Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
November 8, 2020

Precious Kingdom, Precious King
by Bryan Gibson
The kingdom of heaven is so valuable, so precious, that we should be willing to pay any price to be in it (Matthew 13:44-46; 11:7-11).
What is it that makes this kingdom so valuable? And why is it such a great thing to be in this kingdom? Clearly, it’s not the subjects of the King that make it so precious; it’s the King Himself. This kingdom is great, because it has a great King. And here’s why Jesus is such a great King.
This King is King of all kings, Ruler of all rulers, Lord of all lords. “All authority” belongs to Jesus (Matthew 28:18), which puts Him “far above all principality and power and might and dominion…” (Ephesians 1:20-21). This kingdom “cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28), “shall never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44), because its King has the power to squash any threat to His kingdom (Revelation 11:15; 17:14; 19:15-16). You won’t ever find a more secure place than the kingdom of Christ.
Despite the absolute authority He possesses, this King is still a servant of His people. He served us by dying for us (Matthew 20:25-28), and He continues to serve us—as our High Priest, by interceding for us before God (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25); and as our Shepherd, by leading us, feeding us, and protecting us (Psalms 23; John 10:27; 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4; Revelation 7:17). No one cares for His subjects like Jesus does.
This King will never lead us astray, because He rules with righteousness and justice, mercy and truth (Psalms 89:14; Jeremiah 23:5; Hebrews 1:8). None of His policies or laws will ever fail us; we can do everything He says with full confidence that it’s right and beneficial to all.
This King shares His wealth with His subjects, unlike other kings, who often live in splendor while their subjects live in poverty. This King even became poor so that we could be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). And just how rich did He make us? We have a vast storehouse of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2-3); we enjoy redemption and forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:8-9); we experience the kind of joy, peace, and contentment that cannot be found elsewhere (John 14:27; 16:20-22; Philippians 4:10-13); and we can look forward to living forever in the most wonderful place imaginable (John 14:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:4, 23, 27).
This King offers the same blessings and benefits to all, regardless of gender, nationality, social status, etc. (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11). Of those who submit to Him, no one gets the crumbs or the leftovers; and no one is treated as a second class citizen, because this King “is rich to all who call upon Him” (Romans 10:13).
From the King Himself: “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11). And now we know why.
The Difference Between Fear and Faith
“All the men of Israel, when they saw the man (Goliath), FLED FROM him and were dreadfully afraid” (1 Samuel 17:24).
“David hurried and RAN TOWARD the army to meet the Philistine (Goliath) (1 Samuel 17:48).
David's explanation: “Is there not a cause?” (1 Samuel 17:29).
Contending earnestly for the gospel (Jude 1:3)—that's OUR cause. We can either run toward it or run from it. It’s the difference between fear and faith.

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
(temporary during pandemic)
Sunday
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.