Sermon Tone Analysis

We have a question?

Why?

How many times when kids were growing up you heard that question.

Or even in scripture you have heard the prophets and the Apostles ask why.

But after the resurrection, after they had instructed them, taught them what was to come they still had questions.

Act1:

and Jesus was quick with a response

So questions are good, sometimes we may not like the answer we get and sometimes it may open the door to more questions.

Israel was looking for a restored Israel, a physical Isreal that would have all it’s land back, they had it, lost it due to disobedience.

Even people today look for that and a 1000 year reign and all of Israel will be saved.

That is not scriptural is it?

So tonight we are looking at the

“Restored kingdom; when is it going to be, or is it already?”

Some commentators, actually many are still looking for that earthly kingdom, a political kingdom with David as the king and the kingdom being Israel.

Some commentators think that the Apostles still did not understand the nature of the spiritual kingdom yet, maybe they did, maybe they did not, but we will let scripture speak as it can regarding the nature of the restored kingdom.

I.

The Disciples History

During the life of Jesus the disciples had some privledge that even the angels did not have.

Them being the disciples, not just for them but for others, they were preaching it to others, but during His life Jesus gave them education about the kingdom.

Revealed things to them about the mystery of the kingdom of God.

While the outsiders, Jesus explained things to them

Mk

Oh Jesus spoke openly and plainly to others, but they did not perceive it, did not understand it.

Jesus told them it was not a physical kingdom, something to be observed

He told them the Kingdom of God is in your midst.

Why?

Because Jesus was in their midst, because He brought the kingdom with Him.

Jesus told the authorities (Pilate) about the nature of the kingdom too; and that he was the king!

Jesus told him it was His kingdom, and His kingdom was not of this world.

After the crucifixion and resurrection and before the ascension (which is where we are right now in book of Acts) He still taught them about the kingdom.

He explained to an a couple of seekers on the road to Emmaus

Lk24:25-27

then a few verses later

Now pay attention Jesus has already told them about the kingdom, the nature of the kingdom, the restoration of the kingdom, He opened their eyes to understand

So back to the beginning they had a question

Let’s press on about this restored kingdom

II.

The Restored Kingdom

IT WAS PROMISED IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

God made a promise to David

this kingdom was promised to David and would be forever

God swore by it, that it would be an everlasting covenant

Even when Israel was divided the promise continued and was promised

and to Amos

In the Northern Kingdom it was still promised by the prophets

Or how about Jeremiah

or even Ezekiel in 34:23-24 (read that one on your own)

So we have seen the promise given and renewed now about about the announcement in the N.T.

IT WAS ANNOUNCED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Announced by Gabriel

By Zacharias after birth of John Lk1:38-70, by Peter on Pentecost Act2:30-36

And even by Jesus to church in Philadelphia

Rev

The promise in the O.T. and the announcement in the N.T. about Jesus

The promise in the O.T. and the announcment in the N.T. about Jesus

He would be given the throne of David (Isa9:7)

His reign, His rule, His authority was more than just here on earth

and His command was to take that message to all the world (including Gentiles; fulfilling the Abrahamic promise)

It was going to start in Jerusalem (Lk24:46-37) and go out from there (Act1:8)

God has given rule, reign, authority (the kingdom) to Jesus and made Him Lord of Lords and King of Kings

This kingdom was bigger than Israel, it included the Gentiles

So, what about that question, “when Lord” back in Mathew

They were asking when, but now the question had changed

So the question was now it is time, the question was about time not about the kingdom and the nature of the kingdom, they through the teaching, through the education, through their faith with their eyes being opened understood the kingdom and it’s nature.

So where is the restoration, was the restoration?

It was at his ascension the kingdom restoration began, and you are a part of it.

As he fulfilled the prophesy of Daniel

This kingdom that you are a part of that he wants us to know, to understand, to share with other because He is over all things

He is seated on the throne now, has all power and dominion

And he rules, reigns over us, the Church

The kingdom promised, the kingdom announced, the kingdom has been proclaimed and is now.

While the disciples had lots to learn, we too still have lot’s to learn, but first we need to learn to be in the kingdom!

(Lead to Invitation)