The Kingdom of God, Student Workbook, SW02

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T H E K I N G D O M O F G O D

IV. The Church Is the Agent of the Kingdom of God by Being God’s Vessel for Prophetic Signs and Wonders.

A. The Church can expect continuing signs of the presence and lordship of Christ in the Church’s ministry and mission.

1. The book of Acts details what Jesus began to do and teach, and continued to do through his Church, cf. Acts 1.1.

2. The Church is granted authority to represent Christ in the world, and therefore do violence to the demonic forces which now enslave it, Matt. 16.18.

3. New Testament vision of the Church: the Warrior of God doing battle against the forces of this present darkness, Eph. 6.10-18

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B. The Holy Spirit confirms the Word of Christ with signs following its proclamation.

1. The Church, in carrying out its mandate, confronts the power of the Evil One, 1 Pet. 5.8.

2. The Church as the champion of God, is called to engage the enemy directly, doing battle by the Word and faith against the rulers of this present darkness, Eph. 6.10ff.

3. Though the Church is in the world, the weapons of its warfare are not of the world but effective to do violence to the kingdom of Satan, 2 Cor. 10.3-5.