Statement: Distinguishing the Church from the Kingdom of God (06/'24/'24)

Statement: Distinguishing the Church from the Kingdom of God It is essential to distinguish between our churches and the Kingdom of God to avoid confusion and maintain a proper focus on our spiritual journey. Churches are vital communities where we gather in the name of Jesus, sing praises, offer prayers, and support one another in faith. However, they are not the Kingdom of God itself. Our churches, with their physical spaces and congregations, are societies formed in Jesus' name. Yet, as Jesus teaches in Luke 17:20-21 (KJV), "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." This means the Kingdom of God transcends any earthly structure or human institution and is not something we can point to or observe externally. The Kingdom of God is an inward reality, a spiritual realm where Christ reigns within our hearts. It is crucial to recognize that while churches are important for fellowship, teaching, and communal worship, the true Kingdom is an inner transformation that occurs within us. In the stillness of our hearts, where true faith abides, the Kingdom of God finds its home. This Kingdom flourishes in the humble, quiet spaces where we encounter Christ personally, not in public squares or grand cathedrals. We should cherish our churches as communities of shared faith and devotion, where we gather, sing, and support one another. However, we must also remember that the true Kingdom is within us, an eternal, sacred presence that transcends physical structures. Seek the Kingdom not in the edifices of the world but in the silent, sacred space within your heart, where Christ reigns. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 24, 2024)