The Kingdom of HeavenSample

What is the Kingdom of Heaven? The Kingdom of Heaven is God's presence, His dwelling place, His home.  The Kingdom of Heaven has eternally existed because God has eternally existed. Genesis 1 states that the "Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." His presence has always been. Adam and Eve got to experience this presence. He wanted His dwelling place to be personal, to be intimate. But unfortunately, this presence with God was broken.

In Genesis 3, also known as "The Fall," the enemy tricked Adam and Eve to believe they couldn't trust God. In that disobedience of eating the fruit, they became separated from God's dwelling place. It seemed humanity would be eternally separated, but God had a different plan. 

Jesus came to reconnect man to Heaven by being the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. The ultimate goal of Christ's sacrifice was that God's dwelling place could be with us again. But He doesn't just want to be with us. He has His home within us. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit means that God's presence is always with His people. The Kingdom of Heaven is God's rule and reign first in our own lives. But it also for the entire earth, as His people are not located in only one geographical location or within one people group. All men and women who trust in Christ are God's people.

Ephesians says that God is building us to be His dwelling place. He wants us to carry the Kingdom of Heaven. Why? Because we are His sons and daughters. 

Reflect

• What do you think it means to be a dwelling place for God?
• How is God building you in this season to be His dwelling place?
• Take 5 minutes to write about how you feel about the presence of God.