Bringing Heaven to Earth: The Kingdom of God

Summary

The kingdom of God is not just a distant hope or a future reality, but something Jesus was deeply passionate about bringing to earth here and now. When Jesus taught his disciples, he consistently spoke about the kingdom—God’s rule and reign breaking into our world, transforming lives, and restoring what is broken. The focus is not simply on escaping judgment, but on participating in God’s work of bringing heaven to earth. This means seeking God’s will in our daily lives, workplaces, families, and communities, and living out the values of the kingdom in tangible ways.

During the forty days after his resurrection, Jesus spent time with his disciples, likely reminding them of the many aspects of the kingdom: healing, provision, humility, selfless service, radical love, breaking down barriers, and redefining power through servanthood and non-violence. The kingdom Jesus described is countercultural—where the greatest is the servant, where love extends even to enemies, and where all are included regardless of background or status. Jesus himself is the king crowned not with gold, but with thorns—a king who rules through sacrifice and love.

Yet, to live out and expand this kingdom, something more is needed. Jesus told his disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, the essential gift that empowers ordinary people to continue his work. The Holy Spirit is not just a helper, but the very presence and power of God enabling us to heal, provide, love, forgive, and persevere in the face of opposition and criticism. Even Jesus, in his earthly ministry, relied on the Spirit for guidance, strength, and courage.

When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, everything changed. Fear was replaced with boldness, the church was birthed, generosity overflowed, miracles broke out, and the good news spread far beyond what anyone expected. The Spirit shattered limitations, bringing in people from every background and surprising even the disciples with the breadth of God’s grace. Today, the same Spirit is available to us, inviting us to be part of God’s ongoing work, to bring heaven to earth wherever we go, and to expect God to do more than we can imagine. As we open ourselves to the Spirit, we are invited to receive, to be filled, and to become agents of the kingdom in our world.

Key Takeaways

- The kingdom of God is about bringing heaven to earth, not just securing a place in the afterlife. Jesus calls us to participate in God’s ongoing work of restoration, seeking his will in every area of our lives and communities. This vision challenges us to move beyond self-preservation and embrace a life of purpose and mission. [02:50]

- Kingdom living is marked by radical values: healing, provision, humility, selfless service, and love that extends even to enemies. These are not abstract ideals but practical realities that Jesus demonstrated and expects us to embody. Living this way means breaking down barriers, including the marginalized, and redefining greatness as servanthood. [08:23]

- True kingdom influence requires the Holy Spirit. Our own strength, wisdom, or resources are not enough to live out the countercultural values of the kingdom. The Spirit empowers us to heal, provide, love, forgive, and persevere, just as Jesus himself relied on the Spirit throughout his ministry. [13:42]

- The Holy Spirit transforms ordinary people into bold witnesses and agents of change. At Pentecost, fear gave way to courage, generosity increased, miracles happened, and the church grew in unexpected ways. The Spirit breaks through our limitations and surprises us with what God can do through us, regardless of our background or abilities. [21:20]

- God’s Spirit is still at work today, inviting us to expect the unexpected and to be open to new moves of God. The limitations we place on ourselves or on God are shattered when we yield to the Spirit. We are called to bring the kingdom into every sphere of life, trusting that God will use us to surprise the world with his love, power, and grace. [25:46]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Introduction: The Kingdom of God
[02:50] - Jesus’ Passion for the Kingdom
[05:05] - Imagining Jesus’ Kingdom Conversations
[05:50] - Kingdom Healing and Provision
[07:19] - Humility and Selfless Service
[08:23] - Breaking Down Barriers and Radical Love
[09:52] - Power Under, Not Power Over
[11:51] - The King Crowned with Thorns
[13:42] - The Essential Role of the Holy Spirit
[15:28] - The Spirit’s Empowerment in Jesus’ Life
[17:14] - Pentecost: The Game Changer
[21:20] - Boldness, Generosity, and Miracles
[24:59] - Surprises of the Spirit in Acts
[25:46] - Expecting More: The Spirit Today
[27:15] - Responding and Receiving the Holy Spirit

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Kingdom and the Spirit

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### Bible Reading

- Acts 1:1-5
(Jesus appears to the disciples after his resurrection, speaks about the kingdom of God, and tells them to wait for the Holy Spirit.)

- Luke 11:2
(“He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come…’” — alluded to in the sermon as the Lord’s Prayer and Jesus’ focus on the kingdom.)

- Acts 2:1-13
(The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, empowering the disciples and birthing the church.)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Acts 1:1-5, what does Jesus spend his time talking about with the disciples after his resurrection?
[[02:50]]

2. According to the sermon, what are some of the practical ways Jesus demonstrated the values of the kingdom during his ministry?
[[05:05]]

3. What changes do we see in the disciples after the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost in Acts 2?
[[21:20]]

4. What command does Jesus give his disciples before he ascends, and why is it important?
[[13:42]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus focused so much on the kingdom of God, rather than just talking about escaping judgment or going to heaven?
[[02:50]]

2. The sermon describes the kingdom as “countercultural”—where the greatest is the servant, and love extends even to enemies. What does this say about the kind of community Jesus wants to build?
[[08:23]]

3. The Holy Spirit is described as essential for living out the kingdom. Why isn’t our own strength or wisdom enough to do this?
[[13:42]]

4. The book of Acts shows the Spirit breaking down barriers and including people from every background. What does this reveal about God’s heart for the world?
[[24:59]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says the kingdom of God is about bringing heaven to earth, not just waiting for the afterlife. In what area of your daily life—work, family, or community—do you sense God inviting you to bring more of his kingdom? What would that look like this week?
[[02:50]]

