Usage of “Kingdom” and “Church” in the Four Gospels

In the four Gospels, the word “kingdom” is used frequently, while the term “church” appears less often. Below is a summary of the occurrences:

• Matthew:
  • Kingdom: Approximately 50 times
  • Church: 2 times (Matthew 16:18, Matthew 18:17)
• Mark:
  • Kingdom: Approximately 15 times
  • Church: 0 times
• Luke:
  • Kingdom: Approximately 40 times
  • Church: 0 times
• John:
  • Kingdom: Approximately 5 times
  • Church: 0 times

Importance of Seeking and Living in the Kingdom of God

Biblical References

1. Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
2. Luke 17:20-21: “Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, “Here it is,” or “There it is,” because the kingdom of God is in your midst.'”
3. John 3:3: “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'”
4. Romans 14:17: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

The Kingdom of God

Jesus’ teachings on the kingdom of God emphasize its present reality and transformative power in the lives of believers. The kingdom is characterized by God’s rule and reign in the hearts of individuals, resulting in righteousness, peace, and joy. It is not merely a future hope but a present experience and responsibility for those who follow Christ.

Living in the Kingdom vs. Mere Church Attendance

1. Relationship with God: Living in the kingdom of God involves a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, characterized by obedience to His teachings and a life transformed by the Holy Spirit (John 15:5-8).
2. Righteousness and Justice: The kingdom of God demands a commitment to righteousness and justice. Believers are called to reflect God’s character in their daily lives (Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:6).
3. Community and Fellowship: While individual faith is crucial, Jesus also taught the importance of community and fellowship among believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers not to forsake assembling together. However, this assembling is meant to encourage one another and spur each other towards love and good deeds.
4. Mission and Outreach: The kingdom of God is missional, with believers called to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). This mission goes beyond the walls of the church building and into everyday interactions and relationships.
5. Holistic Living: Kingdom living impacts every aspect of a believer’s life, including how they treat others, their ethical decisions, and their priorities (Matthew 22:37-40). It involves seeking God’s will in all things and living out the principles of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

Conclusion

While church attendance and fellowship with other believers are important, they are not the entirety of the Christian life. Jesus preached the kingdom of God as a transformative reality that affects every aspect of a believer’s life. Seeking and living in the kingdom of God involves a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, a commitment to righteousness and justice, active participation in community, and a missional lifestyle that reflects the love and grace of God to the world.