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Why Such Confusion About the Kingdom of God?

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus states that seeking His Kingdom is our primary goal. Most Christian organizations have no concept of what the Kingdom of God is.

The Kingdom of God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

At the beginning of the soon-coming 1000-year millennial reign, one of the Messiah's first acts will be to establish the Kingdom of God on the earth. This act is a re-establishment, a restoration, a restitution of God's government as it was before Satan's rebellion. The Kingdom of God is the central goal, owned, created, and ruled by Him in absolute sovereignty. He can admit or bar anyone from it, and no one comes between Him and His Kingdom. As Jesus taught in the model prayer, "Your Kingdom come," it is something anticipated in the future, with God as its possessor and focal point, aiming to promote, enhance, and glorify the King. The Kingdom of God is defined by four elements: a King, a territory, citizens, and a code of law. The King is God, reigning as the Great King over all. The territory is the earth, as revealed in Daniel 2 where the stone cut without hands, representing the Kingdom, fills the entire earth, and in Revelation 5:10, where it is confirmed that His people shall reign on the earth. Though the earth is the central focus, His rule extends over the entire universe, which He designed, made, sustains, and governs. The citizens of the Kingdom are the elect, the chosen, including prophets, saints, and all who fear His name, both small and great, as well as those who receive Him and believe in His name. The code of law is rooted in the Ten Commandments, encompassing the testimony of Jesus, the Old and New Testaments, and ultimately the very character of God Himself, by which He rules and shapes His people. The Kingdom of God is both a concept of rule, dominion, and sovereignty, and a literal government. Currently, it exists in heaven, but when Christ returns, He will re-establish it on the earth, its rightful place, as this is where God intends to stay for all time. Until that time, it remains in heaven, awaiting the moment of restoration. When Christ returns, He will set up His Father's Kingdom from Jerusalem, reigning for a thousand years, during which all nations will come under the Kingdom of God. Ultimately, after all is subdued, Christ will deliver the Kingdom to the Father, who will descend after renewing the earth, ruling the universe from here for all eternity alongside His people.

Thy Kingdom Come

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

Most professing Christians hold to the pagan belief that heaven is the reward of the saved, imagining that they will waft off to heaven at death.

Rod of Iron

Sermon by John O. Reid

The Kingdom of God, established on earth, will be marked by Jesus Christ ruling with a rod of iron, as emphasized in multiple scriptures. He will crush and subdue all His foes, leading and protecting the entire earth as His flock, though much of the world will resist His authority. As the Prince of Peace and Sovereign with all power, He will shatter rebellious leaders like a potter's vessel, counseling them to submit. All rebellion will be quelled, requiring everyone, including the church, to align with Him. At His coming, when the world is in chaos, His followers will aid in rebuilding and guiding the people, ensuring the world walks in the way of God. This rule, though firm and invincible, is not merely harsh but a steady, confident governance that subdues opposition. His enemies will be crushed as grapes in a winepress, marking a new world order under His fierce yet merciful authority.

Jesus on His Second Coming

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The return of Jesus Christ in great power and glory to establish His Kingdom on earth is a central hope and yearning for believers. His coming will mark a pivotal event in history, turning humanity from disastrous self-rule, endless wars, poverty, and separation from God to the blessed rule of God over mankind. Once He fully takes the reins of government on earth, the repentance of the vast majority of humanity becomes possible, opening the way for further divine plans. The Feast of Trumpets prefigures this momentous return, acting as a hinge of history and prophecy where the balance tips toward God. This holy day, marked by the blowing of trumpets or the shout of a shofar, is designed to grab attention, signaling a proclamation and announcement that demands readiness and response. The return of Christ will be unmistakable, loud, and explosive, ensuring that no one can plead ignorance as His voice reaches all the earth. Jesus Himself announced the immediacy of the Kingdom of God during His ministry, declaring that the King was present and the era of God's Kingdom had commenced. Though not referring to a future millennial reign at that moment, His first coming laid the essential groundwork for His second coming, initiating the process that will culminate in His return in power and glory. He taught His followers to pray daily for this future time when the Kingdom will fully come, emphasizing its significance and the hope it represents. At His second coming, He will return in astonishing glory, accompanied by a multitude of angels, to reward His people according to their works and to judge His enemies. His appearance will be marked by a face shining like the sun and garments white as light, contrasting sharply with His humble first coming. This event, termed the regeneration, signifies a new beginning or renewal, encompassing the resurrection of the saints and the remaking of the world after judgment. As the great King, He will establish His Kingdom, initially focused on Israel, with the apostles judging the twelve tribes as kings under Him. His followers will also receive abundant rewards, including eternal life, positions in a great Family, and authority as a kingdom of priests. He promises to receive His people into His Father's house, ensuring permanent dwellings and an eternal place within His household, a profound honor and assurance of belonging. The return of Christ will occur at the end of a time of great tribulation and war, characterized by suddenness, brightness, and heavenly signs. Most of the world will mourn, recognizing His judgment, while His people will rejoice. A great trumpet blast will sound, and angels will gather His elect to meet Him in the air, returning with Him in glory. He warns His disciples to remain vigilant and prepared, as no one knows the exact time of His return, urging them to focus on spiritual growth and faithfulness rather than speculation on timing.

