God's Big Idea

1. God's Kingdom: A Garden, Not a Religion

He planted a garden.

Garden of Eden as Kingdom prototype. God's original intent was not to establish a religion, but to extend His heavenly Kingdom to Earth. He initiated this by planting the Garden of Eden as the first outpost of Heaven on Earth. This garden was a perfect reflection of Heaven's culture, government, and ways - a paradise where Adam and Eve enjoyed open fellowship with God without guilt or fear.

Kingdom expansion through cultivation. God's plan was for humans to multiply and spread this garden culture throughout the Earth, gradually transforming it into a reflection of Heaven. This process is likened to the gradual, invisible growth of yeast in dough, slowly but irresistibly permeating and transforming its environment.

Religion vs. Kingdom living. Unlike human-made religions that focus on rituals and rules, Kingdom living is about relationship with the King and manifesting His culture on Earth. It's not about escaping to Heaven, but bringing Heaven's reality to Earth through the lives of Kingdom citizens.

2. The Power of Kingdom Culture Over Politics and Religion

Culture is stronger than politics.

Culture's pervasive influence. Culture shapes thoughts, values, beliefs, and behaviors more powerfully than political systems or religious institutions. It's the manifestation of collective thinking and is reinforced through laws and social norms. This is why changing a culture is more effective in transforming society than changing political leadership or religious practices.

Kingdom culture vs. worldly culture. Kingdom culture reflects the nature, values, and lifestyle of the King, while worldly culture often promotes self-interest, greed, and moral decay. The clash between these two cultures is at the heart of many global conflicts and social issues.

Transforming culture through Kingdom living. As Kingdom citizens live out Heaven's culture on Earth, they gradually influence and transform the surrounding worldly culture. This happens not through force or legislation, but through the attractive power of a lifestyle that reflects God's love, justice, and abundance.

3. Restoring Heaven's Culture on Earth

God's ultimate goal in planting His garden "colony" was to fill the Earth with His glory.

Reclaiming lost territory. When Adam and Eve rebelled, they surrendered their God-given authority over Earth to satan, the "pretender." Jesus Christ came to Earth to take back this lost kingdom and restore humanity's rightful place as stewards of God's earthly domain.

From rebellion to restoration. The Bible chronicles God's plan to restore His Kingdom on Earth:

• Creation of the Garden of Eden
• Fall of humanity and loss of the Kingdom
• Preparation through Israel's history
• Jesus announcing and demonstrating the Kingdom
• Establishment of the Church as Kingdom community
• Ongoing expansion of Kingdom influence
• Future full manifestation of God's Kingdom on Earth

Kingdom citizens as restoration agents. Believers are called to be active participants in this restoration process, manifesting Kingdom culture in every aspect of life and gradually transforming their environments to reflect Heaven's reality.

4. The Holy Spirit as Master Gardener of Kingdom Gardens

By right and agency of creation, the Holy Spirit was the Master Gardener of Eden, the Governor of God's original colony on Earth.

The Governor's role. The Holy Spirit, as the Governor of God's Kingdom on Earth, ensures that the King's will is carried out and His culture is manifested through the lives of Kingdom citizens. He guides, empowers, and transforms believers to accurately reflect the heart, nature, and character of the King.

Cultivating Kingdom gardens. The Holy Spirit works in believers' lives like a master gardener, nurturing the seeds of Kingdom culture and helping them grow into fruitful gardens that showcase God's glory. This process involves:

• Uprooting weeds of sin and worldliness
• Planting seeds of truth and righteousness
• Watering with God's Word and presence
• Pruning for greater fruitfulness
• Harvesting the fruit of the Spirit

Connecting Heaven and Earth. As the link between the supernatural and natural realms, the Holy Spirit enables believers to operate in Kingdom authority and power, bringing Heaven's reality into earthly situations.

5. Engaging the World, Not Escaping It

We cannot engage the popular culture by escaping from it, nor can we influence it by isolating ourselves from it.

Kingdom mission vs. religious retreat. Many religious teachings focus on preparing believers to leave the world. In contrast, the Kingdom message calls citizens to actively engage and transform the world around them. Jesus prayed not for His followers to be taken out of the world, but to be protected as they fulfilled their mission within it.

