JESUS CHRIST, THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA: EDUCATION WITH CHRISTIAN VALUES FOR TRANSFORMATION

 

1 Cor 1:21-31; Psalm 26; Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12; Mark 10:2-16

Introduction 

Jesus' teachings was the Kingdom of God centered. He would always teach with much reference to this Kingdom as, "the Kingdom of God..." (Mark 4:26, 10:20, 12:24; Luke 6:20)

The people of God at the time were waiting for the Messiah to deliver them from the hands of the Romans and establish Jerusalem as their Kingdom. So "While they were listening to this [the pronouncement of Christ on Zacchaeus' salvation], he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once." Luke 19:11

The Kingdom is important to the people because it was about their deliverance, peace, hope, faith etc. It is the salvation of God's children from the hands Lucifer, the Satan (in their case the Romans oppressive rule)

He categorically stated that, "Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power." Mark 9:1

Luke confirms this saying, "After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God..." Luke 8:1

Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God in two perspectives;

1. The Kingdom is Near: Jesus at various sessions will put the Kingdom of God so near to the people saying, "the Kingdom of God is at hand" (Mark 1:15; Luke 10:9,11; 21:31). 

This is the anticipation of the salvation of God for His people.

2. The Presence of the Kingdom: Jesus again gives another perspective of the Kingdom has already here with us. That is, the Kingdom you are waiting for is has come and it is spiritual. (Matt. 12:28; Luke 17:20-21)

The Kingdom of God is where Christ rule.

It signifies the presence of God. The power of God,  the grace, the love, the peace, healing, providential and protective care as well as eternal life in heaven?

The Kingdom as God's Salvation 

For us today, the Kingdom has come, it is with us and it is coming. 

Christ Jesus came to establish our Salvation on the cross. We were saved when He carried our sins unto the cross.

This is what Apostle Paul explains in 1Cor. 1:21-31. He explains how the message of God's Kingdom is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to non Jews. The salvation message is not sound with philosophy, scholarship and wisdom of the world (logic). He concludes that, "The one who boasts must boast in the Lord."

The salvation of Christ is here with us receiving lost souls into the Kingdom. As many who receive Christ are ushered into the sonship of God. We are being saved.

The salvation of believers is being anticipated in the second coming of Christ, the Rapture.

One is ushered into the Kingdom of God the moment he/she accepts Christ.

When one remains in christ and live a righteous life then one can be translated into heaven after death. 

How to Receive the Kingdom of God

The reception of the Kingdom is to believe and receive the Way. Jesus said, "I am the way the truth and the life..." (John 14:6)

Receiving the way is to receive the Son, Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour (Rom. 10:9-10). "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." John 1:12

Members of the Kingdom is exclusive reserved to heirs of the Father. The Scripture says, "Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Rom. 8:17

Five Steps to Receive Christ, the Kingdom of God

1. I have sinned - Be humble like a Child to accept your sins. 

2. Your sins have separated you from God's Kingdom.

3. Reconciliation to God comes through Christ Jesus.

4. You have to receive the Kingdom of God.

5. Let the Kingdom life be seen in you.

Someone had said, you can reject Jesus as your Saviour today but you cannot reject Him as your judge on the judgement day.