Kingdom Truth

[ITS]

Consider Kingdom theology in the parables: What Kingdom truth is least understood and what truth is most needed today?

[chewy_tlee]

Perhaps one of the kingdom truths least understood today is that though the kingdom has not been fully ushered in the present era, it has been ushered in the present age to a significant degree. It is the church or the body of Christ that has been sort of the representative of God’s kingdom. With our culture that seems to promote individualism and increasing technology people seemed to have grown more isolated from one another. This seems to have invaded the minds of those involved in the church. I wonder if our growing technology and individualism has hampered us from really doing church. And though kingdom growth cannot be ultimately stunted it perhaps can be infected.

Thomas

[kwleafs]

It appears in some places as though Jesus speaks of the kingdom of God in at least two ways. One way is in regard to community - we are taught to love one another, forgive one another, pray for one another, etc. The other way a Jew would have understood Jesus' reference to the kingdom was in regard to the rule of God in his individual life (i.e., salvation).

My concern is that we have spent a great deal of time focusing on the individual aspect of the kingdom of God (which we would agree is highly significant and necessary). We have done this, however, at the expense of exploring the vast depth of the kingdom as community. Evangelical churches spend a lot of time these days speaking of creating "Acts 2 churches" - we all want the kind of community evident in Acts 2. But I don't think we can have that kind of community until we are willing to open ourselves up to each other in the same way they did in Acts 2.

Unfortunately, it still feels sometimes like we haven't done what Jesus asked in Luke 17:1-10 - especially v5. Until then, true kingdom community may remain out of our grasp. But there is hope ... we serve a great God.

Blessings.

[kwleafs]

Very true - kingdom growth can be stunted by our own sinful behaviour as displayed at times by both the Pharisees and the disciples. At the same time, I think advances in technology may be somewhat helpful in developing community instead of hindering its growth. It seems we have a certain idealistic concept of community as always being face to face interaction, which is certainly important, but not the only ingredient. I think the advance of technology like the Internet and email has potentially served to open other doors to community that we may never have experienced otherwise, and has enhanced our concept of community instead of stunted it. Of course, these are only individual components that are part of a larger whole, but important nonetheless. Just one man's opinion!

Blessings.

[rnollet]

A key point in Jesus? teaching was the Son of Man?s coming to Earth to seek and to save what was lost. He was referring to outcasts, the poor, the lost and the despised. Churches today, while involved in works of charity, regrettably separate themselves on the basis of theological arguments, race, economic status and political belief. This works against the Church?s ability to reach out to the outcast, the poor and the lost, who may feel unworthy of entering a church.
The truth most needed today is to understand the basic message of the parables, which were rooted in love of God and neighbor. Anyone should feel comfortable seeking Christian fellowship anywhere.

[rnollet]

In response to kwleafs thoughts, I agree that community needs to be a high priority in the minds of all Christians today. The concern with our own salvation and growth should naturally lead to a witness to others, looking after orphans and widows (Jas. 1:27), and strengthening the body of Christ. It has been said that Christianity is one generation away from extinction. This implies that the work of each Christian is to live as an example in the community and within the sphere of his fellow believers. Instead of thinking of the ?Acts 2? clich?, applying the parables personally as a way to live will allow the indwelling Spirit to work in our lives.

[dubbs]

Consider Kingdom theology in the parables: What Kingdom truth is least understood and what truth is most needed today?

I believe the kingdom truth that is least understood today has to do with entrance into the kingdom. The parables prove that entrance into the kingdom has nothing to do with one's religious exterior. Rather, entrance into the kingdom has everything to do with one's internal commitment to Jesus Christ. This truth can be seen in parables such as the tax collector and the Pharisee. God is not judging on external piety. God makes His judgments on internal surrender to the offer of forgiveness provided on the cross of Jesus Christ.

[dubbs]

A key point in Jesus? teaching was the Son of Man?s coming to Earth to seek and to save what was lost. He was referring to outcasts, the poor, the lost and the despised. Churches today, while involved in works of charity, regrettably separate themselves on the basis of theological arguments, race, economic status and political belief. This works against the Church?s ability to reach out to the outcast, the poor and the lost, who may feel unworthy of entering a church.
The truth most needed today is to understand the basic message of the parables, which were rooted in love of God and neighbor. Anyone should feel comfortable seeking Christian fellowship anywhere.

I agree with "mollet" on most of what was posted. Jesus did come to seek and save the lost. I agree Jesus' primary work was with the poor and the outcast and churches today are not doing enough to meet the financial and spiritual needs of those in their communities. I also agree that most churches today are divided by many theological, social and economic lines.

Where I might disagree is in the ecumenical favor of this posting. In order for churches to unite in love and work together the foundation of the gospel must be the same.

