The Church, the Home, and the Kingdom

There are three distinct lines of truth in our New Testament, chiefly
presented by three prominent writers; not of course that these writers confine themselves
exclusively to these special truths. And for the sake of distinguishing them we might put
it as follows: Just as in natural life there are three great circles in which we all move,
so in spiritual life. Our normal everyday life is divided into our home life, public life,
and church life.

THE WRITERS

  1. There is the church life. The Apostle Paul specially sees the
    Christian as in the assembly - the Church.
  2. The Apostle John treats of the home life. He speaks of the believer
    as in the home, the family circle.
  3. The Apostle Peter presents the believer in public life, the kingdom.

THE THEMES

  1. The Church has to do with spiritual, heavenly blessings, so the
    Apostle Paul takes us to heaven - seated there in Christ. The emphasis here is on our
    spiritual privileges. In the Church the terms applied to Christians are "brethren or
    saints".
  2. John brings heavenly blessings to earth. Here we have the home, with
    the birth of babes in Christ. It emphasizes the home with its family relationships. Here
    the term is "children".
  3. Peter in the kingdom speaks of service and obedience. Paul also has
    much to say about that. The thought in the kingdom is responsibility, rather than
    privileges. So the characteristic term is "servants". Matthew has
    "servants" thirty times.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

  1. In connection with Church truth, the Lord is the object of our
    worship, and He is the Head of the Church. The Church is built up and grows in dependence
    upon Him, every member ministering to the building up of the whole, with the Spirit
    prominent as the indwelling Power.
  2. In connection with the family, Christ is our Life. Thus likeness to
    Christ, obedience to the Father, and enjoyment of His love are prominent truths. It gives
    a lovely picture of the ideal Christian home with its joys, and testings too.
  3. In connection with the kingdom we are looked upon as servants.
    Christ as our King is to be obeyed. We may note that we Christians are in the kingdom only
    while down here on earth. This is our opportunity to show our fidelity to Him, for by and
    by we shall reign with Him; not be reigned over by Him. This is the time for service
    and suffering;
    that for reigning and glory. Thus with Kingdom truth, responsibility is
    very prominent, and blessing is dependent on obedience. Many of the parables of the
    kingdom of heaven speak of the servant giving account when the Lord returns, and receiving
    or not receiving rewards at that time.