If we the kingdom of God were just a future place and not here today, we would live like it didn't matter and God's reign isn't in our world today. We would be careless with our lives and find ways to escape our miserable situations because it was our prison and nothing spiritual.
But if we understand the kingdom of God has God's reign and rule over the sphere of our influence, we would live our lives purposefully, intentionally and learn to extend God's love and grace to our 'captors' in our prison of misery because God still reigns there. And He reigns as far as we would allow Him in our lives.
The Kingdom of God is now and not yet. It has begun although it is not seen. It is felt although it cannot be touched. But the kingdom grows because of you and me who allow God's reign and rule over areas of our lives when we submit to Him. When we love the unlovable, forgive and hold nothing against those who wrong us, extend grace even if they didn't deserve it, feed the poor and provide shelter for the homeless, respect our bosses, mentor a young delinquent. When we allow God to take over our lives, He takes control and reigns over it. His kingdom extends in us and through us. And when we act in faith, we extend his kingdom to those spheres of our influence and introduces it into the lives of those we contact or touch. I don't know about you, but I'm getting very excited about it.
And yes, it is also 'not yet'. It has not yet come to completion yet and it is not yet fully revealed. But one day it will - in all its glory and in its fullness. Yes, that day will come. And it will be an awesome time.
I totally agree with you, Anne, "The Kingdom of God is now and not yet." How true! Church (ekklēsia) means assembly or gathering, where the reality of God’s presence is manifested among his people, in the community of believers (cf. Num. 14:28; Josh. 3:10; Matt. 16:16; 2 Cor. 6:16; Heb. 3:12; 9:14; 10:31). Paul stresses that the church belongs to God, where His presence dwells and reigns. Where God dwells, there is His Kingdom and we the church represents the Kingdom of God.
ReplyDeleteThe church today continues to carry this mandate in this world, bringing God’s kingdom of heaven to earth. Therefore, “how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household” should reflect true Christian conduct. Paul’s concept of church is kingdom of God, temple of God, people of God, body of Christ and bride of Christ. Theologian, R. Bultmann wrote that because of the death, resurrection and glorification of Christ, believers are able to live as the ‘eschatological congregation’. According to D.E.H. Whiteley, this means "living in God’s intervention, the ‘breaking in’ of the power of God in the present, whilst the community awaits the consummation of God’s new act of salvation, which has already begun but not yet concluded."
As we are here on earth, the church is called to advance the Kingdom of God. The church needs to live in holiness, be God’s instrument to carry God’s truths and transform the present world we live in with the power of Christ available to us by power of the Holy Spirit within us.
And as we live in the present, we also look forward in great hope for that which is to come...the "not yet".
Great post anne! However, without reading eve's comments and your article alone, it caused me to wonder what exactly is the kingdom of God? Throughout the article I didn't really get a clear explanation on the kingdom of God and therefore would have been really helpful if there was a definition of it or some sort in the beginning.
ReplyDeleteBesides that though, I totally agree with you when you said we would live our lives purposefully on earth. We should be aware of God's reign in our lives everyday, and be God-conscious wherever we go. We are sent out as ambassadors to make disciples (Matt 28:19) and in order to do that, we first must extend God's kingdom to the circle of people that we meet everyday, praying that they would see the love of God within us. Then only can we proceed to fulfill out mission on earth -to share what Christ has done for us on the cross.
On top of that, the smaller gestures in life that we do would also bring and reflect the kingdom of God in our lives. Small gestures such as honoring our parents, being responsible in our actions, giving an encouraging word to someone, and genuinely caring for an individual in need definitely brings the kingdom of God to earth.
Definitely something very exciting and it's such a great gentle reminder to all! Thank you for the post!
Hi Charisse, THanks for you post!
DeleteWell in short, if I may, the kingdom of God here is the reign of God here on earth. We cannot see a physical kingdom but our King reigns and rules in our lives and through our lives. When we submit and live His ways and His will, we also extend His influence and reign to the people around us. ANd by this we are extending His kingdom here on earth. When people around us are affected and also make the decision to submit to His Kingship (become followers), the kingdom of God is also extended into their sphere!
It's an exciting thought indeed. If we truly live out our lives in discipleship and righteousness, and do His Will, we are truly being part of extending His kingdom here :) Aren't you excited?? :D
I still remember in our Pastoral Epistle class, Dr. Van kept saying a phrase where "the future has already invaded the present". This might sidetrack a bit from what is intentionally being discussed... but I am thinking many emphasize too much about the second coming of Christ where they forgot to live their life well in this present time. Does it mean that only when we know that the time is near then we start living well or we live our lives as if the time is near? A good reminder :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I have to say that His kingdom is now and not yet. We are the important characters in bringing His kingdom to live here on earth by our mannerisms and adherence to the principles of His Word. The acts of kindness that you've mentioned here and many more that can be mentioned is a message to all that, as followers of Christ, a difference can be made to the little sphere or circle of influence that the God has given to them . In little ways, lives can be touched and repentance follows for the habitual sinner that is taught about Christ. God has placed people within this sphere of influence. The response is up to us. We can either take them for -granted or cherish them the way God does. His kingdom is made known by all who believe. So, what are we waiting for? Let's live it out and witness the unimaginable or indescribable happen. After all, a life in Christ is filled with surprises, isn't it?
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