kingdom – La Vista Church of Christ https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms Sun, 21 Dec 2025 01:26:45 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cropped-LaVistaBanner-Copy-1-32x32.png kingdom – La Vista Church of Christ https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms 32 32 157465916 The Kingdom Came https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/the-kingdom-came/ Sun, 21 Dec 2025 01:26:45 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=92715

by Terry Wane Benton

In Daniel 2:44f, the kingdom of heaven was coming. But four earthly kingdoms were on the docket to come before this very special kingdom. Daniel explained to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, that his kingdom would be left to the Medes and Persians (the second kingdom on earth before the heavenly kingdom would come), and then a third kingdom, the Macedonian or Grecian kingdom (the third kingdom in the sequence of earthly kingdoms), and then a fourth kingdom would come, the Roman kingdom. The prophecy said that during this fourth earthly kingdom period, the God of heaven would set up a different kind of kingdom that “would never be destroyed.” The question we need to ask is this: “Did that kingdom come during that fourth kingdom?”

Since God cannot lie or fail, that kingdom had to come in the days of the Roman Empire.

During the Roman kingdom, John the Baptist and shortly Jesus too were both preaching that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Mark says that Jesus was preaching “the gospel of the kingdom of God” (Mark 1:14) and saying, “The time is fulfilled” (Mark 1:15). The time was designated by Daniel 2:44f; 9:24f. If the kingdom did not come in the right time, then Jesus cannot be a true prophet, much less the Son of God.

The kingdom of God came at the right time. Daniel was correct as He was guided by the Holy Spirit (II Peter 1:19ff). John and Jesus were both correct that the time was “at hand”. But Jesus also said it would come with power while His disciples were still alive (Mark 9:1). They would see “the kingdom of God present with power.”

After Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension back to heaven, the Holy Spirit came with power on that first Pentecost day (Acts 2:1ff). They saw that Jesus was “Now both Lord and Christ (anointed King)” (Acts 2:36), and now you could be baptized in His name (by His authority) and receive “remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). That is a kingdom that rules from the inside, meeting the needs of the soul.

Before Pentecost, the kingdom was “at hand,” almost here. But after Pentecost, it is no longer spoken of as “at hand.” In fact, people were right then being “translated out of darkness and into the kingdom of God’s dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). That kingdom is here among us (Luke 17:20-21), and it is of such nature that it cannot be destroyed.

Jesus said that His kingdom was “not of this world” (John 18:36). It comes from heaven and fills hearts by means of the “seed of the kingdom” (Luke 8:11). The word of God is the “incorruptible seed” (I Peter 1:23). Planting this incorruptible seed in the heart, plants the kingdom within, and since the seed of the kingdom is incorruptible, there is no way to destroy this kingdom. The gospel is the word of God, and it is the “power of God” unto salvation to everyone that believes (Romans 1:16). As long as the word of God remains on earth, the kingdom of God remains here.

This indestructible kingdom came, and it remains until the last day when Jesus delivers it back to the Father in heaven (I Corinthians 15:22f). Have you been born of the water and Spirit to see and enter this kingdom? (John 3:1-6). Do not miss out on this wonderful opportunity! The kingdom is here now. It is a spiritual kingdom, and God wants it now in your heart so that you can enter the coming immortal phase of that kingdom when He comes to present it back to the Father. What a glorious day that will be!

]]> 92715 The Nature of the Kingdom of God https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/the-nature-of-the-kingdom-of-god/ Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:03:50 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=92635

by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.
via Biblical Insights, Vol. 15 No. 2, February 2015

“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21; KJV).