[stevepiper]

The thing that I didn?t understand well with regard to Kingdom theology in the parables is the expectation for social transformation not only in the fulfilled kingdom but also the expectation of working toward social transformation in the inaugurated kingdom. It involves right relationship with God and fighting personal, social, and institutional evil through nonviolent, moral, and ethical means. This is not liberation theology in which salvation means the establishment of a just social order. In Kingdom theology, true discipleship involves seeking justice in all parts of life wherever injustice may exist in the world. I had not thought of this before as a Kingdom attribute. I, like many I know, have thought much about the purely spiritual attributes of the Kingdom. I had not previously made the connection that spiritual freedom involves addressing the social problems associated with living in the midst of a creation damaged by sin. I think this is an important Kingdom truth that is not well understood.

[stevepiper]

Very true - kingdom growth can be stunted by our own sinful behaviour as displayed at times by both the Pharisees and the disciples. At the same time, I think advances in technology may be somewhat helpful in developing community instead of hindering its growth. It seems we have a certain idealistic concept of community as always being face to face interaction, which is certainly important, but not the only ingredient. I think the advance of technology like the Internet and email has potentially served to open other doors to community that we may never have experienced otherwise, and has enhanced our concept of community instead of stunted it. Of course, these are only individual components that are part of a larger whole, but important nonetheless. Just one man's opinion!

Blessings.

I think the idea of an electronic community has some merit. My first reaction was a little negative because I envisioned a virtual church in which everyone fellowships via internet. I don?t deny that God can use any means to further his kingdom. This would be a positive use of a medium that has been used for evil purposes. Certainly those who are isolated for whatever reason (illness, geography, incarceration) would be great beneficiaries of electronic fellowship. But I do believe that at the core of biblical calls to fellowship is the necessity of direct contact between believers. Where possible, believers need to gather together to worship and to be in communion so that they may learn, be encouraged, and be strengthened. This idea of electronic community is one I will continue to think about.

[Mark Miller]

Consider Kingdom theology in the parables: What Kingdom truth is least understood and what truth is most needed today?

One of the most compelling truths that emerged in my study of the parables is the sovereignty of God. What I mean by that is illustrated in numerous parables which describe how that the word of God is alive and will produce a harvest in the kingdom. For instance, the parable of the Sower seems to illustrate that despite the fact that there are many who are not productive and who reject the truths of the gospel, there will be those who are productive and who will produce a harvest. Likewise, the parables that illustrate the necessity of faithful prayer and persistence cause me to recognize that God will respond to our requests because of his sovereign nature. The many parables that illustrate the necessity of faithfulness on our part are indicative of God?s nature. We are to trust in His divine plan, faithful to the principles He has established for us to follow. The parables point to the Kingdom and to God. They help us understand God?s nature and our place in accepting the living nature of the Kingdom on this earth.

[Mark Miller]

A key point in Jesus? teaching was the Son of Man?s coming to Earth to seek and to save what was lost. He was referring to outcasts, the poor, the lost and the despised. Churches today, while involved in works of charity, regrettably separate themselves on the basis of theological arguments, race, economic status and political belief. This works against the Church?s ability to reach out to the outcast, the poor and the lost, who may feel unworthy of entering a church.
The truth most needed today is to understand the basic message of the parables, which were rooted in love of God and neighbor. Anyone should feel comfortable seeking Christian fellowship anywhere.

I believe that this strikes at the very root of the issues which entangle us as a ?church? in today?s society. We are indeed called to defend and reach out to the poor and the outcasts in society. We should be leading efforts designed for social justice. If the church world, which represents the body of Christ, was actively engaged in applying the truths of the parables as it should be, there would be a clear understanding in our society of what the purpose of the church is. Instead of waiting for a presidential initiative in support of faith-based programs, church leaders would initiate social change and respond to the many injustices in our culture because it?s the biblical thing to do. If the church was relevant, the unchurched would be more likely to understand how spirituality makes a difference now. Many more people would join in if they saw that we were concerned about them and not about maintaining our denominational polarity.

[starpley]

Consider Kingdom theology in the parables: What Kingdom truth is least understood and what truth is most needed today?

I believe the least understood kingdom truth is how to enter the kingdom of God. Many times, still today, people believe they will enter the kingdom of heaven by simply being a good person or a good citizen or just because they go to church. A prime example of this can be found in the Parable of the Two Sons in Mt. 21:28-32. This is where Jesus told the religious leaders that the tax collectors and the prostitutes were entering the kingdom God ahead of them because they believed when they heard about the way of righteousness in Christ. And again so it is today.

I believe the truth most needed today is the truth that God's unconditional love is for all mankind. Today's world is starving for a love that will last. The majority of people are looking anywhere and everywhere for a love that cannot and will not be satisfied by anything on or in this earth. In God, we will all find unconditional, everlasting and true love that will not and cannot ever fail.

