Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The Doctrine of the Kingdom of God

a) An important Teaching

i) Real

ii) Relevant

b) But it was a Teaching that was:

i) Poorly understood

ii) Politically inclined

2. This Theme was one of the Major Teachings of the Lord Jesus

a) Correction was needed

b) Comfort may be found

c) Concrete application may be made

3. New Easter Pulpit series of Messages

a) The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ

b) The Gospel of the Kingdom of God

c) A fresh appreciation of the Lord Jesus Christ

d) A deeper understanding of the Message of the Kingdom of God He preached

e) To be challenged to share our personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

THE COMMENCMENT OF THE PUBLIC MINISTRY OF THE LORD JESUS

1. Noted by the Gospel writers: Matthew

12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:
15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles:
16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,
And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death
Light has dawned.” 17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”   Matthew 4:12-17

a) The Problem stated candidly

i) Sitting in darkness

ii) In the region and shadow of death

b) The Solution offered

i) Great Light

ii) The Kingdom of heaven is at hand

2. Noted by the Gospel writers: Mark

14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”   Mark 1:14-15

a) Preaching the gospel

“Preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God”   Mark 1:14

b) Time

“The time is fulfilled”   Mark 1:15a

c) At hand

“The Kingdom of God is at hand”   Mark 1:15b

d) Believe

“Believe in the gospel”   Mark 1:15c

3. Noted by the Gospel writers: Luke

42 Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; 43 but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” 44 And He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.   Luke 4:42-44

a) The crowd tried to keep the Lord from leaving them

b) His answer:

i) Preaching the kingdom of God

“I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also”   Luke 4:43a

ii) Purpose of God

“Because for this purpose I have been sent”   Luke 4:43b

THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL WITH POWER

23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. 24 Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. 25 Great multitudes followed Him—from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.   Matthew 4:23-25

1. In the synagogues   (Matthew 4:23)

2. With divine power

a) Healing all kinds of sicknesses

b) All kinds of diseases

c) Healing all who were demon-possessed   (Matthew 4:23-24)

Great success was found

3. Great multitudes followed Him   (Matthew 4:25)

CONCLUSION

1. The Relevance of the Message of the Kingdom of God

a) It is the Gospel of Salvation

b) It is Light amidst darkness

c) It is Hope amidst despair

d) It is Power that overcomes

2. A Real Relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ

a) He is the King of the Kingdom of heaven

b) He invites all to enter into His Kingdom

i) Through repentance

ii) Through regeneration

iii) Through faith