No doubt, the Pharisees had in mind restoring Israel as an earthly kingdom with an earthly head (the Messiah of the Davidian dynasty), with the geographical territory of old Israel to save them from Roman domination. Jesus made it plain that His kingdom was not a kingdom that could be observed in that way. The domain of His kingdom would be in the hearts of its citizens. This is the nature of the kingdom into which saved people were later translated (Colossians 1:13) or church (number) to which they were added (Acts 2:47). They recognized Jesus as both Lord and Savior (II Peter 1:11; 2:20; 3:2, 18). This is what the terms of the Great Commission demand of them (Matthew 28:19-20). They accepted Him as Savior by being baptized “into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” It is here that they were saved from sin by being forgiven (Acts 2:38). They also accepted Him as Lord by committing themselves to “obey all things commanded.” Many are eager to accept the Savior part, but not as eager to accept the Lord part.

Hence, the biblical kingdom of God is that of being in the hearts of its citizens rather than an entity that is structurally or geographically observable. This is where “kingdom” and “church” are used interchangeably. The kingdom is made up of all, everywhere, who are ruled in their hearts by Jesus, the King. The church (Gr. ekklesia) means a called-out assembly or body, used in two senses - locally and universally. Whether viewed as an ekklesia with Jesus as Head or as a kingdom with Jesus as King, it is not physically assembled nor structurally organized. It is simply all who are ruled by Christ in their hearts, reflecting that subjection in their lives daily.

This differs from the “historical church” because the “historical church” can be pointed to as being ‘lo here!” and “lo there!” It came into play after the “universal church” took on organizational structure with earthly “officers” and “headquarters.” This was a departure from the New Testament concept of the kingdom. It historically evolved into a body with even more powerful earthly “officers,” with larger “headquarters,” up to and including the papacy. The so-called Reformers, during the “Reformation Movement,” made valiant efforts to reform what were considered excesses of the historical church. They failed. The only way to “reform” this church would be to do away with it and recognize the New Testament concept of the kingdom or church. There is no way to tell how many people there may have been over the years of the historical church who were not part of it, but who lived their lives having been saved from their sins and in submission to the Lordship of Christ in their hearts. Even at this moment, because of the nature of the kingdom (or universal church), we cannot know how many and who they are over the world who are saved, having obeyed the gospel, and who are submitting to the will of Christ in their hearts.

The only organized manifestation of those who have the King ruling in their hearts is the local church. They recognize that the Bible shows that early citizens of the kingdom (those in whose hearts Jesus was King), in various geographical locations, joined with others of like precious faith near them to form local organizations, called “churches,” to meet in physical assemblies for worship and mutual edification, planning and doing collective spiritual work, and operating with recognizable organizational structure, with qualified local men being appointed and serving as elders and deacons. It is the work of the local church of which we speak when we speak of “the work of the church.” As organized entities, they were easily recognizable as being “lo here” or “lo there.” They conducted business as autonomous units, yet they had an interest in the welfare of other such units. They were at physical locations that could be identified. They received and sent communications and goods between them (Colossians 4:16; Acts 15:23; Romans 15:26). They operated in the spiritual realm and recognized that the members had another realm of operation (secular) to be kept separate from the local church’s spiritual realm (I Corinthians 11:22, 34).

Citizens in the kingdom are always subject to the lordship of Christ in their hearts, even as they operate in the secular realm apart from the spiritual activities of the local church. Please note the number of times their relationship to “the Lord” is appealed to as the motive of parents, children, servants, and masters (Colossians 3:18-4:1).

]]> 92635 God’s Kingdom and the Nations https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/gods-kingdom-and-the-nations/ Wed, 29 Oct 2025 23:35:36 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=91657

by Doy Moyer

The United States, for all the good (and bad) that is found therein, is not the Kingdom of God. When we act like it is, we will almost surely misuse Scripture. I saw a post trying to parallel Israel’s covenant law against a foreigner ruling over them with leaders in the US (e.g., Deuteronomy 17:15; 28:43-44). I know there are important principles to consider, but equating America with ancient Israel is a mistake. The USA is not God’s chosen nation on par with what He did with Israel. Not even close.

