Sermon Cloud

The Kingdom-Now, Not Yet

The Kingdom of God, his rule and reign invaded the earth with the person and work of Jesus.  In the present age the Kingdom has broken in through the gospel, is displayed in his people, expressed in the baptism and the Lord's supper.  Though this present age is still the dominion of darkness, light breaks in through the gospel and Jesus' people.  In this age where sin, death and Satan still hold sway, the church is a resistance in the world awaiting the second advent (coming) of Jesus and the age which will be marked by life, peace, health and the fully realized rule of God. 

A Demonstration of the Kingdom

Jesus' ministry was a demonstration that the Kingdom arrived with him on the earth.  He healed sicknesses, he had authority over the demonic realm, he commanded the natural order of things and he preached forgiveness of sins with the authority of God himself. 

Who is Welcomed by Jesus? Who Welcomes Jesus?

Sinners.  Those who know their need before a holy God and see the compassion of Jesus for them...

Self-righteous, religious people do not think they need Jesus, and with them he is not pleased.  It is amazing that nice, sweet Jesus had the most scathing hot things to say to self-righteous people who did not see their own sin and need for God.  For those he uses a simple phrase in the gospels "Woe to you."