Jesus did not come to overthrow the Roman government, although that's what the Zealots wanted. Neither did Jesus words about the kingdom of God match what the Essenes and Pharisees believed about it. Jesus said to the Pharisees "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:20-20). What did he mean?
2007-12-16 05:00:34 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I've just been reading 'The Lost Message of Jesus' by Steve Chalke. In it he says that the Kingdom is the in-breaking shalom of God and is available now to everyone through Jesus. Is this Biblical?
2007-12-16 23:18:21 · update #1
The entire world of Jesus' day was familiar with the rule of a king over a kingdom of subjects. Yet when Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God he raised the idea to another level, way above mere human lordship. Matthew's gospel used the phrase 'The Kingdom of Heaven' 33 times starting with John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus' ministry by saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.' Matthew only uses 'the kingdom of God' 4 times; Mark & Luke use it regularly.
The Kingdom of Heaven / God is the rule of God and is both a present reality and a future hope. This teaching was central to Jesus' ministry, being mentioned 50 times by Matthew alone. In the quote made from Luke's gospel, Jesus is probably saying this Kingdom is spiritual and, by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in a subject, becomes internal. Also, bear in mind that Jesus is the King of the Kingdom, so to be in Jesus' presence is to be 'near' to that Kingdom in a very real and particular way.
When the Queen of the United Kingdom drives or walks down a street thronged with her subjects, they are in the presence of the monarchial rule as epitomised by her Majesty. They are not only reminded that monarchy exists in the land but they can see the symbols of its power. People presented to her rightly bow or curtsey. People coming before Jesus frequently fell down on their knees before him - even those coming to arrest him did that! Now that he is glorified and back on the throne of Heaven (Rev. 5:6 & 8 & 13-14) he receives worship from those in Heaven, and his subjects here on Earth. We can experience the reality of Christ's rule over us by the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling us. This privilege is given to those who put all their faith in Christ to save them from their sins. They then become subjects of Christ's Kingdom and the 'deposit' of the Holy Spirit is the guarantee that they will be in the Heavenly Kingdom of God. 'Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven' says the Lord's prayer. The more we subject ourself to Christ the King, the more the Kingdom of God is lived out in human lives as a witness to an unbelieving, rebellious world.
2007-12-17 04:16:23 · answer #1 · answered by Annsan_In_Him 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
From the bible prospective the "Kingdom of God is the Holyspirit" and each time it is mentioned the Holyspirit or his work is brought to view. In John, Jesus says, except we be born again we can not see or enter the kingdom of God. That means to decern it or be enjoined to the kingdom as well as enter it or see it spiritually. Jesus casted out the demons of many by what he called the "finger of God" and then said if I cast out the satan by the finger of God then the kingdom has come to you. In the beginings of his ministry he would say, "Repent, the kingdom of God is at hand". In Romans14:17, Apostle Paul describes the kingdom this way. "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the HolyGhost". The Kingdom of Jesus as promised by God to king David is the one that will come after this world has passed away. Psalm 89:4, Isaiah 9:6,7, Psalm110:1 and Daniel 7:13,14. These two are often confused as the same but both are united for mankind on earth. This kingodm is why we need the Holyspirit(Kingdom of God) to help us be worthy to reign with Christ.
2007-12-17 07:58:05 · answer #2 · answered by princecurtis7 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The kingdom of God is within. It is not a temple that can be torn down or an idol that can be broken. It is a treasure within each of us that cannot be taken away by violence, torture or death. We just have to acknowledge that it is there and then use our awareness to learn to get along and be kind to each other.This will make the world a better place and give us hope when life is hard.
2007-12-16 05:32:54 · answer #3 · answered by Cassie 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, those who worship God in Spirit and in truth go in and out of His Spiritual kingdom and FIND PASTURE.
Romans 2:29, "But he is a Jew, which is one INWARDLY; and circumcision is that of the heart, IN THE SPIRIT, and not in the letter;whose praise is not of men, but of God". If our heart has been circumcised by the operation of God, then we are spiritual Jews, and of the Spiritual kingdom, New Jerusalem. Circumcision is the cutting away of the flesh, not of works but of Grace, lest any man should boast; Eph 2:8-9.
Now, can we find these spiritual Jews within this spiritual kingdom mentioned within scripture? Yes, Hebrews 12:22, "But ye ARE come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM".
2007-12-17 01:56:31 · answer #4 · answered by TruthSeeker 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
In the gnostic gospel of Thomas Jesus says: "The kingdom of God is inside you & all around you. Not in buildings, wood or stone. Lift a rock & I am there, split a piece of wood & you shall find me."
2007-12-16 05:05:31 · answer #5 · answered by Concept Styles 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
True Christianity encourages the use of both the heart and the mind in building faith that pleases God.
JESUS CHRIST taught his followers: “You must pray, then, this way: ‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.’” (Matthew 6:9, 10) This prayer, known to many as the Our Father, or the Lord’s Prayer, explains the purpose of God’s Kingdom.
By means of the Kingdom, God’s name will be sanctified. It will be cleared of all the dishonor that has been heaped upon it as a result of the rebellion of Satan and man. This is vital. The happiness of all intelligent creatures depends on their holding God’s name sacred and willingly accepting his right to rule.—Revelation 4:11.
2007-12-16 05:05:56 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Yes, once you accept Christ as your Savior, it is within you but will also be in eternity. The Jews rejected the Savior and now all who trust in the Lord for Salvation are GOD's new chosen people.
2007-12-17 02:04:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think that the very fact that they use the term "KINGDOM" of God' should tell you that it's man made since the very concept of a king is a human one, why would a god need to be a king? When did he inherit this "kingdom"?
The concept of monarchy existed before Christianity came about; i.e. the Egyptian pharaohs.
2007-12-16 05:06:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