1. The Pattern of the Kingdom

The Pattern of the Kingdom

Series Week One

God's Big Picture-Theology cafe

By John Boda

Introduction
This series will be about presenting and revealing the panoramic big picture purpose of God as seen all through the Bible.
Although the Bible is a diverse collection of writings, (66 books written by 40 different people over a span of 2000 years) yet, within the larger, big picture scope, it really has one author –
one subject – and is one complete book!
We will attempt to view the entire bible as one perfect unit, and use a biblical method to divide it into eight divisions, which are eight time periods, in which God progresses forward closer
to his goal. (Currently, we are living in the seventh period, very close to the end)
One Author
The Bible is unique and amazing in that although it was written by many human authors, they were all used by God to write God’s words exactly as God directed. This does not mean they
were all in some mystical trance while writing, but rather they wrote using their minds and talents, and displayed each of their personalities, yet God totally inspired their words. The
author of the Bible is God himself!
Another amazing confirmation of this truth is that even though God used many different people to write his words, yet none of them contradict the other at all! (This is a fact even though
many non-believers consider it their life’s mission to try to find one)
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God (God breathed) and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction of righteousness.” (II Timothy
3:16)
(Our culture today has largely rejected any idea of the Bible as “The Word of God”. We live in a very religious society, but it is not the religion of biblical faith and grace in Christ, but a
religion called “Secularism” or “Humanism”. The dogma of this mindset is – Relativism – where everything is relative, whatever you believe is true – to you – there is no such thing as
absolute truth. This anti-God philosophy is progressive, and it really is the natural inclination of all our sinful human hearts; to drift away from God by default. It is a philosophy that is
directly opposite to the entire message of the Bible, and if anyone drifts into this, you become part of the world system movement progressing away from God, you move away from his
goal, and salvation, and grace.)
One Subject
The Bible is not a large collection of random, isolated sayings, and it is not a book of quotations! (Except for some of the Proverbs) If God is truly the author of the entire Bible, then we
should expect that it would all have one theme, one purpose, and all be in complete harmony, and precisely organized in every detail, and it is!
If we read the Bible like it is random and not connected, we will always misunderstand it, twist and distort its meaning, and never see the purpose of God, overall, and for each of our lives.
Side Note: This is also exactly how science develops and progresses into the true reality of how things really are! Every scientist enlarges upon the previous ones work to move closer and
closer toward the true ultimate big picture they currently call “TOE” (Theory of Everything) Just as science believes that everything must be connected and exist in a beautiful symmetry,
and they must continue to try to view the entire scope that way, so also, we can best view God’s big picture and purpose by knowing that the entire Bible is one subject and also in a
beautiful divine symmetry.
Many people have tried to summarize the Bible according to various methods of division; one of the most popular is using dispensations, known as dispensationalism. But this, and the all
the others have their weaknesses and fall short of portraying a true overall biblical division.
The one method that best fits the entire Bible, and is really the most biblical is – The Kingdom of God! Likewise, the one person who personifies it and completely embodies, and fulfills it is
– Jesus! (Many theologians have correctly spoken of history….as His-Story.)
(Jesus speaking about the Old Testament)
“…these are the scriptures that testify about me.” (John 5:39)
“Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he (Jesus) explained to them what was said in all the scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27)
(Jesus speaking)
“This is what I told you while I was still with you, that everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. (Luke 24:44)
(Jesus speaking)
“Abraham rejoiced to see my day and was glad” (John 8:56)
(Jesus speaking)
“I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Revelation 22:13)
(There are many ways in which to interpret the Bible; historically, allegorically, literally, and they each can be very useful, but at best they can only reveal a fragmented view. But here in
this series we will try to show a grand overview using the Christological method, meaning we will trace God’s goal and purpose of the Kingdom and his King - Christ)
Kingdom of God Overview
At the outset, here are all the eight Kingdom division series we will be studying so you have them here to reference. It would be extremely beneficial for everyone to memorize these!

1. The Pattern of the Kingdom
2. The Perished Kingdom
3. The Promised Kingdom
4. The Partial Kingdom
5. The Prophesied Kingdom
6. The Present Kingdom
7. The Proclaimed Kingdom
8. The Perfected Kingdom

The Kingdom of God Defined
God’s People – in God’s Place – under God’s Rule & Blessing

All through this eight part series we will be tracing each Kingdom division, as well as revealing where the Kingdom defined fits in within each division.
The Goal of God
We must ensure that in celebrating the goodness of God that we never neglect the purpose of God – Erwin McManus “Chasing Daylight”
Many, if not most, Christ followers love and enjoy all the benefits that come with salvation; joy – peace – forgiveness – grace – love & much more! But we must realize that all these
wonderful gifts of grace to us are really not the ultimate goal and purpose of God! In fact, they are more of an overflow and means to an end. Even the gift of eternal life is not the primary
goal of God for us and this world!
The primary goal and purpose of God as seen all through the Bible is to bring and establish his glorious Kingdom forever on this earth!(This eternal reign will also be seen as “God’s Eternal
Sabbath” and “God’s Rest” coming up.) God’s Kingdom IS established in heaven, but we all live on planet earth which is a broken link beyond repair. (Note: God will repair it, but by
creating a “new heavens and new earth”)
When Jesus rose from the dead, he became what the Bible calls, “The Firstfruits of this new creation order and Kingdom which God is bringing to earth. (I Corinthians 15 :20-24) Now,
every time a person comes back to God and receives his free gift of salvation, they become a firstfruit also of this new Kingdom creation!
“For we know the whole creation and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within
ourselves, eagerly awaiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.” (Romans 8:22-23)
In other words, many Christ followers know that they have been saved from sin and death, but many have no idea of what we are actually saved into! (One of the key consistent principles
of God in the Bible is that he is always about movement from one place to another, from no to yes, from stop to go, he always brings people out of something and then into something.)
If we can step into a larger view, we must begin to see that all of us are part of a huge fabric that God is weaving – called The Kingdom of God.
Peter wrote of this when he describes Jesus as the “Chief Cornerstone” of a building (Kingdom) God is working on, and all of us as “living stones” added on to this work.
(I Peter 2: 4-5)
The Kingship of God!
Since God created everything, he is the supreme king of everything.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting father, prince of
peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over his Kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that
time forward even forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
A child is born (Through Mary)
A Son is given (Through God)
Mary is the mother of Jesus - the child born, the Son given - was from God.
This is an eternal Kingdom and government! Notice that it will be established forever!
(Is this government a democracy or a theocracy?)
Also notice the principle King and character who will rule and reign in this Kingdom – there is absolutely no doubt that this is speaking of Jesus – the firstfruits of this new Kingdom.
(Note: It is a false saying that” Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”, because Christ alone will rule with absolute power and there will absolutely be no corruption in
his Kingdom!)
The Bible instructs us to seek after many things like peace, truth, and love, but the very FIRST thing we are told to seek is “The Kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33)
Also in giving us a model prayer, the first thing Jesus tells us to pray for, after first addressing God, is “Thy Kingdom come they will be done in heaven and on earth”. (Matthew 6:10)
Jesus claimed to be a king with a Kingdom. (John 3:3-5) (John 18:36)
At the end of all things when Jesus returns, one of his names is "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (Rev 19:16)
Now that we have hopefully seen this primary goal and purpose of God, we will now focus on the initial template God designed for this Kingdom as seen in Genesis 1 -2
The Pattern of the Kingdom
The first two chapters of Genesis reveal a perfect paradise earth which God created!
Paradise on Earth
1. It was all good! God states this five times in chapter one, and ends with, "...it was very good". (“It’s all good” is a common phrase today, but really, it was ALL good only first in Eden,
secondly in the life of Jesus, and finally it will be ALL good in the perfected earth to come)
(Gen. 1:31)
2. God ruled - Man ruled in perfect harmony with God. (1:26, 28) God gave Adam dominion to rule the earth! He had a job to do! He ruled over all the earth, and the animal life.
3. Man's diet consisted of fruit, and the animals ate fruit and vegetables. (1:29/3:2, 18)
(This does not mean eating meat is wrong today, God ordained eating meat after the flood)
4. There was no rain but underground streams and rivers which gave water. (This also implies, possibly, no snow or climate change in seasons, also no huge oceans. The earth had much
more land mass.)
5. Work was involved, but it involved no discomfort or sweat. (See 3:17-18)
6. Women were not supposed to have great pain giving birth. (3:16)
7. It is possible that Adam and Eve had far superior mind capacity, as today we use only a small fraction. (This is possible because Adam gave names to all the animals) (2:19-20)
8. Marriage was something good and part of God's original paradise. (2:21-24)
9. Nakedness was good! (Be careful here - this was before they sinned, right after it was not so good as they made coverings and later God himself gave them animal skins) (2:25)
In Genesis 1 -2 we have our only look into “The Pattern of the Kingdom”. Remember our initial definition of the Kingdom;
God’s people in God’s place under God’s rule & blessing.
We will trace and reveal the Kingdom defined in each series in order to follow this storyline and God’s big picture, here they are now at this point in this first series;
1. God’s people; Adam & Eve
2. God’s place; Eden and the entire earth
3. God’s rule & blessing; God’s word and perfect relationships.
This first series – The Pattern of the Kingdom – is completely focused on only two chapters in the Bible; Genesis 1-2. (The next session – The Perished Kingdom – will focus on Genesis
chapter three only)
Important Points

