Have we possibly lost a critical and practical focus of the Bible's message? Citing statements attributed to Jesus Christ and the original apostles, the New Testament of the Bible records more than 110 direct references to a literal Kingdom of God, according to numerous translations. The United Church of God invites those interested in biblical teachings to explore and consider these critical references in the pages of their own Bibles. Through direct scriptural review, the Kingdom of God seminars will elevate the meaning of the biblical Kingdom of God and demonstrate the importance and great hope that these biblical statements present for humanity.
Cincinnati, Ohio (PRWEB) August 28, 2011
“Jesus powerfully taught the Kingdom’s importance for His followers, and we believe that what He taught concerning this literal Kingdom has direct impact for us today,” said Dennis Luker, president of the United Church of God, an International Association.
To help people understand what the church understands as the vital and personal significance of this Kingdom taught by Jesus Christ, the United Church of God is hosting special presentations across the United States and other countries on Sept. 10. More than 100 presentations will take place across America on that day, where the critical nature of the Kingdom of God will be explained free of charge.
“As evidenced by his own statements in the Gospel accounts, from the beginning the Kingdom of God was a critical focus of Christ’s own ministry,” Mr. Luker explained. “As recorded in the book of Mark in the New Testament, the Bible declares: `Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel”’ (Mark 1:14-15). We see multiple dozens of references to this gospel—the ‘good news’—of the Kingdom of God in the teachings of Jesus, yet we rarely hear it explained today.”
The Church’s president noted that this is the first time that the United Church of God will make this broad type of simultaneous outreach to the public through its ministry. “We produce the Beyond Today television program, which airs Sunday mornings on WGN-TV and other television stations, and publish The Good News magazine, but this is the first time we have done something of this nature on this scale,” he said. “We are excited about the Kingdom of God, and it is an equally exciting moment for us to bring this knowledge to the public in this way.”
A special website—http://www.kogseminars.org—contains additional information about the Sept. 10 presentations.
“Anyone who is interested in learning more about what Jesus and the Bible teach about the Kingdom of God and how critically relevant that is to daily life is welcome to attend,” said Mr. Luker. “No one will be asked to join a church or religious organization, nor will there be any attempts to collect money or fund-raise—we in the church simply want to make this critically important information available to all.”
A critical topic that will be discussed includes the fact that many global crises of economic, political and physical natures will take place shortly before Jesus Himself returns to set up the Kingdom of God. Jesus was very plain that no man can know exactly when this Kingdom will be established. But He did teach that certain specific events would herald that this Kingdom is near.
According to the United CHurch of God, what Jesus and Bible teach about the Kingdom of God is that God is definitely not planning to destroy humanity, but that He is planning to save it through direct intervention by Jesus Christ Himself. Critical Bible statements show that left unchecked, humanity will come perilously close to destroying itself before Christ intervenes.
The special Kingdom of God Bible Seminars will include biblical information on how to form a direct, close, practical and loving spiritual relationship with both God the Father and Jesus Christ. As the church has found through experience, this direct spiritual relationship will help improve an individual’s life and add depth and meaning in an important way.
“The Kingdom of God—a core outcome of the gospel as taught by Jesus—represents the central story of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation,” said Mr. Luker. “We hope that many will take advantage of this free opportunity to explore these biblical teachings without any obligation and commitment to join anything.”
Numerous locations across the globe will host these free Kingdom of God seminars, and more information about times and locations can be found at http://www.kogseminars.org.
About the United Church of God, an international association: Basing its beliefs on the biblical practices of the original first century Church, the United Church of God maintains congregations in more than 40 countries around the world. Following the recorded example of Jesus Christ and the first apostles, the Church observes the seventh-day Sabbath and the annual Holy Day seasons as outlined in the Old and New Testaments. The main offices of the church are located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The church produces the Beyond Today television program and publishes The Good News magazine. For more information about the church and its activities, please visit http://www.ucg.org.
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Peter Eddington
United Church of God, an International Association
513-576-9796
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