The Gospel Of The Kingdom
" Jesus went about Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom..." (Matt. 4:23). The kingdom, however, is the forgotten gospel in these present times. John the Baptist also preached this gospel. " In those days came John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 3:1,2)
I said to one pastor that Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom and he replied, "But Paul preached salvation." Then I added that it is not a question of either or, but a matter of both and.
Through such negligence the modern day churches have forfeited their authority on moral issues such as abortion,sodomy, race mixing, homosexual marriage, pornography, co-habitation, gambling, alcohol, and drug abuse.
Likewise, they have forfeited their authority on economic issues as privately owned banking and usury. They have also forfeited their voice against illegal and immoral wars of agression. In addition, they have forfeited their authority under the sovereignty of God by becoming incorporated and applying for 501c3 status, thereby coming under the sovereignty of the state.
Before and during the American Revolution, the church pulpitsimpacted public policy. The clergy preached election year sermons. Ideas were often taken to the legislature and passed into law. Political leaders sought the wisdom of the learned men of the cloth.
Those practices are unheard of in our day and chruches have no impact on public policy. The impact of today's churches remains within the walls of the church buildings.
If, on the other hand, the preachers could recover the boldness of righteousness with their authority under the sovereignty of Almighty God, He would honor their endeavors. As the Psalmist said, "Offer sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord" (Psa. 4:5) "For righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." (Prov.14:34).
Forgotten is the admonition "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matt. 6:33).
-Rev. Ed Butler
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