A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I I : Mas ter i ng the New Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

a. 2 Cor. 2.14 – But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

b. 1 Cor. 15.57-58 – But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [58] There fore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

V. Connections for Urban Ministry Today

Mark 1.14-15 Now after John

was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee,

What is the Gospel of the Kingdom? What means the announcement that the Kingdom of God has come near? It is this: that God is now acting among men to deliver them from bondage to Satan. It is the announcement that God, in the person of Christ, is doing something – if you please, is attacking the very kingdom of Satan himself. The exorcism of demons is proof that the Kingdom of God has come among men and is at work among them. The casting out of demons is itself a work of the Kingdom of God.

proclaiming the gospel of God, [15] and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

~ George Eldon Ladd. The Gospel of the Kingdom . p. 47.

To what extent do I reflect in my life and ministry the powerful presence of the Kingdom of God come to earth in Jesus of Nazareth?

A. Connection to your life and spiritual development

1. To what extent do I clearly understand how in the person, teaching, and works of Jesus of Nazareth that the Kingdom of God has come? What things am I still fuzzy about?

2. How does my own approach to my walk with God and fellowship in the church reflect what the Bible says about the Kingdom of God already come but not yet consummated in Christ?