Time of the Kingdom sermon video audio notes. The Lord Jesus Christ went throughout his region preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. According to him, the time was fulfilled and the kingdom of God was at hand. According to the most popular doctrine today, we still await a time Jesus said was fulfilled. Jesus said this nearly two thousand years ago. Was the Lord confused? Would Jesus consider two thousand years as at hand? Where did the Lord come up with his figures for the date of the kingdom of God? Our lesson today should answer these questions.
KINGDOM TRUTH
By Pastor Delbert Young
Time of the Kingdom
Time of the Kingdom sermon video audio notes
Scriptures: Matthew 4:23, Mark 1:14, Daniel 2:31-35, Daniel 2:36-45, Psalm 118:22, Isaiah 28:16, Matthew 21:42, 44, Matthew 21:44, Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17, 20:18, Acts 4:10, Ephesians 2:20, 1 Peter 2:4, 6, Daniel 2:44, Mark 1:14-15, Matthew 16:28, Mark 9:1, Luke 9:27, 1 Corinthians 15:23, 1 Corinthians 15:23-28
.
WATCH SERMON VIDEO
.
Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
According to the scriptures, what gospel did Jesus Christ preach?
What was Jesus Christ saying as he preached this gospel?
Time of the Kingdom sermon video audio notes
The Lord Jesus Christ went throughout his region preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. According to him, the time was fulfilled and the kingdom of God was at hand. According to the most popular doctrine today, we still await a time Jesus said was fulfilled. Jesus said this nearly two thousand years ago. Was the Lord confused? Would Jesus consider two thousand years as at hand? Where did the Lord come up with his figures for the date of the kingdom of God? Our lesson today should answer these questions.
A. The Time of The Kingdom
Interestingly enough, we are actually told the time the kingdom of God would begin. Some would say, “The Bible says no man knows the day or hour” (referring to Matthew 24:36). Most of us have been taught or heard this someplace. This is not what Matthew 24:36 teaches. The verse is teaching about the day and hour of the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem which took place in A.D. 70 (see Matthew 24:1-2).
Don’t you think we would be told of the time of the coming of something as important as the kingdom of God? Doesn’t it seem someplace in the scriptures we should be able to see when this would happen? If you do, then you are correct. In this lesson, we will learn exactly when the kingdom of God was to come.
1. The dream of Nebuchadnezzar
We will begin our study in the Book of Daniel. The book of Daniel is of tremendous help in answering the question of the time of the kingdom. Daniel was given several prophecies concerning the kingdom of God. These prophecies help us determine exactly when the kingdom of God was to come.
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Chaldeans, had a dream. Daniel interpreted the dream and his interpretation tells us the time the kingdom of God would come.
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is given in Daniel 2:31-35.
Time of the Kingdom sermon video audio notes
Daniel 2:31 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. 32 This image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, 33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. 34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.
35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
The interpretation was given in Daniel 2:36-45.
Daniel 2:36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. 37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. 39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.
40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. 41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.
Time of the Kingdom sermon video audio notes
43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. 44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. 45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.
History proves Daniel’s interpretation was accurate. For the sake of time, we do not want to overly involve ourselves in an exegesis of this passage. The facts are:
a. The first kingdom was the head of fine gold (v32, 37-38). This was Nebuchadnezzar king of the Chaldean empire.
b. The second kingdom was the breast and his arms of silver (v32, 39). This was the Medes and Persian Empire which replaced Babylon in 539 B.C.
c. The third kingdom was the belly and his thighs of brass (v32, 39). This was the Greek (Macedonian) empire of Alexander and his successors. This kingdom replaced the Medes and Persians beginning in 334 B.C.
d. The fourth and last world empire would be the legs of iron and feet of iron mixed with miry clay. This was the Roman kingdom which replaced the Greek (Macedonian) kingdom in 63 B.C. Of the four metals, this was the strongest but progressively became weak until its feet were as miry clay. In its last days, the Roman Empire was set up into 10 different provinces (toes) and had 89 different emperors (kings).
These kingdoms were consecutive (one after another). There was never any period of time, or parenthesis, between them. We learn the time the kingdom of God would begin. It was in the days of the last world empire which was in fact the Roman Empire. Daniel said,
Time of the Kingdom sermon video audio notes
Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom….
