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THE GREAT LIGHT
Mt 4:12-17
THE GREAT LIGHT
THERE ARE CERTAINLY TIMES THAT WE NEED A
LIGHT.
THE GREAT LIGHT
In Scripture, Jesus is called “The Light of the World.”
THE GREAT LIGHT
In Scripture, Jesus is called “The Light of the World.” “The true light, which enlightens everyone,
was coming into the world” (Jn 1:9, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
In Scripture, Jesus is called “The Light of the World.” “The true light, which enlightens everyone,
was coming into the world” (Jn 1:9, ESV). “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am
the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (Jn 8:12, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
In Scripture, Jesus is called “The Light of the World.” “The true light, which enlightens everyone,
was coming into the world” (Jn 1:9, ESV). “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am
the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (Jn 8:12, ESV).
This morning’s text uses the imagery.
THE GREAT LIGHT
In Scripture, Jesus is called “The Light of the World.” “The true light, which enlightens everyone,
was coming into the world” (Jn 1:9, ESV). “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am
the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (Jn 8:12, ESV).
This morning’s text uses the imagery. As THE GREAT LIGHT, Jesus is:
A MOVING LIGHT. A MULTINATIONAL LIGHT. A MISSIONAL LIGHT.
THE GREAT LIGHT
vv 12-13
A MOVING LIGHT
THE GREAT LIGHT
The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to Capernaum.
THE GREAT LIGHT
The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. Nazareth was a small agricultural
community & Capernaum was a larger fishing town.
THE GREAT LIGHT
The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. Nazareth was a small agricultural
community & Capernaum was a larger fishing town.
Obviously, there will be more opportunities for preaching in Capernaum than in Nazareth.
THE GREAT LIGHT
The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. Nazareth was a small agricultural
community & Capernaum was a larger fishing town.
Obviously, there will be more opportunities for preaching in Capernaum than in Nazareth.
God cares deeply about souls.
THE GREAT LIGHT
The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. Nazareth was a small agricultural
community & Capernaum was a larger fishing town.
Obviously, there will be more opportunities for preaching in Capernaum than in Nazareth.
God cares deeply about souls. It is he who gave his Son to die for the sins of
the entire world.
THE GREAT LIGHT
The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. Nazareth was a small agricultural
community & Capernaum was a larger fishing town.
Obviously, there will be more opportunities for preaching in Capernaum than in Nazareth.
God cares deeply about souls. It is he who gave his Son to die for the sins of
the entire world. The souls in Nazareth are just as important as
those in Capernaum, but ministry in Capernaum will allow more people to hear the truth.
THE GREAT LIGHT
The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. Nazareth was a small agricultural
community & Capernaum was a larger fishing town.
It’s certainly possible that Jesus moved to Capernaum because that was Peter’s hometown (Mk 1:29).
THE GREAT LIGHT
The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. Nazareth was a small agricultural
community & Capernaum was a larger fishing town.
It’s certainly possible that Jesus moved to Capernaum because that was Peter’s hometown (Mk 1:29).
Peter became a quite important Apostle.
THE GREAT LIGHT
The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. Nazareth was a small agricultural
community & Capernaum was a larger fishing town.
It’s certainly possible that Jesus moved to Capernaum because that was Peter’s hometown (Mk 1:29).
Peter became a quite important Apostle—Jesus gave to him the keys of the kingdom & he served as a spokesman in Acts.
THE GREAT LIGHT
The “GREAT LIGHT” moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. Nazareth was a small agricultural
community & Capernaum was a larger fishing town.
It’s certainly possible that Jesus moved to Capernaum because that was Peter’s hometown (Mk 1:29).
Peter became a quite important Apostle—Jesus gave to him the keys of the kingdom & he served as a spokesman in Acts.
Thus, it’s possible that God providentially lead Jesus to Capernaum so that he could train Peter.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that it was after John’s arrest that Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that it was after John’s arrest that Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. The timing here seems to be quite
important.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that it was after John’s arrest that Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. The timing here seems to be quite
important. If it weren’t important, would the Spirit have guided Matthew to tell us about it?
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that it was after John’s arrest that Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. The timing here seems to be quite
important. If it weren’t important, would the Spirit have guided Matthew to tell us about it?
