Whenever politics come up in a Christian context, a discussion of the kingdom of God is sure to follow. Is it the job of Christians to usher in the kingdom of God? Is the United States somehow related to the kingdom of God? If we’re citizens of the kingdom of God, does this mean that we shy away from our citizenship of the United States?
Since a discussion of the kingdom of God normally follows a discussion on politics, we are going to follow this trend at Life Bible Fellowship Church. This fall finds us in a series called American Christian or Christian American?, a series dealing with a Christian perspective on politics and political issues. So, on Sunday, October 21 we are going to dig deep into the topic of the kingdom of God.
If you were at Mission & Vision Sunday on August 26, you may remember me mentioning that Phil Shahbaz and I are launching a new semi-regular event. About six times over this next year we will host a Sunday night event called Deeper. The purpose of the event is to dive deeper into biblical truths than we are able to do in an hour-long church service or small group setting. The event will involve two hours of deep Bible teaching and also a Q&A time. The topic for our first Deeper event, on Sunday, October 21, will be “The Kingdom of God.” All are welcome (and we hope all will come). It will be a significant time for all of us who want to know God and his Word more deeply.
As a preview of the event, here are three things to know about the kingdom of God:
1. The kingdom has come, and the kingdom will come.
Upon his arrival on earth, Jesus proclaimed the arrival of the kingdom of God. At one point he even said that the kingdom “is in your midst.” It was present, and it is present. At the same time, the Bible talks about the kingdom of God as a future reality for which all believers hope. We are even called to pray for God’s kingdom to come. This is what many theologians call the “Already” and “Not Yet” aspects of the kingdom of God. It is here in one sense, but its full manifestation is still to come.
2. No amount of moral or political reform will usher in the kingdom of God.
Believers are never called to usher in God’s kingdom. In fact, we are not even called to “build” God’s kingdom (despite the fact that this has become normal Christian terminology). Only Jesus will usher in his kingdom. And it is not helpful to think of the kingdom as something that we build. It is better to think of ourselves as ambassadors of the kingdom, announcing its arrival, spreading its impact, and putting it on display. The kingdom is sure to come. Nothing can stop what Jesus will do. Efforts by believers to influence moral and political reform should be from a motivation to display Jesus’ kingdom values, not to usher in Jesus’ future kingdom.
3. The kingdom is glimpsed wherever Jesus is treated like the king.
The kingdom is present today inasmuch as believers display Jesus’ kingdom values. When we live in light of Jesus’ kingdom, we show what his kingdom looks like.
And it looks beautiful. The true God is worshiped and adored. People are treated with dignity and honor. Peace and joy abound. When Jesus is king, there is joy for everyone.
When he returns, we will experience this to the fullest. Until then, we are invited to live in light of his already certain kingship. He has brought new life. Let’s live in it!
Deeper will take place on Sunday, October 21 at LBF, from 6-8 p.m.
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