Declaration of Independence
Joe R. Price

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal...” These words, penned 232 years ago (July 4, 1776), are itched into the history and hearts of Americans. The Declaration of Independence causes Americans to remember the yearnings for liberty and the sacrifices of generations past and present that have been laid upon the altar of freedom to secure that liberty.

Yet, there is a far greater truth that declares a far greater liberty than freedom from man’s oppression of man. By Jesus Christ, God has proclaimed the truth of the good news of liberty for all who are dominated and oppressed by sin (Isa. 61:1; Lk. 4:18-21).

In 1776 men declared themselves free from the British Crown, then fought a war to secure their independence. Jesus Christ has already won the victory over sin and the death it brings. His gospel declares that every sinner can obtain liberty from the bondage and oppression of sin and death (1 Tim. 4:10; Tit. 2:11; Eph. 2:4-8). Remission of sins is obtained through Christ when the sinner will believe that Jesus is the Son of God and confess it, repent of his sins and be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:36-41; 8:35-38).

The gospel declares that Jesus Christ has “led captivity captive”, signifying he has conquered sin and death (Eph. 4:8). How did Jesus overcome sin and make our independence possible?

Jesus defeated sin on the cross. His death – the just for the unjust – was an adequate sacrifice for the sins of the world (Isa. 53:10-11; Heb. 10:10-12). He became flesh and blood and was perfected through sufferings so that “through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Heb. 2:10, 14-15).

Jesus defeated death in his resurrection. It was not possible for death to rule over him or hold him (Acts 2:24). Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (Jno. 11:25-26).

The gospel declares independence from sin (Rom. 1:16). Freedom from sin and death is granted to all who will believe and obey the Son (Jno. 8:31-32; Mk. 16:15-16). Do you want true independence? Believe and obey the Son of God, because “if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (Jno. 8:36).

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The Kingdom of Christ
Joe R. Price

A king ruling over an insurmountable kingdom was prophesied in the Old Testament:  Psalms 2:6-7; 110:1-3; 132:11; Isaiah 9:6-7; Daniel 2:44; 7:13-14. An angel announced to Mary that the child to whom she would give birth would be the king of that predicted kingdom (Lk. 1:30-33). Yes, Jesus is King today (Jno. 18:36-37; Acts 17:7).

Many who do not believe the kingdom of Christ was established during the days of the New Testament times or that it exists today. They look for a kingdom that is yet to come. Who is right? What is the truth? “What does the Scripture say?” (Gal. 4:30)

Kingdom Facts

*   John, then Jesus announced the approach of the kingdom. Matthew 4:17; 12:28

*   Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom. Matthew 4:23 (Lk. 9:11); 13:10-11, 18-19

*   Jesus identified His kingdom as His church. Matthew 16:16-19

*   Jesus identified its nature as spiritual, superior and eternal. John 18:36; Luke 17:20-21; Daniel 2:44; Luke 1:33

*   Jesus prophesied its establishment. Luke 12:32; Mark 9:1 (Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:6-8; 2:1-4, 47)

*   Apostles proclaimed its present reality. Acts 20:25; Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:9 (1 Ths. 2:11)

*   It is composed of those who have received remission of sins. Revelation 1:5-6; 5:9-10

*   Our salvation depends on entering it to be saved. Luke 16:16; John 3:3-5

*   Our daily goal must be to put the kingdom first in our lives. Matthew 6:33; Luke 9:62

What this Means to You and Me

The kingdom of Christ exists today. It is mighty and its glory is secure. The church of Christ is the kingdom of Christ.

We must be citizens of Christ’s kingdom NOW in order to enter the eternal kingdom of heaven LATER (Phil. 3:20-21; 2 Pet. 1:10-11).

Obey God’s call today and become a citizen of the kingdom. Acts 2:36-41, 47; Colossians 1:13-14

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You can find the complete outline of this sermon at BIBLE ANSWERS

Citizens of the Messiah's Kingdom Part 1

1. Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7) has been called the “manifesto of the King”.
2. Grand summation of the gospel.

I. WHAT IS THE KINGDOM? Matt. 3:2, 4:17 (Dan. 2:44)

  A. God’s Kingship/Rule/Recognized Sovereignty: Royal Power, Lk. 17:20-21; Matt. 6:10, 33.
  B. The Church, Matt. 16:18-19 (Mk. 9:1).
  C. Salvation Obtained in the Kingdom of God’s Son, Mk. 10:25-26 (Col. 1:13-14).
  D. Eternal Glory of Heaven, 2 Pet. 1:11; Matt. 25:34; 5:12.

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You can find the complete outline of this sermon at BIBLE ANSWERS

Citizens of the Messiah's Kingdom Part 2

II. BEATITUDES: ATTITUDES AND BLESSEDNESS OF CITIZENS, 5:2-12.

  A. Blessed: Good Fortune Spiritually.
  B. The Attitudes of the Blessed, 5:3-12.
    1. Poor in spirit (5:3): Spiritually destitute.
    2. Mourn (5:4): Due to spiritual condition.
    3. Meek (5:5): Humble, harnessed strength.
    4. Hunger and thirst after righteousness (5:6): Eagerness; intense desire to be right.
    5. Merciful (5:7): “Pity, good will, active kindness toward anyone in trouble.”
    6. Pure in heart (5:8): Integrity of inner man.
    7. Peacemakers (5:9): Share, promote peace
    8. Persecuted (5:10-12): Suffer for truth and righteousness (Christ).

III. IMPACT OF KINGDOM CITIZENS ON THE WORLD, Matt. 5:13-16.

  A. Salt: Distinctive, Flavoring and Preserving Influence on the World.
  B. Light: Luminaries (transmitters of light)

Conclusion
Our attitudes, character and impact must be measured by the Messiah’s standard of truth, the gospel of the kingdom. Phil. 3:20 (1:27)

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Bible Facts about the Church of Christ

*  Belongs to God, 1 Tim. 3:15

*  The body of Christ, Eph. 1:23; Col. 1:24

*  Christ, the foundation of, Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11

*  Christ, its Builder, Head and Savior, Matt. 16:18; Eph. 1:22; 5:23

*  Loved by Christ, Eph 5:25

*  Purchased by the blood of Christ, Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25

*  Sanctified and cleansed by Christ, Eph. 5: 26-27

*  Subject to Christ, Eph. 5:24

*  Object of God’s grace, 2 Cor. 8:1

*  Displays the wisdom of God, Eph. 3:10

*  God defends, Matt. 16:18; Rom. 8:31-39

*  God provides for it, Eph. 4:11-12

*  Glory ascribed to God in it, Eph. 3:21

*  Elect of God, 1 Pet. 2:9; Eph. 1:4

*  Glorious, Eph. 5:27

*  Unity of, Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 1:10; 12:12; Eph. 4:3-4

*  Baptized into, 1 Cor. 12:13

*  Added to it when saved, Acts 2:47

*  Edified by the word, 1 Cor. 14:4; Eph. 4: 15-16

*  Persecuted, Acts 8:1-3; Matt. 5:10-12; 1 Ths. 2:14-15

*  Not to be despised, 1 Cor. 11:22

*  Defiling of it will be punished, 1 Cor. 3:17

Extent foreseen, Isa. 2:2; Dan. 2:34-35,44

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