Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 2
The speaker insists that “Kingdom suggests a society of people,” contrasting it with “a very individualistic concept of the gospel.” How does the Bible’s storyline (Abraham, Israel as a nation, “a kingdom of priests”) challenge the assumption that God’s primary goal is saving individuals rather than forming a people?
Another way to ask: How does the Bible’s big story (Abraham, Israel, “a kingdom of priests”) show that God is forming a people, not just saving separate individuals?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, the Bible’s storyline shows God consistently aiming to create a visible people—first Israel and then the church—who corporately display what life under God’s rule looks like, not merely isolated individuals getting personal salvation.
- He says the word “Kingdom suggests a society of people,” contrasting it with “a very individualistic concept of the gospel…all about me getting to heaven.”
- He points to Abraham: God said, “I’m going to make of you a great nation,” indicating a corporate plan.
- He describes Israel as a public testimony: other nations would see a people “whose God is the Lord,” and he references the Queen of Sheba recognizing that testimony.
- He ties this to Exodus 19: “This nation shall be to me a kingdom of priests,” framing Israel as a kingdom-like community.
- He applies the same idea to the church using Peter: “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…that you should show forth the praises of him.”