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Who Then Is In The Kingdom Of Heaven?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn Matthew 18, the disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, revealing their anticipation of a temporal kingdom and their desire for prominent positions within it. Jesus redirects their focus, teaching that entry into His Kingdom requires a profound change of heart. He emphasizes that unless they become humble like little children, they will not even enter the Kingdom, let alone be great in it. He stresses the necessity of conversion, a transformation from pride to humility, to be part of His spiritual Kingdom. Jesus further instructs that the citizens of the Kingdom must embody humility, contrasting with the disciples' ambitious pride. He warns against causing others, especially the weak or new believers, to sin, highlighting the severe consequences of such actions. Instead of striving for greatness and harming others in the process, disciples should focus on caring for Christ's little ones, the humble and trusting believers. Through the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Matthew 18, Jesus illustrates the value God places on each individual, showing that the Father seeks out and rejoices over the return of even one who strays. He teaches the disciples to mirror this care, prioritizing the weak and lost over personal ambition. The greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, therefore, is not the one who seeks prominence, but the one who humbly serves and protects others, reflecting the Shepherd's heart.
A Heavenly Homeland (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThose whom God has delivered from the power of darkness have been conveyed into His Son's Kingdom, becoming citizens of that heavenly realm. Jesus, in His teachings, contrasts earthly and heavenly treasures, urging us to lay up treasures in heaven where they are secure, for where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. He emphasizes that no one can serve two masters, as loyalty to one means despising the other, and we cannot serve God and mammon. Jesus instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, assuring us that our heavenly Father knows our needs and will provide for them. He commands us to prioritize His Kingdom above all else, though this does not mean renouncing earthly citizenship. Just as one citizenship must take precedence, our heavenly citizenship should be our master. In the heavenly Kingdom, physical distinctions such as ethnicity and earthly citizenship hold no weight, for we are all one in Christ Jesus, and His Kingdom supersedes all aspects of our earthly origins or residences. As citizens of heaven, we are merely pilgrims and sojourners on earth, passing through on our way to the Kingdom of God, observing rather than participating in the world's conflicts. Our warfare is spiritual, not physical, and we do not engage in politics, for the governments of men, though allowed by God, are in opposition to Him. We serve either the Kingdom of Heaven or the kingdoms of men, unable to serve two masters.
The Kingdom of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom of Heaven, as emphasized by Matthew, directs our attention to its divine origins. It does not originate on the earth but in heaven, where it currently resides. Right now, the Kingdom is in heaven, not on this earth, which is why Jesus Christ is returning to reestablish the Kingdom of God here. This restoration is necessary because satan disrupted God's government on earth, necessitating a restitution of what was before. Jesus often spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven, highlighting its heavenly source and nature. It will remain in heaven until the appointed time for its restoration to earth. When Christ returns, the Kingdom of God will become both an idea and a tangible place, a literal government that exists now in heaven and will soon be established on earth. Until that time, it is not fully present here, as other preparatory steps must first be completed. The term "basileia," used in the New Testament, carries a dual meaning that confounds scholars. Primarily, it represents the rule, dominion, or sovereignty of God, encompassing anyone who submits to His rule and thus becomes part of the Kingdom of Heaven in spirit, even though it is not yet on earth. Additionally, it signifies a real government, presently in heaven, awaiting its full manifestation on earth. Jesus Himself noted that the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven are revealed to some, while remaining hidden to others, underscoring its spiritual discernment. God considers those who submit to Him as citizens of the Kingdom even now, in a spiritual sense. Through a legal designation, He has transferred their citizenship from this world to the Kingdom of Heaven, viewing them as ambassadors representing His rule on earth. Though still in the flesh and not yet glorified, they are hidden in Christ, covered by His righteousness, and thus remain part of the Kingdom in spirit during this training period, as they grow toward their ultimate inheritance.

God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Two): Tares, Mustard Seed, and Leaven
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeIn the Parables of the Wheat and the Tares, the Mustard Seed, and the Leaven, Jesus was speaking to the physical nation, which the parables clearly reflect.
Is Heaven the Reward of the Saved?
'Ready Answer' by StaffMost of Christianity believes humans go to heaven or hell after death. This belief does not originate in the Bible, which reveals a very different destiny.

God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Three): Hidden Treasure
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeIn Matthew 13, the hidden treasure the man finds provides the spiritual solution to the leaven - corruption - the woman hides in the three measures of meal.

God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Four): The Pearl, the Dragnet, and the Householder
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeJesus' parables of the Pearl of Great Price, the Dragnet, and the Householder resolve the problems raised in their corresponding earlier parables.
Heavenly Citizenship (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe have an obligation to respond to our calling, no longer living on a passport, but having a birth certificate in our heavenly kingdom.
Taking the Kingdom by Force
'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe"The kingdom...suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." Scripture reveals what violence is meant, who "the violent" are, and how they take the Kingdom.
The Unshakable Kingdom!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause all things will be violently shaken, God commands His people to place their trust in the unshakeable Kingdom of God which will displace all empires.
Dominion and Leaven (Part One)
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeDominion theology holds that the church's responsibility is to spread God's Kingdom around the world, but it misunderstands the Parable of Leaven.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 1): The Mustard Seed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible, in both parables and prophecies, interprets itself and remains consistent in its use of symbols. We cannot arbitrarily attach meaning to symbols.
Born Again or Begotten? (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughBeing born again signifies a new spiritual beginning at the beginning of our conversion. We are not yet complete, though; we must go on to perfection.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 2): Leaven
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom of God or of Heaven has past, present, and future aspects. The Kingdom parables primarily provide instruction for the present aspect.
Born Again (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We have been adopted into the family of God and have become members of God's Kingdom. The Kingdom is here in the same way the church is a spiritual entity.
Basic Doctrines: The Reward of the Saved
Bible Study by Earl L. HennJust where do true Christians go after they die? What is their reward? Where is their reward? The Bible reveals some surprising truths.
The Parable of the Leaven, Expanded
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBitterness divides one member of Christ's Body from another. Individuals often look for a 'doctrinal' reason to justify leaving a congregation.
The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Six): The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWhile the Parable of the Hidden Treasure is similar to the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price, their meanings are different. The symbols reveal the high value God places on His people.
Who Deserves Our Loyalties?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When we are called, we are asked to count the cost and plan accordingly. We must totally give ourselves over to becoming fashioned into His image.
Four Views of Christ (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe dominant emphasis of Matthew is the kingly qualities of Jesus as a descendant of the royal house of David, representing the Lion of Judah.