Truth #10 – God’s Kingdom: Evidence of Christ’s Reign and Promise

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17). With these words, Jesus announced the arrival of a kingdom unlike any other. Throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke of the kingdom of heaven more than 80 times, calling His followers to hope in its reality, live by its principles, and share its message with the world. He described it as a mustard seed—small in its beginnings, but destined to grow into the largest of trees, encompassing the whole world.

The Bible affirms two key truths about God’s kingdom:

The kingdom of heaven is present now and continues to grow.
The kingdom of heaven reverses the values of this present world, turning them upside down.

The Kingdom of Heaven

The Old Testament prophets foretold the coming of a King from the line of David who would establish an eternal kingdom. This King would bring blessings to Israel and the surrounding nations, ushering in God’s favor. Jesus fulfilled these prophecies, as He explained to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus established His kingdom on earth, striking a decisive blow against death and ushering in a new era where belief in Him brings salvation and eternal life.

Jesus also commissioned His followers to proclaim His kingship. His disciples became the messengers of the good news, empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread Christianity across the world. They were called to embody the values of the kingdom: hospitality, compassion for the oppressed, care for widows and orphans, and a commitment to lifting up the downtrodden. In Jesus’ kingdom, the last are made first, and the first are made last. The mighty are humbled, and the poor are exalted.

The early Christians modeled this radical way of life. They shared their homes, their meals, and their resources. They prayed continuously, studied the Scriptures, and cared for one another’s needs. Their selflessness and unity reflected the transformative power of God’s Spirit moving within them.

The historical growth and influence of Christianity provide powerful evidence for the kingdom’s reality. Despite intense persecution by Roman authorities, the early church grew exponentially, spreading across the Mediterranean and beyond. This rapid expansion, accomplished without political power or military force, reflects the divine nature of the kingdom’s advancement. Additionally, Old Testament prophecies such as Isaiah 9:6-7 foretell a kingdom established by the Messiah. Jesus’ fulfillment of these prophecies confirms the kingdom’s legitimacy and serves as a testament to God’s sovereign plan.

Living the Upside-Down Kingdom

To live as a member of God’s kingdom is to live in a way that defies worldly logic. Kingdom living means giving when you have little, sacrificing time to serve others, and advocating for justice and equity. It means placing the King above all else, bowing daily in service and surrender.

A kingdom-minded Christian lives with a heart focused on eternity, unmoved by fear of death, for in God’s kingdom, death has no sting. They point not to their own achievements, but to the abundant blessings and grace that flow from their King. This way of life turns the world’s values upside down, reflecting the beauty and distinctiveness of the kingdom of heaven.

A Kingdom at War

God’s kingdom stands in opposition to Satan’s kingdom, a battle that began in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, Satan gained temporary control over the earth and its people. But two thousand years ago, God, through His Son Jesus, entered the battlefield to reclaim His creation. By conquering sin and death through the cross, Jesus secured victory and began restoring His people to Himself.

Today, Christians are soldiers in God’s kingdom, called to advance His reign on earth by spreading the Gospel, living out kingdom values, and shining His light in a dark world. This battle will continue until God fully establishes His permanent kingdom in the new heaven and new earth—a place where His reign is absolute, His people are redeemed, and His glory is unrivaled.

Conclusion

God’s kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope. It is growing now, reversing the world’s values, and calling all who believe to live transformed lives under the reign of the true King. Ultimately, this kingdom will be fully realized when Jesus returns, ushering in a new heaven and new earth. Until that day, believers are called to live as citizens of heaven, proclaiming the good news and building God’s kingdom here on earth.

The $1 Million Dollar Question:

Will you go to Heaven when you die? Here’s a quick test:
Q. Have you ever told a lie?
Q. Have you ever stolen anything?
Q. Have you ever used God’s name in vain?
Q. Have you ever lusted over someone?
Q. Have you ever hated someone?

If you have done these things, God sees you as a liar, a thief, a blasphemer, an adulterer-at-heart, and a murderer-at-heart. And this is only 5 of God’s Ten Commandments (a/k/a “God’s Law”). And the Bible warns that on the Day of Judgment, God will punish you in a terrible place called Hell. But, there is “good news”! God is not willing that any should perish. Sinners broke God’s Law, but Jesus paid their fine by shedding His sinless blood on a cross ~2,000 years ago. This means that God can legally dismiss their case (and yours!): “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Then Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death. Today, repent (turn away from your sins), put your complete trust in Jesus, and confess Jesus as your Lord & Savior… and God will give you eternal life as a free gift.

The $1 Million Dollar Myth:

Contrary to popular belief, being a “good person”, doing “good deeds”, or being “religious” will not get you a ticket to heaven! Many people are hoping God will dismiss their sins because their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds. They further hope that because God is “good” he will let them go unpunished and enter heaven. However, because God is “good” he must by nature punish sinners (i.e., God would not be a good judge if he let criminals go free). The Bible states: “There is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20) The Bible also states: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) And finally, think about this, if your goodness could save you, Jesus would have died in vain (i.e., for no good reason). The Bible states: “I (Jesus) am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father (God) except through me. (John
14:6) Friends, please don’t “roll-the-dice” and gamble your eternal life on the life-threatening lie that being a “good person” will get you to heaven.

Yes, today I am deciding to follow Jesus:

Here is a prayer you can use to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior. It is a suggested prayer – the key is that you are speaking from your heart.
“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me turn away from sin going forward. I believe that your Son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus into my heart and I confess him as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for sending your Holy Spirit to help me obey you, and to do your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

Congratulations! And welcome to God’s family!

Yes, I am already a follower of Jesus:

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