Continuing the series on the Kingdom of God, this episode focuses on how the Kingdom was displayed through the life and ministry of Jesus as well as through the church. Following a brief recap of the two previous episodes, Dr. Chris bridges the 400 year gap between the OT and the NT by explaining the historical, socio-political and religious context. Bible readers need to be informed that there are a lot of changes that take place between the books of Malachi (the close of the OT) and the Gospel of Matthew (the opening of the NT). Learning about those changes allows for a much clearer picture when Jesus arrives on the scene and announces "the Kingdom of God is at hand!" Additionally, this episode explores the manner in which Jesus continues and fulfills the Old Testament story (Luke 24:44-45; Matt. 5:17). Through His perfect life, compelling instruction and miraculous works, Jesus not only declares the Kingdom come, but He demonstrates it as well (Matt. 5-7; Matt. 12:28). The climax of Kingdom displayed in Jesus' life/ministry, is the cross, resurrection and ascension. Through His climactic victory, Jesus overcomes the works of darkness and cancels the curse that was upon humanity due to the fall. Restoring what man lost at the fall (dual loss: relationship & rulership), Jesus then commissions His followers to be the conduits of Kingdom character and power to every nation and people group (Matt. 28:18-20; John 20:21).
Music: "On My Way," by Justin Jollie.
