As Christians, we have a duality in our lives. We live in both the physical and spiritual realm. We are in the world but also in heaven, we are earthly citizens and at the same time citizens of God’s Kingdom. Today’s Christian suffer from a diminished view of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is more real and more powerful and more wonderful than any earthly nation. Jesus says the kingdom is in our midst (Luke 17:20-21). We get confused because we cannot see or touch God’s kingdom. Yet we know Jesus is the King and His kingdom was established when He came to earth and it continues to grow by the preaching of His word and its citizens wait for His second coming (Philippians 3:20).
Three Characteristics of the Kingdom Message
The kingdom of God has a central gospel message and that message is good. The gospel is indescribably and perfectly good and it draws the attention of those who are called. In Luke 8:1, we see how Jesus loved and treasured the message of the kingdom of God. He went from place to place, anywhere He could go, constantly spreading the gospel message. The great Preacher wanted everyone to hear the kingdom message and come to salvation. Throughout his ministry, from beginning to end, Jesus had only one topic for His sermons, the good news of the kingdom of God, the Gospel (Acts 1:3).
The gospel message is good because it saves people from death to life. Everyone is born spiritually dead because of our sinful nature yet we can be made alive by the message of Jesus Christ. Also, dead sinners, we belonged to Satan but by the saving grace of the gospel, now we belong to God (1 John 5:19). The world is broken because of sin. Just look around and everyone is outraged at all the evils and wrongs in this modern society. But they don’t call it sin and therefore their solutions don’t work. The only way to break out of the broken world system is by the gospel of Jesus of Christ. That’s why the message is good.
The gospel message is good because it makes suffering worthwhile. In Acts 14:22 it says through tribulations we enter the kingdom of God. So if we see our suffering from God’s perspective, suffering is a good fight with a good reward. “Losses and crosses are better for us, if they lead us to Christ” – JC Ryle. Therefore in your suffering, seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and you will find yourself under a powerful and good King (Matthew 6:33).
The Kingdom Message is Powerful
In Luke 8:2-3, we see those who have experienced the power of the kingdom message externally and internally. Mary Magdalene’s life had been ruined by the control of seven demons. She was helpless and abused by those wicked demons and no power on earth could rescue her. We must realize that demons are real and extremely powerful. They are fallen angels who serve Satan. These vile beings have many ways to attack people either directly or indirectly. This entire world is under their influence of hatred towards God. Yet by the gospel message, a person can be set free. This is the power of the Gospel that no other power can resist.
The kingdom message is powerful to reach both high and low. Chuza was Herod’s steward, a royal official with great power in the kingdom, and he believed in the gospel message and was changed. This is because the kingdom message is not mere words but power (1 Corinthians 4:20). Today we have brilliant teachers who speak many words but they carry little power. By contrast, in the early church, the preachers weren’t intellectuals but fishermen. Their power came from their faith and the faithfulness of the message they spoke. The gospel contains the power that comes from the Holy Spirit, not from academics (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The kingdom message is a message of repentance (change). Both John the Baptist and Jesus proclaimed, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). True repentance is genuine sorrow over your sin which leads to trust in the Lord for forgiveness and salvation. That trust is then demonstrated by obedience. A lack of obedience means there was a lack of true repentance. This is why people claim that Christianity doesn’t work. They lack true repentance. We can be confident that the gospel message works because God is good and He is almighty God who graciously gives a powerful and effective message (Romans 8:32). It is life-changing gratitude and joy that comes when we repent and receive the salvation that is not earned by our deeds but paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross.
The Kingdom Message is Practical
In Luke 8:3, we see all those who are in the kingdom of God become servants of God. They have experienced the goodness and power of the message. Now they want to serve and help the church. These women continually, voluntarily, and sacrificially serve the Lord out of their love for Him. They desire to be like Jesus who loved and sacrificed Himself for them.
Likewise, Christian, be bold and share the kingdom message because we know who is our King! We are already in the kingdom of God and we love Jesus Christ the most. This love is an obedient love (Matthew 11:28-30). As servants and citizens, we come to our King and are satisfied with Him and His reign in our lives. Let us bring more people into this blessed kingdom as we live out and proclaim the gospel message to them.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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