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Pentecostal Perspectives and the Kingdom

models for Kingdom ministry. They believe that demonstrations of power
are a necessary component of true Kingdom ministry. As they imitate
the ministries of Jesus and the apostles, Pentecostals are prepared to
challenge the kingdom of Satan in the power of the Spirit. With great
boldness, they confront the powers of darkness and penetrate new areas
with the gospel.

The Scope of Pentecostal Ministry

Pentecostals further believe that their kingdom mandate is to preach
the gospel to all nations before the soon coming of Jesus Christ. Citing
the final words of Jesus, they believe that this mandate can only be
accomplished through the enabling power of the Spirit (Luke 24:49:
Acts 1:8). They further believe that this enabling is for all believers, and
that it comes through a powerful experience subsequent to the new birth
called the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4–8; 2:4).

This belief has catapulted Pentecostals into all the earth preaching the
full gospel of Jesus Christ. With an estimated 750 million Pentecostal/
Charismatic believers in the world today, Pentecostalism has become
what is possibly the greatest missionary movement in the 2000-year
history of the church. Today, however, Pentecostals face a challenge.
They must decide whether or not they will remain true to their original
calling to take to gospel to the nations in the power of the Holy Spirit. Our
prayer is that they will. A clear understanding of the kingdom of God, its
mission, and its enabling power will aid them in this endeavor.

Conclusion

In this study, we have closely examined the biblical teaching on the
kingdom of God. We have discovered that the kingdom of God is God’s
sovereign rule over His creation. We have also discovered that how one
views the Kingdom dramatically affects how he or she approaches ministry.
A correct view of the kingdom of God is essential to effective ministry.

One must understand that the Kingdom is both a present reality and a
future expectation. The kingdom of God has come in the person of Jesus
and in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. However, it has not yet
come in its fullness. That will not happen until Jesus comes again and
establishes His kingdom reign in the earth.

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