What is the kingdom of God Anyways?
It’s easy to throw around the term “kingdom of God” without really understanding what it means. In doing so, we miss the opportunity to embrace a lifestyle of kingdom living.In today's blog post we explore what the Kingdom of God truly is.
A few months before wrapping up my first book, More Than Gold: Reflections on Living in Glorious Freedom, the Holy Spirit led me to write one final reflection on the kingdom of God. I didn’t know it at the time, but this would become the impetus of my upcoming book, As In Heaven: Life in God’s Kingdom NOW. In the reflection I wrote:
Transformed people transform people. When the kingdom of God has taken over our hearts, it allows us to bring the kingdom of Heaven to our families, workplaces, church, neighborhoods, and our spheres of influence. It is an entirely new way of life, coming back to original intent, to exercise dominion and authority over the earth under the Kingship of Jesus.
It’s easy to throw around the term “kingdom of God” without really understanding what it means. In doing so, we miss the opportunity to embrace a lifestyle of kingdom living. One where we submit everything to God, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out, living as God originally intended. In other words, it allows us to live on earth as it is in heaven.
What is the kingdom of God?
The kingdom of God is God’s original intent for the world.
We know from Genesis that when God created the heavens and the earth, He declared everything was good. (Genesis 1:31) God charged mankind with the responsibility to “be fruitful and multiply” and to “rule” or “subdue” the earth (this is known as the kingdom Mandate, Genesis 1:28). His intent was that the earth would operate as it is in heaven, reflecting His good and His glory throughout creation. (Matthew 6:10)
Then sin entered the picture in Genesis 3.
What changed? Adam and Eve put their own desires above God’s and separated themselves from Him as a result. Apart from God, life became difficult and living by God’s standards (apart from Him) was impossible.
What didn’t change? The kingdom Mandate. Mankind is still responsible for ruling and subduing the earth as it is in heaven.
In the Old Testament, God gave mankind laws to live by in order to honor Him and live righteously. However, we read story after story of kings, rulers, and common men and women being unable to fulfill the Law, not because the Law was imperfect, but because it was being followed by imperfect people.
“(for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” –Hebrews 7:19, NASB
That better hope is Jesus.
What is life in God’s kingdom?
Jesus is the way into God’s kingdom. Through His death and resurrection, the perfect sacrifice, Jesus invites us into the fullness of His kingdom where death is overcome and all is redeemed. Receiving His kingdom is returning home to the realm from which we were born.
His primary message is the kingdom of God has come to the earth for the restoration of all things.
His one new command is to love others as He loves us.
His top priority and focus is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.
His resulting promise is to live above our circumstances knowing God is with us, ahead of us, and adding all things unto us.
Our new identity is as sons and daughters, kings, priests, kingdom ambassadors, and citizens of heaven.
Our purpose or mandate, the reason we are alive, is to know God and make Him known throughout the world.
The centerpiece of the good news gospel is salvation by grace through faith; the just shall live by faith.
What happens when we embrace kingdom living?
When we follow and implement God’s wisdom and principles as found in Scripture, His kingdom is brought to earth. Just as a kingdom on earth has a constitution (i.e., a system of fundamental rules, principles, and ordinances for the government of a nation), the Bible is God’s constitution. It is full of heavenly principles designed to transform our lives and our world.
But it is not by knowledge or following rules that we will see transformation. Rather, when we let God’s Word penetrate our heart and we come into an intimate relationship with Jesus, then we will experience true transformation.
How do we begin to embrace kingdom living?
In the kingdom, things start small, but they don’t stay small. Like leaven, it only takes a little to permeate the whole loaf.
As a dad, embracing kingdom living means discipling my daughter and leaving a spiritual legacy for my family.
As a business owner, kingdom living means building a kingdom company where God is the owner and director of all things.
As an entrepreneur, kingdom living means starting a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and families living in poverty.
As a son, it means founding a family restoration ministry and living below my means so I can give as God leads.
For you, kingdom living might mean putting your family over your ministry, because they are your first ministry. It might mean reorienting your church model to prioritize discipleship over events. It could even mean preaching that sermon you’ve been too nervous to preach because you’re not sure how it will be received, or dedicating a portion of your income to fund a missionary overseas or pay the electric bill for someone in your congregation who struggles to make ends meet.
No matter what, kingdom living starts by seeking God, reading and implementing His Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your steps. That is how we bring heaven to earth NOW.
To learn more about the kingdom of God, sign up for news and updates about Bryan’s upcoming book, As In Heaven: Life in God’s kingdom NOW, to be released in winter 2024.
