1.2 The Gospel of the Kingdom. - THE HOPEFUL MARTYR

What is the Gospel?

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; Romans 1:16a

The focus of the gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ came to us as a man, but still fully God, to save us from eternal death by offering us the free gift of eternal life. This gift is available to whosoever will believe in Him. (John 3:16). A gift with no strings attached: He has done all the work required to be able to offer us this gift , nothing else is required but for you to believe Him and accept the gift. It is 100% simple, its 100% free, a gift for anyone who will believe and trust Him for what he promised regarding their eternal future (Ephesians 1:13 KJV). That is the central message, the crux, the essence of it.

This good news also permeates everything about Jesus and what he said. His words and His life is also good news, because it gives us the truth about our state, our sin, the darkness of this world, and guidance on how to live a life pleasing to God in this life, once we’ve become God’s eternal children.

Saved by faith, saved by grace, the gift of eternal life together with Him is the primary good news (Eph 2:8,9).
Being set free from our sins is good news too.
We are going to partake in His glorious heavenly kingdom, that is good news too.
We being changed is the gospel too.
The newly born man inside is good news too..
Jesus coming again is the gospel too.
Jesus someday physically dwelling among us and being on earth with us is good news too.
That Jesus will set up His kingdom on earth and that we will reign with Him for 1,000 years is great news.
After the 1000 years, the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven is great news too.

For further scriptures and discussion on the gospel see section C later on in this post. If you are not sure how to receive the free gift of eternal life, or if you have doubts about whether you are saved, Appendix F will direct you to Jesus’s words about salvation. Appendix F (on the main menu) will also clarify what it means to be saved. Once you are clear, remember that it is very helpful to find another Christian, who is sure about his or her salvation, and to go and speak to them about it.

Why the ‘gospel of the kingdom’?

{4:23} And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people

{24:14} And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

In this section we ask why Jesus was talking about the ‘gospel of the kingdom,’ and why Paul, Luke and the apostles were talking of the ‘gospel of Christ’. The simple answer is that ‘the gospel of the kingdom’ includes the ‘gospel of Christ’.

In Romans 1 Paul says that the ‘gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes’. Firstly, the good news of Jesus Christ is the power of God to give unto us, as a free gift, eternal life. God gifts salvation to any person chooses to believe in Jesus Christ.

However, Jesus refers to so much more when He speaks about the ‘gospel of the kingdom’. What else, in addition to the gospel of Christ, is there to be added to this marvelous good news? To answer this, we have to explore all Jesus’ references to the ‘kingdom of God’. Let’s see if there are some clues.

What is the kingdom of God?

Jesus often referred to the Kingdom of God in His teachings. He did so by parables or illustrations using meaningful stories to bring us the truth about God’s eternal kingdom. These parables cover various layers or aspects of God’s kingdom.

The parables are:

The tares (Matt 13;39)
The mustard seed (Matt 13:31,32)
The leaven (Matt 13:33)
The hidden treasure (Matt 13:44)
The pearl of great price (Matt 13:45,46)
The net drawn in (Matt 13:47-50)
The Unmerciful servant ( Matt 18:23-25)
The great supper (Luke 14:14-24)
The laborer’s in the vineyard (Matt 20:1-16)
The marriage of the king’s son. (Matt 22:1-14)
The 10 virgins (Matt 25:1-13)
The talents (Matt 25:14:30)

In every one of these parables Jesus places particular emphasis on His future kingdom. Some very obviously (e.g. the tares, the 10 virgins), and others more subtle (e.g. parables 2 to 4 above).

As the two parables below illustrate, even the subtle ones only have real meaning when the future aspect of God’s kingdom is included.

Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? 19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.
And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. (Luke 13:18-21, also Matt 13:31-33)

When reading the two parables, about the seed and the leaven, we firstly note how short they are, especially the second.

Is Jesus drawing our attention to something significant, as if this should tell us something? Could it be, if the kingdom of God can be summarized in one or two verses, that we should be looking for a simple explanation of the kingdom and not a complicated one?