The importance is that Jesus is presented as fulfilling John’s ministry.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that it was after John’s arrest that Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. The timing here seems to be quite
important. If it weren’t important, would the Spirit have guided Matthew to tell us about it?
The importance is that Jesus is presented as fulfilling John’s ministry.
Jesus preaches the exact same message as John (v 17).
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that it was after John’s arrest that Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. The timing here seems to be quite
important. If it weren’t important, would the Spirit have guided Matthew to tell us about it?
The importance is that Jesus is presented as fulfilling John’s ministry.
Jesus preaches the exact same message as John (v 17).
In writing to a Jewish audience, Matthew uses much OT Scripture to establish Jesus as the Messiah.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that it was after John’s arrest that Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. The timing here seems to be quite important.
If it weren’t important, would the Spirit have guided Matthew to tell us about it?
The importance is that Jesus is presented as fulfilling John’s ministry.
Jesus preaches the exact same message as John (v 17).
In writing to a Jewish audience, Matthew uses much OT Scripture to establish Jesus as the Messiah.
In chapter 3, Matthew has established that John was the Messiah’s forerunner.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that it was after John’s arrest that Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. The timing here seems to be quite important. If
it weren’t important, would the Spirit have guided Matthew to tell us about it?
The importance is that Jesus is presented as fulfilling John’s ministry.
Jesus preaches the exact same message as John (v 17).
In writing to a Jewish audience, Matthew uses much OT Scripture to establish Jesus as the Messiah.
In chapter 3, Matthew has established that John was the Messiah’s forerunner; in showing that Jesus takes up that ministry, Matthew is saying, “Jesus is the Christ.”
THE GREAT LIGHT
Why would Jesus take up John’s unfinished ministry?
THE GREAT LIGHT
Ministry is never about a single person.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Ministry is never about a single person—John came & pointed people to Jesus, but John’s ministry wasn’t about himself.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Ministry is never about a single person.
Ministry is a team effort.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Ministry is never about a single person.
Ministry is a team effort. It was in Corinth: “What then is Apollos?
What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor” (1 Cor 3:5-8, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
Ministry is never about a single person.
Ministry is a team effort. It was in Corinth: 1 Cor 3:5-8. It was in Samaria.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Ministry is never about a single person.
Ministry is a team effort. It was in Corinth: 1 Cor 3:5-8. It was in Samaria.
Philip preached in Samaria & many were baptized (Acts 8:12).
THE GREAT LIGHT
Ministry is never about a single person.
Ministry is a team effort. It was in Corinth: 1 Cor 3:5-8. It was in Samaria.
Philip preached in Samaria & many were baptized (Acts 8:12).
But, Peter & John came down to give the new disciples miraculous gifts (Acts 8:14-17).
THE GREAT LIGHT
Ministry is never about a single person.
Ministry is a team effort. Modern ministry is a team effort.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Ministry is never about a single person.
Ministry is a team effort. Modern ministry is a team effort.
That was the point about the different gifts in Corinth.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Ministry is never about a single person.
Ministry is a team effort. Modern ministry is a team effort.
That was the point about the different gifts in Corinth.
The Corinthians were bickering over whose gift was better.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Ministry is never about a single person.
Ministry is a team effort. Modern ministry is a team effort.
That was the point about the different gifts in Corinth.
The Corinthians were bickering over whose gift was better.
Paul says: “God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another” (1 Cor 12:24b-25, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
Ministry is never about a single person. Ministry is a team effort. Modern ministry is a team effort.
That was the point about the different gifts in Corinth.
The Corinthians were bickering over whose gift was better.
1 Cor 12:24b-25. “Only let your manner of life be worthy of
the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see your or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Phil 1:27, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
Are we working together for the glory of God?
THE GREAT LIGHT
Luke tells us that Jesus was rejected at Nazareth.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Luke tells us that Jesus was rejected at Nazareth. “When they heard these things, all in the
synagogue were filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, he went away” (Lk 14:28-30, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
Luke tells us that Jesus was rejected at Nazareth. “When they heard these things, all in the
synagogue were filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, he went away” (Lk 14:28-30, ESV).
What great audacity!
THE GREAT LIGHT
Luke tells us that Jesus was rejected at Nazareth. Lk 14:28-30. The words of Jesus were often rejected.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Luke tells us that Jesus was rejected at Nazareth. Lk 14:28-30. The words of Jesus were often rejected.
