EMIN200 KINGDOM LIVING IBD

Sinopse

All men live in a natural kingdom of this world. They live in a city or village which is part of a nation. That nation is a kingdom of the world. In addition to this world?s natural kingdoms, two spiritual kingdoms exist. Every person alive resides in one of these two kingdoms: The Kingdom of Satan or the Kingdom of God. This course concerns the Kingdom of God. It introduces the two spiritual kingdoms, their rulers, and their residents. It provides spiritual keys for gaining access to the Kingdom of God and warns of things that result in being cast out of the Kingdom. The past, present, and future of this Kingdom are examined, Kingdom parables are explained, and its patterns and principles of living are stressed. Why is the study of the Kingdom of God critical? Jesus told His followers: 'And 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) Before Jesus returns to set up His Kingdom in its final form, the Gospel of the Kingdom must be extended throughout the world?s nations. To preach the Gospel of the Kingdom, you must understand the Kingdom of God. Before you can become the custodian of the keys to the Kingdom, you must first experience that Kingdom. In the past, much emphasis has been placed on the life and ministry of the King of the Kingdom, Jesus Christ, and rightly so. However, not enough emphasis is given to the Gospel of the Kingdom. Jesus told the religious leaders of His time: 'Ye shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men: For ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in' (Matthew 23:13). It was this Gospel of the Kingdom which was the central purpose of Christ?s life. He began His earthly ministry by declaring the arrival of the Kingdom (Matthew 4:17). He ended His earthly ministry by speaking of things about the Kingdom (Acts 1:3). In between the beginning and ending of His earthly ministry, the emphasis was on the Kingdom: 'And He said unto them, I must preach the Kingdom of God to other cities also, for therefore am I sent' (Luke 4:43).The Kingdom of God was Jesus? most significant concern. His teachings and parables focused on the Kingdom. His miracles were a demonstration of the Kingdom of God in action. The phrases 'Kingdom of God' and 'Kingdom of Heaven' are used over 100 times in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We are told to seek the Kingdom first, pray for it, and preach it. We are taught how to enter the Kingdom and that residency requires a new lifestyle. To enter this Kingdom, maintain residency, and fulfill the commission to preach its Gospel to the world, it is necessary to understand the principles and patterns of the Kingdom. That is the purpose of this course. But there is a greater purpose than just understanding Kingdom principles. You must go beyond mere knowledge of the Kingdom, we must experience it and make it the central purpose of our lives. People seek for meaning in life. They want a cause for which to live and die. Make the Kingdom of God your central purpose of life and ministry. It is a Kingdom that enemy forces cannot shake. It is an eternal cause to which you can give your total allegiance.