Sign Up for Product Updates
Bryan Elliott (P.Eng.) is an engineer, author, speaker, leader, and CEO of Flo Energy Solutions, Co-Founder and Chairman of Bee Me Kidz, Board member of Transform our World Canada, Co-Founder and President of M46 Ministries, and serves in other advisory roles. Bryan is a devout follower of Jesus, a father to co-founder of M46 Bryn Elliott, and an outdoor enthusiast.
A few months before wrapping up my first book, More Than Gold: Reflections on Living in Glorious Freedom, the Holy Spirit led me to write one final reflection on the kingdom of God. I didn’t know it at the time, but this would become the impetus of my upcoming book, As In Heaven: Life in God’s Kingdom NOW. In the reflection I wrote:
Transformed people transform people. When the kingdom of God has taken over our hearts, it allows us to bring the kingdom of Heaven to our families, workplaces, church, neighborhoods, and our spheres of influence. It is an entirely new way of life, coming back to original intent, to exercise dominion and authority over the earth under the Kingship of Jesus.
It’s easy to throw around the term “kingdom of God” without really understanding what it means. In doing so, we miss the opportunity to embrace a lifestyle of kingdom living. One where we submit everything to God, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out, living as God originally intended. In other words, it allows us to live on earth as it is in heaven.
What is the kingdom of God?
The kingdom of God is God’s original intent for the world.
We know from Genesis that when God created the heavens and the earth, He declared everything was good. (Genesis 1:31) God charged mankind with the responsibility to “be fruitful and multiply” and to “rule” or “subdue” the earth (this is known as the kingdom Mandate, Genesis 1:28). His intent was that the earth would operate as it is in heaven, reflecting His good and His glory throughout creation. (Matthew 6:10)
Then sin entered the picture in Genesis 3.
What changed? Adam and Eve put their own desires above God’s and separated themselves from Him as a result. Apart from God, life became difficult and living by God’s standards (apart from Him) was impossible.
What didn’t change? The kingdom Mandate. Mankind is still responsible for ruling and subduing the earth as it is in heaven.
In the Old Testament, God gave mankind laws to live by in order to honor Him and live righteously. However, we read story after story of kings, rulers, and common men and women being unable to fulfill the Law, not because the Law was imperfect, but because it was being followed by imperfect people.
“(for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” –Hebrews 7:19, NASB
That better hope is Jesus.
What is life in God’s kingdom?
Jesus is the way into God’s kingdom. Through His death and resurrection, the perfect sacrifice, Jesus invites us into the fullness of His kingdom where death is overcome and all is redeemed. Receiving His kingdom is returning home to the realm from which we were born.
His primary message is the kingdom of God has come to the earth for the restoration of all things.
His one new command is to love others as He loves us.
His top priority and focus is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.
His resulting promise is to live above our circumstances knowing God is with us, ahead of us, and adding all things unto us.
Our new identity is as sons and daughters, kings, priests, kingdom ambassadors, and citizens of heaven.
Our purpose or mandate, the reason we are alive, is to know God and make Him known throughout the world.
The centerpiece of the good news gospel is salvation by grace through faith; the just shall live by faith.
What happens when we embrace kingdom living?
When we follow and implement God’s wisdom and principles as found in Scripture, His kingdom is brought to earth. Just as a kingdom on earth has a constitution (i.e., a system of fundamental rules, principles, and ordinances for the government of a nation), the Bible is God’s constitution. It is full of heavenly principles designed to transform our lives and our world.
But it is not by knowledge or following rules that we will see transformation. Rather, when we let God’s Word penetrate our heart and we come into an intimate relationship with Jesus, then we will experience true transformation.
How do we begin to embrace kingdom living?
In the kingdom, things start small, but they don’t stay small. Like leaven, it only takes a little to permeate the whole loaf.
As a dad, embracing kingdom living means discipling my daughter and leaving a spiritual legacy for my family.
As a business owner, kingdom living means building a kingdom company where God is the owner and director of all things.
As an entrepreneur, kingdom living means starting a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and families living in poverty.
As a son, it means founding a family restoration ministry and living below my means so I can give as God leads.
For you, kingdom living might mean putting your family over your ministry, because they are your first ministry. It might mean reorienting your church model to prioritize discipleship over events. It could even mean preaching that sermon you’ve been too nervous to preach because you’re not sure how it will be received, or dedicating a portion of your income to fund a missionary overseas or pay the electric bill for someone in your congregation who struggles to make ends meet.
No matter what, kingdom living starts by seeking God, reading and implementing His Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your steps. That is how we bring heaven to earth NOW.