“After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him” (Jn 6:66, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
Luke tells us that Jesus was rejected at Nazareth. Lk 14:28-30. The words of Jesus were often rejected.
“After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him” (Jn 6:66, ESV).
After Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell all he had & follow him, “he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Mt 19:22, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
Luke tells us that Jesus was rejected at Nazareth. Lk 14:28-30. The words of Jesus were often rejected.
“After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him” (Jn 6:66, ESV).
After Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell all he had & follow him, “he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Mt 19:22, ESV).
Like those in the synagogue at Nazareth, we can drive Jesus out of our lives.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Shall we be those who drive Jesus away?
THE GREAT LIGHT
vv 13-16
A MULTINATIONAL LIGHT
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of Zebulun & Naphtali.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of Zebulun & Naphtali. Actually, Capernaum was in the borders of
Naphtali, but not Zebulun.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of Zebulun & Naphtali. Actually, Capernaum was in the borders of
Naphtali, but not Zebulun. Why would Matthew make a geographical
mistake?
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of Zebulun & Naphtali. Actually, Capernaum was in the borders of
Naphtali, but not Zebulun. Why would Matthew make a geographical
mistake? Of course, Matthew doesn’t make a
geographical mistake, but this is important to notice.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of Zebulun & Naphtali. Actually, Capernaum was in the borders of
Naphtali, but not Zebulun. Why would Matthew make a geographical
mistake? Of course, Matthew doesn’t make a
geographical mistake, but this is important to notice.
Matthew isn’t speaking geographically.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of Zebulun & Naphtali. Actually, Capernaum was in the borders of
Naphtali, but not Zebulun. Why would Matthew make a geographical
mistake? Of course, Matthew doesn’t make a
geographical mistake, but this is important to notice.
Matthew isn’t speaking geographically. Matthew quotes from Isaiah 9:1 where Isaiah puts the
two territories together.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of Zebulun & Naphtali. Actually, Capernaum was in the borders of
Naphtali, but not Zebulun. Why would Matthew make a geographical
mistake? Of course, Matthew doesn’t make a
geographical mistake, but this is important to notice.
Matthew isn’t speaking geographically. Matthew quotes from Isaiah 9:1 where Isaiah puts the
two territories together. Isaiah lumps these two territories together as the
“Galilee of the Gentiles.”
THE GREAT LIGHT
Matthew tells us that Jesus moved into the territory of Zebulun & Naphtali. Actually, Capernaum was in the borders of
Naphtali, but not Zebulun. Why would Matthew make a geographical
mistake? Of course, Matthew doesn’t make a geographical
mistake, but this is important to notice. Matthew isn’t speaking geographically.
Matthew quotes from Isaiah 9:1 where Isaiah puts the two territories together.
Isaiah lumps these two territories together as the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”
Matthew—speaking metaphorically—says that Jesus lived in these two regions, for it was from here that he began his ministry to all people.
THE GREAT LIGHT
From Is 9:1, Matthew refers to Zebulun & Naphtali as the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”
THE GREAT LIGHT
From Is 9:1, Matthew refers to Zebulun & Naphtali as the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”
Many Egyptians, Arabians, & Phoenicians lived in these territories.
THE GREAT LIGHT
From Is 9:1, Matthew refers to Zebulun & Naphtali as the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”
Many Egyptians, Arabians, & Phoenicians lived in these territories.
Capernaum lay on one of the major trade routes in Palestine—many Gentiles would have been coming & going through here.
THE GREAT LIGHT
From Is 9:1, Matthew refers to Zebulun & Naphtali as the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”
Many Egyptians, Arabians, & Phoenicians lived in these territories.
Capernaum lay on one of the major trade routes in Palestine—many Gentiles would have been coming & going through here.
Living in Capernaum gave Jesus opportunities to minister to Gentiles.
THE GREAT LIGHT
From Is 9:1, Matthew refers to Zebulun & Naphtali as the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”
Many Egyptians, Arabians, & Phoenicians lived in these territories.
Capernaum lay on one of the major trade routes in Palestine—many Gentiles would have been coming & going through here.
Living in Capernaum gave Jesus opportunities to minister to Gentiles. He healed the servant of a centurion (Mt
8:5-13).
