Experiencing the Kingdom of Heaven Here and Now
Summary
The Kingdom of Heaven is not a distant, far-off concept but a present reality that we can experience here and now. Just as my children were captivated by the story of Narnia during our long car journey, the scriptures are meant to transport us into a life where heaven and earth intersect. This is the life Jesus calls us to live—a life that reflects the new creation, where our actions and decisions are aligned with the values of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Kingdom of Heaven is not like the world of Star Wars, a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Instead, it is right here, right now, closer than we think. Growing up, I misunderstood the Kingdom as something distant, but the Bible teaches us that heaven and earth are meant to be unified. In Genesis, God created the heavens and the earth together, intending for them to overlap. This unity is reflected in the way God and Adam gardened together, symbolizing the close relationship between the divine and the earthly.
Jesus teaches us to pray for this unity in the Lord's Prayer, asking for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Prayer transforms us into heaven-on-earth people, aligning our lives with God's will. Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of this alignment, as it connects heaven and earth, while unforgiveness creates separation.
Eternal life, as Jesus explained to Nicodemus, is not just a future promise but a present reality. It is the quality of life that reflects God's nature, and we are called to live it now. This life is a powerful witness to the world, showing others the transformative power of the Kingdom.
Jesus demonstrated the ordering of earthly and heavenly things when he cleared the temple, restoring it as a place of prayer and worship. This act symbolizes the restoration of order between heaven and earth, making room for healing and justice. We are called to live in this restored order, bringing the presence of God into our homes, workplaces, and communities.
Key Takeaways:
- The Kingdom of Heaven is a present reality, not a distant concept. It is meant to be experienced here and now, as we align our lives with the values of the Kingdom. This alignment transforms our daily actions and decisions, allowing us to live as new creation people. [00:54]
- Heaven and earth are intended to be unified, as seen in the creation story. This unity is reflected in the close relationship between God and humanity, symbolized by God and Adam gardening together. Our lives should reflect this unity, bringing heaven and earth together in our actions and relationships. [09:04]
- Prayer is a transformative practice that aligns us with God's will, making us heaven-on-earth people. It brings order to our lives and relationships, allowing us to experience the blessings of the Kingdom. Forgiveness is a key aspect of this alignment, connecting heaven and earth. [13:19]
- Eternal life is a present possession, reflecting the quality of life that God desires for us. It is not just a future promise but a reality we can live now, demonstrating the transformative power of the Kingdom to the world. [17:16]
- Jesus' act of clearing the temple symbolizes the restoration of order between heaven and earth. We are called to live in this restored order, bringing the presence of God into our homes, workplaces, and communities, and making room for healing and justice. [20:17]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:54] - The Power of Scripture
[01:58] - The Kingdom of Heaven: Closer Than You Think
[03:54] - A Journey to the Sequoia Forest
[05:29] - The Chronicles of Narnia and the Kingdom
[06:49] - Jesus and Nicodemus: Born Again
[09:04] - Heaven and Earth: Created Together
[10:03] - Unity of Heaven and Earth
[11:33] - Adam and God: Gardening Together
[12:31] - The Authority of Mankind
[13:19] - The Transformative Power of Prayer
[14:22] - Forgiveness: Connecting Heaven and Earth
[15:32] - Eternal Life: A Present Reality
[17:16] - The Quality of Eternal Life
[18:15] - The Scholar's Insight on Eternal Life
[19:26] - Earthly and Heavenly Things: Jesus Orders the Temple
[20:17] - Restoring Order in the Temple
[21:27] - Earthly Things in the Temple
[23:45] - Jesus Restores Heavenly Order
[24:38] - The Presence of God Restored
[27:15] - Signs of Restored Order
[28:18] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[29:37] - Aligning Earthly and Heavenly Things
[31:05] - Living the Sabbath as New Creation
[32:49] - The Scriptures: Transporting Us to New Creation
[33:30] - Ordering Your Temple
[34:07] - Ordering Your Home
[35:05] - Bringing Heaven's Order to the World
[35:58] - Commissioned to Bring Heaven to Earth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Kingdom of Heaven
Bible Reading:
1. John 3:3-10
2. Genesis 1:1, 26
3. Matthew 6:9-14
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 3:3-10, what does Jesus mean when he tells Nicodemus that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again? How does Nicodemus initially respond to this concept? [06:49]
2. According to Genesis 1:1, 26, how are heaven and earth described in the creation story? What does this imply about their intended relationship? [09:04]
3. In Matthew 6:9-14, what specific elements does Jesus include in the Lord's Prayer that reflect the unity of heaven and earth? [13:19]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of the Kingdom of Heaven being a present reality rather than a distant one? [01:58]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to live as "new creation people" in the context of the Kingdom of Heaven being a present reality? How might this affect daily decisions and actions? [00:54]
2. How does the unity of heaven and earth, as seen in the creation story, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's relationship with humanity? [09:04]
3. In what ways does prayer transform individuals into "heaven-on-earth people," and why is forgiveness a crucial aspect of this transformation? [13:19]
4. How does the concept of eternal life as a present possession, rather than just a future promise, influence the way believers are called to live now? [17:16]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven. How does viewing it as a present reality change your perspective on your daily life and decisions? [01:58]
2. Consider a relationship or situation in your life where forgiveness is needed. How can you take a step towards forgiveness this week to align with the values of the Kingdom of Heaven? [14:22]
3. Identify one area of your life where you can begin to live as a "new creation person." What practical steps can you take to reflect the unity of heaven and earth in this area? [00:54]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of prayer into your daily routine to transform your life and relationships? What specific prayers can you focus on to align with God's will? [13:19]
5. Think about a time when you experienced the transformative power of living with the quality of eternal life. How can you share this experience with others to demonstrate the Kingdom's power? [18:15]
6. Reflect on your home environment. What changes can you make to bring the presence of God into your home, creating a space where heaven and earth intersect? [35:05]
7. As you go about your daily activities, how can you bring the order of heaven into your workplace or community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to make room for healing and justice. [35:58]
Devotional
Day 1: Experiencing the Kingdom Now
The Kingdom of Heaven is not a distant concept but a present reality that we can experience in our daily lives. It is about aligning our actions and decisions with the values of the Kingdom, allowing us to live as new creation people. This alignment transforms our daily lives, making the Kingdom of Heaven tangible and real. By living in this way, we become witnesses to the world of the transformative power of the Kingdom. The scriptures serve as a guide, transporting us into a life where heaven and earth intersect, much like the captivating stories that transport us to new worlds. [00:54]
Matthew 6:10 (ESV): "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can align your actions today with the values of the Kingdom of Heaven?
