As 2025 comes to an end, we continue to explore the richness of Kingdom Culture. It’s a way of life shaped by the presence, character, and reign of King Jesus. The Update issues of 2025 reminded us that life in the kingdom is not a distant ideal. It’s a present reality, rooted in faith, hope, and love. Kingdom Culture calls us to live as citizens of God’s kingdom.
Let’s reflect on some the memorable quotes from the most read letters and watched videos from the president. May we look back with gratitude and forward with renewed vision. May we embrace the “nowness” of the kingdom as we grow together in Christ.
Kingdom Living and Kingdom Culture
“We identify with Christ and his most pronounced virtues — faith, hope, and love. This is his nature, and he gifts us with these virtues to transform us and to equip us so that we participate with him in his ministry.”
“God the Father has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.”
“As we collectively grow in the grace and knowing of Jesus, we will think and act as citizens of the eternal kingdom, representing Jesus and pointing to him.”
Greg reminded us that Kingdom Culture starts with knowing who we are in Christ. We’re people being transformed and continually growing in grace.
The King
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation… and in him all things hold together.”
“There is no church without Jesus and no Kingdom Living without the presence of the King.”
“Our purpose is to make the King known and to help believers grow up in Jesus. King Jesus is present and guiding at all points — even the next breath you and I draw.”
We centered our year on the truth that Kingdom Living originates in the King himself. All things — our life, our church, our mission — hold together in him.
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Kingdom Citizenship
“Faith is the rock-solid certainty that he who has begun a good work will complete it.”
“As kingdom citizens in the 21st century, we don’t know what we may be called upon to do, nor what suffering or persecution may come our way — but we do know that Jesus is with us every step.”
“It is a beautiful image to think about the amazing company of pioneer believers who have gone before us, and the leader of the parade is Jesus.”
Greg invited us to see ourselves as part of a greater story. We’re pilgrims of faith, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.
Kingdom Participation
“Being sold out to Jesus and reflecting Jesus to the world around us is the most counterculture practice that we could possibly engage in.”
“Actively doing good inside the church seems quite natural, but Paul says we are to be this way with all people — this is how the kingdom witness of the Church will happen in your neighborhood and in mine.”
“These are not virtuous qualities that can be accomplished by the human spirit. It is Jesus — the One who calls you, loves you, and empowers you — who will be faithful to accomplish these things in you.”
Here we’re reminded that participation in God’s kingdom isn’t about striving. It’s about surrender. We join the faithful work that Jesus himself is already doing in and through his people.
Resurrection Sunday
“Our engagement with Jesus happens in stages of understanding, growth, and reliance — just as it did for Mary, Peter, and John.”
“Through his death and resurrection there was going to be a glorious new beginning.”
“Our fears and doubts get swallowed up in Jesus. Our tears of anxiety become tears of joy. Jesus truly is the pioneer of our salvation — he is Risen Indeed!”
Resurrection Sunday reminded us that the kingdom begins with resurrection. Even in fear and uncertainty, the risen Christ turns sorrow into joy and death into life.
It Is Not So with You
“Greatness will be found in a life of service — becoming as humble as a slave who washes the feet of others and laying down one’s life for others.”
“Service and sacrifice are markers of Kingdom Culture, not aggressive ambition and cutthroat competition.”
“We too must drink the cup as we join Jesus in his economy of service and sacrifice.”
Finally, Greg pointed out that true greatness in the kingdom is measured by humility. It’s not measured by hierarchy. Serving rather than striving, giving rather than gaining is kingdom living.
As we close this year, may these words from our shared journey remind us of who we are and whose we are. We are citizens of a kingdom that cannot be shaken, following a King who serves, saves, and sustains. Faith, hope, and love, virtues gifted by Christ himself, define Kingdom Culture. As we step into the coming year, may we continue to live as kingdom citizens. May we bear good fruit in every season, joining Jesus in his ongoing work of renewal. Let’s proclaim with confidence: the King is among us, and his kingdom is here.
