Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the Church as the Kingdom of God is a profound and central theme in Christian theology, reflecting the divine purpose and mission of the Church on earth. The Church is not merely a human institution but is seen as the manifestation of God's Kingdom, inaugurated by Jesus Christ and continued through the work of the Holy Spirit.Biblical Foundation The Kingdom of God is a central message in the teachings of Jesus. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently speaks of the Kingdom, emphasizing its present reality and future fulfillment. In Mark 1:15 , Jesus proclaims, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel!" This declaration sets the stage for understanding the Church as the embodiment of God's Kingdom on earth. The Church is described as the body of Christ, with Christ as its head (Ephesians 1:22-23: "And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all"). This imagery underscores the Church's role in continuing the mission of Christ, serving as His representative and the primary means through which God's Kingdom is advanced in the world. The Nature of the Kingdom The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. Jesus taught that the Kingdom is already present among His followers (Luke 17:21: "Nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ for you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst"). This present aspect of the Kingdom is realized through the life and ministry of the Church, which is called to live out the values and principles of God's reign. The future aspect of the Kingdom is the hope of its full realization when Christ returns. Revelation 11:15 speaks of this ultimate fulfillment: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever." The Church, therefore, lives in the tension of the "already" and the "not yet," working to bring about God's will on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). The Mission of the Church The mission of the Church as the Kingdom of God is multifaceted. It includes proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, and serving as a witness to the world. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 encapsulates this mission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." The Church is also called to be a community of love and service, reflecting the character of Christ. In John 13:34-35 , Jesus commands His disciples, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." This love is a tangible expression of the Kingdom and a powerful testimony to the world. The Church and the Kingdom in History Throughout history, the Church has sought to live out its identity as the Kingdom of God, often facing challenges and opposition. The early Church, as described in the Book of Acts, exemplified the Kingdom through communal living, prayer, and evangelism (Acts 2:42-47). Despite persecution, the Church grew and spread, demonstrating the power of the Kingdom at work. In subsequent centuries, the Church has continued to navigate its role as the Kingdom, addressing social, political, and cultural issues in light of its mission. The Church's involvement in education, healthcare, and social justice reflects its commitment to embodying the values of the Kingdom and serving as an agent of transformation in the world. Conclusion The Church, as the Kingdom of God, is a dynamic and living reality, called to manifest God's reign on earth. Through its worship, witness, and work, the Church participates in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, anticipating the day when His Kingdom will be fully realized. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 103:19The LORD has prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom rules over all. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 145:12 Matthew 16:28 Luke 1:33 Greek 1577. ekklesia -- an assembly, a (religious) congregation ... of believers whom God calls from the world and His eternal kingdom. [The word "" comes from the Greek word , "belonging to the Lord" (). 1577 ("church") is the ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1577.htm - 8k Library Conclusion. The King on his Throne. The Christian Church The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church. Of the Church The Holy Catholic Church. On the Church of Rome The Essential Unity of the Kingdom. On the Regal Office of Christ Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church. Resources Questions about the Church (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the first / original church? Is the original / first church the true church? | GotQuestions.org Is there supposed to be only one church? | GotQuestions.org Church: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Church and State: Attempted Usurpation of Ecclesiastical Functions by Civil Authorities, Reproved Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Appoints Kings Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Directs Administration Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Reproves Rulers Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Withdraws Support and Anoints a Successor Church and State: Manasseh, in Subverting, and Afterward Restoring, the True Religion Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Ahaz, in Transforming the Altars Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Hezekiah, in Reorganizing Temple Service Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jehoash, in Supervising the Repairs of the Temple Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jeroboam, in Subverting the Jewish Religion Church is Clothed in Righteousness Church of Israel in Covenant With God Church of Israel was Relatively Holy Church of Israel: A Type of the Church of Christ Church of Israel: Admission Into, by Circumcision Church of Israel: All Israelites Members of Church of Israel: Attachment of the Jews To Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of Israel Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of the Lord Church of Israel: Established by God Church of Israel: Had: A Spiritual Church Within It Church of Israel: Had: An Appointed Place of Worship Church of Israel: Had: An Ordained Ministry Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Feasts Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Ordinances Church of Israel: Had: The Divine Presence Manifested in It Church of Israel: Members of Excommunicated for Heavy Offenses Church of Israel: Members of Required to Attend Its Worship Church of Israel: Members of Required to Keeps Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Required to Know Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Separated From, While Unclean Church of Israel: Persons Excluded From Church of Israel: Privileges of Church of Israel: Proselytes Admitted Into Church of Israel: Supported by the People Church of Israel: The Depository of Holy Writ Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Praise Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Prayer Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Preaching Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Reading God's Word Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Sacrifice Church: Assembly of the Saints Church: Assembly of the Upright Church: Baptized (Immersed) Into by One Spirit Church: Believers Continually Added To, by the Lord Church: Branch of God's Planting Church: Called the Congregation in the O. T. (K. J. V. And Others) Church: Christian, Divinely Established Church: Church of the Firstborn Church: Church of the Living God Church: City of the Living God Church: Congregation of Saints Church: Congregation of the Lord's Poor Church: Defiling of, Will be Punished Church: Divisions In, to be Shunned Church: Family in Heaven and Earth Church: General Assembly of the Firstborn (People) Church: God Provides Ministers For Church: God's Husbandry (Farm) Church: Golden Candlestick (Lampstand) Church: Government of, Mosaic and Christian Church: Harmonious Fellowship of Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Antioch Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Asia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Babylon Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Caesarea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Cenchrea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Cilicia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Corinth Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Ephesus Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Galatia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Galilee Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Jerusalem Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Joppa Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Judaea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Laodicea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Pergamos Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Philadelphia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Samaria Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Sardis Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Smyrna Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Syria Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Thessalonica Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Thyatira Church: Lot of God's Inheritance Church: Ministers Commanded to Feed Church: Mountain of the Lord's House Church: Pillar and Ground of the Truth Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Church: Salt and Light of the World Church: Sought Out, a City not Forsaken Church: Strength and Glory of God Church: Temple of the Living God Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Church: Worship of, to be Attended The Church is Edified by the Word The Church: Believers Continually Added To, by the Lord The Church: Christ, the Foundation-Stone of The Church: Christ, the Head of The Church: Clothed in Righteousness The Church: Defiling of, Will be Punished The Church: Displays the Wisdom of God The Church: Extent of, Predicted The Church: Glory to be Ascribed to God By The Church: God Provides Ministers For The Church: Ministers Commanded to Feed The Church: Not to be Despised The Church: Purchased by the Blood of Christ The Church: Saints Baptised Into, by One Spirit The Church: Sanctified and Cleansed by Christ The Church: Shows Forth the Praises of God The Church: The Body of Christ The Church: The Object of the Grace of God The Church: The Wicked Persecute Related Terms |
    |