Gospel Of The Kingdom

Mark 1:14-15 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

The word ‘gospel’ literally means “God’s good news” The word was often used in relation to the coming of the Messiah or the anointed deliverer of mankind. Jesus’ life from conception to ascension fulfilled more than 300 prophecies concerning the coming Messiah. Jesus Himself did not think of it as robbery or mis-representation to claim the coming of the Kingdom of God upon His own arrival. Yet, He often declared that the works He did would testify of who He actually is. The Kingdom He is king over was also prophesied of in many scriptures. This is an unshakeable kingdom, one that will not crumble and once established it’s rule would never be destroyed.

And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. ~ Daniel 2:44

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. ~ Psalm 45:6

Over the centuries many earthly rulers have attempted to eradicate the Christian church but in the face of it God’s Kingdom has always grown and increased whenever persecution has raised against it. This really is good news! Not that there have always been those who would oppose the Kingdom of God but that in His goodness and mercy God has always reversed those efforts against Him. It is quite unfortunate to think that there are those who love darkness more than light. But the reality is that Jesus said it would be so. Here’s the catch. God has historically shown His love and goodness in the face of opposition in ways that open the eyes of unbelievers to just how good God is. God always triumphs. He is the resurrection and the life! Light always removes darkness!

God has given us good news! He has declared over all of His people that He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus! (Eph 1:3) Jesus declared that we seek His kingdom first. All the things we need will be added to us. You see men may try to take that from us but God always stands behind His word. What God has blessed no man can curse! The other good news is that whatever a person could have done in their past, I’m talking about those dark secrets that some hold onto thinking God would never forgive. These things have already been conquered through the finished work of the cross. Every “sin” penalty has already been paid for you!

That’s why Jesus said “repent and believe in the gospel” That word repent means to change ones mind or purpose particularly with acceptance of God’s will. It also means to be changed after being with or to think differently afterwards. This is talking about how any person can encounter Jesus and be changed. It is also saying that when a person encounters God, the way they see themselves and the world around them changes. I’m here to tell ya that meeting with God changes things. And afterwards He wants to teach you the ways of His Kingdom! Kingdom ways are the way of true light and true life. Kingdom principles when applied consistently can evoke change to the entire world. God has a plan, a good news plan and with it comes the principles and power to create “Heaven on Earth”.