THE GREAT LIGHT
From Is 9:1, Matthew refers to Zebulun & Naphtali as the “Galilee of the Gentiles.”
Many Egyptians, Arabians, & Phoenicians lived in these territories.
Capernaum lay on one of the major trade routes in Palestine—many Gentiles would have been coming & going through here.
Living in Capernaum gave Jesus opportunities to minister to Gentiles. He healed the servant of a centurion (Mt 8:5-
13). In Tyre & Sidon, Jesus healed the daughter of a
Canaanite woman (Mt 15:21-28).
THE GREAT LIGHT
The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews.
THE GREAT LIGHT
The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews. Jesus taught his disciples to minister to
Gentiles.
THE GREAT LIGHT
The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews. Jesus taught his disciples to minister to
Gentiles. “Go . . . and make disciples of all nations” (Mt
28:19, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews. Jesus taught his disciples to minister to
Gentiles. “Go . . . and make disciples of all nations” (Mt
28:19, ESV). “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer
and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Lk 24:46-47, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews. Jesus taught his disciples to minister to
Gentiles. “Go . . . and make disciples of all nations” (Mt
28:19, ESV). “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer
and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Lk 24:46-47, ESV).
“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews. Jesus taught his disciples to minister to
Gentiles. The early church responded to that charge
fervently.
THE GREAT LIGHT
The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews. Jesus taught his disciples to minister to
Gentiles. The early church responded to that charge
fervently. Peter preached to & baptized Cornelius’
household (Acts 10).
THE GREAT LIGHT
The point is that Jesus came to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews. Jesus taught his disciples to minister to
Gentiles. The early church responded to that charge
fervently. Peter preached to & baptized Cornelius’
household (Acts 10). Paul: The Jews saw that “I had been entrusted
with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised” (Gal 2:7, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
What great news for us!
THE GREAT LIGHT
Because THE GREAT LIGHT moved to Zebulun & Naphtali, “the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned” (v 16, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths.
THE GREAT LIGHT
The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths. Darkness refers to a lack of divine
revelation (Micah 3:6-7).
THE GREAT LIGHT
The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths. Darkness refers to a lack of divine
revelation (Micah 3:6-7). Darkness also refers to sin (Eph 5:8-12).
THE GREAT LIGHT
The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths. Darkness refers to a lack of divine
revelation (Micah 3:6-7). Darkness also refers to sin (Eph 5:8-12). Darkness also refers to punishment (Mt
8:11-12).
THE GREAT LIGHT
The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths. Darkness refers to a lack of divine
revelation (Micah 3:6-7). Darkness also refers to sin (Eph 5:8-12). Darkness also refers to punishment (Mt
8:11-12). Those three concepts are tightly
interwoven: without divine revelation, people will live in sin; living in sin leads to punishment.
THE GREAT LIGHT
The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths.
As THE GREAT LIGHT, Jesus is the remedy of these three problems.
THE GREAT LIGHT
The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths.
As THE GREAT LIGHT, Jesus is the remedy of these three problems. Jesus came into this world as divine
revelation: “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known” (Jn 1:18, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths.
As THE GREAT LIGHT, Jesus is the remedy of these three problems. Jesus came into this world as divine
revelation: “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known” (Jn 1:18, ESV).
Jesus came to remove sin: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1:29, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
The metaphor of darkness illustrates several truths.
As THE GREAT LIGHT, Jesus is the remedy of these three problems. Jesus came into this world as divine revelation:
“No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known” (Jn 1:18, ESV).
Jesus came to remove sin: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1:29, ESV).
Jesus came to remove sin’s punishment: “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (Jn 3:17, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
Jesus has provided light to those dwelling in the region & shadow of death.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Jesus has provided light to those dwelling in the region & shadow of death. Before Jesus, death was viewed as a
shadowy, dark realm where there was no light whatsoever.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Jesus has provided light to those dwelling in the region & shadow of death. Before Jesus, death was viewed as a
shadowy, dark realm where there was no light whatsoever.
