the proclamation of the kingdom...the lord jesus could not have meant that the kingdom was actually...

Compiled By C. Pierce

THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM

“And this gospel of the kingdom

will be preached in the whole

world as a testimony to all

nations………..”

Matthew 24:14

(a)

Studyintheword.org: The Gospel of the Kingdom (2) Page 1

THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD (2)

CONTENTS

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM ............................................................ 2

THE NATURE OF THE KINGDOM ........................................................................... 5

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KINGDOM......................................................... 13

THE BLESSINGS OF THE KINGDOM .................................................................... 18

THE ENTRANCE INTO THE KINGDOM………………………………………...25

BORN OF THE WATER AND THE SPIRIT............................................................. 33

YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN……………………………………………………...36

CHART -- BORN OF "WATER AND SPIRIT"………………..…………………39


THE PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM

I. THE PREACHING OF JESUS

A. WHAT DO THE FOLLOWING VERSES TELL YOU ABOUT WHAT

AND WHERE JESUS PREACHED?

1. Mark 1:14

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2. Matthew 4:23

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3. Matthew 9:35

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4. Mark 1:15

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5. Luke 4:43

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6. Luke 8:1

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B. WHAT DO THE FOLLOWING VERSES TELL YOU ABOUT THE

KINGDOM AND WHO WAS PREACHING?

1. Luke 9:1-2

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2. Luke 9:59-60

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3. Luke 10:1, 9-11

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4. Acts 1:3

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5. Acts 8:12

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6. Acts 17:1-3

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7. Acts 19:6-8

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8. Acts 20:1,25

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9. Acts 14:20-21: What was Paul’s warning?

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10. What did Paul write about the Kingdom?

a) 1 Thessalonians 2:12

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

b) 2 Thessalonians 1:5

___________________________________________________________

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11. Acts 28:23, 30, 31: What did Paul preach in Rome?

____________________________________________________________________

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II. CONCLUSION

A. Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom.

B. He sent His disciples to proclaim the Kingdom. Jesus spent forty days (in addition

to three years!) talking about the kingdom (Acts 1:3).

C. Paul talked about the Kingdom "from morning till evening" on one occasion

(Acts 28:23).


THE NATURE OF THE KINGDOM

I. THE TEACHING OF JESUS

A. Mark 12:28-34

1. Who questioned Jesus about the greatest commandment?

__________________________________________________________________

2. What was Jesus’ reply?

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

3. Who commented on the reply Jesus gave?

__________________________________________________________________

4. Did he agree or disagree with Jesus’ reply?

__________________________________________________________________

This man had grasped the intent of God’s Law as it is so often stressed in the Old

Testament -- that true obedience comes from the heart. To love God and one’s

neighbor was more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.

God’s love is to have the supreme place in your life. We are to love God more than

ourselves, and our neighbors as ourselves. The life that really counts is concerned

first with God, then with others. Material things are not mentioned. God is

important and people are important.

5. What did Jesus say in verse 34?

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

The teacher of the law’s understanding put him in close proximity the kingdom,

implying that the kingdom would be a spiritual entity rather than a physical one.

B. In His response to the Pharisees - Luke 17:20-21

6. The kingdom does not come with _________________________.

7. The kingdom of God is ___________________________________.


The Jewish leaders were always seeking to know when the Kingdom of God would

come. They expected that the Messiah would come like a powerful earthly king,

overthrow the Romans, and establish the nation of Israel once more. Then, they

supposed that they themselves would be the main officials in this new Jewish

kingdom. God’s kingdom did not come with outward show. It was not a visible

kingdom which could be pointed out as being here or there. Rather, the Savior said,

the Kingdom of God was within them, or better among them.

a) within – Greek “entos” (Strong’s 1787)

(1) within, inside

(a) within you i.e. in the midst of you

(b) within you i.e. your soul

The Lord Jesus could not have meant that the Kingdom was actually inside the hearts

of the Pharisees, because these hardened religious hypocrites had no room in their

hearts for Christ the King. But He meant that the Kingdom of God was in their

midst. He was the rightful King of Israel, but the Pharisees had no desire to receive

Him. And so for them, the Kingdom of God had presented itself and was completely

unnoticed by them.

The Pharisees asked when the Kingdom would come, not knowing that it had already

arrived. Jesus brought the Kingdom with Him.

C. IN HIS REPLY TO PONTIUS PILATE - John 18:33-38

8. What did Pilate ask Jesus? (33)

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Jesus certainly didn’t look like someone trying to make himself a king!

9. What was Jesus’ reply? (34)

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Jesus asked Pilate if the idea about being a king was his own idea or whether the idea

had been put in his mind by the Jewish leaders. If Pilate was asking this question in

his role as the Roman governor, he would have been inquiring whether Jesus was

setting up a rebel government. But the Jews were using the word “king” to mean

their religious ruler, the Messiah. Israel was a captive nation, under the authority of

the Roman Empire. A rival king might have threatened Rome; a Messiah could have

been purely a religious leader.



____________________________________________________________________

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11. What did Jesus say to Pilate about His kingdom? (36)

____________________________________________________________________

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12. Why did Jesus say He came into this world? (37)

____________________________________________________________________

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Jesus had been sent by God into the world to testify about this kingdom. The

Kingdom of God is the true kingdom; it is the only kingdom that will last forever.

This is the truth that Jesus came to testify about.


