Kingdom Promotion

In previous sermons we have studied Kingdom description, Kingdom entry, Kingdom living.

Now we are looking at Kingdom Promotion.

The definition of the Kingdom is: the sphere of His rule. At present this is voluntary submission to His rule.
Therefore, Kingdom Promotion is your efforts to extend and expand this sphere of His rule.
ie: to convince people to "bend the knee" to His rule.


NOTE: A. In spite of reports to the contrary, the Kingdom IS advancing.
The statistics are: 3,500 new churches are opening every week worldwide.
20,000 additional Christians everyday in Africa; that continent was 3% Christian in 1900 and is now more than 40% Christian.
70,000 additional Christians every day in the world.
In 1900, Korea had no Protestant church; it was thought the be "impossible to penetrate." In 1991, Korea was 30% Christian with 4,000 churches in Seoul alone.
More Muslims in Iran have come to Christ since 1980 than in the previous 1000 years combined.

NOTE: These figures only emphasize numbers. They don't speak of the incredible social and cultural changes the world has experienced since the introduction of Christianity.

B. In light of scripture, the Kingdom will continue to advance. Matt. 13:31-33

SO: I. WHY should I promote the Kingdom? Will it advance without me?? Answer: on one hand, yes, it probably will. But, for this you were created. HE chose you, gifted you, instructed you, invited you.
Eph. 2:10 is more than "enjoy".

II. HOW do I promote it? What does Kingdom building and development look like?

Observation #1 - proclamation Example: John the Baptist - Matt. 3:1-2
the seventy - Luke 10:8-9
Us and the Great Commission - Matt. 28:18-20 2 Cor. 5:18-20

#2. Whatever assists in proclamation - prayer support, financial support, good works, Christina lifestyle. All of these are essential. example: in a war, the troops on the front lines must be supplied.

#3. Discipleship development - teach, train, develop, equip workers. According to a Barna survey, only slightly over 4% of Americans attempt to live daily life according to a Biblical world view!! This is the same figure of people able to define the gospel, John 3:16, and the Great Commission.
Among (non-catholic_ protestant pastors, only 51% admitted to having a Biblical world view.

Frequent objection: "I'm NOT gifted!!
Answer: Yes, you are. But gifted is not the most important issue!!

GREATER ISSUES (than gifted):
1. willingness to submit
2. determination to be part
3. intentionality
4. availability
5. knowledge of HIM, His WILL, His Word, His Ways, etc.
6. continuity
7. trust that God will do through you.
8. ACTION!! We are God's ambassadors here and now!! Matt. 6:9-10