These
are "unofficial notes" taken by one of the attendees
at the April 27, 2001 presentation and are not necessarily a
completely accurate representation of Dwight Pryor's presentation.
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A
Summary of the Teaching
of Dwight Pryor
"Kingdom Thinking"
[and Behold the Man Jesus]
April 27, 2001
There was an elderly lady in Ohio who use to tell
folks stories about "Billy" Gable. To most of the
world, her "Billy" was know as Clark Gable the actor.
That is kind of how people in Jesus' time would have referred
to him -- as a "Billy" and not a "Clark."
Even Jesus' brothers and sisters didn't come to faith until
after His death and resurrection. As Christians, many of us
are hampered because we don't know Jesus as a man.
Look at the Apostle's
Creed which was written approximately 100 years after Jesus
was crucified. This creed says what a person needs to believe
if they are to be a Christian (e.g., the birth, death, and resurrection
of Christ). They skipped the faithfulness of the man Jesus.
Especially the 3.5 years of His public ministry. Look at His
call to discipleship (Jesus' message and mission).
Matt 4:17 Jesus is coming from being in the wilderness
for 40 days and he proclaims: Repent for the Kingdom of God
is at hand. And then (in vs. 23) He went out teaching. He makes
the announcement and then explains it. He goes from place to
place proclaiming and teaching... saying the Kingdom of God
has arrived. In Luke 4:42-44 He proclaims again that the good
news was the reason He was sent [the good news = the Kingdom
of God has arrived].
In current times we look at the scripture and
the phrases "Kingdom of God" and Kingdom of Heaven"
and think the first is talking about a kingdom on earth and
the second a kingdom in the heavens. This is not the case. As
a Jew, Jesus was saying the same thing with both phrases. The
use of Kingdom of Heaven was a way of avoiding saying the name
of God. The same is the case when we say, "Heaven help
me!" Don't we really mean "God help me?"
In order to know Jesus the man we must know the
people of the time. The Pharisees used the term "Kingdom
of Heaven" and so Jesus used this term and goes further
in talking about what the Kingdom is like. Have you ever noticed
that today we hear a lot about Jesus in our churches but very
little about the Kingdom of God? Why do you think that is?
The Kingdom was first mentioned in scripture in
Exodus 15. The Rabbis say this is the begining of the Kingdom
of God. It is important to remember that He is King only
over those who submit to him. This does not change the fact
that He is the creator of all of us who will judge all the people,
but the Kingdom is only for those who are subjects of the King.
It wasn't until Israel said "Yes" to God that He became
their King. And it was not based upon the good works of the
Jewish people, it was based upon their acceptance of the covenant
and its reqirements. You don't have to accept God as the creator
and judge... It is true but you don't have to accept it! If
you want into the Kingdom, you have to accept the responsibilities
that come with it.
When Jesus talks about the Kingdom He is talking
about:
- A Person - the King is a person and He is that person
- A Power and A Process - when you think about
the Kingdom, think about the power of the Holy Spirit which
is actively working in your life. The Kingdom is also a process.
Sometimes things happen quickly; other times they take what
seems like forever. God will only break in on your life when
there is a humble and broken heart. When you "own"
the King then you are the king. But when the King "owns"
you there is a big difference in one's perspective and how
one acts.
- A People - The Kingdom is a people over whom God
reigns with redemptive power. Just because you call upon His
name doesn't necessarily mean you are in His Kingdom. You
need to be continually focusing on Him and His will. You need
to get rid of those things that come between you and God.
If you don't they will become what you worship instead of
God.
Just like water always seeks the lowest level, so does the
Holy Spirit. He looks for those who are humble and without pride.
The proud, the haughty, and the powerful He distances Himself
from... All of us have pride and possessions we are attached
to. Are you willing to give them up?
Walk continually by the way of repentance;
Don't wait on a feeling;
Be obedient in brokeness and
He will use you to advance His Kingdom.
