Young People's Group

“THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND”

by Pastor Mitch
December 10, 2006

The Preaching Of The Kingdom Of God

“Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.”
Matthew 3:2

For many of us, the concept of the kingdom of God seems nebulous at times. When John the Baptist sought to preach on the kingdom of God, he vigorously sought to dispel the problem of ignorance with reference to this kingdom. Some people thought that God was going to set up a physical kingdom on earth. They thought that the Messiah was going to be a political king ruling over the nation of Israel. How wrong they were! John the Baptist was preaching how the kingdom of God was much nearer to them than they thought. He was speaking of how the eternal kingdom of God was readily available to them, if only they would see beyond the physical to the spiritual. Young people, the kingdom of God is at hand. Let’s seek to understand it and believe in it.

The Content Of The Message Of John The Baptiser

Not much was preached by John with reference to the content of the kingdom of God.
The text of Isaiah 40, however, does give a glimpse of what he must have preached on. Isaiah prophesied that a forerunner would come before the Messiah. This prophecy was fulfilled in the life of John the Baptist. His message would be one of comfort. He would speak of how God would come and be a King and Shepherd to His people. He would lead them in His kingdom. His message would bring great hope to the people.

Being Part Of The Kingdom Of God

If we want to be part of this kingdom of God, our part is to seek it.

1. Seeking Repentance

“Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand”
Matthew 3:2

The word “repent” lexically means to have a change of mind. A repentant person is one who has a change of heart and mind with reference to the problem of sin. There is the existence of a deep sense of remorse and shame against sin. There is a penitent heart.

2. Seeking Fruits Worthy Of Repentance

“Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance”
Matthew 3:8

True repentance would be expressed by fruits. A sincerely remorseful person is one who will take heed of God’s word. He will hate sin and seek to live right before God. Change will come in his life. Young people, the kingdom of God is at hand. Let’s seek to be sure of our entrance into His kingdom by bearing fruits that are worthy of repentance.

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