Seek the Kingdom or Build the Church? (2)
Continuing this discussion, here are some words from Jesus to consider:
“I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again…. I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ “ (John 3:3, 5-8)
“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:2-3)
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness….” (Matthew 6:33)
“…the kingdom of God is among you” (Luke 17:21).
“The kingdom of God is near you” (Mark 1:15; Luke 10:9).
Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God (or heaven) is something to be seen and entered. It is something to be sought after, something that is among us, something that is near to us. It is not something we can build or quantify.
What is the kingdom? It is the Reign of God. It is the Rule of God. It is not the Church. It is greater and broader than the Church. It is God’s Rule manifesting in the earth, and from a seemingly small start, it will encompass the whole world. Jesus brought it, and when he comes again, the Kingdom will be established in it’s fullness.
Jesus tells us to seek the kingdom, to enter in to it, and to pray for it to come (Matthew 6:10).
What are the implications for Church? For our churches? Are we seeking the kingdom? Are we praying for it to come? Are we trying to build something that’s already here? What do you think?
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I wonder if many of our churches, or church leaders, would really accept it if their congregation became true kingdom citizens. The concept envisions, at least for me, an on-fire community, heavily involved with each other and the broader community, with a great deal of independence. Far to many of our churches and church leaders are about control; controlling what we think, what we believe, what we do. Think of how different things would be if the majority of Christians would discover that ministry isn’t just for those with the proper credentials.