The God of heaven would set up a kingdom in the days of the Roman Empire. Once the kingdom began, it would stand forever. There would never again be a time when this kingdom was not. It would never be destroyed. It would never allow another kingdom to rule and it would never be left to other people (antichrist). However, it would stand for ever! Daniel said,
Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Q. According to Daniel, in what days would God set up a kingdom?
Specifically what world empire was functioning in those days and what were the years of its existence?
The beginning element of the kingdom would be the stone cut out of the mountain without hands (v34, 45). We would know we had the correct time because the stone was cut out of the mountain. Who or what is the stone? We know the stone cut of the mountain was Jesus. What scriptures prove this? There are a multitude of them.
Time of the Kingdom sermon video audio notes
Psalms 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Isiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
Matthew 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Mark 12:10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
Luke 20:17 And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?
Luke 20:18 Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Acts 4:10 says,
Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone
Time of the Kingdom sermon video audio notes
1 Peter 2:4 As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him (NIV)
1 Peter 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
As we see, the thought of the stone cut out of the mountain is a stone cut out to be used for the foundation of the house of God. These stones were huge squared stones. In the temple Solomon built, these stones measured 10 cubits square, or about 15 feet square (1Ki 7:10). We can imagine how it would be if one of these fell upon a person. These stones were cut out of a mountain and placed on Mount Moriah. Upon them, the temple was built. The first stone laid was the chief corner stone and all other stones alighted to it.
However, the stone of Daniel was cut without hands. The stone was not formed by human devices and measurements or doctrine. He was formed by the Holy Ghost of God! He would be rejected by the builders (religious system). It means the builders found, what they considered, a serious flaw in the stone. No matter what they thought. The stone becomes the chief corner stone to which all others align. If this stone fell upon anything or anyone, the thing (empire, religious system, etc.) or person would be ground to powder (Matthew 21:44).
As the previous scriptures teach, the stone was indeed Jesus Christ. He was born in the days of the fourth and last kingdom–Roman. According to the Bible, the kingdom began.
Time of the Kingdom sermon video audio notes
No one will argue the point the kingdom began then, or at least Jesus came then. What they do not realize they are saying is if the kingdom then began, we are now, today, in the time of the kingdom. Do we await the kingdom to begin? This is not what the scriptures teach. Remember, Daniel said,
Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Question. Daniel said the kingdom would be set up in the days of those kings. When would the kingdom end or experience a parenthesis?
From Daniel we learn the kingdom of God began during the days of the Roman Empire. This empire existed from 63 BC.-410 A.D. Christ, the stone, was cut out of the mountain during the days of these kings. He was anointed with the Holy Ghost at his water baptism (Mat 3:13; Mar 1:9; Luk 3:21) becoming the chief corner stone. If the Bible is true, we are today living in the age of the kingdom of God.
2. The Vision of the Ascension
We are given another passage concerning the time of the coming of the kingdom of God in Daniel 7. Daniel had a vision about the Ascension of Christ. He says,
Daniel 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Time of the Kingdom sermon video audio notes
Question. According to the scriptures, when did Jesus, the Son of man, receive his kingdom?
When will this kingdom experience an end or parenthesis?
Without argument, this is the Ascension of Jesus Christ. Specifically, we know it historically took place 33 A.D. Christ Ascended in the clouds. The scriptures make certain this is written in Acts 1:9-11. After his arrival, Christ was taken before the Father, the Ancient of days. Verse 14 says, there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom. Notice Jesus, the Son of man, was not only given glory and dominion. Undoubtedly He was given a kingdom! Now notice the kingdom he was given shall not be destroyed or end. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away.
Jesus, the Son of man, will not receive a kingdom one day in the future.
He received his kingdom at his Ascension. His kingdom will never pass away. This means it is a present reality today. It has been in existence since his Ascension and will continue. The event of the Ascension is given to us in great detail in Revelation 5:1-14.
