Kingdom News: Heaven is Here - PDF - a podcast by George Hinman

What was Jesus’s core message? All of the first-century biographers agree. It was very simple, and he said it over and over again:“The kingdom of heaven has come near”(Mark 1:15). Most of us are confused about that. When we think of‘heaven’we think of some other time, some other place. But not Jesus. He’s thinking about your life, right here, right now. Step into heaven. It’s right there in front of you. Step in and call others to join you. The question isn’t when or where; the question is‘What is it?’and‘How do we dare?’Jesus’s stories of the kingdom tell us what and how. They call us to act with great boldness because we have a great hope.In our text this week Jesus tells a parable - a story - to communicate the truth about His Kingdom. Jesus is the nobleman. The“slaves”(RSV) or“servants”(NIV) are Jesus’s followers. The“pounds”(RSV) or“minas”(NIV) or about three month’s wages are your God given gifts or talents. Have someone in your group summarize the bones of the parable. Do no leave out the judgment (both blessings and curses) that occur when the nobleman (Jesus) returns.

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