Secondly, we note some similarities between the two short parables: both parables start with an initial ‘hidden’ phase, where it seems that the kingdom is not visible. In the first, the seed after it is sown, goes through an unseen process when it germinates. This underground process is not visible.

Leaven too, by it’s nature, starts a hidden process. Jesus now emphasizes the obvious, that the leaven is ‘hid’, that it is hidden in the dough. Then he follows it up with the following: ‘three measures”. What is the significance of three measures, we could ask.

The 3 Step Kingdom

Consider firstly the content of the parable of the mustard seed, in three phases:

The sowing of the seed, the grain of mustard seed, is the initial unseen phase. (including its germination, and the taking root)
It grew and became a great tree (the next phase: the kingdom becomes visible, and keeps growing)
The fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it (The fully grown stage, the kingdom is a joy to all)

Consider now this possible explanation of the parable of the mustard seed:

The sowing of the seed, the grain of mustard seed represents the kingdom of God up till today, starting small. It can’t be seen by the naked eye, but it exists, it is there, it is spiritual, and is in the souls of the believers.
It grew and became a great tree, representing the visible millennial kingdom of Christ on this earth, to be established when He returns and rules over this earth for 1000 years. (Rev 20:1-6). His kingdom becomes visible.
The fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it, which represents the New heaven and earth. The New Jerusalem, the new heavenly city of God (Rev 21 & 22). This is our eternal home.

There thus seem to be three phases to the kingdom of God. When Jesus was on earth he said ‘the kingdom is at hand’. He had planted the seed of the kingdom, He is the seed. Jesus said the kingdom has come to earth and is available to all. He said: ‘the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). This is the first phase of the kingdom. However, at the same time He said that there are two further future aspects to the kingdom. The kingdom needs to become visible and then grow, to spread until the whole earth is covered.

The first aspect of the future visible kingdom is that ‘it grew and became a great tree‘: This seems to be a representation of the millennial kingdom of Christ. When Christ comes back He will establish His 100 year kingdom on this restored earth (Rev 20:1-6). The growing process goes into a new phase. It becomes visible, for all to see. This visible future kingdom of Christ, when he comes visibly to earth for the second time is the second phase, and is still to come.

And after the millennium there is the third and final stage. This is the last of the kingdom, when God creates the new heaven and earth, eternity (Rev 21 & 22). This is the point the entire creation enjoys the full benefits of His love.

Consider now a possible explanation of the parable of the leaven:

Jesus also describes that the kingdom of God is like three measures of flour, taking its time till whole was leavened. What does this mean? Nothing about His words is accidental or coincidental. Why three measures? Luke 13:20-21 And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. (also Matt 13:33)

He said that there is a future aspect to the kingdom, the kingdom needs to grow, to spread until the whole earth is leavened. Perhaps He meant that it was going to leaven a little bit more every time when we add people to the kingdom. This is the spiritual growth aspect of the kingdom, the taking root and the growing under the surface. And in the millennium it’s going to leaven even more. People living in the millennial kingdom will be added to the kingdom of God, those who become believers. This is the future kingdom of Christ, when he comes visibly to earth for the second time. This is the second measure, and is still to come.

And after the millennium there is the third and final stage. This is the last stage of the kingdom, when God creates the new heaven and earth, eternity. This is the point when the whole is leavened.

What is the difference between the Kingdom of heaven and the Kingdom of God? (verse by verse)

Matt 19:23-24 23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

From the above verse we may conclude that the ‘Kingdom of heaven ‘= ‘Kingdom of God’. Jesus uses the two interchangeably. It is the same kingdom, seen from two different points of view. The ‘kingdom of heaven’ tells us where it is located and the ‘Kingdom of God’ tells us who the owner of the kingdom is. Very simple.

Further kingdom scriptures:

Phase 1: The hidden phase: Jesus sows the seed, the kingdom is at hand –

Matt 3:1-2 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matt 4:17 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is at hand, meaning it is close by, round the corner, right here, available to the hearer right now. The kingdom was available right there and then, should any man believe in Jesus. This applies today as well. (refer to Appendix E)

Luke 11:20 “But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.”
Luke 17:20-21 “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

The Pharisees were told that this kingdom could not be observed. it was still unseen. One could not pinpoint it by saying: Look, here it is or, look there it is. Jesus said that it was a spiritual kingdom, ‘within you’. We enter the kingdom of God when we are saved, when we are born with the Spirit.

John 3:5-6 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

1 Cor 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

The new man within us has already stepped into the eternal kingdom of God. He that believes the Word, has eternal life and is passed from death to life.

John 5:24 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Phase 2: Jesus’s physical kingdom: the visible phase: – the scriptures

Jesus’s physical kingdom is at hand when we see the signs of the end time tribulation starting:

Luke 21:27-31 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh. 29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

The kingdom of God is once again ‘at hand’ just before Jesus comes again with power and great glory. Nearly 2000 years ago Jesus said ‘the kingdom is ‘upon you’ and is ‘within you’. How is it that Jesus now says in Luke 21 it is still ‘at hand’ at His second coming? Understanding of the three phases of the kingdom brings us clarity. The kingdom is now but it also still has a future aspect. Just like leaven takes its time until the whole is leavened, when Christ comes back and establishes His millennial kingdom, it’s going to leaven more. This is the future aspect of the kingdom, the visible establishment of Jesus’s kingdom on earth , the future kingdom of Christ, which is still coming. Even during the millennium it’s going to leaven some more as millennial believers are added to the kingdom.

We, as believers, will take part in and have a role during the millennium, even those who have deceased at the time of Jesus’s second coming. When Paul explains the resurrection in 1 Cor 15:23, he says “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”

1 Cor 15:23-26 about the order of these three resurrection events. Each event reflects the kingdom entering a new phase. The first resurrection phase is Jesus’s resurrection, the firstfruits. The second phase is our resurrection, the resurrection of the saints. At Jesus’s second coming we will get resurrection bodies, at the rapture (1 Thess 4). We receive visible, physical resurrection bodies. Therefore, the millennium will be both a spiritual and a physical kingdom. We will rule and reign with Jesus in His kingdom for 1,000 years. (refer to posts 2.0 to 2.5)

Phase 3: The final stage of the kingdom

At the final stage, once the millennial saints are gathered (at the final resurrection at ‘the end’), Christ gives the kingdom to the Father (1 Cor 15:24 above).

As the Father introduces the new heaven and earth (Revelation 21 & 22) at this final stage, the spiritual and physical kingdom is handed (delivered) to God by Jesus. This is the point when the whole is leavened.

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General notes for further study:

Appendix A1: More ‘kingdom of God’ and ‘Kingdom of heaven’ verses:

Below are 70 New Testament referring to the kingdom. These verses are grouped into seven groups of ten. One can identify in each one either, the hidden phase, the spiritual kingdom (-), or the visible phase (–) or the final phase. (—).

As an exercise, one of the three kingdom phases may be assigned to each verse.

Matt 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for he kingdom of heaven is at hand.-
Matt 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.-
Matt 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.-
Matt 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.-
Matt 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.-
Matt 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.- –
Matt 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.-
Matt 6:10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.- – –
Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.-
Matt 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.-

Unlike the parables, most of the above verses seem to focus on the first phase, the spiritual kingdom (marked as -), but one verse applies to the millennium, when Christ rewards his people by assigning various roles in the millennium, (marked as – -). Another is referring to the kingdom in all its fullness (marked as – – -).

This can now be applied to the next set of 10 as well. The remaining sets of 10 can be assigned by the reader.

Matt 8:11 I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.- –
Matt 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.-
Matt 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.-
Matt 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.- –
Matt 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.-
Matt 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.-
Matt 13:19-23 – Parable of the sower. “When anyone hears the words of the kingdom, but understands it not….”-
Matt 13:24 parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: –
Matt 13:31 “The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the great among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. -,- -,- – –
Matt 13:33 “Another parable spoke he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.” -,- -,- – –

Apply the -,- -,- – – markings to the next set of 10 as well, to distinguish between the hidden phase (-), the spiritual kingdom or the visible phase (- -) or the final phase (- – -).

Parable – Matt 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Parable – Matt 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
Matt 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
Matt 16:9 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Matt 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Matt 18:3-4 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Mark 1:14-15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
Mark 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

Apply the -,- -,- – – markings to the fourth set of 10 as well, to distinguish between the hidden phase (-), t or the visible phase (- -) or the final phase (- – -).

Mark 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
Luke 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
Luke 9:2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
Luke 9:11 And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
Luke 12:31-32 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Luke 13:28-29 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Luke 22:29-30 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Apply the -,- -,- – – markings to the fifth set of 10 as well, to distinguish between the hidden phase (-), or the visible phase (- -) or the final phase (- – -).

John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Acts 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Acts 19:8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
Acts 20:24-25 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
Acts 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Apply the -,- -,- – – markings to the sixth set of 10, to distinguish between the hidden phase (-), or the visible phase (- -) or the final phase (- – -).

1 Cor 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
1 Cor 6:9-10 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Cor 15:20-26
1 Cor 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
1 Cor 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Gal 5:19-21 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Eph 5:3-7 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Col 4:11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
1 Thess 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Apply the -,- -,- – – markings to the last set of 10, to distinguish between the hidden phase (-), or the visible phase (- -) or the final phase (- – -).

2 Thess 1:4-5 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
2 Tim 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Tim 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Heb 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
Heb 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Jam 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
2 Pet 1:10-11 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Rev 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

It may be seen from the above that it would be impossible to understand the kingdom if we don’t understand the second phase, the millennium, and the final phase, the eternal kingdom. Understanding Revelation and the prophets is thus fundamental in understanding the kingdom.

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Appendix B1 : The Gospel of the kingdom

The above verses relate to the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of heaven. Once we grasp what the full implication of the kingdom is, we may be in a better position to grasp the “gospel of the kingdom”. The gospel simply means the good news, the good news of the kingdom. It is not only the invisible rooting of Gods words in our hearts, but also the good news about our eternal home. These are new verses to look at, where Jesus and the New Testament authors give us glimpses of this good news. These verses are given in section B below:

The Gospel of the kingdom verses:

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes Rom 1:15

In this section our focus is on why the gospel of the kingdom is such good news. Firstly Paul says in Romans that the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes. The good news of Jesus Christ is the power of God to give unto us, as a free gift, eternal life. He gifts salvation to any person chooses to believe in Jesus Christ.

Secondly, Paul then asks ” How will people believe unless they hear the gospel of peace preached? Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

If we desire more faith, we need more Word. An that Word is freely available. That is good news for the believer! We increase our faith by simply ingesting more of the word! Not by going to theological college, a degree, or doing more acts of faith, but by simply ingesting the Word of God.

The good news of the kingdom:

Bible Verse		Summary
Matt 4:23	And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.	Jesus teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom. Healing sickness and disease.
Matt 9:35	And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.	Jesus teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom. Healing sickness and disease.
Matt 11:5	The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.	Jesus preached the gospel to the poor. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised.
Matt 24:14	And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.	This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Matt 26:13	Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.	This gospel shall be preached in the whole world.
Mark 1:1	The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;	The gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Mark 1:14-15	Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.	Jesus preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. Repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Mark 8:35	For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel‘s, the same shall save it.	Whosoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel‘s, shall save his life.
Mark 10:29-31	²⁹And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, ³⁰But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. ³¹But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.	Leaving everything for the gospel.
Mark 13:10	And the gospel must first be published among all nations.	The gospel must first be published among all nations
Mark 14:9	Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.	This gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world.
Mark 16:15	And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.	Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Luke 4:18-19	¹⁸The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, ¹⁹To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.	Jesus came to preach the gospel to the poor.
Luke 7:22	Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.	Jesus preached the gospel to the poor. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised.
Luke 9:6	And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.	Preaching the gospel, and healing every where.
Luke 20:1	And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,	Jesus preached the gospel.
Acts 8:25	And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.	They had testified and preached the word of the Lord ….. preached the gospel.
Acts 14:7	And there they preached the gospel.	They preached the gospel.
Acts 14:21-25	²¹And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, ²²Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. ²³And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. ²⁴And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. ²⁵And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:	They had preached the gospel ….. confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. They preached the word.
Acts 15:7	And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.	Hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
Acts 16:10	And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.	The Lord had called us to preach the gospel unto them.
Acts 20:24	But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.	The ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Rom 1:1-7	Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, ²(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) ³Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; ⁴And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: ⁵By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: ⁶Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: ⁷To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.	The gospel of God. Was promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures. Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, by whom we received grace.
Rom 1:9	For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;	The gospel of God’s Son.
Rom 1:15-16	So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.	Preach the gospel. The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes.
Rom 2:16	In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.	God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ’s gospel.
Rom 10:13-17	¹³For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ¹⁴How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? ¹⁵And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! ¹⁶But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? ¹⁷So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.	Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved. How will people believe unless they hear the gospel of peace preached. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom 11:28	As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes.
Rom 15:16-20	¹⁶That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. ¹⁷I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. ¹⁸For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, ¹⁹Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. ²⁰Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:	The minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God. Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Preach the gospel.
Rom 15:29	And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.	The fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
Rom 16:25-26	²⁵Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, ²⁶But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:	My gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ.
1 Cor 1:17-18 1 Cor 1:21 1 Cor 1:23-24	¹⁷For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. ¹⁸For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. ²¹For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. ²³But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; ²⁴But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.	For Christ sent Paul not to baptize, but to preach the gospel. The preaching of the cross is the power of God. It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. We preach Christ crucified. Christ is the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
1 Cor 4:15	For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
1 Cor 9:12-23	¹²If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. ¹³Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? ¹⁴Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. ¹⁵But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. ¹⁶For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! ¹⁷For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. ¹⁸What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. ¹⁹For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. ²⁰And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; ²¹To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. ²²To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. ²³And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.	Hinder not the gospel of Christ. Preach the gospel. Power in the gospel.
1 Cor 15:1-4	Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; ²By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. ³For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ⁴And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:	The gospel which I preached which you received, you stand and you are saved. Remember what I preached. Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. He was buried, and he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
2 Cor 2:12	Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,	Preach Christ’s gospel.
2 Cor 4:3-5	³But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: ⁴In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. ⁵For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.	The gospel is hidden to the lost. The light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God…. We preach Christ Jesus the Lord.
2 Cor 8:18	And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
2 Cor 9:13-15	¹³Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; ¹⁴And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. ¹⁵Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.	The gospel of Christ. God’s unspeakable gift.
2 Cor 10:14-16	¹⁴For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: ¹⁵Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, ¹⁶To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.	Preaching the gospel of Christ. Preach the gospel.
2 Cor 11:4-7	⁴For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. ⁵For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. ⁶But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things. ⁷Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?	Warning about someone coming to preach another gospel? The gospel of God is preached freely by Paul.
Gal 1:6-12	⁶I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: ⁷Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. ⁸But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. ⁹As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. ¹⁰For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. ¹¹But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. ¹²For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.	Warning about another gospel. Those that pervert the gospel of Christ. If any other gospel is preached, let him be cursed. The gospel which Paul preached is not after man, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Gal 2:4-5	²And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. ³But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: ⁴And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: ⁵To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. ⁶But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: ⁷But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;	Communicated unto them that gospel …… Warning that some bring in a gospel that leads into bondage. Paul preaching gospel to the Gentiles. Peter preaching the gospel to the Jews.
Gal 2:14-16	¹⁴But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? ¹⁵We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, ¹⁶Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.	The truth of the gospel. A man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.
Gal 3:6-9	⁶Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. ⁷Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. ⁸And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. ⁹So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.	The gospel was preached to Abraham. Abraham believed God, his faith was counted for righteousness.
Gal 4:13	Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.	I preached the gospel.
Eph 1:13	In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,	The gospel of your salvation.
Eph 3:4-6	⁴Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) ⁵Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; ⁶That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:	The Gentiles are fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ by the gospel.
Eph 6:15	And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;	The gospel of peace.
Eph 6:19-20	And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.	Make known the mystery of the gospel.
Phil 1:4-10	⁴Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, ⁵For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; ⁶Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: ⁷Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. ⁸For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. ⁹And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; ¹⁰That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.	Fellowship in the gospel. Until the day of Christ. In the defence and confirmation of the gospel.
Phil 1:12-18	¹²But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; ¹³So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; ¹⁴And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. ¹⁵Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: ¹⁶The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: ¹⁷But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. ¹⁸What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.	Furtherance of the gospel. Christ is preached.
Phil 1:27	Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;	The gospel of Christ. Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind together for the faith of the gospel.
Phil 2:22	But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.	Served with me in the gospel.
Phil 4:3	And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.	Help those women which laboured with me in the gospel.
Phil 4:15	Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
Col 1:3-5	³We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, ⁴Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, ⁵For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;	Your faith in Christ Jesus. The hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.
Col 1:23	If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;	The hope of the gospel.
1 Thess 1:5-6	⁵For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. ⁶And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.	Our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance. Followers of the Lord, having received the word.
1 Thess 2:2-9	²But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. ³For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: ⁴But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. ⁵For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: ⁶Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. ⁷But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: ⁸So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. ⁹For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.	Bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God. God put us in trust with the gospel. We preached unto you the gospel of God.
1 Thess 3:2	And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:	Sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith.
2 Thess 1:7-8	⁷And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, ⁸In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:	The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Thess 2:13-14	¹³But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: ¹⁴Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.	God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Tim 1:11	According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.	The glorious gospel of the blessed God.
2 Tim 1:8-10	⁸Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; ⁹Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, ¹⁰But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:	The testimony of our Lord. Be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God. Saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
2 Tim 2:8	Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:	Jesus Christ was raised from the dead according to my gospel.
Phil 1:13	Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
Heb 4:12	For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.	Unto us the gospel preached, as well as unto them.
1 Pet 1:12	Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.	Preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.
1 Pet 1:25	But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.	The word of the Lord endureth for ever and this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
1 Pet 4:6	For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.	The gospel preached so that man can live according to God in the spirit.
1 Pet 4:17	For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?	What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Rev 14:6	And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,	The everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.

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Appendix C1 : The Gospel

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?

Gospel definition = good tidings, good report, good message.

Luke 4:18-19 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of ight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Is 61:1-2 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

Rom 10:13-16 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

Is 52:7 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Is 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

Is 53:5-6 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have urned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

The good news is that Jesus Christ came to save us.

The good news is the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, whereby He paid for all sin and now offers us eternal life as a gift. The moment we believe His promise and accept the gift our eternal spiritual man is ‘born’ within us and we become God’s eternal children, with immediate effect. (John 3:16, 5:24; 6:38-40, 6:47, 6:58, 10:28,29; 11:26, 12:50)

This is the good news that makes believers out of unbelievers, and makes believers forever grateful.

But there is more good news once we have become believers.

The good news includes the gospel of Matthew. The gospel of Mark. The gospel of Luke. The gospel of John. The rest of the New Testament.

Mark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

Here Mark talks about the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The entire story of Jesus is the gospel. Coming to the earth, being born, living a sinless life, preaching the word of God, all His preaching and ministry, His death, His burial, His resurrection, His second coming, Him coming to reign on earth in the millennium. The gospel includes everything about Jesus, the start to the finish.

There is one gospel for mankind and that is that Jesus Christ is our Saviour and everything that goes into that story, everything that tells us about Christ’s redemptive work, His incarnation, His birth, His ministry …. “EVERYTHING THAT WENT INTO SAVING US IS THE GOSPEL!”

The gospel is for all people!! – See verses in “All men to be saved”
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son……. (John 3:16)

The gospel message was set in motion in Gen 3:15.

Tit 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

All throughout the OT everything is pointing us to how Christ is going to come. Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Different aspects of the gospel are emphasized in different places in the Bible:- For example

Jesus coming is the gospel.
Jesus will set up His kingdom on earth and reign for 1,000 years is the gospel.
Good news that Jesus will dwell among us and be on earth with us.
We are going to heaven, that is the gospel.
Saved by faith, saved by grace is the gospel.
Being delivered from our sins is the gospel.
Jesus being born is the gospel.
We are being changed. New man inside is the gospel.

The Wrong gospel

When anyone changes or adds, perverts or twists any aspect of the gospel, it becomes a false gospel. Therefore, even if the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is taught, but if somewhere else it is taught wrong, then they are distorting or changing the gospel.

For example, when Catholics and the Orthodox church teach that trust and belief in Jesus’s work on the cross on our behalf (as per Eph 1:13 KJV) is not enough to save us, then they teach a works-based salvation. This is then not the correct gospel. They are bringing in another gospel! Its not about what Jesus has done, but about what works we have to do in addition to that. The only requirement to be saved is faith. (John 6:28,29; Eph 2:8,9)

A works-based religion is not teaching the gospel.

Gal 1:6-9 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Paul talks about another gospel, but then in in v7 he says “is not another”. What he means here is that people pervert or twist the gospel. Therefore some of the things they preach are correct but they make changes. The devil took Jesus Christ’s gospel and perverted or twisted it. The other gospel is a perverting or twisting of the true gospel. The rest of the book of Galatians is telling us what this other gospel is:

Gal 3:1-14 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

The key words:

V2 Hearing of faith
V5 Hearing of faith
V6 Abraham believed God
V7 They which are the children of faith are the children of Abraham.
V8 God would justify the heathen through faith.
V9 They which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

The Good News is that we can be saved and justified WITHOUT works.

The true gospel is salvation by faith. Any other gospel is a false gospel, If anyone’s gospel is the works of the law, he is cursed (v10). Preach another gospel you are cursed, is the message above. The other gospel described here is “Salvation by the law”, “Salvation by works” as opposed to “Salvation by faith”.

The true gospel is Jesus dying for our sins and that we are saved by Jesus’ work, not anything that we have done. Jesus brings salvation through His work and not through our work. It is the free gift of salvation.

V10b Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

This means if we keep the whole law and sin in one, we are guilty of all. We are not able to keep the law. Therefore Jesus Christ came and died for all our sins, we are set free from keeping the law because of what Jesus has done.

V11 it is evident that no man is able.
V11 & V12 The just shall live by faith and the law is not of faith.

Rom 4:5-6 4 Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.5 But to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describes the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputes righteousness without works,

Therefore you can be saved and justified without works. 1 Cor 3:11-15 …… saved even though we don’t have any works. Why? Because salvation is by faith and not by works!

The gospel is that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law.

Eph 1:12-14 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

1 Tim 1:9-11 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

Everything about Christ’s message and His teachings, and the teachings of the apostles are all under the blanket umbrella of the gospel.

Is 40:9-11 9 O Zion, that brings good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that brings good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! 10 Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

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Appendix D1: Gospel of the kingdom verses in linear format:

Bible Verses with Summary:

Matt 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Jesus teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom. Healing sickness and disease.

Matt 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Jesus teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom.

Matt 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. Jesus preached the gospel to the poor.

Matt 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Matt 26:13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

This gospel shall be preached in the whole world.

Mark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

Mark 1:14-15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Jesus preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. Repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.

Whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, shall save his life.

Mark 10:29-31 29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. 31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

Leaving everything for the gospel.

Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

Mark 14:9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

This gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Luke 4:18-19 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Luke 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

Jesus came to preach the gospel to the poor. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised.

Luke 9:6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Luke 20:1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,

Acts 8:25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. They had testified and preached the word of the Lord

Acts 14:21-25 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. 24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: They had preached the gospel

Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

….. preached the gospel.

Acts 16:10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

The Lord had called us to preach the gospel unto them.

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

The ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Rom 1:1-7 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The gospel of God. Was promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures. Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, by whom we received grace.

Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; .

Rom 1:15-16 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Preach the gospel. The gospel of God’s Son . The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes.

Rom 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ’s gospel.

Rom 10:13-17 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved. How will people believe unless they hear the gospel of peace preached? Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Rom 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes.

Rom 15:16-20 16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, 19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: The minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God.

Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

Preach the gospel.

Rom 15:29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. The fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

Rom 16:25-26 25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: My gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ.

1 Cor 1:17-18, 1 Cor 1:21

1 Cor 1:23-24 for Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe… 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

For Christ sent Paul not to baptize, but to preach the gospel. The preaching of the cross is the power of God. It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. We preach Christ crucified. Christ is the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1 Cor 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

1 Cor 9:12-23 12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. 16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. 18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. 19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Hinder not the gospel of Christ. Preach the gospel. Power in the gospel.

1 Cor 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

The gospel which I preached which you received, you stand and you are saved. Remember what I preached. Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.
Preach Christ’s gospel.

2 Cor 4:3-5 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

The gospel is hidden to the lost.

2 Cor 8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;

2 Cor 9:13-15 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

2 Cor 2:12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

The gospel of Christ. God’s unspeakable gift.

2 Cor 10:14-16 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.

Preaching the gospel of Christ. Preach the gospel.

2 Cor 11:4-7 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. 5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. 6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things. 7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

The gospel of God is preached freely by Paul. Warning about someone coming to preach another gospel?

Gal 1:6-12 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Warning about another gospel. Those that pervert the gospel of Christ. If any other gospel is preached, let him be cursed. The gospel which Paul preached is not after man, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Gal 2:4-5 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. 3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: 4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: 7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

Communicated unto them that gospel ……Warning that some bring in a gospel that leads into bondage. Paul preaching gospel to the Gentiles. Peter preaching the gospel to the Jews.

Gal 2:14-16 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

The truth of the gospel. A man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.

Gal 3:6-9 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

The gospel was preached to Abraham. Abraham believed God, his faith was counted for righteousness.

Gal 4:13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

The gospel of your salvation.

Eph 3:4-6 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

The Gentiles are fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ by the gospel.

Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

The gospel of peace.

Eph 6:19-20 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Make known the mystery of the gospel.

Phil 1:4-10 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. 8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.

Fellowship in the gospel. In the defence and confirmation of the gospel.

Phil 1:12-18 12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Christ is preached.

Phil 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind together for the faith of the gospel.

Phil 2:22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

Served with me in the gospel.

Phil 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

Help those women which laboured with me in the gospel.

Phil 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

Col 1:3-5 3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, 5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

The hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.

Col 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

1 Thess 1:5-6 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.

1 Thess 2:2-9 2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. 3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. 9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

God put us in trust with the gospel. We preached unto you the gospel of God.

1 Thess 3:2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow labourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: .

2 Thess 1:7-8 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Thess 2:13-14 13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Tim 1:11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

The glorious gospel of the blessed God.

2 Tim 1:8-10 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: The testimony of our Lord.

Be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.

Saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

2 Tim 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

Jesus Christ was raised from the dead according to my gospel.

Phil 1:13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

Heb 4:12 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Unto us the gospel preached, as well as unto them.

1 Pet 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.

1 Pet 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you..

1 Pet 4:6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

The gospel preached so that man can live according to God in the spirit.

1 Pet 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

The everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.

Updated 21-03-23

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Appendix C1 : The Gospel

Appendix D1: Gospel of the kingdom verses in linear format:

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