Comments on: The Kingdom of God http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god Sniffing out the work of God in the world... Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:36:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Antonio http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-53057 Antonio Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:33:09 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-53057 Very nice site! Good work. Very nice site! Good work.

]]> By: Stacy Adams http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-41215 Stacy Adams Tue, 16 Jan 2007 11:08:35 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-41215 Google is the best search engine Google is the best search engine

]]> By: Tim http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-38020 Tim Wed, 03 Jan 2007 07:14:51 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-38020 Great post! A great resource in addition to McLaren's is Rick McKinley's book "This Beautiful Mess". A great study of the Kingdom of God and its practical implications. http://www.amazon.com/This-Beautiful-Mess-Practicing-Presence/dp/1590525019/sr=1-1/qid=1167802583/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-4429473-3764668?ie=UTF8&s=books Great post! A great resource in addition to McLaren’s is Rick McKinley’s book “This Beautiful Mess”. A great study of the Kingdom of God and its practical implications.

http://www.amazon.com/This-Beautiful-Mess-Practicing-Presence/dp/1590525019/sr=1-1/qid=1167802583/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-4429473-3764668?ie=UTF8&s=books

]]> By: Places I’ve Been « A Place For The God-Hungry http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-15307 Places I’ve Been « A Place For The God-Hungry Sat, 23 Sep 2006 10:39:23 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-15307 [...]  A nice summation of the kingdom of God from Mike Cope. [...] [...]  A nice summation of the kingdom of God from Mike Cope. [...]

]]> By: SPIRITUAL OASIS By Bill Williams » Blog Archive » Extending A Kingdom Presence http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12942 SPIRITUAL OASIS By Bill Williams » Blog Archive » Extending A Kingdom Presence Wed, 05 Jul 2006 17:08:24 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12942 [...] An example of the vastness of this topic is found on John York’s web site. Beginning on August 14, 2005 and running through May 28, 2006, he presents an in depth sermon series entitled: Thy Kingdom Come. Taking the time to listen to this series is time well spent. On the surface it underscores the comprehensive nature of this topic. From time-to-time Mike Cope writes some interesting things about the kingdom on his blog. In a recent post, which is simply called The Kingdom of God, he states that “the primary message of Jesus of Nazareth was the kingdom of God.” This is, in my estimation, pure truth. In fact, I would extrapolate from this point to suggest that the primary mission for those who follow Jesus Christ is to be the kingdom. Jesus desires that we recognize and embrace His kingdom claims and live into His kingdom calling on our lives. This, in my opinion, is what Matthew 28:18-20 is all about. This is what kingdom living is all about. In other words, we are supposed to extend a kingdom-presence in the world. [...] [...] An example of the vastness of this topic is found on John York’s web site. Beginning on August 14, 2005 and running through May 28, 2006, he presents an in depth sermon series entitled: Thy Kingdom Come. Taking the time to listen to this series is time well spent. On the surface it underscores the comprehensive nature of this topic. From time-to-time Mike Cope writes some interesting things about the kingdom on his blog. In a recent post, which is simply called The Kingdom of God, he states that “the primary message of Jesus of Nazareth was the kingdom of God.” This is, in my estimation, pure truth. In fact, I would extrapolate from this point to suggest that the primary mission for those who follow Jesus Christ is to be the kingdom. Jesus desires that we recognize and embrace His kingdom claims and live into His kingdom calling on our lives. This, in my opinion, is what Matthew 28:18-20 is all about. This is what kingdom living is all about. In other words, we are supposed to extend a kingdom-presence in the world. [...]

]]> By: bill http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12881 bill Fri, 30 Jun 2006 16:04:16 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12881 mmm-mmm-good! Worth waiting for, brother! In "The Secret Message of Jesus" Brian McLaren says so much about the Kingdom. As I've contemplated why the kingdom concept has been minimized in our teaching, I've often thought that it's really a control issue. While “church” is a biblical word to use in referring to the body of believers called from the world by the gospel, it falls short of fully describing the nature of this body. Choosing to use this word permits us (and I've been as guilty of this as any other) to write our own script, especially with respect to polity. In the context in which we find ourselves, this has been the preferred practices for many for so long that we don’t even recognize it for what it is. Thus, there is and will always be, by my estimation, a sense in which the reign of Christ is being realized in the lives of women and men today. The kingdom is and the kingdom is not yet. This is the way it has always been and will continue to be until the consummation of the ages. The real issue for me is how am I responding to the kingdom call of Jesus? Am I living into Jesus’ kingdom vision for my life? Am I part of a community of believers that is striving to do the same? The answer to these questions is seen, not by analyzing how we are “doing church”, but by examining ourselves to see whether on not we are yielding to Jesus’ sovereignty. Jesus is king of His kingdom. Thus, there are no control issues to resolve, not even who sits on Jesus’ right or left hand. In commenting on the “You have heard that it was said . . . but I say to you” sections in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Kingdom Manifesto) McLaren summarizes this with the following: “The kingdom of God calls you to desire and seek a genuinely pure heart.” What do you think? mmm-mmm-good! Worth waiting for, brother!

