The KINGDOM of GOD and the CHURCH of GOD

“Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God IS NOT COMING IN WAYS THAT CAN BE OBSERVED, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS IN THE MIDST OF YOU.” (Luke 17:20-21) [The kingdom of God cannot be observed because it is within us!] Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. HIS DISCIPLES CAME TO HIM, and he began TO TEACH THEM. He said: “You are the light of the world. A town BUILT ON A HILL CANNOT BE HIDDEN.” (Matt. 5:1-2, 14) [The kingdom is within you; but YOU (my chosen ones) are like a city set on a hill (where it can be seen by all) and cannot be hidden] “And I tell you, you are Peter, and ON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH…” (Matt. 16:18) [Remember this “rock” is the MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING of our relationship with our Lord and Savior, and Jesus said I will build, I HAVEN’T BUILT IT YET!] “When morning came, he called his disciples to him and CHOSE TWELVE of them, whom he also designated apostles: A LARGE CROWD OF HIS DISCIPLES was there AND A GREAT NUMBER OF PEOPLE…” (Luke 6:13-17) [Notice there are three (3) groups of people present; His church (ekkle?sia: called out ones, which He was now building), his disciples (both of these groups are His kingdom, and potential followers of Christ!] “I have brought you glory on earth BY FINISHING THE WORK YOU GAVE ME TO DO.” (John 17:4) [What was this work (remember He had not died on the cross yet!) He said “I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH”] “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also FOR THOSE WHO WILL BELIEVE IN ME through their message, that ALL OF THEM MAY BE ONE, Father, JUST AS YOU ARE IN ME AND I AM IN YOU. May they also be in us so that THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE that you have sent me.” (John 17:20-21) [Jesus built His church, He finished this job that the Father had given Him!] “…And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47) [Another name for the church is the body of Christ…] “For we are members of his [Jesus] body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I SPEAK CONCERNING CHRIST AND THE CHURCH.” (Eph. 5:30-32)

Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that JESUS FINISHING THE WORK HIS FATHER GAVE HIM TO DO; HE BUILT HIS CHURCH!
-Bill Stockham

Charles Page [07/23/2015 3:02 PM]
Jesus is not finishing his work he finished it on the cross, “it is finished” he cried from the cross.