2014 – Page 38 – GCI Update

The kingdom of God, part 2

This is part 2 of a 6-part series by Gary Deddo on the important, yet often misunderstood, topic of the kingdom of God. For additional articles in this series, click on the corresponding number: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Last time we looked at how Jesus is central to the kingdom of God and is the supreme King of kings and Lord of lords. This time we’ll look at complications related to understanding how the kingdom of God is present now.

The kingdom’s presence in two phases

Biblical revelation conveys two things that are hard to put together: that the kingdom is present but also that it is future. Biblical scholars and theologians have often seized on one of these two aspects, giving either one or the other prominence. But a significant consensus has developed over the past 50 years or so as to how best to grasp these two dimensions of the kingdom. That consensus coheres with who Jesus is.

The Son of God became incarnate by the virgin Mary about 2000 years ago and shared in our humanity and lived under our fallen condition here on earth for 33 years. Seizing our human nature [1] from conception to death, thereby uniting it with himself, he went through our death to resurrection and then after some days of appearances, ascended bodily, that is, remained united to our humanity, to return to the presence of the Father and full communion with him. The result is that, although still sharing in our now glorified human nature, he is not present in the way he was before his ascension. He is, in a way, absent from earth. He has sent the Spirit as another comforter to be with us, but he in his own person is unavailable to us as he was. But he has promised us that he will return.

Parallel to this is the nature of the kingdom. It was indeed “near” and active in Jesus’ earthly ministry. It was so near and available that it called for an immediate response, just as Jesus himself called for a response of faith in him. However, as Jesus taught, his rule and reign had not yet come in its fullness. There was more to come. And that time will coincide with Christ’s return (often called his “second coming”).

So faith in the kingdom includes hope for the coming of the fullness of the kingdom as well. The kingdom was already present in Jesus and continues to be present by his Spirit. But its completion is not yet. This is often summarized by saying the kingdom of God is already, but not yet. George Ladd’s careful work solidified this way of understanding for many orthodox/evangelical Christian believers, at least in the English-speaking world (also see the GCI article at www.gci.org/gospel/kingdom).

The kingdom and the two ages

The biblical understanding clearly distinguishes between two times, two ages, two epochs: the “present evil age” and what is called “the age to come.” We currently live in the “present evil age.” We live in hope of “the age to come,” but we do not yet live in that age. We are still, in biblical perspective, in the present evil age. So we live between the times. Biblical passages that clearly indicate this scheme are ones like these (the NRSV translation is quoted throughout this article—hover over the links to read the cited verse in the NIV translation):

“God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come” (Ephesians 1:20-21).
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to set us free from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father” (Galatians 1:3-4).
“Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life” (Luke 18:29-30).
“So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous” (Matthew 13:49).
[Some] “have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come” (Hebrews 6:5).

This two-fold understanding of ages or epochs is unfortunately made less obvious by the fact that the Greek word for “age” (aion) is translated a number of ways, including “eternity,” “world,” “forever,” and “long ago.” Those translations contrast time with endless time, or this earthly realm with a future heavenly realm. While the idea of different ages or epochs includes these temporal or spatial contrasts, it actually brings out a much more comprehensive contrast between qualitatively different kinds of life now and in the future. So in some translations we read that the seeds that grow in certain soils are choked by the “cares of this world” (Mark 4:19). But since the Greek word aion is used, we should also take it to mean choked by “the cares of this present evil age.” So also in Romans 12:2 we read that we should not be conformed to this “world,” but we should also understand this to mean not conformed to this present “age.”

The words translated “eternal life” mean also having the life of the age to come. This is made clear in Luke 18:29-30, quoted above. Eternal life is “eternal,” but there is much more to that life, compared to life in this present evil age, than just being much longer! It’s life that belongs to a whole different age or epoch. The contrast is not just short compared to infinitely long life, but rather between life in our current age that is still fallen—infected by evil, sin and death—and life in the age to come, where all traces of evil will be eradicated. In the age to come, there will be established a new heaven and earth and a new relationship between them. That will be a whole different kind and quality of life—God’s kind of life.