To learn more about the kingdom of God, sign up for news and updates about Bryan’s upcoming book, As In Heaven: Life in God’s kingdom NOW, to be released in winter 2024.
podcast transcript
Bryan Elliott (P.Eng.) is an engineer, author, speaker, leader, and CEO of Flo Energy Solutions, Co-Founder and Chairman of Bee Me Kidz, Board member of Transform our World Canada, Co-Founder and President of M46 Ministries, and serves in other advisory roles. Bryan is a devout follower of Jesus, a father to co-founder of M46 Bryn Elliott, and an outdoor enthusiast.
A few months before wrapping up my first book, More Than Gold: Reflections on Living in Glorious Freedom, the Holy Spirit led me to write one final reflection on the kingdom of God. I didn’t know it at the time, but this would become the impetus of my upcoming book, As In Heaven: Life in God’s Kingdom NOW. In the reflection I wrote:
Transformed people transform people. When the kingdom of God has taken over our hearts, it allows us to bring the kingdom of Heaven to our families, workplaces, church, neighborhoods, and our spheres of influence. It is an entirely new way of life, coming back to original intent, to exercise dominion and authority over the earth under the Kingship of Jesus.
It’s easy to throw around the term “kingdom of God” without really understanding what it means. In doing so, we miss the opportunity to embrace a lifestyle of kingdom living. One where we submit everything to God, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out, living as God originally intended. In other words, it allows us to live on earth as it is in heaven.
What is the kingdom of God?
The kingdom of God is God’s original intent for the world.
We know from Genesis that when God created the heavens and the earth, He declared everything was good. (Genesis 1:31) God charged mankind with the responsibility to “be fruitful and multiply” and to “rule” or “subdue” the earth (this is known as the kingdom Mandate, Genesis 1:28). His intent was that the earth would operate as it is in heaven, reflecting His good and His glory throughout creation. (Matthew 6:10)
Then sin entered the picture in Genesis 3.
What changed? Adam and Eve put their own desires above God’s and separated themselves from Him as a result. Apart from God, life became difficult and living by God’s standards (apart from Him) was impossible.
What didn’t change? The kingdom Mandate. Mankind is still responsible for ruling and subduing the earth as it is in heaven.
In the Old Testament, God gave mankind laws to live by in order to honor Him and live righteously. However, we read story after story of kings, rulers, and common men and women being unable to fulfill the Law, not because the Law was imperfect, but because it was being followed by imperfect people.
“(for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” –Hebrews 7:19, NASB
That better hope is Jesus.
What is life in God’s kingdom?
Jesus is the way into God’s kingdom. Through His death and resurrection, the perfect sacrifice, Jesus invites us into the fullness of His kingdom where death is overcome and all is redeemed. Receiving His kingdom is returning home to the realm from which we were born.
His primary message is the kingdom of God has come to the earth for the restoration of all things.
His one new command is to love others as He loves us.
His top priority and focus is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.
His resulting promise is to live above our circumstances knowing God is with us, ahead of us, and adding all things unto us.
Our new identity is as sons and daughters, kings, priests, kingdom ambassadors, and citizens of heaven.
Our purpose or mandate, the reason we are alive, is to know God and make Him known throughout the world.
The centerpiece of the good news gospel is salvation by grace through faith; the just shall live by faith.
What happens when we embrace kingdom living?
When we follow and implement God’s wisdom and principles as found in Scripture, His kingdom is brought to earth. Just as a kingdom on earth has a constitution (i.e., a system of fundamental rules, principles, and ordinances for the government of a nation), the Bible is God’s constitution. It is full of heavenly principles designed to transform our lives and our world.
But it is not by knowledge or following rules that we will see transformation. Rather, when we let God’s Word penetrate our heart and we come into an intimate relationship with Jesus, then we will experience true transformation.
How do we begin to embrace kingdom living?
In the kingdom, things start small, but they don’t stay small. Like leaven, it only takes a little to permeate the whole loaf.
As a dad, embracing kingdom living means discipling my daughter and leaving a spiritual legacy for my family.
As a business owner, kingdom living means building a kingdom company where God is the owner and director of all things.
As an entrepreneur, kingdom living means starting a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and families living in poverty.
As a son, it means founding a family restoration ministry and living below my means so I can give as God leads.
For you, kingdom living might mean putting your family over your ministry, because they are your first ministry. It might mean reorienting your church model to prioritize discipleship over events. It could even mean preaching that sermon you’ve been too nervous to preach because you’re not sure how it will be received, or dedicating a portion of your income to fund a missionary overseas or pay the electric bill for someone in your congregation who struggles to make ends meet.
No matter what, kingdom living starts by seeking God, reading and implementing His Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your steps. That is how we bring heaven to earth NOW.
To learn more about the kingdom of God, sign up for news and updates about Bryan’s upcoming book, As In Heaven: Life in God’s kingdom NOW, to be released in winter 2024.