In “The Secret Message of Jesus” Brian McLaren says so much about the Kingdom. As I’ve contemplated why the kingdom concept has been minimized in our teaching, I’ve often thought that it’s really a control issue. While “church” is a biblical word to use in referring to the body of believers called from the world by the gospel, it falls short of fully describing the nature of this body. Choosing to use this word permits us (and I’ve been as guilty of this as any other) to write our own script, especially with respect to polity.
In the context in which we find ourselves, this has been the preferred practices for many for so long that we don’t even recognize it for what it is. Thus, there is and will always be, by my estimation, a sense in which the reign of Christ is being realized in the lives of women and men today. The kingdom is and the kingdom is not yet. This is the way it has always been and will continue to be until the consummation of the ages.
The real issue for me is how am I responding to the kingdom call of Jesus? Am I living into Jesus’ kingdom vision for my life? Am I part of a community of believers that is striving to do the same? The answer to these questions is seen, not by analyzing how we are “doing church”, but by examining ourselves to see whether on not we are yielding to Jesus’ sovereignty. Jesus is king of His kingdom.
Thus, there are no control issues to resolve, not even who sits on Jesus’ right or left hand. In commenting on the “You have heard that it was said . . . but I say to you” sections in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Kingdom Manifesto) McLaren summarizes this with the following: “The kingdom of God calls you to desire and seek a genuinely pure heart.”

What do you think?

]]> By: paul http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12879 paul Fri, 30 Jun 2006 09:55:08 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12879 The kingdom rule is a daily heart decision. The kingdom rule is a daily heart decision.

]]> By: Jeff Brooks http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12878 Jeff Brooks Fri, 30 Jun 2006 04:17:58 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12878 Mike, A few posts ago you referenced "Christmas at Matthew's House." I was one of Andre's preaching students not long after the publishing of the article and ensuing backlash. In class, we discussed the article at length and he shared with us a Fred Craddock(?) article that kind of inspired his article. This is where my memory fails me. I remember the article being about Matthew and referring to Rachel weeping for her children, and ending with the line, "Now, who wants to preach this Sunday?" It was brilliant. So now ten years later, I'm wondering, do you know the name of the Craddock article and where could I get my hands on it? Just curious. Love your blog. I always read, but never comment. I will now return to the shadows. Thanks, Jeff Mike,

A few posts ago you referenced “Christmas at Matthew’s House.” I was one of Andre’s preaching students not long after the publishing of the article and ensuing backlash. In class, we discussed the article at length and he shared with us a Fred Craddock(?) article that kind of inspired his article. This is where my memory fails me. I remember the article being about Matthew and referring to Rachel weeping for her children, and ending with the line, “Now, who wants to preach this Sunday?” It was brilliant. So now ten years later, I’m wondering, do you know the name of the Craddock article and where could I get my hands on it? Just curious. Love your blog. I always read, but never comment. I will now return to the shadows.

Thanks,

Jeff

]]> By: Jim Martin http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12877 Jim Martin Fri, 30 Jun 2006 01:00:37 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12877 Mike, This is a very good piece. You did a very good job of giving a good sumation in one post. (Not the easiest thing to do!) Thanks... Mike,

This is a very good piece. You did a very good job of giving a good sumation in one post. (Not the easiest thing to do!) Thanks…

]]> By: Paul Mathis http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12876 Paul Mathis Thu, 29 Jun 2006 22:21:43 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12876 Thank you for this discussion. About 2 years ago, I started a series on the Kingdom and my basic points were the same as yours (great minds, right?). I met a lot of resistace because the mindset of the congregation was that the church is here, the church is perfect, we are just waiting for Heaven to come and get rid of all the riff-raff. The concept that the earthly church is not the perfect Kingdom was very challenging. Thank you for helping to clarify for me some of my own thinking. As to Larry James' question, I am struggling now with how my heritage relates to my present and my future. I love the Restoration principle. I love my heritage in the Churches of Christ, warts and all. However, I do not believe I need to bind myself only to C of C, but in practice, I find it challenging to attend elsewhere. In other words, intellectually I believe the Kingdom encompasses a whole lot more than I ever seen; yet in practice I search for the Kingdom in the place I am most comfortable. Thank you for this discussion. About 2 years ago, I started a series on the Kingdom and my basic points were the same as yours (great minds, right?). I met a lot of resistace because the mindset of the congregation was that the church is here, the church is perfect, we are just waiting for Heaven to come and get rid of all the riff-raff. The concept that the earthly church is not the perfect Kingdom was very challenging. Thank you for helping to clarify for me some of my own thinking.

