The Return of the Kingdom: A Biblical Theology of God's Reign

Discover how the concept of God's kingdom runs from Genesis to Revelation, shaping biblical theology and the believer's life today. Join Dr. Stephen Dempster in exploring the Old Testament's deep roots of kingship, God's sovereignty, and the promised future fulfilment of His reign.

Key Topics

• The biblical concept of kingship from Genesis 1 and 2, emphasizing divine rulership and human authority
• Tracing kingdom themes through the Old Testament: from Eden to the new heavens and earth
• How the Old Testament anticipates and shapes the understanding of Jesus' mission and the New Testament teachings
• The two phases of the kingdom: already inaugurated in Christ but not yet fully realized
• The spiritual battle between God's kingdom and the kingdom of Satan
• Practical applications: living in light of the already-but-not-yet kingdom through the Spirit and justice

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to "The Return of the Kingdom" and its significance

00:52 - Dr. Dempster's journey into Old Testament studies and faith

05:03 - The biblical concept of kingship from Genesis 1 and 20

6:19 - The kingdom themes in Genesis and their significance for biblical theology

09:46 - The end goals in Revelation: New Jerusalem and restored creation

11:33 - The spiritual and eschatological dimension of God's kingship

12:37 - Jesus' use of kingdom language in the Lord's Prayer and its Old Testament roots

14:18 - Prophetic visions of the coming reign of God in Isaiah, Zechariah, and others

16:24 - The delay of the kingdom's full fulfillment and God's patience

18:52 - The cultural and spiritual realities of Satan's kingdom and Christ’s victory

23:24 - The ongoing spiritual battle and the role of exorcism, miracles, and the church

28:33 - Balancing the recognition of spiritual forces without overemphasizing the diabolical

30:45 - Connecting Old Testament themes to the Gospels' portrayal of Jesus as the King

34:00 - How Matthew’s genealogy and structure highlight Jesus as the fulfillment of Davidic kingship

36:35 - The themes of servant leadership and the upside-down kingdom in Luke

41:46 - The overlooked but vital Old Testament passages on God's attributes (Exodus 34)

44:54 - God's self-revelation and the nature of Yahweh's mercy, justice, and hesed

48:46 - The significance of Exodus 34 in understanding God's character and the fulfillment in Christ

50:04 - Living in the tension of the in-breaking yet not fully established kingdom in our daily lives

55:56 - Practical ways believers can embody kingdom values now—justice, mercy, humility

56:38 - The hope of Christ's return and the ultimate establishment of God's perfect reign

You can find Dr. Dempster's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Return-Kingdom-Biblical-Theology-Essential/dp/0830842918/