____________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Was Pilate puzzled, or sarcastic, or interested? All we know is that the Truth

Incarnate stood before him, and he did not recognize Him. Jesus Himself was the

truth (John 14:6). He was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). And He spoke the

Word of God, which is the truth (John 17:17).

14. Of what crime did Pilate find Jesus guilty of? (38)

______________________________________________________

II. THE TERMINOLOGY OF MATTHEW

A. MATTHEW REFERS TO IT AS "THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN" IN HIS

GOSPEL

15. A quick comparison of the gospels indicate the terms "kingdom of God” and the

“kingdom of heaven” refer to the same thing

a) Matthew 4:17 – What did Jesus preach?

___________________________________________________________

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Mark 1:14-15 – What did Jesus preach?

___________________________________________________________

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b) Matthew 5:1-3 – What did Jesus teach?

___________________________________________________________

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Luke 6:20 – What did Jesus say about the kingdom?

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

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c) Matthew 13:31 – What did Jesus say about the kingdom?

___________________________________________________________

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d) Mark 4:30-31 – What question did Jesus ask?

___________________________________________________________

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16. Why did Matthew use the expression "kingdom of heaven"?

a) Perhaps in view of the Jews' reluctance to use the name of God (out of

reverence)

b) Perhaps in view of the Jews' misconception of the coming kingdom

(1) Many anticipated a physical kingdom

(2) The expression "kingdom of heaven" (literally, "kingdom of the

heavens”) would emphasize a spiritual kingdom

THE KINGDOM IS NOT AN EARTHLY KINGDOM WITH GEOGRAPHICAL

BOUNDARIES AND EARTHLY HEADQUARTERS, BUT A SPIRITUAL KINGDOM

EMANATING FROM HEAVEN. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS REALLY THE RULE OF

GOD IN MEN’S HEARTS. WHEN YOU ACCCEPT CHRIST, YOU ENTER THE

KINGDOM OF GOD AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD ENTERS YOU. PERHAPS IT CAN

BEST BE EXPRESSED THIS WAY...


B. THE KINGDOM IS THE REIGN OF GOD IN CHRIST

17. THE TERM "KINGDOM"...

a) As used by the Jews

(1) It often stressed the abstract idea of rule or dominion

(2) . Not a geographical area surrounded by physical boundaries

b) Consider its use by Jesus in Mt 6:10

(1) "Your kingdom come; Your will be done..."

(2) Note the Hebrew parallelism (saying the same thing in two

different ways

(3) i.e., the kingdom (or reign) of God would come as His will was

done on earth

c) Consider its use by Jesus in Mt 6:33

(1) "But seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness"

(2) The righteousness of the kingdom is that conduct in conformity to

God's will

(3) i.e., we seek the kingdom (or rule) of God to the extent we submit

to His righteousness

C. THE KINGDOM AS IT RELATES TO JESUS...

18. In one sense, the kingdom (or reign) of God has always existed

a) God ruled in the affairs of man in ages past

(1) What does Psalm 103:19 tell you about the LORD’s rule?

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

(2) What does Psalm 145:1, 13 tell you about the LORD’s kingdom

and dominion?

________________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________


b) A lesson learned by Nebuchadnezzar

(1) What does Daniel 4:1-3, 32,34-35 tell you God’s kingdom and

dominion?

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

19. In a special way, God would exercise His rule in the affairs of men

a) As foretold by Daniel

(1) What does Daniel 2:44 tell you about God’s kingdom?

________________________________________________________

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b) As proclaimed by Gabriel concerning Jesus

(1) Luke 1:31-33 tell you about the kingdom?

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20. This God would do in the person of Jesus Christ

a) As foretold by David

(1) What does Psalm 2:1-12 tell you about Jesus’ rule?

________________________________________________________

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(2) What does Psalm 110:1-3 tell you about Jesus’ rule?

________________________________________________________

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b) Manifestations of this rule were evident even during His earthly

ministry

(1) READ Luke 10:1,8-11

(a) What did Jesus do?

__________________________________________________

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(b) What were His instructions?

__________________________________________________

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(2) READ Luke 11:20; Matthew 12:28

(a) What did Jesus mean by the finger of God?

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

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From these two verses we can conclude that the finger of God

is the same as the Spirit of God. The fact that Jesus was

casting out demons by the Spirit of God was evidence that the

Kingdom of God had come upon the people of that

generation. The Kingdom had come in the person of the King

Himself. The very fact that Jesus was there, performing such

miracles, was proof positive that God’s anointed Ruler had

come; though the full extent of this rule would begin after His

ascension (Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:20-22; 1 Peter 3:22;

Revelation 2:26-27; 3:21)


III. CONCLUSION:

A. FACTS ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD AS PROCLAIMED BY

JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES

1. The kingdom of God is spiritual, not physical

1. The kingdom involves the rule of God in the hearts of men

a) In particular, the kingdom is the rule of God manifested through

the person of Jesus Christ


THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KINGDOM

I. THE KINGDOM OF GOD FORETOLD

A. PRIOR TO JESUS' COMING...

1. By the prophet Daniel – What does Daniel 2:44 tell you about God’s Kingdom?

____________________________________________________________________

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2. By the angel Gabriel - READ Luke 1:29-33.

a) Who would be given the throne of David?

_____________________________________

b) When will His kingdom end?

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B. DURING JESUS' MINISTRY...

1. At the beginning – What did Jesus preach about the Kingdom in Mark 1:14-

15?

