The occurrence of miracles in Jesus’ ministry as well as in contemporary Christian’s lives is contextually related to the specific teaching and experience about the Kingdom of God. As the followers of Christ when we function as taught by Christ, the future presence of the Kingdom is possible to occur in our lives and those around us.
Kingdom theology is consistent throughout the Old and New Testament scriptures. God first established and demonstrated his rule and reign by miraculous events from heaven. His Kingdom was proclaimed by the prophets was to be everlasting. Jesus taught, preached and demonstrated the Kingdom commissioning the disciples and all who came after to do likewise. Kingdom expectation, prayer, and proclamation are necessary for the Kingdom of God’s manifest presence to occur.
Jesus not only proclaimed and taught it, he demonstrated it by his works with power and authority (Mat.9:35, 1Cor.4:20). Jesus in the synoptic gospels links the presence of the Kingdom to the occurrence of miraculous signs and wonders. Although the Kingdom is never defined by Jesus, he points to the occurrences or the miraculous events while quoting Daniel and Isaiah’s prophetic words.
Research from five different denominations member's showed that, when taught about the Kingdom, the members's responded to having experienced miraculous events in their lives or those around them. This was not the case when questionnaires were not taught about the Kingdom of God.
There are principles to abide by for teaching in order to communicate properly. Jesus demonstrated this not only in words but in works that were clearly understood by those around him. Hermeneutical importance cannot be over emphasized. Institutions have allowed philosophy to infiltrate and establish their academic understanding of the Kingdom.
The ministry of Christ is the center for understanding the Kingdom of God theology. Jesus didn’t have to define the Kingdom because he was the fulfillment of the Kingdom. Once we have understood how the future kingdom is present in Jesus, we can see his ministry in that light.
Understanding Pentecost in relation to the Kingdom of God is essential. Empowerment through the baptism of the Spirit, to BE witnesses to the ends of the earth, fulfills the commission of Jesus and his earthly ministry through the Church.
Not all theologians are in agreement as to the Kingdom’s presence today with miraculous occurrences. Barriers exist and have been taught since the church formed. Some exclude, others inhibit, or prevent God’s Kingdom presence from occurring.
The end of the age has come and is still coming and will come more and more until it comes completely in the end. If we embrace the words of Jesus, model Him, go like the disciples did, announcing his Kingdom, proclaiming its presence, expecting the Holy Spirit to provide the power with authority, Jesus’ ministry will continue.
The subject of the Kingdom with its implications is of the utmost importance, and the foundation for continuing the Ministry of Christ until his return. I say often “you need to have both good experiences and good theology”with God. Incarnating the Kingdom is not only possible today but required if we are to see the consummation of his Kingdom.
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