The Gospel that Jesus and Paul proclaimed is Good News about the Kingdom of God. It’s at hand. It’s within and among us. It’s unfolding all around us every day. Our readings in this series are from The Gospel of the Kingdom. Here’s an excerpt from pages 28 and 29:
“The focus of the Good News that Jesus proclaimed is the Kingdom of God, or, the Kingdom of Heaven (these terms are virtually interchangeable). In heralding this Kingdom Jesus was announcing something altogether new in the affairs of men and nations. There are, in fact, six facets to the ‘newness’ which comes with the Kingdom of God. The first of these is the inauguration of a new era in human history.
“In Acts 2.14-17 Peter referred to this ‘new era’ in terms of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, as foretold by the prophet Joel. This new era entails an opening up of revelation, as the Word and will of God become more broadly known among men (vv. 17, 18). The entire cosmos is affected in startling and perhaps alarming ways (vv. 19, 20), and the knowledge of salvation goes out far and wide, to be embraced by all who put their trust in the Lord (v. 21; cf. vv. 38, 39).
“This new era of the Spirit, increased revelation, and the far-reaching message of salvation was foreseen in various ways in the Old Testament. On the first Christian Pentecost Peter heralded the first surge of the Spirit in this new era of the Gospel, but even he would discover greater wonders and mysteries about the rule of Christ as the new era unfolded around him.”
Questions for Reflection or Discussion
1. How would you explain the Kingdom of God to a new believer?
2. What does it mean for us who believe to have been “conveyed” or “transferred” into that Kingdom?
Jesus is King and Lord, and all who know and love Him are ambassadors of His Kingdom. We need to make sure we understand the Good News about Christ and the realm over which He rules. Forward today’s podcast to a friend and invite them to read and discuss with you as you discover the important implications of the coming of the Kingdom of God. Order your copy of The Gospel of the Kingdom by going to The Ailbe Bookstore today.
T. M. Moore