The kingdom of God then is ultimately aligned with the age to come, with the kind of life that is eternal, and also with Christ’s return. Before he returns we live in the “present evil age” and wait in hope for the age to come. We continue to live under fallen conditions, where nothing is ideal—where everything is less than perfect even though Christ is risen and ascended.

The surprising thing, however, is that even though we continue to live in the present evil age, by the grace of God we can experience in part the kingdom of God now. There is a way that it is present here and now before the present evil age is displaced. Unexpectedly, the future kingdom has broken into the present without bringing God’s final judgment and the ending of this age. The kingdom is here and now foreshadowed. We are given foretastes of it. We experience some of its blessings here and now. And we can belong to it, which means belonging to Christ, here and now, even though we remain in this present age. This is possible because the Son of God came into this present age and completed his mission and sent us his Spirit, even though he is not bodily present. We enjoy now the firstfruits of his victorious reign. But there is an interim period (or an “eschatological pause,” as T.F. Torrance liked to phrase it) before Christ returns, where God’s saving purposes continue to be worked out in this age.

Building on the biblical vocabulary, biblical scholars and theologians have used a variety of words to convey this complicated situation. Many, following George Ladd, have expressed this contrast by saying that the rule of God was fulfilled in Jesus, but is yet to be consummated by Jesus upon his return. The kingdom of God is already present, but it is not yet here in its fullness. Another way to express this dynamic reality is to say that the kingdom has been inaugurated but we wait for its completion. This understanding is sometimes referred to as “inaugurated eschatology.” By the grace of God, the future has broken into the present!

The implications are that the total truth and reality of what Christ has done is now significantly hidden from view because we are living under the conditions of the Fall. In this present evil age the rule of Christ is real, yet hidden. In the age to come, the kingdom of God will be manifested fully because all the remaining effects of the Fall will be removed. Then the full effects of Christ’s work will be gloriously and universally manifested. [2] The contrast being made is between the kingdom hidden as compared to being fully manifested, not between a kingdom present as compared to a kingdom that is absent.

The Spirit and the two ages

This view of the kingdom corresponds to what is revealed in Scripture about the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised and, with the Father, sent the Holy Spirit to be with us. He breathed on the disciples his Spirit and then on Pentecost the Spirit descended upon those gathered. The Spirit empowered the early church to be faithful witnesses to what was accomplished in Christ so that others may enter Christ’s kingdom. The Spirit sends God’s people out to the ends of the earth to proclaim the gospel of the Son of God. We thus join in the Spirit’s mission.

However, we do not yet have the complete fullness of the Spirit and we are to hope in that completion some day. Paul indicates that our experience today is only a beginning. He uses the image of a down payment, pledge and earnest (arrabōn) to convey the idea of an advance giving that is partial, that is a security for the complete giving (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5). The image of inheritance, used throughout the New Testament, also conveys the idea of having now in the present something that will surely be greater in the future. Note these words from Paul:

In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will…. This is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory…so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints (Ephesians 1:11, 14, 18).

Paul also uses the image of us having now only the “firstfruits” of the Spirit, not his fullness. We experience now only the beginning of the harvest, not its complete blessings (Romans 8:23). Another important biblical image is of having a “taste” now of what is to come (Hebrews 6:4-5). In his first epistle, Peter puts many of the pieces of the puzzle together when he writes about those who have been “sanctified by the Spirit”:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Our present experience in the Holy Spirit is indispensable, though it is but partial. Our experience of the ministry of the Spirit now is connected to a much greater fulfillment that one day will be fully manifested. Our present experience fosters a hope that will not be disappointed.

This present evil age

That we are now living in the present evil age is crucial to understand. The earthly work of Christ, though finished and victorious, has not yet eradicated from this time, this epoch, all the effects of the Fall and all its consequences. So we should not expect the effects of the Fall to be obliterated before Jesus returns. The New Testament witness to the continuing fallen condition of the cosmos (including humanity) is pervasive. In his high priestly prayer of John 17, Jesus prays that we not be taken out of our current situation even though he knows that we will suffer and be rejected or persecuted in this age. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus points out that here and now we will not yet receive all that the kingdom offers, such as having our hunger and thirst for righteousness fulfilled. Rather, we will experience a persecution that mirrors his own. Just as clearly, he indicates that our longings will be fulfilled, but in the future.

