John 1:1-5 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."

What is the Kingdom of God?  Where is this Kingdom of God?

The called out - those who hear the Word of God and respond with faith and love, whose hearts and intellect respond to the call to become citizens of Christ’s kingdom, join themselves to an assembly or community of faithful believers.  The authority, the King, and the Lord is Jesus Christ, who is God.

Faithful believers have the opportunity to remain citizens of His Kingdom if they faithfully endure to the end.

We see saints added to the Kingdom of God in the first century after Christ’s resurrection starting with the Jews in Acts chapter 2:37-38.  Soon after realizing they crucified the Christ, the man named Jesus, Peter answers what appears to be their first question:

“…brethren, what shall we do? Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  So then about three thousand souls were added that day..."

We then see Gentiles added to the Kingdom of God in Acts chapter 10:25-27 and 47-48.

"When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter raised him up, saying, 'Stand up! I too am just a man.' As he talked with him, he entered and found many people assembled." This assembly was very likely only composed of Gentiles.

After preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles, Peter said…

“Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized…  And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ…"

Both the Jews in Acts 2 and the Gentiles in Acts 10 were added to the Kingdom of God the moment they were baptized.

The calling is as relevant today as it was in the first century.  As we assemble each week, those seeking have the opportunity to be added to the Kingdom.

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

1 Peter 2:9-10 "But you are A chosen race, A royal priesthood, A holy nation, A people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not A people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."