How can we implement "the kingdom of God is near" in our communities? Setting the Scene “ ‘The time is fulfilled,’ He said, ‘and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!’ ” (Mark 1:15) What “Near” Means Today • Jesus announced a kingdom that was breaking in right then and there. • Because He is risen and reigning, the kingdom is still “near” in every place His people live under His authority (Luke 17:21). • Our task is to live and act so tangibly under His rule that neighbors can sense the nearness of that kingdom. Personal Repentance: The Launchpad • Kingdom advance starts with hearts turned around. • Ongoing repentance keeps us usable (Acts 3:19). • Invite the Spirit to expose hidden sin, replace it with obedience, and let that authenticity spill outward. Gospel Proclamation: Speaking the Good News • Jesus tied “kingdom” to “believe in the gospel.” Words are essential. • Practical steps: – Share Christ’s finished work in everyday conversations. – Offer clear invitations to trust Him (Romans 10:9-13). – Use simple Scripture portions in community outreaches, always quoting the text itself. Visible Obedience: Living Under the King’s Rule • “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). • Evaluate every habit—time, money, entertainment—by one question: Does this show that Jesus rules me? • When whole households reorder life like this, the neighborhood notices. Community Rhythms That Reflect the Kingdom • Corporate worship marked by Scripture reading, preaching, and joyful singing (Colossians 3:16). • Shared meals that welcome outsiders (Acts 2:46-47). • Mutual care: childcare swaps, job-search help, hospital visits—each a snapshot of kingdom family life. Compassion and Justice in Jesus’ Name • “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). • Launch initiatives that meet real needs while pointing to Christ: – Food distribution coupled with gospel conversations. – Mentoring programs that include Bible study. – Advocacy for the unborn, the elderly, and the marginalized, grounded in Genesis 1:27. Empowered by Prayer and the Spirit • Kingdom work advances “ ‘not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of Hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). • Schedule regular prayer walks through the neighborhood. • Fast as a group when facing major community challenges. • Expect Spirit-given gifts (1 Corinthians 12) to operate for the common good. Staying Focused on the King’s Return • The nearness of the kingdom today foreshadows the day when “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15). • Keep urgency alive: – Celebrate the Lord’s Supper often, “proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). – Let future hope energize present faithfulness, knowing our labor “is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). When hearts repent, mouths proclaim, lives obey, and communities embody Christ’s compassion—all in the Spirit’s power—the watching world experiences what Jesus meant: “the kingdom of God is near.” |
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