The apostle Paul notes that our true selves, rather than being obvious, are “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). He points out that we are earthen vessels, which contain the glory of the presence of Christ but which do not yet appear glorious themselves (2 Corinthians 4:7), but one day will shine forth (Colossians 3:4). Paul indicates that “the present form of this world is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7:31, cf. 1 John 2:8, 17) but that it has not yet reached the final end.

The author of Hebrews readily admits that it does not yet seem that all things are in subjection to Christ and his people (Hebrews 2:8-9), even though Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33).

In his epistle to the church in Rome, Paul notes how the whole creation has been “groaning with labor pains” and how “we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:22-23). Although Christ has completed his earthly ministry, our current state does not manifest the fullness of his reign and victory. We remain within this present evil age. The kingdom is present, but not yet in its fullness.

Next week, we’ll look at the nature of our hope in the future consummation of the kingdom and the complete fulfillment of the biblical promises.

_____________

[1] In Hebrews 2:16 the Greek word, epilambanetai, is best translated “seize,” not “help” or “concerned.” See Hebrews 8:9, where the same word is used for God’s taking Israel out of the grip of Egypt’s slavery.

[2] The Greek word used throughout the New Testament, and emphasized in the name of the last book of the New Testament, is apocalypsis. It can be translated “revelation,” “manifestation,” “uncovering,” “disclosure” “appearing” and “coming.”

Church multiplication summit

This update is from Randy Bloom, director of GCI’s Church Multiplication Ministries.

GCI-USA held its 2014 Church Multiplication Summit on February 7-8 in New Orleans. Over 50 people attended, including GCI church planters, mentors and district pastors who are forming church planting support networks.

Church planters Mary Bacheller (at left), Rannie Childress (standing at right), Dishon Mills, Angie Tabin (at right, below) and Heber Ticas shared stories about changed lives, making new disciples and starting new churches. Superintendent of U.S. Ministers, Dan Rogers then reviewed the development of Church Multiplication’s Ministries.

Associate Superintendent of U.S. Ministers, Greg Williams spoke about the importance of working together to plant new churches and the need for US regions and districts to take a larger role in identifying, preparing and supporting church planters. As Greg noted, the foundational resources are in place, and now we need more church planters. Please join CMM in asking the Lord of the Harvest to raise up gifted and passionate leaders who will make new disciples and start new churches.

To learn more about current GCI-USA church plants, go to the following websites:

Hands for Christ Community Church (Mary Bacheller) www.handsforchristcommunitychurch.com/
Grace Communion Fellowship (Angie and Saddie Tabin) www.facebook.com/groups/Socal.GCI/
New Outlook Christian Fellowship (Rannie Childress) newoutlook.gcichurches.org/

Naomi Biswas

GCI elder John Biswas, director of the Bengali Evangelical Association, requests prayer for his wife Naomi. She is suffering from asthmatic congestion, which hinders her breathing and speaking. Her energy level is quite low, making her unable to work in her nursing job.

Cards may be sent to:

Naomi Biswas
Bengali Evangelical Association
P. O. BOX 1733,
Loma Linda, Ca., 92354

SEP Australia

This update is from Alaric Kurzawa.

SEP 2014 in Australia was held on January 6–17. There were 96 campers and 61 staff. The theme was “Discovery” based on the encounter Jesus had on the road to Emmaus with two of his disciples. Through daily discussions, campers were encouraged to know that Jesus is with them on their life journey, and that no matter what age they are, the entire journey is one of continual discovery of who Jesus is as we grow deeper in relationship with him.

The camp featured some new activities thanks to ideas gleaned from sister camps in the U.S. Thanks to Higher Ground camp, our campers enjoyed nine-square and water-balloon battleship. Thanks to SEP SoCal we had an affirmation team called the A-Team. These new features were a big hit with the campers and staff. We will be using them at our future camps.

