Kingdom of Heaven: Bible discussion 26th September 6.30pm - led by Rob Oulton

 Kingdom of Heaven: Bible discussion 26th September 6.30pm - led by Rob Oulton

The recent funeral for our late Queen provided a vivid display of political, military and religious pageant. Her death bequeathed a ‘Kingdom’ to her son Charles, who now assumes the headship of this mix of temporal and religious power.

Yet, In the gospels we get a picture of a Jewish peasant, Jesus, erupting into Galilee (e.g. Mark ch.1 v 14-15) proclaiming a new Kingdom (Matthew calls it ‘Kingdom of Heaven’, the other gospels, ‘Kingdom of God’) which seems to provoke the existing political, military and religious authorities, as well as mystifying the people who encounter his teaching.

What is your understanding of the Kingdom of God or Heaven? Does the concept still have potency for a modern audience? Is it ‘real’, or is it a metaphorical description of spiritual transformation?

In our discussion we will focus on Matthew, chapter 13, where you find a series of parables, which Jesus uses to describe the Kingdom. You might want to read this before the session.

But there are many other references you could look at in the Gospels: Matthew 5:3, 11:12; John 3:3,  18: 33-37; Luke 9: 1-5, 10-17.  You may have a favourite verse from the bible about the Kingdom. If so, please bring it to share with the group.

Join Zoom Meeting Monday 26th September 6.30pm -7.30pm (London)

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378042367...

Meeting ID: 823 7804 2367

Passcode: 460019

Photo: The Parable of the Hidden Treasure & the Parable of the Pearl - stained glass window - Scots' Church, Melbourne (Wikimedia commons)