Visions of the Kingdom (Part 2) – Eden Restored

In this episode, we continue our journey through Scripture’s prophetic picture of God’s coming kingdom on earth. The Spirit in the prophets weave a powerful vision—a world renewed, a curse undone, and peace extending across creation itself. The Word describe deserts blooming like Eden, harmony replacing violence, and the knowledge of the Lord filling the earth as surely as the waters cover the sea. These images are not distant dreams. They point us toward the climax of God’s plan, when every authority is brought low and God becomes all in all. 

Key Verse:

“For the LORD comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.” (Isa 51:3)

Outline:

Intro – Peace on earth

  • Isa. 2:2-4 – Nations coming to worship in Jerusalem – Ezekiel’s temple (43:5,7,10,12)
  • Isa. 51:2-3 – Eden restored (also Ezek. 36:28-36; Isa. 35:1-2; Psa. 72:16), the curse reversed
  • Isa. 11:6-8 – The animals tamed (cp. 65:17-25)
  • Isa. 11:9 w/ Num 14:21 – his glory fills the earth

Conclusion (1 Cor. 15:24-28 the end – God all in all)

Visions of the Kingdom (Part 1) – Reigning with Christ

In this episode Tim Young and Jay Mayock start with unpacking Jesus’ familiar words “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” What does it really mean to inherit the earth—and who will receive that inheritance? Drawing together the words of Jesus, the Psalms, and the prophets, we’ll examine God’s purpose for the earth and humanity’s place within it. We’ll look at the future reign of Christ, the role of immortal rulers, and the mortal population among the nations who will come to worship in a restored world centered on Jerusalem. Far from being a vague spiritual hope, the Kingdom of God is presented in the Bible as a real, tangible future, rooted in God’s promises and blessings. Join us as we trace these themes and begin to uncover a clear and compelling vision of the coming Kingdom.

Key Verse:

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

Outline:

Inheritance of the earth

  • Matt. 5:5 – what does it mean the meek shall inherit the earth. Compare with Psalm 37:9-11 meek, v22 blessed, v29 righteous forever, (v. 34)
  • Psalm 115:15-18 – The heavens are the Lord’s, the earth he has given to man. Notice the “blessing” in other verses.

The immortal rulers

  • Matt. 25:31-34 – The blessed are given the inheritance of the kingdom at the judgment seat
  • Rev. 20:4-6 – Reigning with Christ for a thousand years. How do we know this is literal? (Rev. 5:10; 2 Tim. 2:12; Luke 22:29-30)

The mortal subjects

  • Zech. 14:16-19 – Mortals are those left

Citizenship

How should a Christian view politics? Should believers participate or not? Joel Hynes joins Tim Young on this episode to explore what the Bible has to say on this subject of citizenship by breaking down one answer at the Got Questions website. Can we mix our religion and politics? The answer may surprise you.

Key Verse:

“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)

Video Presentation:

https://bookroadchristadelphians.ca/media/video/1079204007

Outline:

Introduction

  • The current political climate and the mix of Christianity and politics
  • Got Questions web site

God’s Will and Sovereignty

  • Got Questions web site first point about God’s will
  • What is God’s will (Matt. 6:10)? The context of the Daniel passages ( 2:20-21; 4:17,25,32,34-35; 5:21) concerning God’s Kingdom to come.
  • What is God’s will for leaders? God sets up evil men – Pharaoh (Ex. 9:16), Nebuchadnezzar (Jer. 27:4-6), Cyrus (Isa. 45:1), Alexander (Dan. 5:5-8,21), Pilate (John 19:10-11). So what about Constantine, Napoleon, and Hitler (Prov. 16:4)?

The Teaching of Jesus

  • Got Questions second point about the absence of Bible teaching on voting
  • Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:38-42; Matt. 5:43-45 cp. Rom. 12:19-20)

The teaching of the Apostles

  • Got Questions third point about being a good citizen
  • A royal priesthood, a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9-10)
  • Strangers (foreigners) and pilgrims (resident aliens) (1 Peter 2:11-12)
  • Our duty to magistrates now (1 Peter 2:13-17; Rom. 13:1-7)

Citizen vs non-citizen status

  • What is missing from the Got Questions video? What about God’s kingdom to come? We are citizens of our nation by natural birth but citizens of God’s kingdom by choice and spiritual rebirth.
  • Non-Citizen Restrictions. You have to be a citizen to vote (or hold political office), serve in the military (including police) or on a jury (or be a judge or certain types of lawyer). This is the wisdom of the world!
  • Non-Citizen Obligation. Obey the laws of the land and pay your taxes (Rom. 13:6-7; Matt. 22:21). Also, pray for and respect the leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-3; Tit. 3:1-2)

Conclusion – Seeking first the kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33)

Seek First the Kingdom of God

Recently my good friends Peter and Larry asked me to join them on their very first episode of a new podcast called “Come to Life”. I jumped at the chance. As the name suggests it’s a podcast that deals with a lot of the issues of life like how to pray or coping with grief or overcoming addictions. They interview all sorts of fascinating personalities. It’s a very interesting mix of subjects.

The foundation of it all is the word of God, using the Bible as their guide. With that in mind they wanted to start off by establishing what is behind every episode for them and that is the promise of God’s coming kingdom. God’s plan and purpose for everyone. Jesus Christ told us to seek first the Kingdom of God. If Jesus says its first, then what else could be more important?

I encourage you to check out the Come to Life podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

https://cometolifepodcast.podbean.com/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-come-to-life-podcast/id1583424714

The Coming of the King (Part 2)

This is the second part of our study on the Coming of the King in 1 Thessalonians. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians in their hope of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven. This is our hope too. Tim and Stephen converse on the importance of making this a reality and living our lives as if we were already in the Kingdom of God.

The music at the end is “Crown of Rejoicing” from the “Even So, Come” CD. Used by permission.

Overheads with “the royal triplet” can be found here.

You can listen to the full set of classes on Thessalonians by podcast or online

The Coming of the King (Part 1)

This episode is broadcast from a special place, the Manitoulin Island Christadelphian Bible Camp with a special guest. You’ll have to listen in to find out who it is. He shares with us his studies in Paul’s epistles to the Thessalonians with its emphasis on the coming of the King, the Lord Jesus Christ. The word “coming” is the Greek parousia and has a special cultural and historical significance. Our guest also shares with us an essential Bible study concerning faith, hope, and love, which he calls “the royal triplet”. This is part 1 of 2.

Overheads with “the royal triplet” can be found here.

You can listen to the full set of classes on Thessalonians by podcast or online