God raised up Israel to be a special, holy nation for His purposes in bringing about the Messiah (i.e., the seed promise). The land and nation promises were important to fulfilling the seed promise (Genesis 12:1-7), but were not an end in themselves. His prohibitions about foreigners had to do with their taking the people away from His covenant. America is not in a similar covenant relationship with God, however, and does not operate with this covenant as its Constitution. Indeed, this would not be possible today. It’s not even possible for modern Israel to operate that way. After all, if they want to keep the Law of Moses, they will not be at liberty to pick and choose which laws to keep and which to ignore. However, God brought about the end (completion, fulfillment) of the Law through Jesus Christ (Romans 10:4), who could only be our great High Priest because there was a change in the Law (Hebrews 7:11-14). The shadows have given way to the substance.

Do we want good people governing in the USA? Of course we do. We want moral, principled people who ideally recognize God in their service. What we do not want, and what is unbiblical, is the equating of America with God’s kingdom. Nor should we act as though we have some special pact with God as an earthly nation not available to any other nation in the world. At the end of the day, the USA is another nation that will go the way of all earthly nations, outlasted by the eternal kingdom of heaven (see Daniel 2:44-45). “The kingdoms of earth pass away one by one, but the kingdom of heaven remains.” We want to exert godly influence in any way we can. We want lights shining whenever and wherever possible (Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:14-26). But this is true no matter where we are, regardless of the physical boundaries we happen to reside in. We pray that God bless America, but I also hope we pray God bless other nations, for residing within each physical nation are individuals who belong to Him and whose names are written in the Book of Life. The kingdom of God is spread throughout the earth.

Concerning God’s kingdom, we remember the words of Jesus: “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world” (John 18:36). God’s kingdom transcends all earthly kingdoms. It knows no physical boundaries, has no earthly government controlling others, and is characterized not by physical warfare and violence, but by beating swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks so that nations do not lift up sword against another nor learn war (Isaiah 2:2-4).

God does have a special, holy nation today, but it is not one known by its material boundaries or physical characteristics. This nation is Christ’s body, a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession” proclaiming His excellencies (I Peter 2:9). The people of God are comprised of those “from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9; cf. Acts 10:34-35). These have not been coerced into His kingdom, but have willingly been delivered from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of His dear Son (Colossians 1:13-14), and are soldiers of Christ fighting a battle, not against flesh and blood, but “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Just as the people of God are found within all nations, so are the enemies of God. It’s not that one particular nation is God’s enemy, but rather anyone within any nation who opposes Him fits that bill. Any nation can be Babylon, of course, but we also recognize that the prowling lion has its claws in people everywhere (cf. I Peter 5:8).

Scripture warns against trusting in earthly princes (Psalms 146:3). While God oversees the rise and fall of nations and leaders (Daniel 4:34-35), worldly leaders will generally exhibit worldly attitudes. No matter who governs the kingdoms of this world, however, Christians gladly work under the reign of the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose name is the Word of God, and from whose mouth comes a sharp sword by which to strike down the nations (Revelation 19:11-16). He is the One in whom we put our trust.

]]> 91657 If the Kingdom of God Has Come … and It Has https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/if-the-kingdom-of-god-has-come-and-it-has/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:23:56 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=87899

by Zeke Flores

If the kingdom of God has come — and the Bible emphatically states that it has — then the theory of premillennialism is heretical

King Jesus isn't coming back to establish His kingdom; He's already done it. His sacrifice has provided a once-for-all remedy for sin, and the Spirit has provided and preserved the word of God so we can know it and do it. His resurrection has emphatically declared His status as the Son of God. Furthermore, King Jesus reigns now as He sits at the right hand of God until the time when He terminates the earth, brings time to a close, and takes His saved ones home to heaven.

No, the next time He appears will be in the air and not on earth, and it will be for judgment; a judgment of salvation for some, and condemnation for others.

We had better be ready.

"He rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son in whom we have redemption" (Colossians 1:13-14).

"When Jesus comes, it will be 'to give relief to you who are afflicted' ... when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angles in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus" (II Thessalonians 1:8).

]]> 87899 The Mountain https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/the-mountain/ Thu, 24 Apr 2025 23:51:52 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=86768

by Terry Wane Benton

Christians have come "to the mountain that may not be touched" (Hebrews 12:18-25). It is a spiritual mountain. It is "in Christ" in "the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3). Our mountain is "exalted above the hills" (Isaiah 2:1-4). Our mountain is Mount Zion, and it is "the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22).

We come to it when we are "translated out of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son" (Colossians 1:13). On this spiritual mountain, we see things clearly. We see the temporal things of earth, and we see the eternal things of heaven. Here, we gain a better perspective on this world, recognizing its lowly and temporal nature, and a clearer view of heaven and the eternal. Come up here and truly see!

In this mountain, we have safety, forgiveness of sins, and renewal of faith in Jesus. On this mountain, we do not refuse Him who speaks (Hebrews 12:25). We listen with all our heart and relish every word He speaks. He has the words of eternal life, and we value each word and allow it to mold and shape us.

On Pentecost, many Jews came to the mountain that could be touched, but 3,000 came to the mountain that could not be touched. Many Jews came to the earthly Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. 3,000 entered heavenly Jerusalem that day. They could truly see what the others failed to see.

Have you come to the mountain yet? Come on up! The view is awesome!

]]> 86768 The Glory of the Son https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/the-glory-of-the-son/ Mon, 03 Mar 2025 01:14:48 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=62530

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Text: Matthew 16:21-28

 

I.         To the dismay of his disciples, Jesus began to speak of his pending death. (See also Mark 8:31-9:1 and Luke 9:21-27)

            A.        They did not realize how important that death was to the plans of God, and when Peter declared that God would not allow such a thing to happen, Jesus sharply rebuked him.

            B.        Immediately after announcing his death, Jesus tells his disciples they must be willing to give up everything as well.

                        1.         Saving one’s life for the moment is small payment for losing eternal life.

                        2.         Jesus was going to die, but he would be resurrected.

            C.        Jesus was going to come in glory with his angels

                        1.         Every man’s deeds would be recompensed.

                        2.         In other words, if you want to be on the winning side, start acting like it.

            D.        Then comes Jesus statement that some would live to see the day Jesus comes into his kingdom

            E.        This has caused people a bit of difficulty

                        1.         Verse 27 sounds like Jesus’s second coming, but verse 28 speaks of it occurring within some of their lifetimes

                        2.         Those of us who have been students of the Bible for a while probably recognize that verse 28 is speaking of the church, but then is verse 27 a totally different topic or related to verse 28?

            F.        One mistake many people make in regards to New Testament prophesy is to assume that most statements dealing with the future is talking about Jesus’s second coming.