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

2. At the height – What do you learn about the Kingdom in

a) Matthew 12:28

______________________________________________________________

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______________________________________________________________

b) Mk 9:1-9

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3. At the end – What do you learn about the Kingdom in

a) Luke 23:42,51; Mark 15:43

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______________________________________________________________

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b) Acts 1:1-6

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

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During His earthly ministry, there was much anticipation about the

Kingdom.

II. THE KINGDOM OF GOD PRESENT

A. THE KINGDOM NOW EXISTS...

1. By virtue of Jesus' authority and rule

a) According to Matthew 28:18, what was Jesus given?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

b) Acts 2:36

Jesus has been made both _____________ and ________________ .

c) Ephesians 1:20-22: _________ things have been placed under His

___________.

d) 1 Peter 3:22: All _______________ and _______________ are in

_____________________ to Him.

2. The reign of God is now administered by Jesus

a) Revelation 1:5; He is now "the _____________ over the kings of the

earth"

b) Revelation 2:26-27: He has received power to _________ the nations

with a rod of iron

c) 1 Timothy 6:14-15: He is “___________ of kings, and _____________

of lords"

d) 1 Corinthians 15:25-26: He must _____________ until all

____________ are placed under His feet


B. THE KINGDOM IS NOW PRESENT...

1. Note what is said about those in the church

a) 1 Thessalonians 2:12: They were being called into the

_________________

b) Colossians 1:13: They had been brought (translated/ conveyed) into the

____________________

c) Hebrews 12:28:They were ___________________ the

_________________

d) Revelation 1:9:They were ______________________ in the kingdom

2. The church is that community of souls in whose hearts Christ is recognized as

sovereign

a) Romans 10:9-10: They have confessed Christ as ______________

b) 1 Peter 3:15: What are we to do? ____________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

3. Thus the terms "church" and "kingdom" are often used interchangeably

a) As when Jesus spoke to Peter - Matthew 16:18: “upon this _________ I

will build my ___________________”

b) The comments made to Christians in the church –

(1) Colossians 1:13: “brought us into the _______________ of the

Son He loves

(2) 1 Thessalonians 2:12: “who calls you into His

_______________”

c) The description of those in the seven churches of Asia

(1) Revelation 1:4-9

(a) Verse 4: To whom is John writing?

_______________________________

(b) Verse 6: “and made us to be a

_______________________________________________”

(c) Verse 9: “your brother and companion in the suffering

and _________________________


III. THE KINGDOM OF GOD FUTURE

A. JESUS SPOKE OF ITS FUTURE...

1. Mt 13:40-43: In the parable of the tares –

a) Who will be weeded out of the Kingdom?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

b) When?

____________________________________________________________

c) At the end of the age, the _____________________________ will shine

in the ________________________ of their Father

2. Matthew 25:31-34: In describing the judgment -

a) When the __________ ____ __________ comes in His glory

b) Those blessed by the Father will _____________ the

_________________ prepared for them since the foundation of the world

B. APOSTLES WROTE OF ITS FUTURE...

1. The apostle Paul

a) Exhorting Christians to be steadfast and holy

(1) Acts 14:22: “We must go through many ___________________

to enter the ____________________ of God

(2) 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: Who will not inherit the Kingdom of God?

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

(3) Galatians 5:19-21: Who will not inherit the Kingdom of God?

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

b) Expounding on the hope of the resurrection

(1) 1 Corinthians 15:22-26,50

(a) In Adam all ___________________

(b) In Christ all will be made _____________________

(i) Christ the first fruits, then, when He comes, those

who ________________ to Him

(ii) Then the ________ will come, when He hands over

the __________________ to God the Father

(c) _________________ and _______________ cannot

inherit the ______________________ of God


d) Expressing his own hope for the future

(1) 2 Timothy 4:18: The Lord will _____________ me from every

_______________ _______________ and will bring me

____________ to His heavenly

__________________________________.

2. 2 Peter 1:10-11: The apostle Peter, describing how we might have a

____________ welcome "into the eternal _______________ of our Lord and Savior

Jesus Christ"

IV. CONCLUSION

A. WHEN JESUS ASCENDED TO HEAVEN..

1. He sat down on the throne of David as both Lord and Christ

Acts 2: 29-36; Luke 1:31-33

2. He began His kingly reign that exceeds far beyond that of David

Daniel 7:13-14; Acts 1:9-11

a) David ruled over the nation of Israel

b) Jesus rules over all things, including His church - Ephesians 1:20-

22

While His reign (kingdom) was prefigured even during His earthly ministry, it was fully

established when He ascended to heaven and sat God's right hand

B. WHILE HIS KINGDOM IS PRESENT, IT IS ALSO FUTURE...

1. When He comes, it will not be to establish His kingdom, but deliver it to

God 1 Colossians 15:22-26

2. He will do so, having removed all things that offend and practice

lawlessness Matthew 13:41

The kingdom of God in Christ, inaugurated with His first coming, will be

culminated at His second coming!

THE KINGDOM THAT BEGAN WHEN JESUS ASCENDED IS AN

EVERLASTING KINGDOM THAT WILL NEVER BE DESTROYED!

WHEN HE RETURNS, DON'T YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF THAT

KINGDOM HE DELIVERS TO THE FATHER? THEN YOU MUSTBE

BORN AGAIN

( JOHN 3:3-5)


THE BLESSINGS OF THE KINGDOM

I. INTRODUCTION

A. IN OUR STUDY THUS FAR OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD, WE HAVE

OBSERVED THAT...