2. Jesus modeled radical love, humility, and breaking down barriers. Is there a relationship or situation in your life where you need to take a step toward humility or selfless service? What’s one practical thing you could do?
[[08:23]]

3. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do things we can’t do on our own—like forgiving, loving enemies, or persevering under criticism. Is there a specific area where you feel weak or unable? How could you invite the Holy Spirit to help you this week?
[[15:28]]

4. After Pentecost, the disciples moved from fear to boldness. Is there a place in your life where fear is holding you back from living out your faith? What would boldness look like for you in that area?
[[21:20]]

5. The sermon talked about God surprising us and breaking our limitations. Are there any “limits” you’ve put on what God can do in your life or through you? What would it look like to trust God for more?
[[25:46]]

6. The early church was marked by generosity and inclusion. Is there someone in your life or community who feels left out or marginalized? How could you include or bless them this week?
[[24:59]]

7. The pastor encouraged everyone to make space to receive the Holy Spirit. What would it look like for you to intentionally make space for the Spirit in your daily routine? Is there a prayer or practice you want to try this week?
[[27:15]]

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Close in prayer, asking God to fill each person with the Holy Spirit and to help your group live out the values of the kingdom in practical ways this week.

Devotional

Day 1: The Kingdom of God—Bringing Heaven to Earth
The Kingdom of God is not just a distant hope or a future reality, but a present invitation to participate in God’s rule and reign here and now. Jesus’ central message was about the Kingdom—He taught us to pray, “Let your kingdom come, let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” This means that following Jesus is not simply about escaping judgment, but about joining in God’s work of restoration, healing, and justice in our world. We are called to be people who bring heaven to earth, living out God’s will in our daily lives, workplaces, families, and communities. [02:50]

Matthew 6:9-10 (ESV)
“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’”

Reflection: Where in your life today can you intentionally bring a glimpse of God’s kingdom—His justice, peace, or love—into a situation or relationship that needs it?


Day 2: The Essential Role of the Holy Spirit
To live out and expand the Kingdom of God, we need more than good intentions or human effort—we need the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His disciples to wait for the promised gift of the Spirit, knowing that only through the Spirit’s power could they continue His work. The Holy Spirit empowers us to heal, to love, to persevere, and to live out the radical values of the Kingdom. Just as Jesus was filled with the Spirit at His baptism and relied on the Spirit throughout His ministry, so too are we invited to depend on the Spirit for guidance, strength, and boldness in our daily walk. [13:42]

Acts 1:4-5 (ESV)
“And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, ‘you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need the Holy Spirit’s power and presence today? Will you pause and ask God to fill you afresh?


Day 3: The Upside-Down Values of the Kingdom
The Kingdom of God is marked by humility, selfless service, and love that extends even to our enemies. Jesus redefined greatness—not as power over others, but as power under, demonstrated through serving, washing feet, and embracing those on the margins. Kingdom love breaks down barriers of ethnicity, gender, and social status, welcoming all people into God’s family. Living this way is countercultural and often challenging, but it is the way of Jesus and the heart of the Kingdom. [09:52]

Mark 10:43-45 (ESV)
“But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Reflection: Who in your life can you serve in a practical, humble way this week—especially someone you might not usually notice or include?


Day 4: The Game-Changing Power of Pentecost
When the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, everything changed. Ordinary people were filled with boldness, courage, and wisdom beyond their own abilities. The early church became a community marked by generosity, miracles, and unity, and the good news of Jesus began to spread across barriers and boundaries. The Spirit’s presence brings transformation, surprises, and the breaking of limitations—God moves in unexpected ways, reaching people and places we might never imagine. [21:20]

Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Reflection: What is one area where you have limited your expectations of what God can do? Will you ask the Holy Spirit to surprise you and expand your faith today?


Day 5: You Are Loved and Called—Receiving the Spirit’s Affirmation
At Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit descended and the Father declared, “You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” This same affirmation is spoken over every child of God. Before we do anything for the Kingdom, we are invited to rest in our identity as beloved sons and daughters. The Spirit reminds us of God’s love and pleasure in us, empowering us to live boldly and confidently as Kingdom people. No matter how dry or weary you feel, God longs to fill you afresh with His Spirit and His love. [27:15]

Romans 8:15-16 (ESV)
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

Reflection: Take a quiet moment to listen for God’s voice—what would it mean for you to truly believe today that you are God’s beloved child, with whom He is well pleased?

Quotes

The kingdom of God was the thing that Jesus spoke the most about, the thing he was the most passionate about. It’s the thing he came to establish. The kingdom of God is the thing he taught us to pray when he says, let your kingdom come, let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. [00:00:43] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip

I wonder if he helped them to get a deeper understanding, like Seven did, of understanding the posture in the kingdom, that the posture in the kingdom is about humility. It's about recognising our limitations. It's about a dependency and a trust in God and less about self-reliance. [00:06:50] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip

He chooses to use his power to serve, to bless. He chooses to use the power that he has. He has all power and he has all authority and he can do whatever he chooses to do with that. And he chooses to do, to use it in a demonstration of power under and not power over. [00:10:45] (00:00:21 seconds) Edit Clip

If you want to see kingdom healing, you need the Holy Spirit. If you want to see kingdom provision, you need the Holy Spirit. If you want to love in a way that looks like the kingdom, you need the Holy Spirit. If you want a kingdom that's built on non-violence, you need the Holy Spirit. If you're going to turn the other cheek, you need the Holy Spirit. [00:13:59] (00:00:17 seconds) Edit Clip

The Holy Spirit helps Jesus to speak truth to power, and that's not easy, because the easy route to do is not to speak truth to power, but the Holy Spirit enables him to speak truth to power to those who are so called in power of his day. [00:16:45] (00:00:17 seconds) Edit Clip