                        1.         The New Testament does speak at length of Jesus’s return, but it is not the only thing spoken of.

                        2.         The best thing is to let the Bible define it’s terminology instead of our assuming its meaning.

II.        Jesus coming into glory and a kingdom

            A.        The phrase seems to be an allusion to a prophecy in Daniel 7.

                        1.         After seeing a vision of four terrible beasts, Daniel sees this – Daniel 7:9-12

                        2.         It is a vision of God, and Daniel learns that the beasts, despite the boasts, would not last.

                        3.         But the vision continues - Daniel 7:13-14

                        4.         Portions of the vision are explained for us - Daniel 7:15-18

                        5.         Yet Daniel was curious about the fourth beast and especially the horn - Daniel 7:21-27

            B.        This vision is similar to an earlier vision given to Nebuchadnezzar - Daniel 2:31-45

                        1.         An everlasting kingdom would be established during the fourth empire, starting from the Babylonian empire.

            C.        Daniel 7:13-14 tells us who will rule the kingdom

                        1.         One like a son of Man would receive dominion (rule), glory, and a kingdom.

                        2.         It will be an eternal kingdom made of people from all nations.

            D.        Compare this to I Corinthians 15:23-28

                        1.         Christ is ruling until all things are subject to him.

                        2.         Compare verse 27 to Ephesians 1:22-23

                                    a.         Jesus’ kingdom is the church

                        3.         But with that kingdom came the glory of the Father - Ephesians 1:18-21

            E.        Jesus has a kingdom, in which he holds the preeminent position - Colossians 1:18

                        1.         I Timothy 6:16 - Jesus has honor and eternal dominion

                        2.         I Peter 4:11 - To Jesus belongs glory and dominion forever

                        3.         I Peter 5:11 - To Jesus belongs dominion forever

                        4.         Revelation 1:6 - He made us a kingdom of priests. To him belongs glory and dominion forever.

                        5.         Revelation 5:13 - To God and Jesus belong blessings, honor, glory, and dominion forever.

III.       Jesus promised that he would come into his kingdom during the lifetime of some of his listeners.

            A.        Just prior to the statements in Matthew 16:24-28, Jesus promised to build his church, which he also calls the kingdom - Matthew 16:18-19

            B.        That coming would be with power according to the parallel account in Mark 9:1

            C.        After he was resurrected, he told his disciples that they would be clothed in power - Luke 24:49

            D.        Just before his ascension, Jesus said that power would come with the Holy Spirit - Acts 1:8

            E.        That promise was fulfilled in Acts 2:1-4 when the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost and the Lord’s church was established - Acts 2:41

            F.        The Lord’s supper would be drunk with Christ in the kingdom - Matthew 26:29

                        1.         Paul shows this is fulfilled in I Corinthians 11:23-26

IV.      But what about the part with Jesus coming with his angels to render to each man according to his deeds?

            A.        Rendering to each man according to his deeds is another way of saying bringing judgment

                        1.         Eternal judgment - Romans 2:5-6

                        2.         When we appear before the judgment seat of Christ - II Corinthians 5:10

            B.        Similarly the phrase coming with angels also refers to judgment

                        1.         Jude 14-15 - to execute judgment on the ungodly

                        2.         Zechariah 14:5-8 - speaks of God coming to Jerusalem in judgment, yet not final judgment since people flee and living water flows from Jerusalem afterward.

                        3.         In the description of the fall of Jerusalem - Matthew 24:29-31. I believe this is the same event described in Zechariah 14:5-8

            C.        Notice a similar phrase is coming on clouds

                        1.         Jesus told the high priest he would see Jesus in power coming on the clouds - Matthew 26:64

                        2.         The destruction of Egypt is describe as God coming on the clouds - Isaiah 19:1

            D.        The description is that when Jesus comes in glory and his kingdom, he will be bringing judgment.

                        1.         It could refer to the final judgment at the end of the world

                        2.         He could be referring to his judgment against Israel for rejecting him and his kingdom.

                        3.         After all, since Jesus came into glory and a kingdom, he had the right to execute judgment

V.        Jesus’s warning to his followers is that if they wish to share in his glory and avoid destruction, they must be loyal.

            A.        Jesus will only acknowledge his followers - Luke 12:8-9

            B.        The trustworthy statement - II Timothy 2:10-13

            C.        Will you not stand for your Savior this day?

]]> 62530 His Dominion Will Be Vast https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/his-dominion-will-be-vast/ Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:13:55 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=74147

by Terry Wane Benton

Isaiah 9:7 is interesting. Some brethren use it to teach that the kingdom on earth will keep "increasing" and never have an earth-ending moment and a transferal to heaven. But the "increase" is about the "prosperity" experienced rather than the kingdom growing on earth forever. The NET (New English Translation) says, "His dominion will be vast, and He will bring immeasurable prosperity."

Ephesians, written before AD 70, shows how this played out. Ephesians 1:3-7 speak of the "riches of His grace" supplied in Christ at the time He was raised and seated at the right hand "far above all principality and power and might and dominion" (Ephesians 1:20-23). See! Long before AD 70, His dominion was "vast" and "far above" all dominions known among men on earth. He was made "head" over all things to the church. His dominion was vast, and He was bringing "immeasurable prosperity," "every spiritual blessing," and "exceeding riches of His grace" (Ephesians 2:7). There is "immeasurable prosperity" for the soul in Christ. Paul was already preaching among the Gentiles "the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Ephesians 3:8). He says the "eternal purpose was accomplished in Christ" (Ephesians 3:11). He speaks of the vastness of the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:16-19) "which passes knowledge."