We learn from Daniel 7:13-14 the kingdom of God was given to the Son of man who is none other than Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:13). The time the kingdom was given to Christ was his Ascension in the cloud. The kingdom of God came during the days of the Roman Empire. The kingdom came when the stone was cut out of the mountain and the kingdom came at the Ascension of Christ. Again, people will not argue Jesus Ascended and is seated at the right hand of God today. Popular doctrine teaches Christ Jesus is king, but has not yet received his kingdom. This is an inaccurate teaching.
Time of the Kingdom sermon video audio notes
According to the scriptures, when did the kingdom begin?
The Teaching of Jesus Christ
Mark 1:14-15
14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (NIV)
15 “At last the time has come!” he announced. “God’s Kingdom is near! Turn from your sins and act on this glorious news!” (TLB)
Obviously, Jesus thought and taught the time was fulfilled. This would be the time Daniel had spoken about in Daniel 2 and Daniel 7. It was the days of the fourth empire. Jesus Christ was the stone cut out of the mountain. The Ascension of Jesus Christ was at hand.
Jesus tells his disciples a most interesting fact about the time of the kingdom of God. We will read the passage and then comment.
Matthew 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Matthew 16:28 And some of you standing right here now will certainly live to see me coming in my Kingdom.” (TLB)
Mark 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
Luke 9:27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
Q. What did Jesus tell his disciples concerning the coming of his kingdom and their deaths?
Jesus told his disciples some of them would live to see the kingdom of God come with power! The only way this could be is if the time was fulfilled which Daniel spoke about. We have three options concerning this verse: (1) Jesus was incorrect about the time; (2) some of the disciples are alive today; or (3)The kingdom of God came in the days of the ancient Roman empire when Christ Ascended.
B. The Wrong Concept of the Kingdom of God
Why do we see the kingdom as the future? Because Dispensational theology has given us an inaccurate image of the kingdom of God. Generally, it has painted a picture of bliss, ecstasy, paradise, and heaven. So they tell us the kingdom is the time when the devil is bound in the bottomless pit. They teach it is a time of peace and contentment. However, this is completely inaccurate. The time of the kingdom of Christ is a time of tremendous war.
1 Corinthians 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. (emphasis added)
1 Corinthians 15:23 But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all. (NIV) (emphasis added)
In 1 Corinthians 15, the apostle Paul gave the order of the resurrection and the events of the end. Paul teaches when Jesus comes again it will be at the resurrection (v23). Biblically the resurrection is the last day (Joh 6:39, 40, 44, 54; 11:24). At this time the end will come (v24). There will be no seven years or three-and-a-half years. Paul says, Then cometh the end. At this time, the Lord hands over the kingdom to God the Father (v24). The kingdom of Christ does not begin at the resurrection. It ends in this present dimension.
Christ will hand over the kingdom to God the Father. However, this is after he has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power (v24). So the kingdom Christ is King of is a kingdom of war! Obviously, Christ must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. It is what the kingdom of God is about. It is not a kingdom of bliss, ecstasy, paradise, and heaven. Jesus himself said, “Don’t think I came to send peace. I came to send a sword and variance” (Matthew 10:34). We have been given a completely erroneous picture of the kingdom of Christ. Christ now reigns in his kingdom and will reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. His reign is a reign of destroying dominions and powers. The last to be destroyed is death.
What erroneous concept are we given about the kingdom of God?
We are given accurate dates of the time of the coming of the kingdom of God. It came in the days of the ancient Roman Empire. It began when Christ the Stone was cut out of the mountain and became the chief corner stone. Christ received his kingdom at the Ascension. Jesus himself said the time of the kingdom was fulfilled and the kingdom was at hand. Jesus himself said some of the disciples would live to see the kingdom of God come and Jesus would reign in his kingdom until the resurrection. Also, His kingdom is a kingdom of the sword and destruction of powers who refuse to submit to him. Furthermore, t is a kingdom of binding the devil. It is not a kingdom of bliss and heaven. If we wait for Jesus to return to experience the kingdom, we will miss the kingdom of which we await.
Time of the Kingdom sermon video audio notes
Time of the Kingdom sermon video audio notes
Other Related Sermons:
WHAT IF…? Veteran’s Day sermon notes
The Stone Cometh Preface – sermon notes Revelation
Revelation Chapter 13, Mark of the Beast 666 – sermon video audio notes
Evangelism Seven Styles audio video notes
Also see: