How can we actively proclaim "the kingdom of heaven is near" today? The Call in Matthew 10:7 “ As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ ” What “Near” Means – Near in TIME: Christ has come; His death and resurrection have launched the last days (Hebrews 1:2). – Near in PRESENCE: The King Himself dwells in every believer through His Spirit (John 14:17). – Near in ACCESS: All who repent and believe enter now (Mark 1:15). Preparing Our Hearts Before We Speak • Repent of known sin—nothing muffles the message faster (1 John 1:9). • Renew awe for the gospel daily; we talk most about what thrills us (Psalm 51:12-13). • Pray for open doors and bold words (Colossians 4:3-4). • Remember our identity: “We are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Words That Proclaim the Nearness • Share the good news plainly: – God rules. – Sin rebels. – Christ saves. – Response required—repent and believe. • Keep Jesus central, not moralism or politics (1 Corinthians 2:2). • Use everyday language; explain “kingdom” as God’s rightful reign made visible in Jesus. • Include urgency without pressure: “Now is the favorable time” (2 Corinthians 6:2). • Saturate conversation with Scripture snippets; the Spirit wields the Word (Ephesians 6:17). Works That Validate the Words Matthew 10:8 follows with healing, cleansing, raising, casting out. Today: • Care for the sick and suffering—visit hospitals, provide meals, fund medicine. • Restore the marginalized—mentor prisoners, welcome refugees, defend unborn life. • Offer practical help freely: “Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) • Expect God to answer prayer in tangible ways so others taste kingdom power (James 5:14-16). • Partner with global missions—support Bible translation, church planting, mercy projects. A Lifestyle That Embodies Nearness • Joyful righteousness: “The kingdom of God is… righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17) • Visible unity: love across racial, economic, generational lines (John 13:35). • Counter-cultural ethics: generosity over greed, purity over lust, truth over spin (Philippians 2:14-15). • Peace in trials: trusting King Jesus when circumstances shake (Philippians 4:6-7). • Regular hospitality: open tables become open hearts (Romans 12:13). Overcoming Common Obstacles • Fear of rejection—remember, some will listen; others rejected the Master first (John 15:20). • Feeling unqualified—Jesus equips the willing, not the flawless (Acts 4:13). • Busyness—build proclamation into normal rhythms: commute chats, lunch breaks, social media posts seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:5-6). • Cultural hostility—answer with gentleness and respect, yet without compromise (1 Peter 3:15-16). Encouragement and Promise “ This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world… and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) The task is enormous, but the outcome is certain. Every act of witness moves history toward the day the King appears. Until then, keep going, keep speaking, keep living the message: the kingdom of heaven is near. |
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