1. God is the Author of Creation.
The first verse of the Bible is God’s signature as the author of everything;
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. (Genesis 1:1) It is important to understand that God doesn’t tell us HOW he did it, or WHEN he did it, only that HE DID! We can
debate these other questions as to his methods and precisely when it all occurred, but we only know for sure that a personal, loving and holy God created everything and has a purpose for
it, which includes every person. We must understand that God never does anything just by random chance with no purpose in mind! (Many of us do that when we say, “I have no idea
why I did that” or “I did that for no apparent reason!” but we make a grave mistake when we attribute human traits to God, called “Anthropomorphism”) In other words, since God is the
author of everything, he must have a purpose and plan in mind as well.

2. God is the King & Sustainer of Creation.
Since Christ is the agent of creation, he is the rightful King overall! In fact, that is even one of his names –
“King of Kings & Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19:16) Most people who believe in God also have no problem with God being the ultimate King. But many of them part company with that God-
King interacting within his creation! (The common name for this viewpoint is Deism, and those who believe it are Deists. They believe that although God created everything, he wound it
all up like a big clock, and then went on vacation! They believe that God does not interact or interfere with creation or in any of our lives!)
To become a Deist, there is really one requirement; you must throw out the entire Bible! The fact is that God DOES interact, and he always has from the very beginning! Apart from God’s
sustaining power every moment, even atoms themselves would fall apart!
“For by him all things were created that are in heaven and that on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through
him and for him, and he is before all things and in him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:16 -17)

3. Human beings are the Pinnacle of Creation.
Another commonly held belief, especially in our society today, is that there is no difference between human beings and all the animals. But once again, although this is an interesting
concept, and fits well with Darwinian ideas, if the Bible is the truth of God (I believe it is) then we have a big problem! We are specifically told that God created humans in “the image of
God” (Genesis 1:27) We don’t have the time to go deep into this here, but this is a very unique and specific creative act God did in creating humans, and is vastly different than all other
animals! Yes, all of us are related to other creatures as part of this life, this earth, and God’s work, but ONLY human beings were made with God’s image! Furthermore, God then
commands Adam to rule over everything else created. The point is that God had/has something very important and specific planned for every person, but due to the entrance of sin, we
must now willingly submit ourselves back into God’s plan and purpose and become part of his restored kingdom.
“What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels, you have crowned him with glory and honor and
set him over the works of your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” (Psalm 8: 3-6 / Hebrews 2: 6-8)
4. Rest – is the Goal of Creation
.
While human beings are the pinnacle of creation, we are not the primary goal and purpose of creation, rest is the goal and purpose! I know that this may seem strange, but this is what
we first find in Genesis, and supported all through the Bible, even unto the very end.
It is not commonly known, but although the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God, the chapter and verse numbering divisions are not! All these were added much later by well meaning
people, and they do help all of us in finding our way through the book, but there are many places where a new chapter/verse was numbered, and it completely interrupts the flow,
context and thought progressing forward!
One perfect example is Genesis One! At the end of God’s magnificent creative work of everything, it appears that his creation of Adam & Eve are the ultimate culmination and goal as it
ends at that point.

 But really, it would read much better if we ended the creation chapter with Genesis 2:1 -3:
“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing, so on the seventh day he rested from all his
work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creation that he had done.”
Do you see it? This concludes God’s creation of the universe! Then, Genesis 2:4 would be a much better start to focus on The Garden of Eden, Adam & Eve and the fall into sin.
But some say, “No, this seventh day is just another day of the week like the other six days, and God simply rested after his creation to set the example for us, no big deal!” But there IS a
big deal!