Day 2: Unity of Heaven and Earth
Heaven and earth are intended to be unified, as seen in the creation story where God created them together. This unity is symbolized by the close relationship between God and humanity, exemplified by God and Adam gardening together. Our lives should reflect this unity, bringing heaven and earth together in our actions and relationships. By doing so, we honor the original intention of creation and live in harmony with God's design. This unity is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that we are called to embody in our daily lives. [09:04]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: How can you bring a sense of unity between heaven and earth into your relationships today?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is a transformative practice that aligns us with God's will, making us heaven-on-earth people. It brings order to our lives and relationships, allowing us to experience the blessings of the Kingdom. Forgiveness is a key aspect of this alignment, as it connects heaven and earth, while unforgiveness creates separation. Through prayer, we invite God's presence into our lives, transforming us and those around us. It is a powerful tool that enables us to live in accordance with God's will and experience the fullness of the Kingdom. [13:19]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today? How can prayer help you take the first step towards forgiveness?
Day 4: Eternal Life as a Present Reality
Eternal life is not just a future promise but a present reality that reflects the quality of life God desires for us. It is a life that demonstrates the transformative power of the Kingdom to the world. By living this eternal life now, we become a powerful witness to others, showing them the reality of God's Kingdom. This life is characterized by love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit, which are evidence of God's presence in our lives. We are called to live this life fully, embracing the eternal nature of our relationship with God. [17:16]
John 17:3 (ESV): "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
Reflection: What is one way you can demonstrate the quality of eternal life in your interactions with others today?
Day 5: Restoring Order Between Heaven and Earth
Jesus' act of clearing the temple symbolizes the restoration of order between heaven and earth. We are called to live in this restored order, bringing the presence of God into our homes, workplaces, and communities. This involves making room for healing and justice, allowing God's Kingdom to be manifest in our daily lives. By living in this way, we participate in the ongoing work of restoring creation to its intended order, reflecting God's love and justice to the world. [20:17]
Isaiah 58:12 (ESV): "And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in."
Reflection: How can you bring God's order into a specific area of your life or community today?
Quotes
"When you and I read the scriptures, it's supposed to do the same thing to you and I. When we read the word of God, we realize that the veil between heaven and earth is actually very thin. And we can be transported into a faith life that empowers us to live as if new creation has already happened." [00:00:26]
"The kingdom of heaven is exactly the opposite. The kingdom of heaven is in the here and now right around the corner. Now, when I was a kid growing up in church, I thought that the kingdom of heaven was like Star Wars. That it happened a long time ago and it was a long ways off." [00:02:57] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Genesis chapter one, verse one. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The heavens and the earth were created. The heavens and the earth were created together. When you look at this in the original language, the context is that heaven and earth are not poles apart." [00:09:04] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"When you and I choose to forgive someone who's wronged us, who's done something to us, and you've truly been wronged, but you choose to obey the scriptures and you extend forgiveness, when you and I do that, heaven and earth come together." [00:14:42] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Eternal life equals life, the quality of God. When you and I accept Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior, when Jesus died on the cross for your sins and for my sins, what he wants to do is not to take us out of earth and transport us into heaven." [00:17:17] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus restores the offering. People were coming and they wanted to give their offering, their full tithe into the Lord because they had been taught in the Old Testament, bring the full tithe into the house of God. Bring the full tithe to the temple." [00:25:18] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord, Savior, the Holy Spirit is with us, in us, and upon us. He is the guarantee inside of you so that when Jesus returns the second time, you and I can be with him in new creation." [00:28:38] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"When you and I read this story over and over, and we get into this story, it does the same thing that happened to my children when we got into the car to travel 23 hours, and we were hearing a story that erased the difference, the distance between us and the forest." [00:32:49] (0 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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