1. The proclamation of the kingdom was a major theme in the teaching

of Christ and His apostles

2. The nature of the kingdom is spiritual, not physical, involving

the reign of God in Christ

3. The establishment of the kingdom was inaugurated at Jesus' first

coming, and will be culminated with His second coming

B. NOTE IN PARTICULAR THE PHRASE, "THE GOSPEL OF THE

KINGDOM"...

1. As recorded in Matthew's gospel - Matthew 4:23; 9:35; 24:14

2. As recorded in Mark's gospel - Mark 1:14-15

The word "gospel" means "good news", or glad tidings

Luke 8:1

C. WHAT WAS THE GOOD NEWS OR GLAD TIDINGS REGARDING

THE KINGDOM...?

1. Certainly that it was "at hand" - Mark 1:15

2. But what made its impending arrival such good news?

The answer can be found in the blessings of the kingdom, to be

enjoyed by those who freely submit to the rule and reign of God in

Christ Jesus.

What sort of blessings? There are...

II. BLESSINGS IN THE PRESENT

A. GOD'S FORGIVENESS...

1. Those in the kingdom enjoy _______________ through the blood of

Jesus - Colossians 1:13-14

2. The ruler over the kings of the earth has ____________ us from our sins by

His own blood - Revelation 1:5


B. GOD'S CARE...

1. No need for ________________ over the necessities of life

Matthew 6:25-34

2. Provided we make God's kingdom and His righteousness

____________________ Matthew 6:33

3. Submit to God's rule, and benefit from God's care!

a) Psalm 34:9-10 – What do those who fear God lack?

________________________”

b) What is the result for those who seek the LORD? _________________

_________________________________________________________

c) Psalm 84:11 – What does God withhold from those whose walk is

blameless?

____________________________________________________

C. GOD'S FAMILY...

1. We receive "manifold" more family

a) Luke 18:29-30 – What will we receive?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

b) Mark 10:29-30 – What will we receive?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

2. Realized as members of Christ's body, the church, God's family

a) 1 Timothy 3:15 – “….God’s household, which is the _____________ of

the living God

b) 1 Timothy 5:1-2 - Treat

(1) younger men as _______________________

(2) older women as _______________________

(3) younger women as ____________________


D. GOD'S SPIRIT...

1. Promised to those who believe and obey -John 7:37-39

a) What does Jesus say to the thirsty?

___________________________________________________________

b) What is promised to those who believe in Jesus?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

c) Acts 2:38-39 - Repent and be baptized . . . and you will receive

____________________________________________________________

d) Acts 5:32 - ….the Holy Spirit, whom God has _______________ to

those who ____________ Him

2. A source of righteousness, joy and peace in the kingdom

a) Romans 14:17 – What is the Kingdom of God?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

b) Romans15:13 - May the God of ________ fill you with all ______ and

__________ as you trust in him, so that you may _________________

with hope by the power of the ______________ _______________.

3. Serving as God's instrumental agent to strengthen us, that we might produce

the fruit of a truly blessed life.

a) Ephesians 3:16 - I pray that out of his glorious riches he may

______________________you with power through his ____________

in your inner being,

b) Galatians 5:22-23 – The fruit of the Spirit is

(1) ___________________________________

(2) ___________________________________

(3) ___________________________________

(4) ___________________________________

(5) ___________________________________

(6) ___________________________________

(7) ___________________________________

(8) ___________________________________

(9) ___________________________________


c) Romans 8:12-13 – What is our obligation or debt?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

In the kingdom of God present, these are just a few of the blessings

available to those who submit to the reign of God in the person of Jesus

Christ. But just as there is a future aspect to the kingdom of God, so

there are…

III. BLESSINGS IN THE FUTURE

A. GOD'S ETERNAL KINGDOM...

1. Promised to those who do the Father's will –

a) Matthew7:21-23 – 21- "Not everyone who says to me, '________,

________,' will enter the ______________ of heaven, but ___________ he

who does the ________ of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me

on that day, '________, _________, did we not ___________ in your name,

and in your name _________ out demons and perform many ___________?'

Then I will tell them plainly, 'I ___________ knew you. __________ from

me, you ______________!'

b) Not just those who profess the Lord

c) Not even those who do much for the Lord, yet without

Authority

2. Provided for those who abound in the knowledge of Jesus Christ

a) 2 Peter 1:5-11

(1) What will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in

your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ?

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

b) Not barren nor unfruitful

c) Not slothful nor forgetful

B. GOD'S ETERNAL CITY...

1. Prepared for those who seek it

a) READ Hebrews 11:11,13-16; 13:14

The patriarchs all died in faith. They did not live to see the

fulfillment of the divine promises. For example, Abraham never saw

his numerous descendants. The Hebrew nation never occupied all the

land that had been promised to it. The Old Testament saints never


saw the fulfillment of the promise of the Messiah. But their hopeful

expectation brought the promises near.

These people of faith died without receiving all that God had

promised, but they never lost their vision of heaven (a better place, a

heavenly homeland).

Many Christians become frustrated and defeated because their needs,

wants, expectations, and demands are not immediately met when they

accept Christ as Savior. They become impatient and want to quit. We

can take courage from these heroes of faith, who lived and died

without seeing the fruit of their faith, who lived and died without

seeing the fruit of their faith on earth and yet continued to believe.

This world is not our home. We should not be attached to this world,

because all that we are and have here are temporary. Only our

relationship with God and our service to Him will last.

2. Presented as a bride adorned for her husband

a) Revelation 21:1-3,9-21

(1) Then I saw a __________ heaven and a ________ earth

(2) What happened to the old heaven and old earth?

