How Fully is God’s Kingdom in the Earth?

January 26, 2019
God-in-Christ, Kingdom

Why are we expecting a futuristic coming of Jesus to establish the kingdom of God in the earth? Isn’t He already with us? Jesus declared in Matthew 28:20, “Lo, I am with you always.” If He is already in our midst, why are we looking and waiting for a future event? Waiting for another day can actually complicate our fuller experience of the Kingdom of God today.

Part of our problem comes from thinking of God’s kingdom as an earthly type of rule and reign, where a sovereign’s will is obeyed whether you like it or not. The same misconception was a problem 2000 years ago and complicated their acceptance of Jesus as “God with us.”

Jesus declared God’s kingdom is not, has never been, nor will it ever be forced on anyone (a) [see end notes for all Scriptures]. Our entrance and participation only requires our willing acceptance. Jesus said God’s kingdom would not come someday, but is currently at hand, right in front of us (b). The kingdom of God really speaks of our acceptance of God’s guiding influence.

Experiencing the Kingdom

An illustration of God’s kingdom is found in Mathew where Jesus said we experience the kingdom when we receive the Word of God as seed spread on the ground (c). The kingdom of God is received and experienced by willing hearts. It then takes root and becomes visible in our natural lives as we work out what God is working in us (d).

The kingdom of God is experienced by willing hearts.

The presence of Jesus, God-in Christ, is not far from any of us. Everyone can hear and receive God’s influence; we do so by degrees. Those who deeply hear bring forth fruitful results. His guiding presence helps our expressions become more Christ-like while we live in this chaotic world.

Jesus proclaimed He would always be with us and never leave us (e)! We want to remember that a few days after his ascension out of sight, He returned on the Day of Pentecost as an immersing presence of Spirit. They were not abandoned. Overwhelming joy! His anointing presence has continued to be available to all who receive him. Jesus ‘is with us’ as a presence of Spirit.

He Who Is, Continually Comes

In the first chapter of John’s book, The Revelation, the revealer is identified as; He who is and who was and who is to come.” (f)Who is” begins the phrasing to emphasize the present. A literal translation would simply say the revealer is “He who is, continually comes.”

All who respond to God’s influencing presence actually experience God’s kingdom today. We partake of the administration of His righteousness, peace, and joy in this life (g). Each and every person is invited to receive the Good News: God-in-Christ – Jesus is with us!

All who respond to God’s influence experience God’s kingdom today. 

His constant coming over the years ‘as a presence’ in each generation has a threefold purpose:

  • To rebirth our interactive fellowship with God
  • Transform our perspective about the life we live
  • And re-form our expressions so we can better reflect God’s loving heart

 

For All Ages to Come

The new Kingdom reality Jesus introduced was foretold by Daniel (7:9-27). He saw one like the son of man, coming in clouds (abiding ‘presence’ of Christ) which would produce saints of the Most High. This presence of Christ in the earth was to be a functional reality for all ages to come.

We want to remember: The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ (Galatians 3:24).

The new kingdom reality was also referenced by Daniel as a time when a stone kingdom was cut out of the earth without hands (a God thing). This heavenly action would upset natural kingdoms and its influence would continue until it filled the whole earth (h).

God’s kingdom influence is a presence of Spirit, personally experienced

God-in-Christ

The Pharisees of Jesus’ day taught the Messiah would come, conquer their enemies, set up a literal kingdom to rule the world. God’s reign in the earth did not come as was expected. The kingdom influence was revealed as a presence of Spirit, Christ among us, to be personally experienced. The influence of God’s presence affected how people acted and treated each other. Acts 17:6 describes this new reign as “turning the world upside down.”

What an amazing, personal God we have! His spiritual reign ‘in our heart and natural lives’ is not limited to a future time. God’s reigning influence is only limited to the degree of our response.

Join us in experiencing the fullness of God’s kingdom day-by-day. Learn more in The Fellowship of His Presence, The Reality of God Among Us. Our books are perfect for small group discussions. We include a free discussion guide with 3 or more copies! Grab your copy. Get a few copies to bless your friends and family.

End notes – Scripture references
a) Luke 17:20-21; b) Matthew 3:2; 10:7; c) Matthew13:18-23; d) Philippians 2:12-13; e) Hebrews 13:5-6, Matthew 28:20; f) Revelations 1:4, 8; g) Romans 14:17-18; h) Daniel 2:31-35, 44-45

Keith Carroll, “The Relationship Guy”
Relational Gospel Founder

 

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