1. 1 The Kingdom of God

2. 2 “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven…” (Matt. 13:11) The Kingdom of God

3. 3 “…he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets…” (Acts 28:23)

4. 4 Defining the Kingdom “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven…” (Matt. 13:11)  Mysteries of the kingdom “a hidden purpose or counsel” “a hidden purpose or counsel” Christ has made known what we can know & what we need to know about the kingdom, Eph. 1: 9-11; Col. 1:24-27 Christ has made known what we can know & what we need to know about the kingdom, Eph. 1: 9-11; Col. 1:24-27

5. 5 Defining the Kingdom “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven…” (Matt. 13:11)  Sovereign rule & reign of God in the lives of men & women Seek kingdom by pursuing righteousness, Matt. 6:33; 5:20 Seek kingdom by pursuing righteousness, Matt. 6:33; 5:20 Kingdom is within you, Lk. 17: 20-21 Kingdom is within you, Lk. 17: 20-21

6. 6 Defining the Kingdom “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven…” (Matt. 13:11)  The church of Christ Built by Jesus, Matt. 16:18-19 Built by Jesus, Matt. 16:18-19 The saved, Acts 2:47; Col. 1:13 The saved, Acts 2:47; Col. 1:13 Willing subjects, Psa. 110:3; 1 Pet. 2:9 Willing subjects, Psa. 110:3; 1 Pet. 2:9 Redeemed are in service to the King, Jesus Christ, Rev. 1:6; 5:9-10 Redeemed are in service to the King, Jesus Christ, Rev. 1:6; 5:9-10

7. 7 Defining the Kingdom “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven…” (Matt. 13:11)  Salvation obtained in kingdom Salvation sent to the nations, Acts 28:23, 28, 31 (Mk. 16:15) Salvation sent to the nations, Acts 28:23, 28, 31 (Mk. 16:15) Preaching the kingdom, Acts 8:12; 20:24-25 Preaching the kingdom, Acts 8:12; 20:24-25 Delivered from darkness, Col. 1:13 Delivered from darkness, Col. 1:13

8. 8 The Kingdom “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven…” (Matt. 13:11)  Usage Kingdom, Matt. 8:12 Kingdom, Matt. 8:12 Kingdom of heaven, Matt. 8:11; 13:11; 16:19 Kingdom of heaven, Matt. 8:11; 13:11; 16:19 Kingdom of God, Mark 4:11; Eph. 5:5 Kingdom of God, Mark 4:11; Eph. 5:5 Kingdom of Christ, Luke 1:33; 22:29- 30; Jno. 18:36; Eph. 5:5; Col. 1:13 Kingdom of Christ, Luke 1:33; 22:29- 30; Jno. 18:36; Eph. 5:5; Col. 1:13

9. 9 Applying Kingdom Truth “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven…” (Matt. 13:11)  Kingdom “of heaven” & “of God” are equivalent, Matt. 13:11; Mk. 4:11  Nature of kingdom is spiritual, Jno. 18:36  Kingdom exists, Col. 1:13; Heb. 12:28; Rev. 1:9  Kingdom never be destroyed, Dan. 2:44; Heb. 12:28; 1 Cor. 15:24-28  Everlasting kingdom prepared for the faithful, Matt. 25:34; 2 Pet. 1:11

10. 10 Responding to Kingdom Truth “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven…” (Matt. 13:11) NNNNew birth of water & the Spirit necessary to see/enter, Jno. 3:3, 5 (1 Pet. 1:22-23) WWWWhen the kingdom is preached, people believe & are baptized, Acts 8:12 PPPPresence & nature of the kingdom persuades people of faith to reverently serve God, Heb. 12:28 WWWWill you enter kingdom? Why not now?