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

The Kingdom Within: Distinguishing the Church from the Kingdom of God Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today, I want to address a topic that is crucial for our spiritual understanding and growth: the distinction between our churches and the Kingdom of God. It is easy to conflate these two, but doing so can lead to confusion and a misplaced focus. Our churches are vital. They are communities where we gather in the name of Jesus, where we sing praises, offer prayers, and build one another up in faith. These physical spaces and the congregations within them are societies formed in His name. Yet, they are not the Kingdom of God itself. Brick and mortar, however beautiful and inspiring, do not contain the Kingdom. The Kingdom of God transcends any earthly structure or human institution. As Jesus tells us 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 profound truth reminds us that the Kingdom is not something we can point to or observe externally. It is not confined to the walls of our churches or the gatherings we hold. The Kingdom of God is an inward reality, a spiritual realm where Christ reigns within our hearts. It is vital to beware of the confusion that arises when we blur the lines between the church as a human institution and the divine Kingdom that Jesus proclaimed. Our churches serve as important places for fellowship, teaching, and communal worship. But the true Kingdom is an inner journey, a transformation that occurs within us. In the stillness of our hearts, where true faith abides, the Kingdom of God finds its home. It is here, in the depths of our souls, that the Kingdom flourishes. Not in the public squares, nor in grand cathedrals, but in the humble, quiet spaces where we encounter Christ personally. Let us cherish our churches as communities of shared faith and devotion. Let us gather, sing, and support one another. But let us also remember that the true Kingdom is within us. It is an eternal, sacred presence that transcends the physical structures we build. Seek the Kingdom not in the edifices of the world, but in the silent, sacred space within your heart, where Christ reigns. May this understanding deepen our faith and bring us closer to the true essence of God's Kingdom. In Christ's Love and Service, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 24, 2024)