Christ Handing the Keys to St. Peter by Pietro Perugino (1481-82)

Which Kingdom Did Jesus Come to Establish?

Published on April 15, 2017November 14, 2019 by Ron

Did Christ come to set up an earthly kingdom? Did Jesus come to establish two kingdoms? Many of the Hebrews believed that Christ was to come to re-establish the earthly political kingdom of Israel. Many Judaic and Christian Zionists believe the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 is a precursor to the physical, millennial reign of the Judaic Messiah. However, the scriptures declare that the kingdom of God was “at hand” in the first century A.D.

Believers were told to repent and believe in the gospel “for the kingdom of God was at hand.” So did Christ bring the kingdom of God to his people? Are will there be a future physical millennial kingdom of Israel? Let’s explore what the scriptures reveal.

The Ancient Kingdom of Israel

Abraham’s children left Canaan for Egypt, but God promised Abraham that his seed would be regathered back to the promise land. Moses led the Children of Israel out of Egypt during the Exodus. Under Joshua’s leadership, the Israelites conquered Canaan and divided the land by lots of inheritance. Jacobs’s offspring established the Kingdom of Israel and proclaimed their kingdom in 1030 B.C.E. It endured until it fell to the Assyrian Empire (...)

Mad From Learning

Published on September 3, 2015 by Ron

**Paul, the Apostle, preaches on Christianity in the presence of King Agrippa, his sister Bernice, and Governor Festus 1875 painting by Vasily Surikov**

Defining Moment – The Resurrection

History certainly has its “defining moments”. These “defining moments” forever change the identity and destiny of an individual, a movement, and even a nation. In my opinion, one of the most important events in all of human history is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the book of Acts chapter 24 we read of Paul boldly proclaiming the resurrection before some of the most powerful people of his day – Festus, King Agrippa, and Bernice.

Historical Background

King Agrippa was the Jewish monarch. Agrippa’s territory comprised most of Israel, including Judea, Galilee, Batanaea and Perea. Agrippa (Marcus Julius Agrippa II – A.D. 27-100) was the son of Agrippa I (Acts 12:1-25) and the great-grandson of Herod the Great (Mt 2:1-23). He came to pay his respects to Festus, who was the procurator (governor) of Judea (AD 59 to 62). Agrippa was brought up in Rome in the court of Emperor Claudius. Agrippa had supreme power in Jewish religious life. The Romans had given him the right to appoint (...)

Many Mansions

Published on August 16, 2015August 18, 2015 by Ron

**John of Patmos watches the descent of the New Jerusalem from God in a 14th-century tapestry.**

John 14:1-2 is an often quoted but many times misunderstood Bible verse. Jesus said that He would go to prepare a “mansion” for those who believe in Him. Many believe that these “mansions” are literal buildings in heaven where they will dwell. Most people consider a “mansion” as a giant home, having everything we ever want or need. Ideally, it would be a place of ultimate contentment and fulfillment. If the “mansions” of which Jesus spoke are physical structures, then it might seem, to some, that all the believers who have died are dwelling in them right now in heaven.

John 14:1-2 (KJV)- “ Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

Where is the Monē?

I don’t know about you, but I’m very interested in finding out more about these “many mansions” that Jesus is preparing for us. Now please keep in mind that the English word “mansions” appears but once in (...)