Bible study lesson: 9am to 11 am Evangelical Church Mbabane Presentation by Rev. J.S. Msane Introduction The story Jesus told about His kingdom (Mat. 13: 31-32; Lk 13:18-21) is that of growth and expansion. Jesus wants and demands for a kingdom that is growing. It may start small but it should not remain small. This should be the purpose of a kingdom minded church (we should be building a growing church that will gradually take over this world for Him). Meaning A. Kingdom: A country ruled by a king or queen (Oxford Dictionary). The kingdom of God in Scripture is the all-embracing program of God’s divine salvation history. Involved in the term “kingdom” are both the royal dignity of a king, and the territory in which this kingship is exercised. Meaning B. Church: The church of Jesus Christ is not the building or the structure, but the PEOPLE. His church is comprised of the called-out people. Those that have been transformed, genuinely saved from sin. The church is both local and universal. Meaning C. Kingdom minded church: These are people who have accepted the Lordship of Christ in their personal lives, represent Christ, live for Christ, obey Christ and seek to bring the kingdom of Christ into every heart in the locality. Three kinds of churches Churches who are building their own kingdom. 2. Churches who are building their own kingdom and that of God. 3. Churches who are building the kingdom of God only. 1. Marks of a church which is building its own kingdom Humanistic Preaching: Moral and motivational talks that leave out the fundamental truth of the gospel have become the order of the day. Sin is not being mentioned, lest the people become sin-conscious! People must be kept happy and the service enjoyable. 1. Marks of a church which is building its own kingdom 2. Success and Breakthrough: There is overemphasis on physical and financial success to the detriment of spiritual riches. The programmes are geared towards getting ahead financially and physically to the detriment of your spiritual life. Marks of a church which is building its own kingdom 3. Reliance on Transfer Growth: Many of these so called ‘churches’ are not meant for sinners that truly want to know the Lord and get to heaven. Rather, they are targeted towards those who are already Christians. Marks of a kingdom minded church In a kingdom minded church, these are the visible marks that you must look for and which are very crucial to His church. 1. The kingdom minded church is founded upon Christ and preaches Christ (Mat. 16:18; 28:19-20). 2. It is composed of people who radically devoted to Christ (Acts 2:42) Marks of a kingdom minded church 3. It is composed of people who live out their faith within the shadows of the gates of hell. They are in the world but not of the world. They shine as light and sweeten as salt in the earth (Mat 5: 13-16). They deny self and carry their cross daily to follow Christ their Lord and saviour (Mat 11: 28-29). Marks of a kingdom minded church 4. It is composed of people who are irrevocably committed to each other; Christ Himself says, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). True and genuine love that becomes contagious is evident in a kingdom minded church. Marks of a kingdom minded church 5. It is a Mission-minded church; no church can be said to be kingdom minded if the Great Commission of our Lord is not taken seriously (Mat. 28:19-20; Mk. 16: 15). It must be a going church. The Great Commission does not become the Great Omission. Soul winning is taken as the number of one business of the church and every effort is made to bring people to the saving knowledge of Christ. Marks of a kingdom minded church 6. It is composed of people who are committed to prayer and intercession; “It is written, my house shall be called the house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13). 7. It is a biblically sound church. The Word of God is non negotiable in a kingdom minded church. Marks of a kingdom minded church 8. It consciously encourages the discovery of gifts, talents and ministries of members and allows them to function (Eph. 4:16) 9. It embarks on leadership development (2 Tim. 2:2).
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