Bulletin Article -- Sunday, January 17, 2021
In these times of political upheaval, Christians need to remind ourselves who we are and the nature of the kingdom of which we are citizens.
In the first century, Jesus foretold of a day when His kingdom would be established. According to prophecy, it would transcend all earthly kingdoms (Daniel 2:44). That was possible because its nature is spiritual. It’s called the kingdom of heaven, and later identified as the church (Matthew 4:17; 16:18, 19; John 18:36).
On Pentecost after Christ’s ascension, the kingdom began (Acts 2) and people of all earthly nations became citizens of it (Acts 2:47; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 10:28). These early members of the church, traveled far and wide, preaching the message of the kingdom of heaven (Acts 8:4). Again, this fulfilled prophecy of the ever-growing nature of Christ’s kingdom.
“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:2, 3).
The kingdom of God began and advanced throughout the world in an atmosphere of political unrest. Leaders were wicked and immoral. Their laws were the same. Christians were often caught in the crossfire. The success of God’s kingdom was not dependent on a particular form of government or a certain type of leader.
The continued existence and growth of Christ’s spiritual kingdom has always needed its people to be more concerned about their Savior and His cause than any political leader or party here on earth. We must be more passionate for the salvation of the lost, than our nation’s welfare or standing in the world. Our King is Christ Jesus, the Lord. Our national interests will focus on His kingdom and His perfect law that guides us in righteousness, holiness, and purity of heart and mind. How often have we reminded ourselves that we are merely sojourners and pilgrims here on this earth (1 Peter 2:11)? Our focus and fight must be on spiritual matters (Ephesians 6:12)!
We have been through a lot this past year, and it has overflowed into this new year. Perhaps in the near future, all of these troubles and concerns will give birth to a great surge in the Lord’s kingdom. People who have been deeply concerned about their personal health and the division within our nation, may question their lives and consider the salvation that only comes from the Lord (Acts 4:12).
Since the time of the church began, even in the worst of times, good things happened in the kingdom of God. No matter what happens in this wicked, dark, and temporary world today, nothing will destroy Christ’s spiritual kingdom (Daniel 7:14; 2 Peter 1:11). Our focus must continue to be on His kingdom. We must remain faithful as citizens and disciples of it. So when He comes to deliver the kingdom back to God, we’ll see our hope of heaven realized (1 Corinthians 15:24; 2 Peter 3:10-13).
“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10–11). Stay focused and don’t forget who we are! —Chris