kingdom is.
All along the way we'll be evaluating what this means to our individual lives and to our churches' ministries.

Preparing for the Kingdom (Matthew 3:1-17; 4:17). John the Baptist gets people ready for the Messiah's coming.
Responding to the Kingdom (Matthew 13:1-23). The Parable of the Sower. Exposition
Seeking the Kingdom (Matthew 6:19-34). Putting the Kingdom first.
When and Where is the Kingdom? (Luke 17:20-37 and others). Just when did or will the Kingdom come? Exposition. Near Eastern Thrones and the Ark
Costliness of the Kingdom (Mark 10:17-31, Matthew 13:44-46). The Rich Young Ruler and Parables of the Priceless Pearl and Treasures.
Spiritual Nature of the Kingdom (John 3:1-21). Jesus' and Nicodemus' dialog about flesh and Spirit. Exposition
"Forgiveness in the Kingdom" (Matthew 18:21-35; 6:9-15). The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. Exposition.
Breadth and Narrowness of the Kingdom (Luke 13:18-30 with Mark 4:26-29). Passive and active Sides of Kingdom growth.
Serving in the Kingdom (Matthew 25:14-30). The parable of the talents. Exposition
The Call to the Kingdom (Matthew 22:1-14). The Parable of the Great Banquet. Exposition.