Strategic engagement. Kingdom citizens are called to be:

• Salt and light in society
• Ambassadors of the Kingdom in every sphere of influence
• Agents of transformation in business, education, politics, arts, etc.
• Demonstrators of Kingdom culture and values

Balancing engagement and distinction. While engaging the world, Kingdom citizens must maintain their distinct identity and values. They are to be "in the world but not of it," influencing without being conformed to worldly patterns.

6. Kingdom Influence: Subtle Yet Irresistible

The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.

Characteristics of Kingdom influence:

• Gradual and often invisible growth
• Pervasive transformation from within
• Irresistible and unstoppable progress
• Disproportionate impact relative to size

Yeast-like influence. Like yeast in dough, Kingdom citizens are called to:

• Be released into every area of society
• Work quietly and consistently
• Transform their environment from within
• Not be intimidated by the size of the task
• Maintain their distinct nature while influencing others

The power of persistent presence. Kingdom influence doesn't rely on loud proclamations or forceful tactics. It's the result of consistent, faithful living that gradually but inevitably impacts the surrounding culture.

7. Living in Two Worlds: Kingdom Citizens as Transformative Agents

Kingdom citizens are people with their feet in two different worlds.

Dual citizenship reality. Believers live simultaneously in two realms:

1. The Kingdom of Heaven - their true homeland and source of identity
2. The earthly world - their current residence and mission field

Navigating the tension. This dual existence creates challenges:

• Conflicting values and priorities
• Pressure to conform to worldly standards
• Balancing heavenly perspective with earthly responsibilities

Transformative living. Kingdom citizens are called to:

• Bring Heaven's culture into earthly situations
• Demonstrate Kingdom principles in everyday life
• Be catalysts for positive change in their communities
• Maintain allegiance to the King while respecting earthly authorities

8. Prayer as Petition to Kingdom Government

Prayer is business with the government of God.

Reimagining prayer. Rather than a religious ritual or plea for favors, prayer is a legal act of petitioning the government of Heaven. It's asserting the rights and privileges of Kingdom citizenship and requesting the government's response to earthly needs.

Elements of effective Kingdom prayer:

1. Addressing the right authority - "Our Father in heaven"
2. Showing proper respect - "Hallowed be Your name"
3. Aligning with the King's will - "Your kingdom come, Your will be done"
4. Requesting provision - "Give us this day our daily bread"
5. Maintaining right relationships - "Forgive us...as we forgive"
6. Seeking protection and guidance - "Lead us not into temptation"

Praying for Kingdom expansion. The focus of prayer shifts from personal escape to the advancement of God's Kingdom on Earth, asking for His culture and influence to permeate every aspect of life and society.

9. The Priceless Treasure of Kingdom Citizenship

The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Incomparable value. Kingdom citizenship offers:

• Access to God's unlimited resources
• Purpose and meaning in life
• Power to overcome life's challenges
• Eternal significance and security

Two paths to discovery:

1. Unexpected discovery - stumbling upon the Kingdom's value
2. Intentional search - seeking and recognizing ultimate worth

Total commitment required. Obtaining Kingdom citizenship demands:

• Recognizing its supreme value
• Willingness to sacrifice lesser things
• Wholehearted embrace of Kingdom culture and values

10. Overcoming Independence to Embrace Kingdom Authority

Personal independence is the number one tenet of capitalism and democratic republics. The thing God hates is the very thing we magnify.

The paradox of independence. While personal freedom is highly valued in human societies, it often leads to rebellion against God's authority and rejection of Kingdom principles. This independence was at the heart of Adam and Eve's fall and continues to be a major obstacle for many in fully embracing Kingdom citizenship.

Challenges of Kingdom living in democratic societies:

• Tension between individual rights and Kingdom submission
• Difficulty in accepting absolute authority of the King
• Temptation to prioritize personal desires over Kingdom purposes

Embracing Kingdom authority:

• Recognizing the limitations and dangers of self-rule
• Submitting to the loving leadership of the perfect King
• Finding true freedom in alignment with God's will and ways
• Allowing the Holy Spirit to transform independent mindsets

Last updated: October 22, 2024