God’s Kingdom

Dear Friends,

During January we are embarking on a short series looking at 1 Kings 1-11 and the person of Solomon. The big themes in these chapters are the establishment of God’s Kingdom, the need to deal with the enemies of the Kingdom and to promote the values of the Kingdom, such as kindness. This story of David & his son Solomon points us to Jesus, who establishes the Kingdom of God on earth. He does this through the power of the cross and the preaching of this message.

There are many lessons for us to learn. Today as we examine 1 Kings 2:1-12, we see the importance of obedience to God’s law. God’s Law is more than rules because God’s Law reveals what God is like. When we listen to God through His Word, He speaks to us and He strengthens us with His word to obey Him.

David also warned Solomon to get rid of the enemies of God’s kingdom. In the New Testament, the great enemy of the Kingdom is sin and death and so God’s church needs to strive to be a holy church which reflects God’s character. Reflecting God’s character involves trusting the Lord that His justice will be done. As Christians, we long for the return of Jesus who will bring perfect justice. In the meantime, we are required by God to show His kindness to those around us and to be witnesses to the Kingdom. The great work of the Kingdom is to proclaim the message of Jesus and call people to repentance and faith. We do this with confidence of the victory of Christ over death.

God’s blessing David O’Mara

From the Pastor’s Bulletin, 2 January 2021