Sermon On The Mount: The Kingdom Of God
From that time, Jesus began to preach and to say, 'Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.'
Matthew 4:17 (NKJV)
if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the Kingdom of God has come upon you.
Matthew 12:28 (NKJV)
The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.
Mark 1:15 (NKJV)
He said to them, 'To you, it has been given to know the mystery of the Kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables.’
Mark 4:11 (NKJV)
He said to them, 'I must preach the Kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.'
Luke 4:43 (NKJV)
Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, 'The Kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the Kingdom of God is within you.'
Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV)
Jesus answered, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.
John 3:5 (NKJV)
The Kingdom of God (Heaven)* is featured 6 times in the Sermon on the Mount and 36 times in the Book of Matthew: 34 times said by Jesus Himself. Add 48 from the other Gospels… for a total of 84 statements about God’s Kingdom.
It’s the Tie that binds Christ’s Sermon to us.
Why? The Kingdom of God is Jesus, Himself. It’s His Spirit and His sovereignty. It’s a fellowship of real believers. It’s an oasis of unlimited beauty, peace, power, passion, and purpose.
We don’t have to wait for physical death to enter God’s Gate. Jesus is THE Gate. We enter when His Spirit enters us.
The forces of hell can’t keep this Gate closed. They already tried 2000 years ago.
Satan is left with one scheme: diversion. By all cruel and ingenious means, He seeks to keep us from Heaven on earth, from God’s immigration and safety plan, namely–submission to the King of kings.
Soon, God’s Kingdom will rule unimpeded. For now, we press into that destiny: 'For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now' (Romans 8:22). Until that glorious day, God's Kingdom must be entered individually.
God’s performers are called to herald it. '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. From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, 'Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand' ' (Matthew 4:16-17).**
When? 'Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation' (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Tomorrow is not guaranteed. 'For the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Master made ruler over His household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his Master, when He comes, will find so doing' (Matthew 24:44-46).
How can we show, tell and spread God’s Good News? Read and embrace His Sermon on the Mount. Therein, you invite Him to work through you.
Sermon On The Mount: The Kingdom Of God (Part 3)
* Commentary on The Kingdom of God in The Sermon on the Mount (scroll to Part lll): https://bible.org/seriespage/sermon-mount
* 'What is the Kingdom of Heaven that Jesus proclaims?' (article): http://www.jesuswalk.com/manifesto/kingdom-of-heaven.htm
** Biblical meaning of repentance:
http://christianity.about.com/od/glossary/a/Repentance.htm
http://www.acts17-11.com/repent.html
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.