That is the increase of His government and peace that has no end. That is the dominion that is so vast, and that is the "immeasurable prosperity" that we can have in our hearts. It will not stop because it will keep increasing in our minds and hearts through the knowledge of Him into eternity when we take on immortality. The earth and all its lust will pass away, but those who do the will of God will last forever (I John 2:15-17). They have a treasure inside that is vast and immeasurable that never ends. Is it ever increasing in your heart?

]]> 74147 Names for God’s People https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/names-for-gods-people/ Sun, 23 Jun 2024 17:00:12 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=44697
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by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Text: Isaiah 62:1-5

 

I.             Names hold a particular significance in the Bible

                A.           When a child is born in this country, parents agonize on picking out just the right name.

                                 1.             Often the name is selected because it has a nice “ring” to it

                                 2.             Because a favorite relative has the name

                                 3.             Because a famous person has the name

                B.            Names in the Bible were given for different reasons

                                 1.             To convey an idea about a person

                                 2.             To indicate circumstances related to the birth of a child

                                 3.             Examples

                                                 a.             Jacob and Esau - Genesis 25:24-26

                                                                  (1)           First child was named “Esau” because he was covered with red hair. Esau means “hairy”.

                                                                  (2)           Second child was named “Jacob” because he was holding on to his brother’s heel. Jacob means “heel catcher,” but it also means “supplanter” such as when someone trips up another person. This name suited Jacob because he later gains the birthright and blessings that should have gone to Esau.

                                                 b.             Abram - means “high father”

                                                                  (1)           Changed by God to “Abraham,” which means “father of a multitude.”

                                                                  (2)           By accepting the name, Abraham showed his belief in God’s promise that his descendants would become a great nation (Genesis 17:1-7).

                C.            Names in the Bible describe the person (or group of people) and their relationship

                D.           By comparing the name to others holding the same name, we can learn more about the people.

II.           A Kingdom

                A.           Daniel 2:44 - God will establish a kingdom during the days of the Roman empire.

                B.            Matthew 16:18 - Jesus would build his church, which he also calls the kingdom of heaven

                C.            Mark 9:1 - It would come in the lifetime of the people listening to Jesus - coming with power.

                D.           Acts 1:6-8 - It would be start in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit comes

                E.            Acts 2:1-4 - We see the Holy Spirt come on the day of Pentecost and at that time, people are added to Christ's Church (Acts 2:41)

                F.            So in Ephesians 1:20-23, we see that Christ is now reigning (i.e. he is a king)

                G.           Paul speaks of the kingdom, not in a future hope, but as a present existence - Colossians 1:10-14

                H.           Christ is the king and we are the citizen

                                 1.             We owe allegiance, honor and obedience to our Lord

                                 2.             The laws that govern us come from the king and not the citizens.

III.         A Body

                A.           If we continue in Colossians we see Paul also calls it a body - Colossians 1:15-18

                B.            Ephesians 1:20-23 (already read) also calls the church as the body.

                C.            Ephesians 5:23 - Christ is the head of the body

                D.           I Corinthians 12:12-13 - Christians make up the parts of the body.

                E.            The head (Christ) directs the body in the way it should go.

                F.            As separate parts, we must learn to work together as a whole so that the whole church may benefit.

IV.         A Family

                A.           Romans 8:16-17 - We are God's children

                B.            Children don't always do as they ought. They must be taught and they are always growing.

                C.            God is the Father - Ephesians 3:14-15. We take our name from him.

                D.           Christ is our elder brother - Hebrews 2:10-12

                E.            Together, we are God's household - I Timothy 3:14-15

V.           What about you?

                A.           Won't you become apart of God's family, a member of his body, a citizen of the greatest kingdom that has ever existed?

