The Kingdom, the Church and Confusion

I must admit that after reading Michael Horton’s article I’m beginning to feel a bit confused. I’m battling to figure out the parameters of this whole discussion. These are my big questions at the moment:

1. How do we define the term ‘Kingdom of God’?

2. What is the relationship between the Kingdom of God and the Church?

3. Depending upon your answers to the above questions: What exactly is the church’s obligation towards mercy ministries?

4. Is Horton’s approach compatible with the concept of being ‘missional’?

5. Alternatively, does Horton’s approach redefine the concept ‘missional’?

Anyone want to have a go at suggesting answers to some of these questions? (Try not to make comments too long – my attention span is very short at the moment).

Horton on Transforming Culture

My friend Lenny pointed this article out to me by Michael Horton, entitled ‘Transforming Culture with a Messiah Complex.‘ It’s an extremely challenging read and makes me wonder if I sometimes don’t, in my own thinking, put the cart before the horse so to speak. Here’s a quote to get you interested, but make sure you read the whole thing:

“If this theological argument is correct, then we should question popular statements like, “All of life is kingdom work.” No, proclaiming the Word, administering baptism and the Supper, caring for the spiritual and physical well-being of the saints, and bringing in the lost are kingdom work. Building bridges, delivering medical supplies to hospitals, installing water heaters, defending clients in court, holding public office, and having friends over for dinner are “creation work,” given a pledge of safe conduct ever since Cain under God’s regime of common grace. In this work, Christians serve beside non-Christians, as both are endowed with natural gifts and learned skills for their common life together.”