Gospel of the Kingdom
The book of Acts records how the followers of Jesus began to carry out that mission. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they preached the Kingdom of God with boldness and spread the good news wherever they went. “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 8:12). Later, the apostle Paul wrote about the Kingdom of God in his letters to the early churches, and also “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 28:23).
Without a doubt, the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is the central, underlying theme of the New Testament. The Bible says, “The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it” (Luke 16:16). John the Baptist, Jesus, Peter, Paul, and the other apostles truly were pioneers in preaching the Kingdom of God. These men lived and died for the Kingdom; they were fully committed to its advance and passionate about its reality.
After the apostles were martyred, the torch of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) passed on to the next generation of Jesus’ disciples. Many centuries later, the Gospel of the Kingdom still compels true followers of Jesus in our generation to cry out for repentance and preach Jesus Christ, thus preparing the way for the Lord’s second coming.
Kingdom Education focuses on
- 1. A change in allegiance — Jesus Christ is the King of His Kingdom (John 18:37), so He becomes our Lord and Master when we are transferred under His kingly rule. No longer do we serve ourselves and live after the desires of our flesh. As our King, Jesus now receives our loyalty, honor, and obedience. The Bible says that the Father "hath delivered us from the power of darkness [Satan], and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Colossians 1:13).
- 2. A change in priorities — as citizens of the Kingdom, we do not need to be anxious about our lives; even basic necessities are secondary to seeking first the priorities of the Kingdom. Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Paul told Timothy, "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (I Timothy 6:6-8).
- 3. A change in values — The standards and principles of God's Kingdom are very different from those of the kingdom of darkness (see Matthew 23:1-12). Instead of esteeming worldly prosperity, self-image, education, success, and independence, we now value what matters to the King: heavenly treasures, a pure heart, the wisdom of God, servanthood, and total dependence upon the Holy Spirit. "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, 'Be ye holy; for I am holy'" (I Peter 1:14-16).
- 4. A change in purpose — Some people are driven to achieve their own goals while others live aimlessly with no direction. But Jesus' disciples are to live with divine purpose and make decisions based upon God's direction. Our prayer should be, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). We are called to live as strangers and pilgrims in this present world (I Peter 2:11), not living for temporal, momentary pleasures but rather seeking a heavenly inheritance with Christ in God's eternal Kingdom.
Truly, following Jesus and seeking first His Kingdom is the journey of a lifetime. Yet be forewarned: “No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Like searching for a single pearl of great price, obtaining the Kingdom of God may very well cost you everything else.
Purposeful Discipleship “The purpose (mission) of discipleship at Arouca Revival Tabernacle (ART) is . . .
to move a person from merely knowing about Jesus to becoming like Jesus.”
At ART, we believe that life change happens in the context of small groups. Groups provide a more personal environment where you can experience the passionate love of Christ and the community of fellow believers.
Our discipleship process seeks to cultivate intentional and relational disciple-making. Disciple-making entails relationship, information and experience. This results in believers living in union with Jesus Christ; growing in conformity to His image as the Spirit transforms us from the inside out; being nurtured within a community of disciples who are engaged in that lifelong process; helping others to know and become like Jesus.
Arouca Revival Tabernacle Discipleship’s Belief Statements
| At ART We Believe… | Scripture References |
| … Discipleship is a Biblical Command | Matthew 28:18-20 |
| … Discipleship includes obedience to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission | Matthew 28:18-20 Matthew 22:37-39 |
| … Discipleship results in transformed lives by experiencing who God is and yielding to the Holy Spirit… | Colossians 3:10 Romans 12:1,2 |
| … Discipleship requires individual participation as an integral part of corporate worship | Colossians 3:15-16 Romans 12:4,5 |
| … Discipleship occurs effectively in small groups | Acts 2:42-47 Hebrews 10:25 |
| … Discipleship will manifest itself through our desire to love and serve others | Ephesians 4:11-13 Ephesians 5:1,2 |
| … Discipleship will be seen through our stewardship of our resources including time, money, and our whole self. | Matthew 25:14-29 Colossians 3:17 |
| … Discipleship results in sharing Christ by word and deed | Mark 16:15 John 13:34,35 |
| … Discipleship is the process to reach our full potential through the development of our gifts and talents. | John 10:10 Romans 12:4-8 |