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

(3) What came down from God out of heaven?

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

(4) What is it compared to?

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

(5) Now the ______________ of God is with me, and He will

___________ with them. They will be His ____________ and

__________ Himself will be their _________________.

C. GOD'S ETERNAL PRESENCE . . .

1. Revelation 21:22-23 -With no need for

a) a ______________________, or

b) ______________ and _____________ for a light

c) The ___________________________and the _____________ are its

temple

d) The glory of God ________________________, and the Lamb is its

______


2. With no more ___________and no more _______________ - Revelation

22:3-5

3. Revelation 22:3-5 –

a) No longer will there be any ____________.

b) The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants

will ______________ him.

c) They will ______his face, and his name will be on their

____________.

d) There will be no more ____________.

e) They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord

God will give them ___________.

f) And they will ___________ for ever and ever.

D. GOD'S ETERNAL CARE...

1. Preventing any reason for sorrow - Revelation 21:4 – No more

a) _____________________________

b) _____________________________

c) _____________________________

d) _____________________________

e) With God wiping away every _______________________

f) With old order of things having _____________________

2. Providing our every need - Revelation 22:1-2

a) With the _________ of the water of _____________, flowing from the

Throne of ________________________________________________

b) With the __________of life, bearing ___________ every month with

______________ for the healing for the nations

IV. CONCLUSION

A. WE HAVE STUDIED JUST A FEW OF THE BLESSINGS IN THE

KINGDOM OF GOD …

1. Blessings in the present

a) God's forgiveness

b) God's care

c) God's family

d) God's Spirit

2. Blessings in the future

a) God's eternal kingdom

b) God's eternal city

c) God's eternal presence

d) God's eternal care

Truly the news about the kingdom is "good news" (gospel)!


B. TO BENEFIT FROM THESE BLESSINGS BOTH PRESENT AND

FUTURE...

1. We must be in the kingdom present

2. We must make our calling and election sure to be in the kingdom

future

The main thing is that we submit to the rule and reign of God in the person of Jesus Christ. Remember what Jesus said:

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom

of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."

(Matthew 7:21)

He said on another occasion:

"But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which

I say?"

(Luke 6:46)

Are we willing to let Jesus be the Lord and King of our lives? Then obey Him!

(Read Hebrews 5:9)


The Entrance Into The Kingdom

I. INTRODUCTION

A. THE FIRST STEP – BEING BORN AGAIN

Through Jesus we can enter the door of the Kingdom and begin to live and think and

act like who we really are – children of the King. In the Gospel of John, Jesus refers

to this step as being “born again.”

That is exactly what being born again is – a step. It is an indispensable step, because

we cannot get into the Kingdom without it, but it is a step. Being born again is

merely the first step of whole new life, a journey of learning to know, appreciate, and

experience our rights, privileges, and responsibilities as Kingdom citizens.

But if we spend all our time focusing only on that step, we will miss many of the

joys and blessings that lie beyond the door. There are many rooms in the house of

God but we will miss experiencing the wonders of His Kingdom if we choose to go

no farther than the front door.

1. How is being “born again” described? ___________________________

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B. LIFE INSIDE THE DOOR OF THE KINGDOM

Many believers get so completely fixated on Jesus as Savior and being “born again”

that as soon as they are inside the Kingdom, they camp out on the doorstep and never

go any farther. Jesus is the doorway to the Kingdom; but, there are more riches that

await inside. Jesus Himself made this clear when He said:

I tell you the truth; I am the gate for the sheep. All who

ever came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the

sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through Me

will be saved. He will come in and go out, and

find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy;

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

(John 10:7-10)

“Life . . . to the max” – that’s what our Kingdom inheritance is all about, and it

begins with Jesus. But it does not end at the door. Remember that life is a journey

and that life in the Kingdom will require that you move beyond your

original experiences with God and mature and grow as a true son of the Kingdom.

Claiming our inheritance is not about joining a particular church or denomination. It

has nothing to do with being “religious.” It has “everything” to do with

understanding that we are citizens of a Kingdom established and ruled by God,

which will endure forever. As Kingdom citizens, we have legal rights to the

government. The reason so many of us receive little from God is because we do not


recognize ourselves as citizens of His Kingdom, do not understand our rights as

citizens, and therefore lack the confidence or boldness to ask.

Kingdom citizenship is a spiritual reality, but it is also a mentality. As believers, we

already have the Spirit of God, but we need to learn the mind and heart of God. We

need training in thinking and living as God’s children.

1. What is the reason many of us receive little from God? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Kingdom citizenship is a _________________ reality, but it is also a

______________________.

3. As believers we need to learn the __________ and ______________ of God.

4. We need training in _____________ and ______________ as God’s children.

C. CITIZENS OF A NEW COUNTRY

Once we become believers and enter the Kingdom of God, we “change countries.”

We surrender our citizenship in the world to become naturalized citizens of the

Kingdom of Heaven. We are in the world but not of the world. We enter the

Kingdom through Christ, who is the doorway. God accepts us, naturalizes us as

Kingdom citizens, and then commissions us as ambassadors of His government so

that we can help others find the doorway as well.

At work, at school, or wherever we go we must remember that we are Kingdom

citizens residing in a foreign land, and the authority of our home government backs

us up. All the rights, privileges, and benefits of our citizenship apply fully to us even

though we reside in a foreign land. At any time we can call on the resources of our

King, which are far more abundant than the resources of this world. When 5,000

people needed to be fed, Jesus’ disciples saw only the limited resources of this world

– five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus, however, looked into His Father’s pantry

and saw enough to feed everyone and leave 12 basketfuls of leftovers.

