A student who studies American culture in graduate school is called an Americanist. After much thought, I have concluded that I am a kingdomist because I belong to the spiritual kingdom of God. It is my top priority, my entire life. I am also a gospel globalist. The gospel first. But this does not make me an enemy of the American republic. I want to influence it. Let me explain.
The term ‘biblical metanarrative’ can also be used instead of a ‘grand biblical narrative.’ Either way, they mean an overarching storyline, the main story of the entire Bible from Genesis to the Revelation. Is there one? If so, what is it?
Bible Study series: Luke 6:46-49. Build your house on the rock (Jesus’s teaching).
Bible Study series: Luke 6:37-42. Just be aware that your judgment on others could turn back over on you.
Bible Study series. Luke 6:27-36. In the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus issues a summons or call to radical discipleship. Have you done anything radical or countercultural, like giving money to your church, when your accountant says not to? Do you know someone who has given all for Jesus, to the point of martyrdom? What is your story?
Bible Study series: Matthew 6:25-34. The Sermon on the Mount is about reorienting our perspective to things above. These verses are a perfect summary of this goal.
Bible Study series: Mark 4:30-32. Don’t despise small beginnings. Be patient for God to work.
Bible Study series: Mark 4:26-29. The kingdom of God is not fireworks, but grows little by little, often unnoticed except by the farmer who plants the seeds.
Bible Study series: Matthew 5:43-48. Kingdom citizens are called to a higher ethic. Don’t command the unbelieving world to do this, unless you can persuade a willing person.
Bible Study series: Matthew 5:38-42. It’s about a generous heart, surrendered to the Father. Don’t over-apply the basic principle with rigid literalness.
Scripture: Matthew 5:31-32. He teaches this to protect women from easy divorcism.
Bible Study series: Matthew 5:27-30. He was reworking the sixth and tenth commandments of the Ten Commandments
Bible Study Series: Matthew 5:21-26. This is the first of the six antitheses. “You have heard it said … but I tell you.” They actually intensify and clarify the Torah, in kingdom relationships, person to person.
To answer that question, we must separate the Kingdom of God from the Kingdom of Caesar. Part One in a four-part series.
So begins a ten-part series. Though difficult to believe at first, our truly understanding the kingdom of God can just about clarify all of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. So then, what is the kingdom? Can we define it biblically, or is the topic just too complicated? What does it mean for us today?
The cultures surrounding Israel valued kings. Thus, monarchy worked its way into Israel’s government, but only with God’s permission. This post provides background material for the kingdom Jesus proclaimed.
We are living in eternity right now. We just don’t see it yet, because the kingdom of God is not fully manifested—for now.
Yes, the kingdom is partly manifested right now, but it is seen with the eyes of faith and in visible signs like salvation of souls and bodily healings and demon expulsions and harmony in the household–all done by the power of the Spirit.
The “already and not yet” is still a valid and wise statement about God’s kingdom, which unfolds in three stages.
When we understand it, we can know how God is working across the planet today. And we can understand Christ’s parables that proclaim its mystery.
Eternal life and the kingdom of God belong together, and you can experience them right now.
Let’s never overlook the Scriptural truth that righteousness (kingdom living) is important to the heart of God. Four passages in the Sermon on the Mount are discussed here.
It is a life-changing demand. Or perhaps I should say demands (plural) bundled together into one.
This Scriptural list will edify you.
Let’s use the Q&A format for ease of understanding this major theme of New Testament, particularly the synoptic Gospels.
Some key points backed up by lots of Scripture.
This short post should help define the term. A simple five-step explanation of the Kingdom is included, as well.
How can we proclaim it if we don’t know what it is? After a basic definition offered just below, the gospel also has multiple parts to it. Let’s see what they are. (I recently updated this post.)
Matt. 11:12 has puzzled many Bible interpreters. What does it mean in its textual context?
But he was not a king in the mold of Caesar. He was called first to conquer invisible, spiritual dark forces, and your heart by love. In the near future, the worldly kingdoms are going down in defeat, visible for all to see.
Here is a list of the principal works referenced or used at this site. More will be added as time goes on, so please check back.
Dr. Jim's Essential Bible Teaching 