]]> 44697 Wrong Concepts of the Church https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wrong-concepts-of-the-church/ Sun, 16 Jun 2024 23:35:08 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=68374
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by Raymond Warfel

]]> 68374 Jesus, the King of Kings https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/jesus-the-king-of-kings/ Thu, 09 May 2024 14:11:55 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=67984

by Doy Moyer

The scriptural concept of kingship starts in Genesis 1. God is the sovereign Creator who made male and female in His image and gave them dominion over the creation (Genesis 1:26-29). The idea is that humanity rules with God according to His will. In the garden, we find God dwelling with Adam and Eve until sin enters the scene, and the relationship with God is fractured (Genesis 3). However, God was not going to let that be the last word. As He enacted His plan to bring about redemption and restoration, He would include kingship as an integral part.

God chose Abram to be the one through whom the promised seed (the Messiah) would come (Genesis 3:15; 12:1-7). In addition to all nations being blessed through him, God promised Abram that kings would come from His offspring (Genesis 17:6). As the story unfolds, we learn that the kingship promise would go through Judah (Genesis 49:10), then through David (II Samuel 7:12-13). While the type of king that Israel wanted did not align with God’s revealed will (Deuteronomy 17:14-20; I Samuel 8:1-9), God still set in motion HIs plan to bring about the ultimate King, the Son of God, whose reign would supersede all others in a kingdom that would stand forever (Daniel 2:44-45).

The Gospel of Matthew opens with the lineage of David to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Davidic kingship promise. The wise men who came to see Jesus even asked, “Where is He who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2). When Herod asked about this, the chief priests quoted from Micah 5:2, which includes the promise of “a ruler who will shepherd My people Israel” (Matthew 2:6). Luke’s account also emphasizes the kingship of Jesus. Mary was promised to bear a son to whom would be given “the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32-33).

Preaching the “gospel of the kingdom” (Matthew 4:23; 9:35; 24:14) necessitates preaching Jesus Christ as King over His everlasting kingdom. The Psalms and prophets pointed to this great messianic King (cf. Psalms 2; 110), and the salvation that comes through Him is directly tied to the proclamation, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7). This message is consistent throughout the New Testament. Peter preached the gospel message on Pentecost, showing that David had pointed to Jesus as the One who would sit on the promised throne as “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:24-36). Paul preached the same message, bringing in the royal Psalms 2 to show that Jesus fulfills the promise of the messianic King (Acts 13:26-39). This is consistent with preaching the “good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 8:12). Jesus is the promised King, and this is truly good news, for it was accomplished through the defeat of death and the devil (Hebrews 2:14).

Jesus is not just any king. He is no tyrant seeking to gain material wealth and power. His kingdom came through great tribulation and suffering. He voluntarily came into this world as God in the flesh so that He could die and subsequently arise to defeat death. God’s grace makes forgiveness and salvation possible through what He did. Yet this kingdom is not a material kingdom of this world but a spiritual kingdom that transcends physical boundaries and brings in believers from all nations. He sits on His throne and invites all to join in His reign as a “kingdom of priests” (Revelation 4:10; 3:21). God’s intentions for humanity are restored in Christ.

The book of Revelation highlights the power of Christ’s kingship. He is the Son of Man figure who has all dominion (Revelation 1:12-20; cf. Daniel 7:13-14). He is the One who is worthy to open up the seal of God’s plans and purposes. He is to be worshipped as the Lamb who was slain, but who was raised so that He would “receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12). Indeed, He is “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16; I Timothy 6:15-16). All things have been subjected to Him, far above “all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named” (Ephesians 1:19). At His name, “every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).

As King, the rule of Jesus is characterized by faithfulness and steadfast love, with justice and righteousness at the foundation (Psalms 89:14). His kingdom stands opposite to the domain of darkness and provides security for the believer to know that in Him we have redemption and forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14). We are restored to our divine purposes through Christ, who now reigns from heaven and invites all, by His grace, to be reconciled to God. To Him belongs honor and glory forever (I Timothy 6:17). Amen.

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