Conversation with Dr. Marks Rona

Overview

• Host: Olivia
• Topic: Millennials, Christ, the Church, and Culture

Main Points Discussed

The Kingdom of God

• Generic Theological Definition: Reign, Realm, Rule of God
  • Reign of God: God's sovereignty everywhere.
  • Realm of God: Everywhere, as God's kingdom is ubiquitous.
  • Rule of God: God's governance in our lives and creation.

Biblical Perspective

• Genesis 1-3: Humans share in governing creation as bearers of God's image.
• Purpose of Redemption: To reveal a community governed by God through Christ, illustrating God's original and ultimate intentions.

Practical Application

• Personal Level: God's reign, realm, and rule in our hearts and lives. "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done."
• Church (Ecclesia):
  • Definition: God's political body, assembly, or congregation.
  • Historical Context: Roots in the Septuagint and Moses. Referred to by Stephen in his defense as the church in the wilderness.
  • Function: To be the visible expression of how God governs earth through a community of royal priests, prophets, and kings.

Jesus as King

• Who is the King?: Jesus
• King's Requirement: The obedience of faith.
• Church's Role: The visible earthly expression of God’s kingdom, though the kingdom itself is much bigger than the church.

Kingdom as Relationship

• Nature: About relationships involving face-to-face conversations, dialogues, and mutual growth under Christ’s lordship.
• Jesus' Essence: King by virtue of His work and essence, shedding His own blood to end violence and reflect God's intention for the earth.

Closing Remarks

• Jesus' Kingship: Unique; He builds His kingdom by sacrificing Himself, aiming to raise a community governed by God's spirit.

• Stay tuned for another segment of Christ, the Church, and the Millennial on the conversation.