The Gospel of the Kingdom

In my Christian experience I was taught that one of the main goals of the church is to preach the gospel of salvation. However, I am learning that our true objective is really to spread the gospel of the kingdom. Is there a difference? It is interesting to note that Jesus' message focused on the kingdom and not necessarily salvation as illustrated in the following verses:

From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (Matthew 4:17)
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is heaven (Matthew 6:10)
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33)
As you go, preach this message: "The kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 10:7)
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

Jesus teaching about the kingdom

I'd be interested to hear what you believe about this idea. I will expand on the kingdom in the next entry. But if we as the church are not clear or unified about what message we are called to preach, we will have difficulty fulfilling our mission. Father, illumine our minds, change the way we think, and grant us boldness to advance your kingdom on earth!

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father— to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. (Revelation 1:5-6)