As to Larry James’ question, I am struggling now with how my heritage relates to my present and my future. I love the Restoration principle. I love my heritage in the Churches of Christ, warts and all. However, I do not believe I need to bind myself only to C of C, but in practice, I find it challenging to attend elsewhere. In other words, intellectually I believe the Kingdom encompasses a whole lot more than I ever seen; yet in practice I search for the Kingdom in the place I am most comfortable.

]]> By: Larry James http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12875 Larry James Thu, 29 Jun 2006 22:05:40 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12875 Oh no, Mike. The All Star schedule is all about the Kingdom! What could be more celebratory, challenging and engaging? Besides, a game with as much time for meditation, centering prayer (i. e. "Hit the ball." "Hit the ball." "Hit the ball.") and openness to the imperatives of movement and teamwork, must be right in the heart of the K of God! The game also calls for human effort, but the deal usually boils down to sheer grace! Plus, everybody's welcome. . .thanks to Jackie Robinson! Oh no, Mike. The All Star schedule is all about the Kingdom! What could be more celebratory, challenging and engaging? Besides, a game with as much time for meditation, centering prayer (i. e. “Hit the ball.” “Hit the ball.” “Hit the ball.”) and openness to the imperatives of movement and teamwork, must be right in the heart of the K of God! The game also calls for human effort, but the deal usually boils down to sheer grace! Plus, everybody’s welcome. . .thanks to Jackie Robinson!

]]> By: Cheryl http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12873 Cheryl Thu, 29 Jun 2006 19:23:36 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12873 Thanks for this. I always wonder what would happen if each one of us decided to be the Kingdom of God. What would our homes, our churches, our communities, our world look like? Early on, I thought of the Kingdom being some far off concept or place, but it's really just about me being like Christ and reaching out, in love, to a hurting world. Thanks for this. I always wonder what would happen if each one of us decided to be the Kingdom of God. What would our homes, our churches, our communities, our world look like? Early on, I thought of the Kingdom being some far off concept or place, but it’s really just about me being like Christ and reaching out, in love, to a hurting world.

]]> By: russkirby http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12871 russkirby Thu, 29 Jun 2006 17:33:49 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12871 Thanks Mike! For anyone preaching or teaching through the SOT, I highly recommend Stassen and Gushee's "Kingdom Ethics." Highly. b blessed russ Thanks Mike!

For anyone preaching or teaching through the SOT, I highly recommend Stassen and Gushee’s “Kingdom Ethics.” Highly.

b blessed
russ

]]> By: Steve http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12870 Steve Thu, 29 Jun 2006 17:31:45 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12870 When I was growing up the teaching was always: kingdom = church church = kingdom I think Prentice Meador (Who Rules Your Life? Exploring the Kingdom Parables of Jesus–1979) was the one who first help me understand the Kingdom as God's reign and rule in the lives and hearts of his children and that the Kingdom is more spatial than it is physical or literal. Jesus' prayer is so powerful when understood in terms of bringing what's up in heaven down to the earth. Jesus wants us to be about following him, being like him, and living like him before others, not trying to tell people what the minimal requirements are for getting into heaven. Helps one understand a little more fully what Paul meant when he said that Christ didn't send him to baptize but to preach the good news. Christ call him to follow him and Paul called others to follow him as he followed Christ. This Kingdom understanding is powerful to the point of life changing. Peace. When I was growing up the teaching was always:

kingdom = church

church = kingdom

I think Prentice Meador (Who Rules Your Life? Exploring the Kingdom Parables of Jesus–1979) was the one who first help me understand the Kingdom as God’s reign and rule in the lives and hearts of his children and that the Kingdom is more spatial than it is physical or literal.

Jesus’ prayer is so powerful when understood in terms of bringing what’s up in heaven down to the earth. Jesus wants us to be about following him, being like him, and living like him before others, not trying to tell people what the minimal requirements are for getting into heaven.

Helps one understand a little more fully what Paul meant when he said that Christ didn’t send him to baptize but to preach the good news. Christ call him to follow him and Paul called others to follow him as he followed Christ.

This Kingdom understanding is powerful to the point of life changing.

Peace.

]]> By: Steve http://preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12869 Steve Thu, 29 Jun 2006 17:16:49 +0000 http://www.preachermike.com/2006/06/29/the-kingdom-of-god#comment-12869 Sorry Jim. Didn't know you already had the link up. Peace. Sorry Jim. Didn’t know you already had the link up.

Peace.

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