In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” (Matthew 3:1-3)

When a phrase appears well over 100 times in the New Testament and often from the mouth of Jesus himself, it is something to which we ought to pay attention. Such is the phrase, the kingdom of God and its synonymous term, the kingdom of heaven. Although John the Baptist and Jesus after him says the Kingdom of God has come near (Matt. 3:2), is indeed among us, it is not visible in the usual ways.

It is a secret that has been revealed (Mk. 4:11) and good news that has been proclaimed (Mk. 1:14). You cannot be born into such a kingdom, unless you are born “from above” (Jn. 3:3). It is not something whose structures we erect, but which spreads like seeds in the wind (Mk. 4:26ff). One need not be wealthy or well-placed to enjoy its privileges; it’s tables and festivals are open to all (the poor and those who mourn are its special guests, Lk. 14:13). It is in conflict with other kings and kingdoms, but refuses to do battle with flesh and blood (Eph. 6:12).

One’s citizenship is not verified by papers, but by righteousness (I Cor. 6:10). Unlike the “Magic Kingdom,” one cannot pay to enter “The Kingdom of God,” although here, too, it is children who lead the way (Mk. 10:14). It is entered not through gates but through a person. The directions from John the Baptist in Matt. 3:1-3 are simple enough: find the King (”he who was spoken of”); turn toward him (”repent”); and walk in his ways (”make straight paths”).

The King.

The Turn.

The Way.

In this 83rd annual Torrey Memorial Bible Conference, we will pay attention to just these things: the King, the Turn, and the Way. We will enter and explore the Kingdom of God through the special revelation God himself has given us. We will come to know the King better. We will turn to Him, above all others. And we will learn his ways.

Welcome to the Kingdom.