Last Days
Teacher
Lesson Summary
During the class, the teacher examined the biblical teaching that the kingdom of God is a present reality inaugurated by Jesus. He linked Hebrews 12:2’s description of Christ seated at the right hand of God with Jesus’ promise in Mark 9:1 that the kingdom would be established during the lifetime of His listeners. By surveying verses from Colossians, Revelation, John the Baptist, and John 18, he reinforced that believers already dwell in the kingdom and serve as its priests. The focal point of the lesson was Matthew 16:18‑19, where Jesus gave Peter the keys of the kingdom, and Acts 2:37‑41, which illustrated the first practical use of those keys at Pentecost, leading to the birth of the church. The teacher also highlighted the expansion of the kingdom to the Gentiles in Acts 10‑11, showing the kingdom’s growing reach. He concluded that the church is the concrete manifestation of the kingdom on earth, and that every believer today participates by opening the kingdom through proclamation, baptism, and living under the authority of the keys. The class encouraged listeners to reflect on their role in advancing God’s kingdom now.
Key Scriptures
And he said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come with power.'
And when Jesus came to Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' And they said, 'Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' And Jesus said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.'
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,