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A New Kingdom

Sara and I have recently made friends with a couple who have moved here from Germany and it has been interesting to see Canada through their eyes. Everything is different. The language, the food and even driving (You cannot go 300 km/h here as you can on the autobahn) are different. In some ways, even, our friends have become different people than they were. Living in a new country changes everything.

Lately, I have been thinking that we need for a new word for “church”. One that better describes what we are about and what God wants for us.

Did you know that “Kingdom” is the word that Jesus most often used when describing his people? As well, the phrases “Kingdom of God” or “Kingdom of Heaven” are used at least 111 times in the New Testament. I like the idea of a “Kingdom” because it reminds me of some great truths.

For example, obviously, a Kingdom has a King. The good news is that I am not in charge. God is the king and he is working things out in his kingdom even when we do not see it or understand it at the time (Mark 4:26-29).

A Kingdom is also a community of people. There is no such thing as a one-person kingdom. God set up his kingdom so that we would have other people to help us. When the first kingdom sermon was preached in Acts 2, the believers became both a community and a family (42-47 and 4:32-37).

How do you become part of this Kingdom? Well, that is another great thing, because entrance is not gained by merit but by trust. In other words, you do not earn your way in. Jesus said, “Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Luke 18:17). “Those who accepted the message were baptized and about three thousand were added to their number that day” (Acts 2:41). They were added to the kingdom because they trusted in Jesus and they chose to come in.

Our German friends came to Canada because they wanted a new life and a new beginning and they found that in a new country. What about you? Could you use a new start? Could you use a new life in a new kingdom?

God is waiting for you. The community that we call the church would welcome and celebrate with you.

You too can start a new life in God’s kingdom.

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