Fall Feast Lessons

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The world will learn that God judges—that He has the ultimate decision over everything. After Satan is bound, God will bring about seven reconcilements.

Christ's Second Coming

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Feast of Trumpets memorializes God's deliverance of Israel beginning with Joseph, and looks forward to Christ's return when God will deliver His people.

Land of Milk and Honey

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

Jesus Christ will accomplish what no politician has ever been able to accomplish, to drain the putrid corrupt swamps of all failed man-made government.

Don't Be Indifferent

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The frightful Trumpet Plagues are coming on the world because of the breaking of covenants on the part of people who should have known better.

Examining God's Judgments

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The fall holy days picture various judgments by God, bringing about liberty, reconciliation, regathering, and restoration.

Where Is God's True Church Today?

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Where can we find the true religion, the true church, in all this confusion? Only the church Christ founded and heads today has the answers to eternal life.

What Did Jesus Preach?

Bible Questions & Answers

The announcement of 'good news' brought by the Messenger Jesus Christ from the Father was not about Jesus, but about the soon-coming Kingdom of God.

Is Heaven the Reward of the Saved?

'Ready Answer' by Staff

Most 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.

The True Gospel (Part 4)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

'Kingdom of God' describes God's dominion, rule, and governance. Jesus points to a future establishment of God's Kingdom on the earth, yet it also rules now.

Basic Doctrines: The Reward of the Saved

Bible Study by Earl L. Henn

Just where do true Christians go after they die? What is their reward? Where is their reward? The Bible reveals some surprising truths.

The True Gospel

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

There are many 'gospels' in the world but only one true gospel—the message that Christ brought about the good news of His coming Kingdom!

Caught Up in the Rapture

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Is the rapture biblical? If so, when will it occur? Is it different from the promised resurrection? Here is what the Bible teaches, without the traditions of men.

Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Five)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus came with a message of salvation, called 'the gospel of the Kingdom of God.' Here is the relationship between the gospel and Christian works.

What Is the Book of Revelation?

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Though the book of Revelation speaks of the end of the world using strange and fearsome symbols, the real subject of Revelation is readily apparent.

1335 (Part Two)

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

The apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, suggests loving Christ's appearing on day 1,335 (Daniel 12:12) should come first in our understanding of prophecy.

Coming: A Truly Benevolent Ruler

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

C.S. Lewis once wrote, 'Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive.' In light of human nature, this is very true.

Heaven Must Wait

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Going to heaven is not scriptural. The soul is not immortal; it is equivalent to life. Mankind does not have a soul; he is a soul, subject to death.

Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles

Bible Study by Staff

The Feast of Tabernacles is a type of the Millennium, when Christ will set up His government on the earth. Real peace and prosperity will be the norm.

1335

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker

Two of Daniel's prophecies differ by 75 days, perhaps paralleling the 75 dramatic days between the resurrections of Lazarus and Jesus Christ.

Prosperity

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

We still suffer the consequences of Israel's request to have a king like other nations and to adopt political and economic systems like every other nation.

Government (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God is establishing a spiritual kingdom, with Christ as King, installed at the seventh trump when He will unleash the power of His Kingdom against the world.

Where the Eagles Are Gathered

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Jesus' statement that 'Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together' is a warning that He will judge those who resist Him.

Importance of the True Gospel

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The way back to unity is to embrace the vision that once kept us focused on the same goal, giving us active, kinetic, dynamic and explosive power.