FROM THE DAWGHOUSE…
Advancing the Kingdom of God
As Christians, our faith in Jesus as the Messiah calls us to more than just belief; it calls us to action. It calls us to move from ordinary to extraordinary given we are not merely passive recipients of God’s grace but active participants in His divine plan. One of the primary ways we engage in this divine calling is by advancing the Kingdom of God. But what does this look like in our everyday lives? How do we, as believers, contribute to the unfolding of God’s Kingdom on earth?
The Kingdom of God is not a physical territory, but a spiritual realm where God’s will is done. It is present wherever God’s sovereignty is acknowledged, and His will is lived out. Jesus spoke frequently about the Kingdom, teaching that it is both a present reality and a future hope. In Luke 17:21, Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is in your midst,” highlighting its present aspect. Yet, He also taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), indicating that the Kingdom is something we continually seek to bring into fullness.
Advancing the Kingdom of God starts with living lives that reflect the character and values of Jesus. Over the years, Pastor Pete has taught us that there are several ways we can do this.
The first and most fundamental way to advance God’s Kingdom is by living out the gospel in our daily lives, and oh my, what a challenge that is. This requires embodying the love, grace, and truth of Jesus in our interactions with others. When we love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), forgive those who wrong us (Matthew 6:14), and extend grace even to our enemies (Matthew 5:44), we reflect the heart of God and make His Kingdom visible to the world. Don’t know about you, but I have a lot of work to do.
In addition to living out the gospel, we are called to proclaim it. Jesus commissioned His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This involves sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others, whether through words, actions, or both. Evangelism is not just for pastors and missionaries; every believer has a role in spreading the message of salvation. By sharing our testimony, offering a listening ear, and speaking the truth in love, we invite others into the Kingdom of God.
Also, Jesus demonstrated that service is at the heart of the Kingdom. He washed the feet of His disciples, fed the hungry, and healed the sick. He taught that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). When we serve others – whether through acts of kindness, helping the needy, or standing up for justice – we advance God’s Kingdom. Our service should flow from a heart that seeks to honor God and bless others, not from a desire for recognition.
Of course, we can’t ignore that the Kingdom of God is characterized by justice and righteousness. Isaiah 9:7 speaks of the Messiah’s rule, saying, “He will establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness.” As believers, we are called to be agents of justice in a world full of injustice. This can mean advocating for the marginalized, challenging systems of oppression, and living with integrity in all our dealings. By pursuing justice and righteousness, we reflect the values of God’s Kingdom and help bring its reality into our world.
Last, but not least, prayer is a powerful tool in advancing God’s Kingdom. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). When we pray for God’s Kingdom to come, we align our hearts with His purposes and invite His rule into our lives and our world. Prayer also equips us to face spiritual battles and to stand firm in our faith. By praying for others, for our communities, and for the world, we participate in God’s work of bringing His Kingdom to earth.
Advancing the Kingdom of God is not a task reserved for a select few; it is the calling of every Christian. In a world that often feels dark and divided, we are called to be lights, shining the hope and truth of God’s Kingdom.
May we each take up this call with joy and determination, knowing that as we do, we participate in God’s redemptive plan for the world.
To The Kingdom.
Joe Bouch