Every previous day from 1 -6 all ended the same way, “…and there was evening and there was morning” signifying a beginning and end of each day, and each days work. However, the
seventh day has no such classification! In other words, it never ends! It still goes on today; we are all living in God’s seventh day rest. (More than half of Hebrews chapter four speaks of
this rest of God) Here are two key verses;

“Therefore there remains a rest for the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:9)
“Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest..” (Hebrews 4:11)

We can keep from becoming confused by realizing that this “seventh day rest” is not a one time, 24 hour vacation! Although we should try to read the Bible literally as much as possible,
there are many places where we must see it in the larger perspective, within God’s big picture.
(Note: Other examples of this are when Jesus said “I am the door” he didn’t mean he was a literal door, but the way to God. The same for when he spoke of “eating his flesh and drinking
his blood”, he did not mean it literal but rather a metaphor for the need for us to take in all that he has and be consumed with God)
Sabbath Summary
Here in the pattern of the Kingdom as seen in Genesis 1-2, God lays down the template of a perfect paradise, with perfect people in perfect relationships with each other and with God. He
also lays down the template of the seventh day rest. Later, God issues a command to Moses and all Israel to keep and observe the seventh day and to keep it holy. At that time, this
seventh day was the weekly seventh day (Saturday) and they were diligent to seek God that day especially, and to not do any work of any kind. But God gave that seventh day command to
them as part of this Kingdom template, and it should have been seen and observed within the big picture, but it turned into a weekly ritual and mindless religious observance with no
regard to its larger meaning!
Today, observant Jews still strongly keep the Sabbath as best they can, and even some Christian groups such as “Seventh Day Adventists”, but they are missing the meaning, purpose and
big picture!
Are all of us supposed to keep and observe the Sabbath day to be saved? YES! But here’s how;
Once you and I come to God in repentance and accept his free gift of grace and salvation, we are saved, and part of this great salvation is God transferring us into his Kingdom Sabbath
and rest forever! In other words, the Sabbath is incredibly important and required, but it cannot ever be a work in which we try to do by simply observing a day of the week; rather, it is a
God-thing in which he moves us into his rest. So anyone and everyone who is a saved Christian – Christ follower today, is also an observer and keeper of God’s eternal seventh day rest and Sabbath!

This is really what Jesus was speaking of when he said;
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
(Another aspect of this is that doing religion and religious works is hard work!)
Pattern of the Kingdom Summary
Remember the definition of the Kingdom?
God’s people – in God’s place – under his rule and blessing.
Here in the first session we see the pattern of the Kingdom in Genesis 1-2.
God’s people – Adam & Eve
God’s Place – The Garden of Eden & the perfect earth
God’s rule & blessing – His word and perfect relationships with each other and God.
Finally, look back at Genesis 2: 1-3 in the box earlier, and notice the underlined words;
Here in this pattern we see something of what God has in mind for his restored and perfected Kingdom which we will all be a part of forever, namely, Blessing – Holiness – and Rest.
From this point on, whenever you open the Bible to the first two chapters of Genesis, you can think of the text within The Pattern of the Kingdom.
Final Point
There is one more important link to God’s Kingdom focus here in Genesis 1-2. We can only touch on it here in conclusion, but briefly, in Genesis 2: 11-12 we find three elements listed as
being present in Eden;
1. Gold
2. Pearl (Bdellium)
3. Precious Stones
If we look at the big picture of God’s Kingdom, these really are the very raw elements and rough template of the building blocks of God’s Kingdom masterpiece structure – The New
Jerusalem! If you fast forward all the way to the end of the Bible, you’ll see this incredible building coming down out of heaven. It is the ultimate culmination resting home of God and his
people (You and me) forever. It will be the center of God’s people, God’s place, and God’s rule & blessing!
 See Revelation 21: 10 – 21
God is at work constructing a church, a family, a people, and a glorious building which will finally be the reign of God completely on earth as it is in heaven. But in the mean time, we must
walk step by step in faith and trust in God’s grace to guide us every step of the way. Also realizing that God’s great enemy, Satan, is also hard at work deceiving every one that he can, and
he is also constructing a masterpiece building which is the antithesis of God’s building, called Babylon. (Revelation 17:5)
Babylon and the New Jerusalem are totally antithetical, yet as we move closer to these last days, most people unaware will not be able to tell the difference, as Babylon is also made up of
these same elements!
(Revelation 17: 4)
I hope and pray that this series will help shed some light into the great, glorious, grand plan that God is doing, and how important each one of us is in our piece, however small, within it.
Everything counts, everything matters right here and right now in every day and in all our lives for now, and within the eternal perspective.