Other activities at camp included dance classes, high ropes course, mud pits, table tennis, leather work, journal making, basketball, water skiing, and putting together a worship service for the camp.

Thanks to all who were praying for the success of our camp in Australia. The campers left giving the staff hugs and telling them they would return when the camp is held again in two years.

Concerning Medicare

This announcement is provided by GCI treasurer, Mat Morgan.

GCI pastors and other families who are enrolled for Medicare in the U.S. should be aware of important information related to Medicare coverage of hospital care.

Please be aware of the distinction that Medicare makes between hospitalization classified as “inpatient” vs. hospitalization classified as “outpatient.” Knowing the difference could save you a lot of money and affect whether you qualify for skilled nursing care at the end of a hospital stay.

In how it pays for hospitalization and related services, Medicare distinguishes between “under observation” (outpatient) treatment and inpatient treatment. As the patient, you won’t necessarily know how your doctor and hospital are classifying your stay. The centers for Medicare and Medicaid services suggest that you ASK YOUR DOCTOR how your stay is being classified each day you are in the hospital. Doing so might save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenditures.

To learn more go to www.nbcnews.com/video/nightly-news/54026469/ and read page 32 of Medicare & You 2014—the publication you were sent when you enrolled for Medicare (available online at www.medicare.gov/pubs/pdf/10050.pdf).

If you have purchased a Medicare supplement insurance policy or have a Medicare Advantage (HMO) plan, understanding this issue may make a difference in your ultimate costs. It would be a good idea to find out how your plan views inpatient and outpatient costs.

Neither inpatient nor outpatient care is necessarily better than the other—each situation is determined based on the patient’s symptoms and medical needs. The important thing is that you be aware of what treatment you’re actually receiving, how it is being classified and thus how it will affect your family’s finances.

Mat Morgan

During most of his formative years, Mat worked on a farm. “Starting about age 12, I worked on a truck farm, raising vegetables for a hardworking Christian couple whose children had moved away to the city to work. When I was about 16, I helped manage the farm because the owners were getting up in years. They paid for the seed, the equipment and fuel, and I provided or paid for the labor costs. We split the proceeds. I hired my friends from high school to do some of the work.

I learned to operate about every kind of farm equipment they had and learned how to market tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, beans, sweet corn, cantaloupe, watermelons, squash and other produce to the grocery stores. People also came to the farm to buy produce and when we couldn’t sell it fast enough, we filled up the pickup and sold it beside the highway. It was a practical introduction to a lot of hard work and business for which I am grateful.”

Mat also worked at home. “My mom operated a small café during my high school years in the first level of our house, which was an old hotel built in 1888. My brothers and I learned to cook and wash dishes. Knowing how to motivate teenage boys, my mom would say ‘As soon as the dishes are done, you can have whatever you want to eat.’ I once asked her if she ever made any money with the café. She said ‘No, but I fed four teenage boys.’”

Mat has been in WCG/GCI most of his life. “My parents were baptized in the icy Clark Fork River in northern Montana in 1963. I was two years old. My parents became interested through the church’s media and my mother was miraculously healed of a serious illness not long after they became members.”

During high school Mat became interested in Ambassador College. “I was active in YOU and through the basketball program I visited both Ambassador College campuses for tournaments. My parents and our pastor encouraged me to go to Ambassador after high school and it seemed natural to do so. At the time I was personally more interested in becoming a chiropractor and had applied to Palmer College in Iowa. However, I decided to go to Ambassador in Pasadena where my brother Tim already lived.”

Transitioning from farm to city was not easy. “I nearly left college after a few weeks. I learned that I needed more money than I had first thought and I did not like the city crowds. The smog, which was thick at the time, caused me to have severe headaches. Also, I did not like the fact that I had to give speeches. When I called my parents to tell them I was coming back to South Dakota, they and the pastor encouraged me to stick it out another month and the congregation sent me enough money to get through the first semester. So I gritted my teeth and stayed.”

