Christian ministers/preachers generally do a good job of presenting the gospel (good news) of salvation. That’s fine and necessary, of course, but Jesus Himself told His disciples to emphasize preaching the gospel of the kingdom. That is, that there is a coming kingdom to this earth Where Jesus as King rules the earth on the throne of David from Jerusalem, Israel, the capitol city of the world. This coming kingdom is indeed good news for a broken world. Jesus sent out the twelve: “He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” (Luke 9:2). Jesus Himself always preached the kingdom. “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom....” (Matthew 4:23). “Now after John was put into prison, Jesus came into Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.” (Mark 1:14)
In virtually all of Jesus’s many parables, the kingdom of God is central. Take the time to read Matthew 13:10 thru 13:52. You’ll see what I mean. If you think that preaching the gospel of the kingdom is not important, consider this: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)
So, if preaching the gospel of the kingdom is of paramount importance to Jesus, why aren’t we hearing more of it from pulpits around the world? Considering this late date and nearness to Jesus second coming to set up His kingdom, preachers everywhere should be emphasizing this gospel of the kingdom. If your church leadership seems to be ignoring this critical teaching, ask them why. No excuse will ever be satisfactory. Christians need to hear this important message.
Maranatha, Jim