Hello Church - Purposed to Expand
In the heart of Jesus' teachings lies a profound and enduring message: the kingdom of God. From the earliest days of His ministry to His final moments on Earth, Jesus emphasized the significance of God's kingdom. Today, we delve into what this means for us as believers and how we can actively play a part in expanding God's rule on Earth.
The Kingdom's Proclamation
In the Gospel of Matthew, we encounter Jesus' powerful words in Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for they will receive the kingdom." This is just the beginning. In Matthew 10:7, He instructs His disciples to declare, "The kingdom of heaven has come near." These words weren't mere statements; they were a call to action. Jesus wanted His followers to understand the imminent presence of the kingdom.
Furthermore, in Matthew 24:14, Jesus unveils the profound truth that "this is the gospel of the kingdom." He foretells its global proclamation, signaling the nearing of the end times. The message is clear: the kingdom is central to His mission and our faith.
The Kingdom vs. The New Birth
It's intriguing to note that while the new birth is undeniably crucial, Jesus seldom preached about it. He mentioned the new birth to one individual on one occasion. Instead, His primary focus was on the kingdom. The new birth serves as the entry point into the kingdom, but it's just the beginning of our journey within it.
The Roman Influence
To grasp the divine plan at work, we must consider the rise of the Roman Empire. This powerful empire introduced a novel approach to expansion: colonization. Instead of uprooting conquered people, the Romans brought their culture and order to the conquered territories. This approach influenced Jesus' ministry, and here's why.
God sent Jesus into a world controlled by the Roman Empire because the stage was set perfectly for His message. He came as the governor of the conquered land, bringing the culture of heaven to Earth. This was a strategic move by God to prepare the world for the kingdom message.
Our Role in Expanding the Kingdom
Today, as believers, we continue this mission to expand God's kingdom. We are the modern-day ambassadors, charged with bringing the culture of heaven to Earth. But how do we achieve this? There are three clear markers of the kingdom's expansion:
Undeniable Display of God's Power: Miracles are a testament to the kingdom's authority. We must not shy away from praying for healing and supernatural intervention, as we serve as vessels for God's power.
Overwhelming Sense of His Presence: Revival is marked by an overwhelming sense of God's presence. Every moment, from our waking hours to our interactions with others, should be infused with a profound awareness of God's nearness.
Irresistible Draw of the Spirit: The Father draws people to Jesus. As the church, we are His representatives and ambassadors, demonstrating forgiveness, love, kindness, and more. Through our actions, we create an irresistible draw toward God.
In essence, the mission of the church, including our own C3 community, is to expand God's kingdom through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We accomplish this by embodying the principles and values of the kingdom in our daily lives and interactions.
Let's embrace our divine calling, going into our communities, workplaces, and schools, and actively bring the culture of heaven to Earth, just as Jesus did during His time on this Roman-dominated planet. Our role is pivotal in expanding God's kingdom, and together, we can help bring heaven to Earth.