It proved to be a good decision. Mat survived his first few speeches and started a job on the Ambassador landscaping crew. “Because it was like farm work and because my boss was encouraging, I began to feel better, but I still felt out of place, though I stayed. I called home and had my parents sell my horse to cover my second-semester tuition.”

Mat transferred to the Big Sandy Ambassador campus in 1981. “I was chosen as one of the ‘leaders’ in the sophomore class to go help with reopening the Big Sandy campus. I learned that ‘leadership’ in Big Sandy that year meant working the graveyard shift on security and eliminating varmints like copperheads and armadillos from the property. These critters had used the vacant campus as home for a while and had to be pushed back into the surrounding ‘jungle.’ Because it was more rural and relaxed in some ways, I thrived there. I was baptized in Lake Loma that year.”

While in Big Sandy, Mat became interested in cycling, which would lead to participating on staff at “SEP On Wheels” held in New Zealand. “I still enjoy cycling today in the hills around Glendora—mostly on my mountain bike.”

Mat returned to Pasadena to finish his BA degree. “I became involved in community outreach during that time and began organizing tutors and tutoring children who had been abandoned by or otherwise had lost their parents. Through this experience, I experienced God’s heart for children and the joy of seeing children succeed, even in difficult circumstances. I am a strong supporter of GCI’s Generations Ministries camps and missions because I see the tremendous value in helping kids see who they are in Jesus.”

Besides his job in landscaping, Mat worked in the Ambassador Auditorium. This turned into a full-time job after graduation. “I supervised the ushers, parking attendants, concessions areas at various times, and later served as a foreman and house manager.”

During this time Mat started working with the budget for the areas he supervised. “As part of that job, I worked for Herbert Armstrong, organizing and serving luncheons and dinners at his home where I met many interesting people including Nancy Reagan, Queen Sirikit of Thailand, Prince Philip from the UK, Anwar Sadat from Egypt and several world-renowned performing artists. Although I appreciated these opportunities, I became personally troubled seeing how Mr. Armstrong and some around him handled the finances. I was so troubled that I nearly left my employment. I had no idea at the time that I would have influence in this area later as church treasurer. It reminds me that God has a plan for us all.”

(left to right) Jessica, Pam, Mathew adn Mat — (left to right) Jessica, Pam, Mathew and Mat Morgan

It was while working at the Ambassador Auditorium that Mat met Pam, whom he calls “the most important person in my life.” Mat and Pam were married in Indianapolis where her family was living at the time. “We were married in 1988—25 years ago. We initially had a 5-year plan for just the two of us to be together before having children. This turned into a 5-month plan when Pam got pregnant.

Our son Mathew was born in 1989 and our daughter Jessica in 1991 (see their pictures at left). Both have now graduated from college. Mathew is a financial consultant and Jessica is finishing her teaching credential, hoping to teach early elementary school children. We are very proud of them. Both love God and are working in areas where they are gifted. Family is such a blessing.”

Mat started working with WCG pastor general and president, Joseph Tkach, Sr. “He invited me to work for him as a project coordinator and to do the president’s budget. While working with Mr. Tkach, I helped organize senior dinners at the campuses in Pasadena and Big Sandy. I also served as a steward on the church’s airplane on the weekends when Mr Tkach visited churches. I still have the flight uniform (if only it still fit!).”

While working for Mr. Tkach, Mat entered graduate school. “I could not afford it, so Pam and I worked another job managing property, but it still wasn’t enough for a young family to live on. I asked Mr. Tkach if the church would help pay for me to finish an MBA. He told me if I could show him how I would use what I was learning to serve the church, that he would help pay for it. During that month I renegotiated discounts with existing vendors, which saved more than twice the amount of my complete tuition. After I showed him this, he agreed to help. Looking back I really appreciate that challenge.”

When Mr. Tkach Sr. died in 1995, Bernie Schnippert asked Mat to work with him as assistant treasurer and Joseph Tkach Jr. asked him to serve on the church board. “I worked with Bernie for about 10 years during some very challenging times. Our doctrinal changes led to a dramatic decline in income over several years and forced the sale of many of our church properties, including the camp in Minnesota, both college campuses and many other assets. This proved to be a challenging real-world education in finance, real estate and business administration. I would never wish to repeat those years, but, as they say, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. During that time, Bernie carried a heavy burden and served as my mentor. When Ralph Helge retired, Bernie took on the role of the church’s general legal counsel and I was appointed church treasurer in 2005.”