Our Kingdom is one of abundant supply. We need to exchange our poverty mindset

for a provision mindset. As long as we tend to our Father’s business, He will provide

everything we need. No matter what our situation, we can focus on the Kingdom,

claim our rights, and say with confidence, “My God will supply.”


1. How would you explain citizenship in the Kingdom of God?

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II. How does one enter the kingdom? Bearing in mind that the kingdom involves the rule and reign of God in the person of Jesus

Christ, we should not be surprised that it...

A. REQUIRES OBEDIENCE

1. OBEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF GOD...

a) Who will enter the kingdom of heaven?

Mt 7:21 -_____________________________________________

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b) Why were those who did works in the name of Jesus told to

depart?

Mt 7:21-23 - ___________________________________________

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c) As illustrated in the parable of the two sons - Mt 21:28-32

Which son did the will of the Father? _______________________

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2. OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST...

a) The Bible speaks of obeying the gospel

(1) 2 Thessalonians1:8 – What happens to those who do not obey

the gospel? ________________________________________

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(2) 1 Peter 4:17 – What happens to those who do not obey the

gospel? ___________________________________________

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b) Obedience is not meritorious, but still necessary

(1) Lk.17:10 – What is your reward for doing what you are

commanded to do? ___________________________________

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In light of Calvary, nothing we can ever do for the Savior is

sufficient to recompense Him for what He has done. So after

we have done everything that has been commanded in the

New Testament, we must still admit that we are unprofitable /

unworthy servants who have only done what was our duty to

do.

(2) Obedience is not inconsistent with the gospel of the

grace of God, for it involves the obedience of faith

(a) Romans 1:5 – What have we received?

(i) _______________________________

(ii) _______________________________

(b) To do what? __________________________________

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(c) Romans16:25-26 – What is God able to do? ________

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(d) What is now made manifest (revealed)? ___________

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(e) Why?

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What is the will of the Father that we must obey? What obedience does the gospel of Christ

require? From the very beginning of the proclamation of the kingdom, we note that it...

B. REQUIRES REPENTANCE

1. REPENTANCE FROM SIN...

a) Note the preaching of John and Jesus

(1) Matthew 3:1-2 – What did John preach? ________________

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(2) Matthew4:17 – What did Jesus preach? __________________

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(3) Mk 1:15 – What did Jesus preach? _____________________

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b) Paul makes it clear what will keep one out of the kingdom

(1) 1 Co 6:9-10 – Who will not inherit the kingdom of God?

(a) __________________________________

(b) __________________________________

(c) __________________________________

(d) __________________________________

(e) __________________________________

(f) __________________________________

(g) __________________________________

(h) __________________________________

(i) __________________________________

(j) __________________________________

(k) __________________________________

(2) Galatians 5:19-21 - What is Paul’s warning? ____________

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C. REPENTANCE INVOLVING SACRIFICE...

1. It requires commitment

a) Luke 9:62 – What does Jesus say? _________________________

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The expression not “fit for the kingdom” does not refer to salvation

but to service. It is not at all a question of entrance into the kingdom

but of service in the kingdom after entering it. Our fitness for entering

into the kingdom is in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus. It

becomes ours through faith in Him.

2. It requires endurance through trials

a) Acts 14:22 – What does this verse say about entrance into the

kingdom? _____________________________________________

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3. It may require great personal sacrifice

a) Mark 9:47 – What does this verse tell you about entrance into the

kingdom? _____________________________________________

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b) Luke 18:28-30 – What did Peter say to Jesus? ________________

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c) What was Jesus’ reply? _________________________________

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d) Mt 19:23-24 – Does require us to give up wealth? _____________

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e) Can a rich man enter the kingdom of God? __________________


III. REQUIRES SANCTIFICATION

A. SANCTIFICATION WITH A HIGHER STANDARD...

1. SANCTIFICATION MEANS TO BE HOLY, SET APART

a) 1 Peter 1:14-16 – What are we advised to do? ________________

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b) Matthew 5:20 – What t is necessary to enter the kingdom of

heaven? ______________________________________________

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2. SANCTIFICATION WITH A NOBLER CHARACTER...

a) 2 Peter 1:4 – What have we been given? ____________________

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b) Why? ________________________________________________

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c) 2 Peter 1:5-9 – What are we told to add to our faith?

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-- This will ensure an abundant entrance in the everlasting

kingdom! - 2 Peter 1:10-11

[But who is able to live such holy lives? No one without God's help!

Thus we find Jesus teaching that to enter the kingdom...]


IV. REQUIRES A NEW BIRTH

A. A BIRTH INVOLVING CONVERSION / A CHANGE ...

1. According to Matthew 18:3, what is necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven?

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2. According to Acts 3:19, what is necessary for your sins to be blotted out? __________________________________________________________________________

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3. According to Matthew 18:3-4, we need to change and become like what?

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A conversion to a childlike humility is what it takes to submit to

the will of God and make the changes He desires

B. A BIRTH INVOLVING WATER AND THE SPIRIT...

1. As Jesus told Nicodemus - John 3:3,5,7

a. What is necessary to see the kingdom of God? (v.3) _______________________

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Jesus informed Nicodemus that in order to enter this kingdom, a man must be

born again. Just as the first birth is necessary for physical life, so a second birth is

necessary for divine life.