“Are not my days few? Then cease, and leave me alone, that I may find a little cheer before I go—and I shall not return—to the land of darkness and deep shadow, the land of gloom like thick darkness, like deep shadow without any order, where light is as thick darkness” (Job 10:20-22, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
Jesus has provided light to those dwelling in the region & shadow of death. Before Jesus, death was viewed as a
shadowy, dark realm where there was no light whatsoever (Job 10:20-22).
Yet, Jesus revealed death quite differently.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Jesus has provided light to those dwelling in the region & shadow of death. Before Jesus, death was viewed as a
shadowy, dark realm where there was no light whatsoever (Job 10:20-22).
Yet, Jesus revealed death quite differently. E.g., Jesus revealed the righteous dead are in a place of comfort (Lk 16:25).
THE GREAT LIGHT
Jesus has provided light to those dwelling in the region & shadow of death. Before Jesus, death was viewed as a
shadowy, dark realm where there was no light whatsoever (Job 10:20-22).
Yet, Jesus revealed death quite differently. E.g., Jesus revealed the righteous dead are in a place of comfort (Lk 16:25).
Jesus removed the fear of death: Jesus came to “deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Heb 2:15, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
Jesus is A MULTINATIONAL LIGHT—a light to Jews &
Gentiles.
THE GREAT LIGHT
v 17
A MISSIONAL LIGHT
THE GREAT LIGHT
Jesus was a light on a mission.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Jesus was a light on a mission: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (v 17, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
Jesus was a light on a mission: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (v 17, ESV).
In his mission, Jesus calls people to repent.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Jesus was a light on a mission: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (v 17, ESV).
In his mission, Jesus calls people to repent. Without repentance, we shall perish:
“Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Lk 13:3, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
Jesus was a light on a mission: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (v 17, ESV).
In his mission, Jesus calls people to repent. Without repentance, we shall perish:
“Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Lk 13:3, ESV).
Repentance leads to a new life & Jesus is calling the people of Capernaum to a new life.
THE GREAT LIGHT
People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
THE GREAT LIGHT
People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We have often equated the kingdom
precisely with the church.
THE GREAT LIGHT
People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We have often equated the kingdom
precisely with the church. Scripture makes that connection.
THE GREAT LIGHT
People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We have often equated the kingdom
precisely with the church. Scripture makes that connection.
In the Gospels, the kingdom is spoken of as future: “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power” (Mk 9:1, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We have often equated the kingdom
precisely with the church. Scripture makes that connection.
In the Gospels, the kingdom is spoken of as future: “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power” (Mk 9:1, ESV).
After Pentecost, the kingdom is spoken of as a present reality.
THE GREAT LIGHT
People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We have often equated the kingdom
precisely with the church. Scripture makes that connection.
In the Gospels, the kingdom is spoken of as future: “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power” (Mk 9:1, ESV).
After Pentecost, the kingdom is spoken of as a present reality.
“Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption” (Acts 2:30-31, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We have often equated the kingdom
precisely with the church. Scripture makes that connection.
In the Gospels, the kingdom is spoken of as future: “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power” (Mk 9:1, ESV).
After Pentecost, the kingdom is spoken of as a present reality.
“Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption” (Acts 2:30-31, ESV).
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son” (Col 1:13, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We have often equated the kingdom
precisely with the church. Scripture makes that connection. However, there is an important distinction
between the church & the kingdom.
THE GREAT LIGHT
People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We have often equated the kingdom
precisely with the church. Scripture makes that connection. However, there is an important distinction
between the church & the kingdom. The kingdom of God refers to the reign of God: “The
kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (Rv 11:15, ESV).
THE GREAT LIGHT
People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We have often equated the kingdom
precisely with the church. Scripture makes that connection. However, there is an important distinction
between the church & the kingdom. The kingdom of God refers to the reign of God: “The
kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (Rv 11:15, ESV).
Being in the kingdom means that I allow God to reign in my life.
THE GREAT LIGHT
People need to repent, for the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We have often equated the kingdom precisely
with the church. Scripture makes that connection. However, there is an important distinction between
the church & the kingdom. The kingdom of God refers to the reign of God: “The
kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (Rv 11:15, ESV).
Being in the kingdom means that I allow God to reign in my life.
I have no doubt but that many have their names on “church rolls,” but they aren’t part of the kingdom, for God doesn’t’ reign in their lives.
THE GREAT LIGHT
Are you allowing God to reign in your life?
