Stephen Tong: The Kingdom of God

Summary

In this powerful sermon, the speaker reflects on the eternal and unshakable nature of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing its superiority over all earthly kingdoms. Through historical examples, such as the rise and fall of empires like Babylon, Egypt, and the United States, the speaker highlights God's sovereign role in shaping history. The message stresses that the Kingdom of God is built on the blood of Jesus Christ and the repentance of sinners, and invites all nations to partake in this divine rule. The sermon culminates in a call to live devoted lives, serving God and spreading the gospel to honor His kingdom.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kingdom of God is eternal and unshakable, unlike earthly kingdoms that rise and fall throughout history.
• 😀 Human history is filled with instances where God intervenes, influencing the rise and fall of kingdoms.
• 😀 God's influence is evident in historical events, including the election of leaders and the collapse of empires.
• 😀 The true Kingdom of God is not limited to a specific nation or people but is open to all who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.
• 😀 Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God during His ministry, but even His disciples struggled to fully understand it.
• 😀 A key moment of understanding came from a robber on the cross beside Jesus, who recognized Jesus as the King before anyone else.
• 😀 The Kingdom of God is built on two fundamental principles: the blood of Jesus Christ and the repentance of human beings.
• 😀 The acceptance of God’s grace and understanding that we are chosen by God is central to being part of the Kingdom of God.
• 😀 The message of the Gospel is for all nations, not just one specific group, as illustrated by the birth of Christ and His universal message.
• 😀 Nations that honor God and adhere to principles like treating God as God and men as men will be blessed by the Lord.
• 😀 The spirit of the Reformation—sola gratia, sola scriptura, sola fide, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria—is crucial to understanding the Kingdom of God and living according to His will.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the sermon?

The main theme of the sermon is the 'Kingdom of God,' emphasizing God's sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and how God's kingdom is eternal, built upon the blood of Jesus Christ and the repentance of saints.

What does the speaker mean by 'kingdoms rise and fall'?

The speaker refers to the cyclical nature of human history, where earthly kingdoms rise to power and eventually fall, often due to human sinfulness and pride. These changes are seen as part of God's plan and intervention in human history.

Why does the speaker mention historical figures like Alexander the Great and Hitler?

The speaker uses figures like Alexander the Great and Hitler to demonstrate how God has used even those who may not be conscious servants of God to fulfill His greater purpose. These figures, despite their personal ambitions, played roles in God's overarching plan for history.

What is the significance of the 'Kingdom of God' in relation to the nations of the world?

The Kingdom of God transcends earthly nations. It is not limited to one people or nation but is open to all people across the world, as evidenced by the gospel's reach and the inclusivity of God's kingdom for all nations.

What historical events does the speaker associate with the decline of empires?

The speaker associates the decline of empires like Britain and the United States with their departure from God’s will and values, particularly through consumerism, secularism, and neglecting to honor God in their governance and actions.

Why does the speaker highlight the role of the robber and the centurion in understanding the Kingdom of God?

The speaker points out the irony that a robber and a Roman centurion understood the Kingdom of God before even Jesus' disciples did. The robber acknowledged Jesus as the King, and the centurion recognized Jesus as the Son of God, showing that the Kingdom of God can be revealed even to those outside the traditional religious establishment.

How does the speaker interpret the actions of historical figures like Queen Victoria and the British Empire?

The speaker suggests that the British Empire, under Queen Victoria, was once blessed because of its adherence to God's will, as shown in the passing of the Magna Carta in 1215, which sought to limit the power of the king and treat people with dignity. However, the decline began when the empire distanced itself from God, particularly after the Opium Wars and other moral failings.

What role does repentance play in the Kingdom of God?

Repentance is crucial for entering the Kingdom of God. The speaker emphasizes that true repentance, marked by a broken heart and a desire for God's forgiveness, allows individuals to become citizens of God’s kingdom. It is through repentance and the blood of Jesus Christ that people are reconciled to God.

What does the speaker mean by 'Faith is the acceptance of acceptance'?

The speaker interprets Martin Luther's definition of faith as the acceptance of God’s acceptance of us. It means accepting the fact that, despite our flaws and unworthiness, God has chosen and accepted us as His children through His grace.

What is the significance of 'sola Scriptura' and 'sola fide' in the context of the sermon?

'Sola Scriptura' (Scripture alone) and 'Sola Fide' (faith alone) are key principles of the Reformation highlighted by the speaker. They emphasize that salvation is found solely through the teachings of Scripture and faith in Jesus Christ, not through human works or merit.