Read: Mark 1:14-15
The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. (v. 15)
Author Reggie McNeal defines the kingdom of God this way: “Life as God intends it.” Unfortunately, following the rebellion of Satan and the fall of humankind into sin, life often isn’t what it could be. Sin taints this world, and the kingdom of darkness seeks to destroy life. As a result, there is conflict, temptation, addictions, violence, broken relationships, self-centeredness, abuse, injustice, racism, and death.
Thankfully, Jesus came to restore the kingdom. He offers us an opportunity to experience abundant life (John 10:10) when we repent and believe in Christ. The gospel is the good news of Jesus, providing salvation only through him (John 14:6). Becoming a kingdom person begins when we are made new in Christ. John 3:3 says “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Jesus taught us to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). He also taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10). The kingdom is bigger than the church. Each local church and every Christian should be involved in kingdom work. People with a kingdom agenda seek to live for Jesus every moment of every day including at work, school, in our community, home, and neighborhood. Jesus had a kingdom agenda; do you?
As you pray, ask God to help you keep a kingdom perspective and live for him rather than for yourself.
About the Author
Rev. Steve Petroelje is a specialized transition pastor who serves vacant churches and helps them assess health, pursue missional effectiveness, and conduct a pastoral search process. He is the past-president of the Words of Hope Board of Trustees.