The expression “born again” may also mean “born from above.”

In other words, Christ’s kingdom can only be entered by those whose lives have

been changed. Since His reign is a righteous one, His subjects must be righteous

also.

b. What is necessary to enter the kingdom of God? (v.5) ______________________

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BORN OF THE WATER AND THE SPIRIT

What did Jesus mean?

I. Many insist that literal water is intended, and that the Lord Jesus spoke of the

necessity of baptism for salvation. However, such a teaching is contrary to the rest of

the Bible. Throughout theWord of God we read that salvation is by faith in the Lord

Jesus alone. Baptism is intended for those who have already been saved, not as a

means of salvation.

II. Some suggest that water in this verse refers to the Word of God. In Ephesians

5:25, 26 water is closely associated with the Word of God. Also, in 1 Peter 1:23

and James 1:18, the new birth is said to take place through the Word of God. It is

quite possible, therefore, that water in this verse does refer to the Bible. We know

that there can be no salvation apart from the Scriptures. It is the message

contained in the Word of God that must be appropriated by the sinner before

there can ever be the new birth.

III. Some believe water may also refer to the Holy Spirit. In John

7:38, 39 the Lord Jesus spoke of rivers of living water, and we are distinctly told

that when He used the word water He was speaking of the Holy Spirit. If water

means the Spirit in chapter 7, why can it not have the same meaning in chapter 3?

A. However, there seems to be a difficulty if this interpretation is accepted.

Jesus says, "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot

enter the kingdom of God." If water is taken to mean the Spirit, then it

would appear that the Spirit is mentioned twice in this verse. But the word

translated "and" could just as correctly have been translated "even." Thus,

the verse would read: Unless one is born of water, even the Spirit, he

cannot enter the kingdom of God.

B. Physical birth is not enough. There must also be a spiritual birth if one is

to enter the kingdom of God. This spiritual birth is produced by the Holy

Spirit of God when a person believes on the Lord Jesus Christ.

C. Even if Nicodemus could in some way have entered his mother's womb

a second time and been born a second time, that would not have corrected

the evil nature in him. The expression that which is born of the flesh is

flesh means that children born of human parents are born in sin and are

hopeless and helpless as far as saving themselves is concerned. On the

other hand, that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. A spiritual birth

takes place when a person trusts in the Lord Jesus. When a person is born


again through the Spirit, he receives a new nature, and is made fit for the

Kingdom of God. (Reference: Believer’s Bible Commentary – William MacDonald)

IV. Nicodemus is identified in 3:1 as a Pharisee, a “ruler of the Jews.” This

identification would suggest that he wasnot simply a community leader, but a Jewish

leader and perhaps a member of the Sanhedrin.

After presenting his discussion of the supernatural origination of the

new birth, Jesus chides Nicodemus in v. 10 for being“the teacher of

Israel” yet unable to comprehend the subject of Jesus’ discourse,

“Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not understand these things?”

Two items are significant in v. 10. First, “the teacher of Israel” is a

title reflecting that Nicodemus was a recognized teacher of Scripture.

Second, as a well-known teacher, Nicodemus should have grasped

the connection between Jesus’ doctrine of regeneration and its Old

Testament foundation. By the nature of Jesus’ berating Nicodemus,

this would clearly suggest that Jesus’ discourse on the new birth is

rooted in the Old Testament.

There was a very famous passage in Ezekiel that every teacher in

Israel knew, because it was the promise of the new covenant. In

Ezekiel 36:25, God made this promise to Israel about a new covenant.

He said, “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be

clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all you

idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit

within you; I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give

you a heart of flesh. I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to

walk in my statutes, and you will be careful to observe my ordinances

or my commandments.”

Now what Ezekiel is writing there is, that the day is going to come

when the Lord will wash your heart, he’ll wash your life; he’ll wash

your inner man. He’ll put a new heart in you and he’ll put his Spirit

in you.

So when Jesus talks to Nicodemus and says, "you must be born of the

water and the Spirit," Nicodemus should have known that He is

saying, "I am come to bring the fulfillment of the promised new

covenant, promised to and through Ezekiel." His is a Jewish Old

Testament context, and so it would be actually what the apostle Paul

calls, “The washing of regeneration.” The washing, the internal


washing of regeneration, and the renewing that comes by the Holy

Spirit, that’s Titus 3:5 where you have both the water and the Spirit.

(Reference: www.dbts.edu/journals/1999/McCabe; www.biblebb.com/files/macqa)

http://www.dbts.edu/journals/1999/McCabe

http://www.biblebb.com/files/macqa


Ye Must Be Born Again John 3:7

by Don Fortner

The religious world around us, in its apostate rejection of the truth of God, has made the new birth to be nothing more than making a decision, walking an aisle, and saying a prayer. Let me begin by telling you that no one has ever been or ever can be born again by doing those things. Our Lord's admonition to Nicodemus still stands. This is just as necessary and urgent today as it was when it was first stated by the Son of God two thousand years ago. This is my message to you today, "Ye must be born again!" Listen to these five words, and ask God to give you wisdom and grace to understand what they mean.

