10-01-2025 PART 2: The Kingdom Now and Later

Section 1
Luke 12:29–32 reminds us not to set our hearts on earthly needs like food and drink, but to seek God’s kingdom first. Jesus assures His followers that the Father already knows their needs and delights to give them the kingdom. The heart of this teaching is trust—trusting that God provides, and shifting our focus away from worldly anxieties. The kingdom of God is described as God’s rule, will, and reign in every time, place, and circumstance. It’s not bound by human limitations, but it exists wherever God is king and His will is accomplished. This is why Jesus connected “Your kingdom come” with “Your will be done” in His model prayer.

Section 2
The kingdom of God is both future and present. Revelation shows us the final victory—Jesus wins, and His followers share in that triumph. Yet the kingdom is also here now, manifested through Jesus’ ministry, healing, deliverance, and the defeat of sin. When people encountered freedom from disease, demons, or guilt, they were experiencing the present reality of God’s reign. When we accept Christ and receive the Holy Spirit, the kingdom dwells within us, empowering us to live free from sin’s control. Every moment of transformation, restoration, and obedience becomes a glimpse of that kingdom breaking through into daily life.

Section 3
The hope of the believer lies in holding both realities together: the kingdom we anticipate and the kingdom we already taste. Every act of worship, every moment of fellowship, and every answered prayer is a sign of God’s kingdom active among us. Jesus Himself declared, “The kingdom of God is in your midst.” This dual reality—now and not yet—grounds our faith, strengthens our perseverance, and fuels our hope. We live with the confidence that though the fullness of the kingdom is still coming, we are not left waiting empty-handed. Instead, we experience God’s reign here and now, while longing for its complete unveiling.