[starpley]

Consider Kingdom theology in the parables: What Kingdom truth is least understood and what truth is most needed today?

I believe the kingdom truth that is least understood today has to do with entrance into the kingdom. The parables prove that entrance into the kingdom has nothing to do with one's religious exterior. Rather, entrance into the kingdom has everything to do with one's internal commitment to Jesus Christ. This truth can be seen in parables such as the tax collector and the Pharisee. God is not judging on external piety. God makes His judgments on internal surrender to the offer of forgiveness provided on the cross of Jesus Christ.

I agree with dubbs on the point about the entrance to the kingdom. It has nothing to do with one's religious exterior but rather it has everything to do with what is inside the heart of each person. Such as seen in the parable of the Two Sons which is in Matthew 21:28-32. This all goes along with the kingdom mantality. Jesus Christ came to earth to usher in the kingdom of God and in so doing he gave his life for any individual that would recieve him. Those individuals are not limited by social classification, race, gender or nationality. The kingdom of God is all based upon the persons heart and their receptivity to Jesus/the kingdom of God. It is not based up anything external or even one's past but only on the inward condition of the heart.

[carroche]

Working in a third world context where I daily see the disparity between the rich and poor, the kingdom truth which continually remains perplexing to me, is the use of financial and material resources for kingdom purposes. I cannot help but look at the disparity between the wealth in my home country and the people I work with who don’t have enough money to pay a pastor, acquire materials for Sunday School, or to provide training for their leaders. Considering the need which surrounds me, it was disheartening to me to learn in this course of the statistic that Christians in North American on an average only give 3% of their income to kingdom things. Whether this statistic includes giving to parachurch ministries or not, the number is still extremely low. It seems we need to spend time in the parables of the Talents, Shrewd Manager and the like and consider what the kingdom demands of our wealth. For even if we don’t feel rich, we are.

[carroche]

I believe the least understood kingdom truth is how to enter the kingdom of God. Many times, still today, people believe they will enter the kingdom of heaven by simply being a good person or a good citizen or just because they go to church. A prime example of this can be found in the Parable of the Two Sons in Mt. 21:28-32. This is where Jesus told the religious leaders that the tax collectors and the prostitutes were entering the kingdom God ahead of them because they believed when they heard about the way of righteousness in Christ. And again so it is today.

I believe the truth most needed today is the truth that God's unconditional love is for all mankind. Today's world is starving for a love that will last. The majority of people are looking anywhere and everywhere for a love that cannot and will not be satisfied by anything on or in this earth. In God, we will all find unconditional, everlasting and true love that will not and cannot ever fail.

Amen! On the flip side, I would add that while many think they can get into heaven through what they do, there are many others that think nothing is required except a “sinner’s prayer.” The Good News that Jesus brought through his life, ministry and teaching was full of grace, but it was also full of demand. I am not sure we fully grasp the radical nature of this demand which requires all of who we are and all of who we are becoming. Is entrance to the kingdom a gift? Absolutely! But at risk of sounding heretical, I sense that Jesus’ distinction between grace and demand is uncomfortably less than most of us care to admit. It is a grace which demands our life!

[Barbara Irvine]

The Kingdom of God is a revolutionary kingdom of love and forgiveness, of turning the other cheek, of loving one's neighbor as yourself, and of sacrificial living. This Kingdom has a King of love who gave the ultimate sacrifice of devotion; He spilled out His life for others. This kingdom sees its wealth in the unseen, spiritual realm; the rich young ruler could not see this value and walked away from God's gift. The pearl of great price is the treasure hidden in a vast field that is worth the spilt blood of Jesus.
This kingdom is a contradiction to natural senses; it reaches for the humble and poor, and the maimed. It tells those that see that they are blind and those that hear they are deaf. It elevates the destitute to heavenly places and casts the rich man, who loves his riches, into eternal separation from God. God is light and God is love. God speaks the unseen Word, and everything that is, is. God's Kingdom is one of righteousness, joy and peace. This is a peace that is not like the world; it is the flooding of the soul with a deep knowing and yes, a deep desire, for the Creator who made it. In this selfish world of chaos and greed, what the world needs most is to reach out to the poor and the needy, to consider another before oneself, and to seek the Kingdom and the King of righteousness with all that is within us. . . to redeem the time, while it is yet time.

[Barbara Irvine]

It appears in some places as though Jesus speaks of the kingdom of God in at least two ways. One way is in regard to community - we are taught to love one another, forgive one another, pray for one another, etc. The other way a Jew would have understood Jesus' reference to the kingdom was in regard to the rule of God in his individual life (i.e., salvation).