When asked what he enjoys most about being church treasurer, Mat said, “I don’t always enjoy this job because I see both tremendous need and scarcity of resources and feel personal angst about this tension. However, seeing money well spent corporately and by individuals makes me happy. Other things that I see as treasurer that make my heart smile is generosity of spirit and generosity of possessions by people who are helping others. I especially enjoy when resources are well spent for the gospel so that others can understand who they are in Christ and be connected, elevated and energized through this experience. When the light goes on in a young person’s eyes I feel tremendous joy. What a privilege to participate in this adventure! I think money is well spent for the gospel when it is used to help others see their true worth in Christ.

“I have so many good friends in GCI, my family and I feel like we are part of a worldwide family. I also enjoy the foundation of sound theology, which allows us both to feel God’s love and to share it freely with all of God’s children, whether they know Christ lives in them or not.”

Mat’s passion is “seeing young people discover who they are in Christ and view their future from this perspective. I love to see young people learn to handle their finances responsibly. I also enjoy being outdoors in God’s creation, hiking, biking, fishing, camping, meditating. I have climbed Mt Whitney a couple times and several other mountains in Southern California. I think a rainy day outside in the mountains is better than most good days in an office. I am told by my children that I have a stern appearance and for whatever reason I have been placed in a job where I often have to say “no” to people. Those who know me well, understand that under the stern appearance, I care deeply for people. God certainly has a sense of humor.”

When asked if he had a final thought, Mat said, “I am blessed to work with some of the nicest people on this earth every day. If members are ever in Glendora, I invite them to stop by and meet some of these folks who serve them every day.”

Understanding the kingdom

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Jesus told his disciples to pray, “your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10). But what is that kingdom? And when and how will it come?

Noting the rather mysterious nature of the kingdom (Matthew 13:11), Jesus gave his disciples homespun illustrations to help them understand. He would say, “The kingdom is like….,” then offer analogies like a mustard seed that starts small, a man who finds hidden treasure in a field, a farmer who sows seed, or a merchant who sells his entire inventory to buy a pearl of great price.

Through such analogies, Jesus sought to help his disciples understand that the kingdom of God is “not of this world” (John 18:36). Yet, they continued to misunderstand, expecting Jesus to lead their occupied nation into a worldly kingdom that would give them political freedom, power and prestige.

Many of Jesus’ followers have continued to misunderstand, including our own denomination. Perhaps you will remember our former booklet on the kingdom, published in 1972. It was entitled, “Just What Do You Mean…Kingdom of God?” Though it contained a few kernels of truth, it entirely missed very important ones. It erroneously stated that the kingdom is an event that pertains more to the future than to the present. In sermons based on that wrong premise, we’d speak of a “soon-coming kingdom.” Our mistaken understanding resulted from poor exegesis and confused interpretations of Scripture. Though we did not intentionally seek to diminish the triumph of Christ’s birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension, our misunderstanding of the kingdom of God did just that.

Like a three-stage rocket

Though no single illustration perfectly captures the full scope of the kingdom of God, there is one that might be helpful in our modern context: The kingdom of God is like a three-stage rocket. The first two stages pertain to the present reality of the kingdom and the third to its future fullness.

Stage 1: Launch

The first stage was the “launch” of the kingdom into our world through the Word of God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. Being fully God and fully human, Jesus brings the kingdom of God to us. As the King of kings, wherever Jesus is, the kingdom is present.

Stage 2: Present reality

The second stage began with what Jesus accomplished through his death, resurrection, ascension and the sending of the Spirit. Though he no longer dwells among us physically, Jesus dwells within us by the Spirit, knitting us together as one. The kingdom of God is now present—it has broken into all of creation. Thus no matter which country is our earthly home, our citizenship is in heaven, for we live now under the sovereign reign and rule (kingdom) of God.

