THE CHURCH - THE KINGDOM OF GOD
                       Matt.16:18; Col.1:13

1.  The word kingdom denotes the government aspect of the church.  It speaks of the rule of God 
     over men today.
2.  Common sectarian argument says two separate and distinct institutions.
     A.  To be in the kingdom is to be saved from sin - then you join a church.  According to them  
            - you can be in one without being in the other,
     B.  There is another age to follow this one - with an earthly kingdom.  This is the church age   
           followed by another - premillennial error - materialistic in nature.
3.  Church and kingdom share alike in everything.  I propose to set forth the reason showing         
   church and kingdom possess same identifying marks.

I.  THE BEGINNING DATE AND PLACE OF THE KINGDOM.
     A.  Prophecy - Isa.2:2-4; Dan.2:44; Mark 9:1; Matt.3:2.
     B.  Fulfillment - Acts 2:1-47; Acts 8:12; 28:31; Col.1:13; 1 Thess.2:12 - after Pentecost,           
          spoken of as in existence.

II.  THE ESSENTIALS OF A KINGDOM.
      A.  Ruler - 1 Tim.6:15; Eph.5:23; John 18:36; Matt.16:18 (my).
      B.  Territory - Luke 4:5-8; Matt.28:18-20; Rev.1:5-9; Dan.2:44.
      C.  Subjects - Eph.1:21-23; 1 Pet.3:22.
      D.  Law - John 12:48; Isa.2:3; Acts 2:38-47.

III.  THE REQUIREMENTS OF CITIZENSHIP.
       A.  Enter by a "new birth." John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38.
       B.  Must do God's will - Matt.7:21; Col.1:2,13.
       C.  Greatness in kingdom seen in humble service - Matt.18:3; Mark 10:15.
       D.  Must seek it above worldly interest - Matt.6:33; John 18:36; Rom.14:17.
       C.  Must sacrifice for it interest - Mark 10:23-31.

IV.  THE REWARDS OF CITIZENSHIP.
        A.  Fellowship with Christ - Matt.26:29; 1 Cor.11:20-27.
        B.  The final picture - Matt 13:36-43; 25:31-46; 1 Cor.15:58.
        C.  The time of deliverance into the presence of the King - 1 Cor.15:24; 1 Thess.4:16-17.

CONCLUSION:
1.  The Old Testament concerning the kingdom are all fulfilled in the New Testament church.
2.  "World without end." Eph.3:21; Dan.2:44; Heb.12:28.
3.  It is the only age-lasting, God-pleasing, Christ-honoring, soul-saving brotherhood on face of    
     the earth.  Names of members recorded in heaven.
4.  "The kingdom of earth pass away one by one, but..."