UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

NAME REG NO. PROGRAMME COURSE UNIT LECTURER TUTOR : : : : : : SEKIDDE DENIS EJIIB15/761 BSWSA NEW TESTAMENT MR.KANSIIME ELLY MR. OMONGO MARK

QUESTION: The gospel of Luke focuses on the Kingdom of God as one of its characteristics .Discuss different aspects that Luke puts forward on this subject. And how the church has been involved today.

Luke was a physician, historian and a gentile whose gospel was surrounded with Jesus ministry, his birth, his move to Jerusalem the Galilean ministry and Jesus death and resurrection. He used both Marks gospel and quelle source when compiling his gospel and its also a synoptic gospel. The following are different aspects Luke puts forward about the kingdom of God. The kingdom is a historical fact / our decision on for Jesus should be founded on the historical fact. It shows how the prophecy has been filled. It was prophesized from the Old Testament and Jesus is away clear from the beginning. Jesus has the good news for kingdom of God. He came to what his father send him to do. He preached about the kingdom of God and however believes in him shall live in internal life. It is also characterized with Jesus followers are citizens under new rule of God. They are to obey, fear and respect of Gods commandments. They are to do Gods work and ask for forgiveness in order to be faithful. It also reveals the high rate of persecution when Christians where persecuted in different forms. This includes their rights of worship, freedom of speech and many lost their lives during those periods. The kingdom of God is a concern to all human beings. Every nation and individuals are to be treated equal regardless to the colour, language or nation they are all under Gods concern who shares his love equally and who care about his people. Luke shows the involvement of seventy disciples Jesus sent to different cities to prepare the message from the Kingdom of God. This shows any one whether poor or rich, disabled can involve him self in preaching and expanding the kingdom of God. Luke also gives the parables Jesus used when preaching to his people. These parables had a hidden meaning which later transformed many Christians life. These parables showed the weakness of many people and Jesus never wanted to use the direct example of the people that is why he used parables. Luke shows Jesus death and resurrection as the fulfillment for his work. Jesus death was payment for release of our sins. Jesus new that he was to die and resurrect. He promised to come back after our repentance and forgiveness from God and ready to enter the Kingdom Luke showed how the kingdom of God is closely to us and how friendly God is to us. It shows how God loved the world from the beginning and how powerful God is. God is ready to receive us in his kingdom even if we have sinned and repented for our sins.

Luke gives us the death of eye witness of what God has done in fulfillment of this promises from the disciples who where sent to spray the gospel of kingdom of God and those who where with Jesus. Luke also gives the expansion of the kingdom of God. He shows Jesus ministry in Galilean and Jerusalem. This all indicates the expansion of the body of Christ.

How the church is involved. The church has organized crusades in different area to preach about the kingdom of God. Through crusades many Christians have gathered in these crusades to hear the message from the kingdom of God. The church emphasizes praying and fasting in preparation of kingdom of God. This creates strength of believers and shows acceptance to enter the kingdom of God. The church also teaches forgivers to our enemies and also emphasizes the Christian to ask for forgiveness from God in order we are clean and ready to enter the kingdom of God. The church has interpreted the gospel and the parables Jesus used when preach and the gospel of the kingdom of God. It has published different gospel books which is simplified in its readings and clear for Christians when reading. The church has prayed fro the sick, poor widows, orphans disabled to create strength and healing them. It has showed how the kingdom of God is for every one regardless to who you are whether poor or rich for. God he doesnt discriminate. The church offers sacrifices to God in order to thank Him and appreciate Him for the Good things God is doing for the church. The church has donated for the needy. It has formed organization to help those in need. This includes offering shelter, clothes, education, and food. It has preached the gospel to them so that they fear and respect and also not to loose hope because God still remember them and care for them. The church has constructed places for worshiping. Which has gathered many Christians together to share and know more about the kingdom of God .By doing this, it has created love, peace and unity hence expanding the kingdom of God.

REFERENCES New Testament