Already Not Yet

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

In Luke’s Gospel, we read:

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed;nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’ Luke 17:20-21 NRSVA

The Pharisees asked a question that has been on the minds of people from all ages. Jesus provides a mysterious, spiritual answer. The kingdom is among you or within you. They, and probably us as well, were looking for tangible markers. What events and conditions would take place for Father to signal to the Son it is time to return?

Rather than starting with describing the deterioration of humanity, like the time of Noah, Jesus challenges their thinking. Which is more important, that we are in the kingdom or that the kingdom is in us?

In the GCI booklet, The God Revealed in Jesus Christ: an Introduction to Trinitarian Faith, we read:

Jesus has not simply done something for us, he has done something with us by including us in his life, death, resurrection and ascension. Paul explains this in Ephesians 2:4-6:

- - - When Jesus died, we, in our sinful human nature, died with him.
    - When Jesus rose, we, in our reconciled human nature, rose with him.
    - When Jesus ascended, we, in our redeemed human nature, ascended and became seated with him at the Father’s side.

All that Jesus did as a human was done on behalf of humanity. When he died, we also died. When he rose from the grave, we also rose. When he ascended to heaven and sat down at Father’s side, we ascended, too. So, when Jesus came announcing his eternal kingdom he had humanity in mind. The kingdom is not some far-off ethereal concept like Camelot or Nirvana — it is life in and with the King.

If Jesus is present in us, so is his kingdom. Jesus has inaugurated the kingdom, and he also speaks of a fullness yet to be completed. This is why we use the phrase, “already but not yet.” We live in the tension between this present evil age and the glorious age to come when Christ returns in glory to make all things new.

God’s kingdom is present in the witness of the Church, and still, it often seems to be a hidden kingdom. As followers of Jesus, he wants us to shine the light of his truth and grace and make his kingdom known, visible.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

We underestimate our ability to impact the world for good. Therefore, we become comfortable being hidden, hunkered down awaiting the glory to come. Each of us has the light of Jesus in us through the dwelling of the Holy Spirit. The light of Christ in you can make a tremendous difference, even if it’s one neighbor or one family member at a time. GCI brothers and sisters, let’s resolve to join Jesus announcing his kingdom in word and deed. His kingdom is present, and it is expanding as he works through you and me to draw others to himself.

Kingdom Culture—be a part of it!
Greg Williams

Devotional—Devoted to Others in Love

One Sunday at the worship service, we learned that one of our longtime members, who had been unable to attend church, needed assistance for treatment related to her cancer diagnosis. She had been undergoing various tests and procedures over the past two years or so. A relative came to me saying that our member requested that we visit. This caused me to wonder if she knew she was nearing the end of her life.

The church decided to offer support, and some members decided to visit her after the service. Upon seeing how weak she had become, they urged her and her husband to go to the hospital. She was admitted and received the necessary care, stabilizing her condition.

My wife and I visited her a few days later. Though still weak, her condition had improved. Her husband shared the details of the past days, while she remained quiet but aware. We prayed together, thanking God for his constant presence. We acknowledged that even in our trials, God is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28). I prayed for her healing and reminded her that sickness does not have the final say, reminding her of her hope in Christ. Soon after, we received news that she was back home.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:10–15

This is the kingdom culture we live by.

Prayer
Our Father, may we learn to love one another as you have loved us, trusting in your grace and goodness in every circumstance of our lives. Amen.

By Dr. Carlos M. Pizarro
Pastor, Quezon City, Philippines

Kingdom Living—Loving Generously

Kingdom living looks like laying down your life for others. Read on to see how these two congregations are loving generously and seeking the flourishing of their neighbors.

Hyderabad, Telangana, India

The Hyderabad congregation has taken a significant step to make Sunday services more accessible by introducing translations of sermons into Telugu, the local language of the city. This initiative, which began recently, aims to serve every individual who attends the church, echoing the compassion and care of Jesus for each person. To support this effort, Mr. Satyanarayana, a seasoned professional translator, joined the congregation to offer his expertise. His involvement has ensured that sermons are delivered seamlessly in both English and Telugu, enriching the worship experience for all.

Several members expressed their joy, sharing how the bilingual services have allowed them to fully connect with and enjoy the messages being preached. The congregation is hopeful that this initiative will encourage more members of the Telugu-speaking community to join in the coming days, fostering inclusivity and spiritual growth.

The church remains committed to creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for all, furthering its mission to reach every heart with the gospel of Jesus.

By the GCI India Newsletter editors,

Shanti Nirale

Praveen Kumar Chintha

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Twenty-five years ago, the Gold Coast congregation began providing care bags to people in personal distress. All through those years, we took no break providing to a range of organizations. Some looked after unhoused youth, women seeking refuge from domestic abuse, people dealing with substance use, and a whole range of other crises experienced by many in our urban societies.

The problems on the Gold Coast are extensive. Ultimately, we decided to focus on partnering with one organization rather than trying to spread our limited resources around many. We chose the Gold Coast Youth Services (GCYS).

On Sunday, February 2, our congregation celebrated this 25-year anniversary of service, and we were joined by a representative of GCYS, Will Aufai. Will visited, with his wife and daughter, to personally thank the congregation for its faithful and reliable service through the years.

Will gave an outline of the work that the GCYS provides in the community. His warmth and love for those in need made an impact on everyone. He also provided the personal link between the recipients of the care bags in their time of need, and those who contribute to and assemble the toiletry and food bags each month.

Will expressed his gratitude for the fact that the GCYS has been able to rely on our contribution month by month for so many years. Will presented a plaque of appreciation to the congregation, which was accepted by John and Jen Herrmann and Jan Adamson as coordinators of the food and toiletry bags, respectively. In response, the congregation donated a basket of towels to him to aid their assistance program.

Will brought us a clear reminder of the words of the king, expressed in Jesus’ parable in Matthew 25:14 (The Message): I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.

By Rod Matthews, Pastor
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Kingdom Citizens’ Toolbox—Live Generously

Citizens of God’s kingdom know that generosity is part of witness.

Bearing witness of the kingdom to our neighbors is a relational, incarnational, active, and missional proclamation. Our generous witness is a demonstration of the good news of Jesus.

The ministry of the Love Avenue is to witness to our neighbors. We invite you to revisit the following Church Hack: Love Avenue Practices

GCI Buzz—What is Discipleship?

Discipleship is a journey — and we walk it together. This month’s GCI Buzz helps us reflect on what it means to belong, believe, and become as followers of Jesus.

Click here or the image below to view the entire Buzz. Check out the printer-friendly PDF.

We Are GCI—Gavin Henderson

Prayer Guide—May 2025

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms … — Ephesians 1:18-20 NIV

This month’s Prayer Guide invites us to pray for our churches and communities to live in resurrection-powered hope. Intercede with us and download the Prayer Guide: here.

Would you like to receive this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month? Sign up here.

GCI Testify

Discover the transformative power of Christ’s love in our new series, GCI Testify. Join us as members from our global fellowship share testimonies of their experiences with Jesus through GCI congregations and ministries. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of the Spirit in and through GCI.

Watch the entire series here.

GCI Home Office Jobs Available

GCI is hiring!

Two full-time positions are now open at the Grace Communion International (GCI) Home Office in Charlotte, NC, U.S.

The Legal Coordinator and Assistant Secretary to Board of Directors position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.

The Assistant Operations Coordinator position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.

If you would like further details on the position(s) or would like a GCI job application, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@gci.org or 980-495-3960.

Please share this announcement with qualified candidates who may be gifted for any of these positions at the Home Office.