THE CHURCH - KINGDOM OF PROPHECY
Intro:
1. Although Matt. 16:18 is the first time the word "church" is used in the Bible, much is said about the church before this.
2. The Old Testament clearly points to the establishment of a kingdom after the Messiah came to earth.
3. What we propose to show is that the kingdom that is foretold in the Old Testament is fulfilled in the existence of the church today.
4. The church is made up of those who have been called out of the world into the kingdom of God. No longer separated from God by sin, but reconciled to Him and submissive to the rule of Christ, citizens of the kingdom.
5. The premillennialist is still looking for the kingdom promised in the Old Testament to come. However, if this kingdom is in existence today, we need not look for another.
6. By examining a few simple questions concerning the kingdom, I think that we can see that the kingdom now exists:
I. When Was The Kingdom To Be Established?
A. "In the days of these kings." (Dan. 2:36-44)
1. Four kingdoms were foretold - Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek and Roman.
2. The kingdom of prophecy was to be set up in the days of the fourth kingdom - the Roman kings.
B. It was to be set up at the time of Christ's ascension into heaven. (Dan. 7:13-14)
C. It was to be set up "in the last days." (Isaiah 2:2-4; Joel 2:28-32)
D. We see the fulfillment of all this during New Testament times -- the first century, A.D.
1. The Roman kings (fourth kingdom) was now in power. (Luke 3:1-3, etc.)
2. The kingdom was to come within the lifetime of those living at that time. (Mark 9:1)
3. Christ ascended to heaven at this time. (Acts 1:9)
4. This is the time referred to by the prophets as "the last days." (Acts 2:14-21)
5. The church was established at the time that the prophets said the kingdom would appear.
II. Who Was To Rule In The Kingdom?
A. "Seed of David." (2 Sam. 7:12-16; Ps. 89:3-4)
B. However, we are told that this Seed could not be a physical ruler on a physical throne on earth. (Jer. 22:28-30)
C. Christ fulfilled the requirements of the seed of David ruling on a spiritual rather than a physical throne.
1. He was David's Seed. (Matt. 1:1)
2. He has been seated on David's throne. (Acts 2:29-32)
3. Christ never claimed that he would rule in a physical kingdom on earth. (John 18:36; Luke 17:20-21)
4. In fact, Christ would not allow himself to be made a physical king. (John 6:15)
III. Where Was The Kingdom To Be Established?
A. In Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:2-3; Joel 2:32; Micah 4:1-2)
B. The church was established in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 1:6 ff; Acts 2)
IV. Who Will Be Subjects In The Kingdom?
A. Not Jews only, but "all nations." (Isaiah 2:2-4)
B. Indeed, all nations became subject of Christ after the establishment of the church. (Acts 2:5 ff, 39; Acts 8:4; Acts 10:34-35; etc.)
V. Is The Church The Kingdom Of Prophecy?
A. Those in the church at Colosse were said to be in the kingdom. (Col. 1:13)
B. Both have the same ruler - Christ. (Eph. 1:20-23)
C. The church meets all the requirements that we have previously discussed.
1. It was established in "the last days," in the days of the Roman kings.
2. Christ rules over it.
3. It was established in Jerusalem.
4. All nations are subjects of it.
VI. What If The Kingdom Is Not In Existence Now?
A. The "new birth" is an impossibility. The new birth puts one into the kingdom. (John 3:5) -- There is no kingdom to enter. Therefore, no need to be "born again."
B. We are still in darkness. All men are doomed to remain in darkness since we cannot escape into the kingdom. (Col. 1:13)
C. Christ failed in his mission. Christ is a failure. (John 18:37)
D. It dethrones Christ. We can no longer confess Christ as Lord (Acts 2:36) or as King of Kings (1 Tim. 6:15).
Concl:
1. The Scriptures teach that the kingdom is in existence today.
2. There is no need to look for the coming of another kingdom.
3. Each one of us needs to do whatever is necessary to enter that kingdom today.
4. Are you in the kingdom?