My concern is that we have spent a great deal of time focusing on the individual aspect of the kingdom of God (which we would agree is highly significant and necessary). We have done this, however, at the expense of exploring the vast depth of the kingdom as community. Evangelical churches spend a lot of time these days speaking of creating "Acts 2 churches" - we all want the kind of community evident in Acts 2. But I don't think we can have that kind of community until we are willing to open ourselves up to each other in the same way they did in Acts 2.

(reply from Barbara Irvine - May 20, 2006)
Faith comes from hearing and hearing from the Word of God. As we sit at His feet, He will increase our faith as a Mustard Seed, so that we can see the application of the narratives of the Parables to the lives of our congregation. Jesus came for the individual; we are saved one-by-one. Jesus went to the sinners and while we were yet sinners, God loved us. Yes the Kingdom of God is community and it is by example of doing unto others. Yes, we are a temple not made with hands for the dwelling place of God. We are to love one another and take care of the poor. This is true Kingdom living as in Acts 2. Jesus is as relevant today as He was 2000 years ago, because all things were set into motion before the foudnations of the world. We re able to apprehend truth, if we apprehend Truth, who is Jesus. In His presence all things come clear. he is the great revealer and He tells the preacher who cares enough to sit at His feet and be instructed. Parables are life episodes in every aspect of human existence; there is nothing new under the sun. These narratives are revealed and relevant, they add spice and vinegar to an otherwise dry sermon. They quicken the anointing of the Spirit; they bring conviction to the faint hearted. Try them on for size; each one will fit neatly into God's plan to raise up your church.

Unfortunately, it still feels sometimes like we haven't done what Jesus asked in Luke 17:1-10 - especially v5. Until then, true kingdom community may remain out of our grasp. But there is hope ... we serve a great God.

Blessings.

[donaldagordon]

[quote="ITS"]Consider Kingdom theology in the parables: What Kingdom truth is least understood and what truth is most needed today?[/quotet=

I first would like to give notice to the diverse manifestations of Orthodox Christianity. Different denominations, practical theologies, geopgraphical locations, among a slieu of other aspects. Given this reality I think it is fair to presume that different aspects of Kingdom Truths ought to be accentuated respectively. Here in the West, particulalry in Southern California, the Kingdom Truth that I believe would be of most benefit would be one that centered on stewardship. The parable that quickly comes to mind would be that of the Unjust Steward. Though that parable is not advocating that our Father smiles down on malipuative and unjust action as a means to achieving whatever goals are set before us, it does validate one intentionally utilizing their resources as a mark of true discpleship. The imagery that resonates with this Kingdom truths echoes the words of Christ when he urges his disciples to be schrewd as serpants, yet gentle as doves. We in the West must not forget that we have a Kingdom mission that entails , or eventually ought to entail, joyfully submission in all areas of our lives, which includes our finances.

[donaldagordon]

The expectation for social transformation within the inaugerated Kingdom is one that has been very perplexing for me. It has not so much been difficult to grasp but if it is, which I believe it is, a true mark of discipleship, how then, within my heavy laden conservative evangelical context, has it practically played itself out? Do evangelicals have a voice on issues such as immigration, sex trade industries, poor education in low resourced urban areas, and other societal ills. Should we have a voice? How much of that
voice should extend into the political arena? I took some time to do research on the Japenese concentration camps initiated by the US during World War II. Come to find out that, not too far from where my seminary use to be located, Japenese Americans were taken out of there home and put on busses, to say the least, to be shipped out. I could not find any articles or evidence of a conservative evangelical's speaking out about such issues. My fear is that the church would not even be unified on issues that may arguably be wrong within a theocratic paradigm. My intuition is that we need to be more intentional about advocating social justice. Any thoughts?



The thing that I didn?t understand well with regard to Kingdom theology in the parables is the expectation for social transformation not only in the fulfilled kingdom but also the expectation of working toward social transformation in the inaugurated kingdom. It involves right relationship with God and fighting personal, social, and institutional evil through nonviolent, moral, and ethical means. This is not liberation theology in which salvation means the establishment of a just social order. In Kingdom theology, true discipleship involves seeking justice in all parts of life wherever injustice may exist in the world. I had not thought of this before as a Kingdom attribute. I, like many I know, have thought much about the purely spiritual attributes of the Kingdom. I had not previously made the connection that spiritual freedom involves addressing the social problems associated with living in the midst of a creation damaged by sin. I think this is an important Kingdom truth that is not well understood.

[mountaintop]

The understanding that Jesus was teaching kingdom values to be lived in the present. The parables continually teach us God's way and man's way of responding to life situations. Selfishness is continually confronted. The parables would teach modern man a great deal about sacrificial love like the Good Samaritan demonstrated. Busyness is no excuse for inaction. Looking down on a wayward brother coming home simply because you felt he didn't deserve it like in the Prodigal Son addresses this same spirit of lovelessness. Loving your neighbour includes every human being on this planet. Especially our enemies.