VIDEO transcript
A few months before wrapping up my first book, More Than Gold: Reflections on Living in Glorious Freedom, the Holy Spirit led me to write one final reflection on the kingdom of God. I didn’t know it at the time, but this would become the impetus of my upcoming book, As In Heaven: Life in God’s Kingdom NOW. In the reflection I wrote:
Transformed people transform people. When the kingdom of God has taken over our hearts, it allows us to bring the kingdom of Heaven to our families, workplaces, church, neighborhoods, and our spheres of influence. It is an entirely new way of life, coming back to original intent, to exercise dominion and authority over the earth under the Kingship of Jesus.
It’s easy to throw around the term “kingdom of God” without really understanding what it means. In doing so, we miss the opportunity to embrace a lifestyle of kingdom living. One where we submit everything to God, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out, living as God originally intended. In other words, it allows us to live on earth as it is in heaven.
What is the kingdom of God?
The kingdom of God is God’s original intent for the world.
We know from Genesis that when God created the heavens and the earth, He declared everything was good. (Genesis 1:31) God charged mankind with the responsibility to “be fruitful and multiply” and to “rule” or “subdue” the earth (this is known as the kingdom Mandate, Genesis 1:28). His intent was that the earth would operate as it is in heaven, reflecting His good and His glory throughout creation. (Matthew 6:10)
Then sin entered the picture in Genesis 3.
What changed? Adam and Eve put their own desires above God’s and separated themselves from Him as a result. Apart from God, life became difficult and living by God’s standards (apart from Him) was impossible.
What didn’t change? The kingdom Mandate. Mankind is still responsible for ruling and subduing the earth as it is in heaven.
In the Old Testament, God gave mankind laws to live by in order to honor Him and live righteously. However, we read story after story of kings, rulers, and common men and women being unable to fulfill the Law, not because the Law was imperfect, but because it was being followed by imperfect people.
“(for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” –Hebrews 7:19, NASB
That better hope is Jesus.
What is life in God’s kingdom?
Jesus is the way into God’s kingdom. Through His death and resurrection, the perfect sacrifice, Jesus invites us into the fullness of His kingdom where death is overcome and all is redeemed. Receiving His kingdom is returning home to the realm from which we were born.
His primary message is the kingdom of God has come to the earth for the restoration of all things.
His one new command is to love others as He loves us.
His top priority and focus is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.
His resulting promise is to live above our circumstances knowing God is with us, ahead of us, and adding all things unto us.
Our new identity is as sons and daughters, kings, priests, kingdom ambassadors, and citizens of heaven.
Our purpose or mandate, the reason we are alive, is to know God and make Him known throughout the world.
The centerpiece of the good news gospel is salvation by grace through faith; the just shall live by faith.
What happens when we embrace kingdom living?
When we follow and implement God’s wisdom and principles as found in Scripture, His kingdom is brought to earth. Just as a kingdom on earth has a constitution (i.e., a system of fundamental rules, principles, and ordinances for the government of a nation), the Bible is God’s constitution. It is full of heavenly principles designed to transform our lives and our world.
But it is not by knowledge or following rules that we will see transformation. Rather, when we let God’s Word penetrate our heart and we come into an intimate relationship with Jesus, then we will experience true transformation.
How do we begin to embrace kingdom living?
In the kingdom, things start small, but they don’t stay small. Like leaven, it only takes a little to permeate the whole loaf.
As a dad, embracing kingdom living means discipling my daughter and leaving a spiritual legacy for my family.
As a business owner, kingdom living means building a kingdom company where God is the owner and director of all things.
As an entrepreneur, kingdom living means starting a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and families living in poverty.
As a son, it means founding a family restoration ministry and living below my means so I can give as God leads.
For you, kingdom living might mean putting your family over your ministry, because they are your first ministry. It might mean reorienting your church model to prioritize discipleship over events. It could even mean preaching that sermon you’ve been too nervous to preach because you’re not sure how it will be received, or dedicating a portion of your income to fund a missionary overseas or pay the electric bill for someone in your congregation who struggles to make ends meet.
No matter what, kingdom living starts by seeking God, reading and implementing His Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your steps. That is how we bring heaven to earth NOW.
To learn more about the kingdom of God, sign up for news and updates about Bryan’s upcoming book, As In Heaven: Life in God’s kingdom NOW, to be released in winter 2024.
Sign Up for Product Updates
Bryan Elliott (P.Eng.) is an engineer, author, speaker, leader, and CEO of Flo Energy Solutions, Co-Founder and Chairman of Bee Me Kidz, Board member of Transform our World Canada, Co-Founder and President of M46 Ministries, and serves in other advisory roles. Bryan is a devout follower of Jesus, a father to co-founder of M46 Bryn Elliott, and an outdoor enthusiast.
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