By Pastor Alex Ruelo
How do you picture heaven? When we talk about the kingdom, what comes to mind? There is a picture of heaven that comes to mind every time it is mentioned. But it does not even come close. You can ask google and even Chat GPT. They can give you a “clear” picture of what heaven “may” look like. But 1 Corinthians 2:7-9 says, “No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” God planned heaven even before the world began, just like He planned the death of Jesus Christ for the salvation of our sins. That is why we feel like the kingdom is out of reach because no one can really fathom what heaven looks like. The picture we paint in our mind is nothing compared to what God has prepared for us. But the real question is: are you going there?
In Matthew 6:9-21, Jesus teaches us how to pray. Ever since Jesus walked on earth, the Kingdom of God came to earth. It is here but not fully here. The goal is to experience heaven on earth. Many people are not convinced because they feel like the life they live is hell. The kingdom is not a location, so much as it is a state of being. But where exactly is the kingdom of God? We do not know. But definitely, one day, we will get there. Matthew 12:28 says, “But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.” God is bigger than all of this that is why we cannot put the kingdom in a box.
The kingdom of God is to be called upon. (Matt. 6:9-10) - You must want to experience it here on earth. It has arrived. Christians should be able to experience heaven on earth.
The kingdom of God is moral and spiritual. (Matt. 6:10) - The kingdom of God is where His will is done. That is His kingdom. If you have not experienced following God and experiencing His kingdom, you might be following the wrong thing. John 14:15 says, “If you love me, obey my commandments.”
The kingdom of God has a system. (Matt. 6:14) - Sometimes, It is not all about material things. People feel the kingdom of God is present when they have food to eat. Oftentimes, you just want to be blessed. When you are blessed, that is the only time you experience the kingdom of God.
The system of heaven is like this:
A. If you are from heaven, you will have no enemy. (Matt. 6:14) - Jesus Himself said you need to forgive others so that you will be forgiven too. Practice heaven here on earth and love your enemies.
B. If you are from heaven, you know how to pray. (Matt. 6:16-18) - When you are asked to pray, can you do it? Will you do it? When you are asked to pray, you should do it because you know who you are talking to. Talk to God.
C. If you are from heaven, you are a good steward of God’s blessings. (Matt. 6:19-21) - One main reason why so many Christians feel like their life is hell is because they do to have money. They spend on so many useless things. You should know what is important to you, and what is important is eternity.
D. If you are from heaven, you know who your Savior is. (Matt. 6:13) - You shoaled know who will save you, not only spiritually, but also physically, mentally and financially as well. But when God saves you, do not make the mistake of going back to where you were over and over again. If you do not surrender everything to the Lord, your life will rally be a living hell.
Only Jesus can save you. The only one who has no sin and who is the perfect sacrifice.
The kingdom of God is Himself.
The kingdom of God has arrived.
The kingdom of God is His will.
His presence is the kingdom of God.