Here is A PERSONAL WORD - "Ye." Here is A PRESSING WORD - "Must." "Time is short." "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" This is not a good recommendation. This is not wholesome advice. This is imperative. This is vital. This is a necessity. "You must be born again!" Otherwise, you will perish in your sins. You will die under the wrath of God! Hell will be your portion forever! Here is A PASSIVE WORD - "Be." The new birth is not

something you do. It is something God does for you. A man has no more to do with his spiritual birth than he does with his natural birth. In this matter of regeneration man is passive. He has nothing to do with it (John 1:12-13). You cannot save yourself. You cannot give yourself life. You cannot be born again by something you do (Titus 3:4-6). Moral reformation will never make you a new creature. Baptism cannot transform an infidel into a Christian. Religious

devotion cannot change your nature. Your imaginary free will cannot raise you from death to life! The new birth is God's work! Not even faith in Christ can accomplish the new birth. Faith in Christ is not the cause of the new birth. Faith is the result of the new birth. We believe according to the working of God's mighty power, by the operation of his grace (Eph. 1:19;

http://www.pristinegrace.org/archive.php?view=author&author=Don+Fortner

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http://bible.5solas.org/bible.php?view=1&restrict=0&keywords=&startbook=0&endbook=0&references=0&andor=0&ascdesc=0&highlight=1&chaplinks=1&abrv=1&book=tit&chapter=3&verse1=4&verse2=6&version=kjv

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2:8; Col. 2:11-12). The new birth is something done to you, for you, and in you by God's sovereign, irresistible grace. It is

not something you do. "You must BE born again!" Here is A POWERFUL WORD - "Born." I am talking to you about a gift; but it is not just any ordinary gift. I am talking to you about the gift of life, eternal life. When our Lord declares, "Ye must be born again," he is saying you must be the object and recipient of divine power. Just as God created the world, God must create life in your soul. Just as God breathed into

Adam and made him a living soul, so God must breathe into you the breath of life by his Spirit, or you will perish in your sins. This is what I am saying, you are spiritually dead, helplessly lost by nature. Your only hope is that God the Holy Spirit will give you life. "You must be born again!" Here is A PROFOUND WORD - "Again." The new birth is a mystery of grace. It cannot be explained, nor can it be fully

understood. It is a work of God beyond our comprehension. When our Lord says, "Ye must be born again," his meaning is twofold. The word "again" has two meanings.

First, it means, "You must be born from above." James tells us that "every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." Then he tells us what he is teaching in the next verse. "Of his own will begat he us with

the word of truth" (James 1:17-18).

Second, it means, "You must be born a second time." Your first birth was of sinful parents, and you were born in their image. The second birth is of God, and we are born in his

image. The first birth was of corruptible seed. The second birth is of incorruptible seed. Our first birth is in sin. Our second birth is in righteousness. By our first birth we were polluted and unclean. By our second birth we become holy. Our first birth was fleshly and carnal. Our second birth is spiritual and makes us spiritual. By the first birth all men are foolish and

http://bible.5solas.org/bible.php?view=1&restrict=0&keywords=&startbook=0&endbook=0&references=0&andor=0&ascdesc=0&highlight=1&chaplinks=1&abrv=1&book=col&chapter=2&verse1=11&verse2=12&version=kjv

http://bible.5solas.org/bible.php?view=1&restrict=0&keywords=&startbook=0&endbook=0&references=0&andor=0&ascdesc=0&highlight=1&chaplinks=1&abrv=1&book=jam&chapter=1&verse1=17&verse2=18&version=kjv


ignorant. By our second birth we become wise unto salvation. By our first birth we were slaves to sin and the lusts of the

flesh. By our second birth we are made free from the dominion of sin. By our first birth we are all children of wrath. By our second birth we are children of promise. Our Lord says, "Ye must be born again," because we were all born wrong the first time.

V. CONCLUSION

A. How does one enter the kingdom of God?

1. To enter the kingdom present one must be born again...

a. Involving faith and repentance on man's part

b. Involving grace, mercy, and the renewal by the Spirit on God's

part

i. Such are conveyed into the kingdom of God's dear Son

See Colossians 1:12-14

2. To enter the kingdom future one must make their calling and election

sure...

a. With a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees

b. With diligence in growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ

i. Such will receive an abundant entrance into the everlasting

kingdom of Jesus Christ – See 2 Peter 1:10-11

What does it mean to be “born again?”

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BORN OF “WATER AND SPIRIT”, SALVATION, AND BAPTISM

SALVATION WATER and SPIRIT John 3:3,5 no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again…I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is…

born of water… and the Spirit

Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the …

washing of rebirth and renewal by the

Holy Spirit

Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be…

baptized, every one of you, in

the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.

And you will receive the gift of the

Holy Spirit. 1Corinthians 6:11

And that is what some of you were. But you were…

washed, you were sanctified,

you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ

and by the Spirit of

our God.

Matt 3:16-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:31-32

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was

baptized by John in the Jordan.

As Jesus was coming up out of the

water, he saw heaven being torn

open

and the Spirit

descending on him like a dove.

Psalm 51:7-10 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

Wash me, and I shall be whiter

than snow… Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast

spirit within

me.


SALVATION WATER and SPIRIT

1Corinthians 10:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the…

cloud, and all passed through

the sea;

And were all baptized unto

Moses in the cloud and in the

sea;

and did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Ezekiel 36:25-26 I will sprinkle clean

water on you, and you will be

clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart

and put a new spirit in

you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

1Corinthians 12:13 For we were all

baptized by one Spirit into

one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--

and we were all given the

one Spirit to

drink. Galatians 3:26-27,4:6-7 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,

for all of you who were

baptized into Christ have

clothed yourselves with Christ…

Because you are sons, God sent the

Spirit of his Son

into our hearts, the

Spirit who calls

out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

the proclamation of the kingdom...the lord jesus could not have meant that the kingdom was actually...

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