Introduction

The word Gospel means "good news." It is God's plan for mankind. What the world needs is a lot of good news rather than the bad news of tragedy, disease, unrest, conflicts, pain and sorrows. The irony of our world is that even though there are plenty of exciting new technological marvels, world peace seems far from a reality in our lifetime. An airline pilot who announced over the loud speaker, "I have good news and bad news," made this point. "The good news is that we have caught a tail wind are making great speed, well over 650 miles per hour. The bad news is that we've lost contact with the tower and are lost."

Almost 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ, the very Son of God, came to earth announcing the good news about the coming Kingdom of God on the earth. This government would actually be a continuation of a line of kings that traced back to King David.

Isaiah 9:6-7 reads: "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."

Christ to Bring the Kingdom when He Returns
Jesus Christ will usher in a literal kingdom, the Kingdom of God, on earth. In Revelation 11:15 a startling announcement is made, "Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'"

Is the Kingdom Here Now?

MATTHEW 6:9-10: "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven."

Some churches teach that the Kingdom of God is now on the earth. What did Christ teach His disciples to pray about the Kingdom of God? Why would Christ tell His disciples to pray for the kingdom to come IF it were already here?

Christ mentioned His kingdom was not "of this world" (John 18:36). What does that mean?

What does Hebrews 11:10 teach us about the Kingdom of God being on the earth now?

In Luke 21:31, Christ said, "…when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. " What was He referring to? How do you know that these events haven't already happened? NOTE: Read verses 7-31.

Are there False Gospels?

GALATIANS 1:6-9: "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed."

Other than the good news of the coming Kingdom of God, what other gospels are there? Have you heard any other gospels? What definitions of the "gospel" have you heard from other churches?

How many true Gospels are there? Is this gospel about Christ or about the Kingdom of God? See Mark 1:14.

Following His death and resurrection, did Jesus change His message? What was the subject of Jesus' conversations with His disciples? Read Acts 1:3.

What did the apostle Paul feel should be done to those who "perverted" the true gospel message?

Why do you think Paul felt such a penalty would be proper? What does it say about the importance of the true gospel and keeping it pure?

How to Enter the Kingdom of God

MATTHEW 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

What priority did Jesus say we should make seeking the Kingdom of God?

With whom does God want to share the Kingdom of God? Read Luke 12:32 and answer.
COMMENT: The message Jesus brought is called, appropriately, the good news - the gospel- of the Kingdom of God. It is the most wonderful news imaginable to mankind. Jesus Christ is asking you to believe that good news, and seek first this Kingdom.

ACTS 14:22: "…We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."

How easy is it to enter the kingdom of God?

Why would there need to be trials? Consider Romans 5:2-4.

What do you imagine those trials will consist of? What do you think will be the source of the tribulations?

What provision did God promise to help us make it into His Kingdom? Read John 14:15-18 and comment.

Are keeping God's commandments important? Why?

Importance of the Holy Days

COMMENT: One way Christians can enhance their vision of the coming Kingdom of God is by understanding the meaning of God's seven annual Holy Days. The seven festivals reveal the true gospel which is God's plan for mankind. Leviticus 23 outlines these days. God gave these special observances to help us understand our salvation through Christ, our Passover, and how the Kingdom of God will be established on earth.

COLOSSIANS 2:16-17: "So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.

How are these Holy Days described?

Which of the Holy Days pictures the return of Christ?

Which of the Holy Days pictures the government of God on the earth?

If you have observed the Feast of Tabernacles, what lessons have you learned while keeping the Feast that help you picture the World Tomorrow?

Pentecost pictures the giving of the Holy Spirit. Why is receiving the Holy Spirit included in the gospel of the Kingdom?

Gospel to be Preached to the World

What did Jesus command His disciples to do with the gospel? Read Mark 16:15 and answer.
What was Paul's response to Jesus' command in Mark 16:15? Did Paul speak boldly about the coming Kingdom of God? Did opposition stop him? What was the result of his preaching? Read Acts 19:8-10.
How do we preach this gospel today?

Summary

According to the Bible, what is the good news about the Kingdom of God?

What are some other ideas that people believe the gospel is?

What part does Christ's death have in the gospel?

Why should we preach the gospel in our age?

For a more comprehensive study, we recommend the booklet, "The Gospel of the Kingdom".