Those who follow Jesus come under that reign and rule. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), he was instructing them to pray concerning both the here and now as well as the future aspects of the kingdom. As followers of Jesus we are called to bear witness to our citizenship in a kingdom that already is present. We are not to think of the kingdom as only something in the future. As citizens of the kingdom here and now, we are about our Father’s business, doing his kingdom work now. That work includes caring for the poor and needy and faithfully stewarding God’s creation. Through such works of kingdom righteousness, we share in the ongoing mission of Jesus, demonstrating the character of his present kingdom rule and reign.

Stage 3: Future fullness

The third stage of the kingdom is yet future. It will occur when Jesus returns in glory to usher in a new heaven and new earth.

At that time, God will be known by all and will be seen to be who he truly is—“all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28). We have now the sure hope that at that time, everything will be put right. It is encouraging for us to dream and imagine what that will be like, although we remember Paul’s words that no mind is able to fully conceive of it (1 Corinthians 2:9).

As we dream of the kingdom’s third stage, let’s not forget the first two. Though having a future aspect, the kingdom is here now. Because that is so, we are called to live accordingly, to share with others the good news (gospel) of Jesus the King, and of his present and future reign in the kingdom of God.

In this issue of GCI Weekly Update, we are publishing part one of a six-part series that examines the biblical testimony concerning the kingdom of God. I think you’ll find this series, written by Gary Deddo, to be stimulating and eye-opening.

Your brother in Christ,

__________________

PS: I spoke recently with Paul Young, author of The Shack. He agreed to be a guest speaker at our GenMin Converge conference in 2015 (there will be one conference that year and it probably will be held in Columbus, Ohio). Note that registration is now open for the 2014 Converge conference being held in two locations: Southern California and Ohio (for information, go to genmin.gci.org/).

Paul also told me of plans to film a movied based on The Shack. Forrest Whittaker has signed to write, direct and star in it. This involvement shows how important the film is to him. You can learn more about the film at variety.com/2014/film/news/forest-whitaker-lionsgates-the-shack-1201078223/.

Nassau community center

This update is from Robert McKinney the pastor of GCI’s congregation in Nassau, Bahamas.

Several years ago, Leslie and Rita Bowe, long-time GCI members in Nassau, donated land in a low-income area where they previously lived and where Leslie operated a business for over 50 years. Their dream was to see a community center built on the land to draw the community together and to provide a beacon of hope for area residents.

Just recently, the Bowes’ dream came true. A leading area newspaper reported that, “The Leslie and Rita Bowe Montell Heights Community Center was officially opened on December 16.” Participants in the opening ceremony (pictured below) included Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis and several cabinet ministers and ministers of religion.

Rita mentioned that since the center opened, she has seen a lot of positive changes in the area. For example, the center provides free lessons for 40 students in an after-school classes program. They operate a soup kitchen that feeds the elderly. A crusade in the park and a free counseling clinic are planned for later this year. Leslie noted that the center has brought together people from all walks of life. They have put the past behind and are working more together. He mentioned that Prime Minister Perry Christie visited the center the day after it opened. He commented that he was amazed to see what had been done in the area.

GenMin mission trips

In the video below, Lee Berger, who coaches the directors of GenMin’s missions trips, reports on recent activities. For additional information, go to http://genmin.gci.org/missionministries.htm.

On YouTube at http://youtu.be/-beqIBxkDkc

Bernie Schnippert

This health update and prayer request is from Bernie Schnippert, GCI’s legal counsel.

I recently learned that my carcinoid cancer has spread considerably and has infected both more soft tissues and the bones in my upper abdomen area. This spreading was discovered when I had more extensive tests after breaking my sternum (very painful but now essentially healed). The spreading of the cancer obviously has implications for longevity but no one knows for sure exactly what this means. For now, I continue to be able to do my job, so please do not hesitate calling or emailing the Legal Department with church business.

As you can imagine, this whole scenario is especially stressful to me and my wife Arlene after recently losing our daughter to breast cancer. Please pray for strength for Arlene and courage for me.