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Post by Josh Parsley on Oct 31, 2006 21:34:49 GMT -5
I'd like to start a study and see what we can make of it. Is there a difference between the "kingdom of heaven" and the "kingdom of God?"
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Post by sjn on Oct 31, 2006 21:46:01 GMT -5
No. ;D
I believe that the Jews would say Kingdom of Heaven because of their reverential fear of taking the name of the Lord in vain.
Steve
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Post by Josh Parsley on Nov 1, 2006 19:06:51 GMT -5
Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Mat 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: Mat 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. Mat 13:26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. Mat 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? Mat 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? Mat 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Mat 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Are there those that are born again that are tares?
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Post by sjn on Nov 1, 2006 19:14:56 GMT -5
Josh,
Have you ever read the book: How to Read the Bible for All it's Worth? This is a great book that deals with hermeneutics but is not too high to understand. They talk about the Kingdom parables and say that people often make the mistake of thinking that only the first line applies to "the Kingdom of Heaven is like...". The way to understand what the Kingdom of Heaven is like is to read the whole parable and get the point that Jesus is making from it. The meaning of the whole parable is what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.
Steve
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Post by Josh Parsley on Nov 1, 2006 21:55:50 GMT -5
I'm not saying they are different. I just curious if anyone does. I know some do. I listened to a sermon that taught about the differences. I've not heard that many make a distinction between the two. The sermon was preached by GW North. The other sermons I've listened to from him were really good. This one I don't think I quite agree. mp3.biblebase.com/details.php?file=335If you get a chance to listen to it, let me know what you think.
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Post by Josh Parsley on Nov 1, 2006 22:00:29 GMT -5
I'll let you guys into a little secret about me...
From time to time I will push a position that (though I never say "I believe...") I may not fully agree with just to see how others respond to it. I hope that doesn't make anyone think I'm trying to be deceptive or anything.
EDIT: Also, I am a horrible typer... Just about every post I make you will see a "Last edit..." at the bottom of the post.
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Post by Josh Parsley on Nov 1, 2006 22:05:58 GMT -5
It is interesting that the only place the phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used is in Matthew. The other accounts of the Gospel use only the "kingdom of God." Yet, Matthew also uses the "kingdom of God."
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Post by sjn on Nov 2, 2006 17:29:38 GMT -5
It is interesting that the only place the phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used is in Matthew. The other accounts of the Gospel use only the "kingdom of God." Yet, Matthew also uses the "kingdom of God." I believe this is for the reason that I listed above. Matthew's gospel is written primarily for a Jewish audience though not exclusively so. Steve
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Post by victorialewis on Nov 2, 2006 22:21:32 GMT -5
Michael Pearl of Nogreaterjoy.org ministries recently mentioned in an article that discovering that there is a difference between the kingdoms has made a big impact on him. I didn't read it, but he might have a tape or book or something about it. I was curious, I just haven't ordered anything.
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Post by jackjackson on Nov 3, 2006 11:18:18 GMT -5
In Matthew 8:11-12, we have a story seemingly inserted into the middle of the story of the centurion with greater faith than all Jesus had seen in Israel.
"And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Here Jesus was talking about a gentile with faith greater than Israel, then seems to insert the phrase above as an aside, and the starts right back into telling the centurion that since he believed (he had faith in Jesus) his request was made so.
I have read various commentary (don't hold that against me yet) on this passage, because it seemed strange. Some say these children of the kingdom represent Jews, but show that only those with faith in Jesus will end up in heaven. Others say this is the Jews, but shows they will be spared hell (all will be saved) but will be left outside the gates in outer darkness to morn for their lack of faith, but will not suffer hell's fire.
In the passage, amazingly "children of the kingdom", the kingdom of heaven, will still end up in outer darkness, with weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Foolish virgins (5 of 10) will also have the door shut on them; and will those looking to get in who are told depart from Me you workers of iniquity.
"Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13:24
This is Jesus response to the question "Lord, are there few that be saved?
There most definitely seems to be a trend here that many more people think they will be in heaven than will end up there. Many even say Jesus is Lord, but saying it and it being so appear to not be the same.
I really don't think their is difference in kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God, but may if there is it is a matter of the heart truly being submitted to God, seeing the kingdom as His, not ours. Kingdom of God, shows who is Lord, God Himself.
Jack
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Post by Josh Parsley on Nov 4, 2006 15:36:27 GMT -5
It is interesting that the only place the phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used is in Matthew. The other accounts of the Gospel use only the "kingdom of God." Yet, Matthew also uses the "kingdom of God." I believe this is for the reason that I listed above. Matthew's gospel is written primarily for a Jewish audience though not exclusively so. Steve I guess the question that comes to mind is, "Why isn't Matthew consistent in using "the kingdom of heaven?"
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Post by jonathanhulewicz on Feb 17, 2007 1:13:03 GMT -5
Kingdom of Heaven is primarily only found in Matthew. Why? Like it was stated before it was written mainly to and for the Jews. Matthew portrays Jesus Christ as KING. The Jews were waiting for the coming Messiah to come and reign on earth during their time.
Most of what is stated in Matthew will be applicable to those in the Millenial reign of Jesus Christ (for those who are saved during the tribulation period).
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