“For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 28:30–31, NIV84)

This is the last verse in the book of Acts. And what does it mention? The kingdom of God. Paul had been arrested and was awaiting trial in Rome. He spent two years boldly preaching about the kingdom of Heaven. In Rome, he later became a martyr for that message. What is so important about that message that men and women throughout the ages have been willing to die to proclaim it? Jesus!

In the end, all the parables and teachings about the kingdom of God are an attempt to reveal to us the heart of God as it is shown to us in the words and life of Jesus. He is the visible expression of the love the Father has for us. Jesus entered the kingdom of this world so that He might redeem (buy us back) into His kingdom. Jesus was in every way on a rescue mission. And so are we! We are called to preach, teach and testify to the message of the kingdom of heaven so that we might rescue others from the death of this earthly kingdom into the eternal life that God’s kingdom offers.

Spreading the Gospel must be the top priority for us as Christians and us as a church. As I often say, let’s build rescue ships, not cruise ships. We are not called to be a country club, but rather, we are called to be a rescue hospital. May it be said of us that we shared with Paul in boldly proclaiming the message of the kingdom of Heaven in all that we said and did.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church