Kingdom of Heaven
March 16, 2025
Jason Duke, Campus Pastor, Vista Ridge Campus

What is the Kingdom of God?

• the “range of God’s effective will.” (Dallas Willard)

• The Kingdom is the realm where what God wants, God gets. Heaven is Heaven because everything is as God desires. Jesus taught us to pray for things to be on Earth as they are in Heaven: “Your kingdom come, your will be done … ” Lord, “as it is up there, make it so down here!”

About God’s Kingdom

• “God’s Kingdom is here and not yet.”

Matthew 3:2 (ESV)
Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 4:17 (ESV)
Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 13 (ESV)
The Kingdom of Heaven is like …

• “God’s Kingdom is here and not yet.”

Revelation 21:5 (ESV)
“… I am making all things new.”

• The Church has an integral role in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Colossians 4:16 (ESV)
And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

• You play an active part in God’s Kingdom.

Penn & Teller Quote
“If you believe there is a heaven and hell, and you think it’s not worth telling someone about it, how much do you have to hate him to not proselytize? To believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell people? This man cared enough about me to proselytize.”

Colossians 4:16-17 (ESV)
And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”

Question
What avenue of ministry is it that God is calling you to do?

Communion
“If you are ever going to do something for God, do it now.”