The “Already” and the “Not Yet”
We’ve explored the differences between the church and the Kingdom of God. The church is the community of believers; the Kingdom is God’s reign and rule. But what does this look like in real life? It’s about living in the tension between what is and what is yet to come.
The Church: Our Spiritual Home
The church is tangible and visible. We gather in buildings, join programs, and build relationships. It’s where we find fellowship, teaching, and worship. The church gives us a sense of belonging and accountability. But it’s also imperfect—made up of flawed people who sometimes fall short. We experience conflict, disappointment, and even hypocrisy.
The Kingdom: God’s Dream Breaking Through
The Kingdom of God is both present and future. We catch glimpses of it in acts of love, justice, and healing. When someone forgives, when a community rallies to help those in need, when creation is cared for, the Kingdom is breaking through. Yet, the world is still full of suffering and injustice. We long for the day when God’s will is perfectly done on earth as it is in heaven.
Living in the Tension
Living in this tension means being fully engaged in the life of the church while also seeking to extend the Kingdom beyond its walls. It means serving within the church, using our gifts to build up the body of Christ. It also means stepping out—volunteering at a local charity, advocating for the marginalized, or simply showing kindness to a neighbor. Our workplaces, schools, and communities become mission fields where we can be agents of transformation.
Avoiding the Extremes
The challenge is to avoid two extremes: becoming so focused on the church that we neglect the world, or so focused on the world that we neglect the church. We need both. The church equips us for Kingdom work, and Kingdom work enriches the life of the church.
Embracing Both for a Deeper Faith
At Go Deeper Ministries, we believe God calls us to live in this creative tension, embracing both the church and the Kingdom. As we do, we’ll experience a deeper, more meaningful faith—one that transforms not only our own lives, but the world around us.
