The ever-expanding reality of the kingdom of God

<p>"Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed is less than all seeds; but when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the heaven come and lodge in the branches thereof.</p><p>Another parable spoke he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened." Matthew 13:31-33</p><p>These two parables of Yeshua are illustrating the same picture: the kingdom is something that begins small and becomes larger and larger until it is all inclusive. This is one of the grand principles of all Creation: everything begins small and then grows to its mature state. Animals, plants, people; all things exemplify this principle.</p><p>Most Christians today might say they believe the kingdom of God began with Messiah, and it began its spread throughout the world at that time.</p><p>Matthew 28:18-20 - Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."</p><p>While that was definitely a springboard to the nations, the Bible actually traces the trajectory of the kingdom much farther back in history, all the way back to Adam and Eve "ruling" over Creation. Let's trace this kingdom narrative to see how God has operated throughout the millennia to teach us about his eternal realm of righteousness.</p><p>Here are some helpful timestamps of the main points in today's episode:</p><p>03:07 Examples of the kingdom growing from small to large, beginning with Adam and Eve</p><p>10:00 The eternal kingdom exemplified by the prophet Jeremiah overcoming false teaching </p><p>16:19 The universal, spiritual kingdom of God has a