Living in the NOW Kingdom: Discovering God Beyond the Walls

Living in the NOW Kingdom: Discovering God Beyond the Walls

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Living in the NOW Kingdom: Discovering God Beyond the Walls

Introduction

Welcome to today’s reflection. It can be easy to view our faith as a waiting game—looking forward to a distant future or relying strictly on static texts. But what if the Kingdom of God isn't just a destination down the road, but a living reality waiting to be experienced right now, in every corner of creation?

Scripture

“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
— Mark 1:15

“Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God... Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'”
— John 3:3, 7:38

Reflection

After moving to the north side of Houston last year, I looked for a Quaker Meetinghouse or a community rooted in Quaker spirituality, but couldn't find one nearby. While my attempt to start a simple gathering didn't take off, I decided to join a traditional local church. They are doing wonderful work in the community, but deep down, I find myself feeling a disconnect.

Much of the teaching seems focused on looking forward to a future Kingdom—treating faith as a set of rules to qualify for a ticket down the line—rather than recognizing that through Yeshua, we are brought into the Kingdom right now. In institutional settings, energy often flows inward to sustain the organization, leaving people feeling like the system is constantly asking for their time, money, and labor.

In my evening discussion group, I’ve shared that when we view the Kingdom as transactional or strictly future-focused, we miss out on the NOW Kingdom: the reality that once we are born of the Spirit through Yeshua, we are placed inside the Kingdom today. The energy no longer flows inward to earn approval or maintain a system; instead, divine life and love flow outward from inside us like rivers of living water (John 7:38). While people nod and agree in theory, the lived focus often returns to what lies ahead, coupled with a strict adherence to sola scriptura (the Bible as the sole authority).

Connection to Today

While Scripture is foundational, my personal relationship with the Triune God has expanded dramatically when I pay attention to how God speaks outside traditional boundaries. True spiritual leadership doesn't demand from people to build an institution; like Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:14, true Kingdom ministry says, "I seek not what is yours, but you."

Books like The Shack, The Celestine Prophecy, Braiding Sweetgrass, and Lies We Believe About God have opened new windows into the divine. Experiencing rich conversations with people of different faiths and cultures, alongside exploring the wonders of science, has continually drawn me closer to the heart of God.

My wife and I recently watched a deeply moving interview between William Paul Young and Richard Rohr on The Divine Dance: The Nature of the Trinity. Insights like theirs remind me that God is an active, ongoing relationship. Every new encounter outside of traditional church walls hasn't pulled me away from God—it has deepened my appetite to know Him more and let His Kingdom flow out into the world.

Prayer

Gracious Father, Yeshua, and Holy Spirit,

Open our eyes to see Your Kingdom breaking through right here, right now. Remind us that entrance into Your Kingdom comes through spiritual rebirth in Yeshua, not through religious performance or institutional effort. Thank You that as we dwell in Your Kingdom today, Your love and energy flow outward through us into the world. Help us not to relegate Your presence to the past or the distant future, but to recognize You in creation, in conversation, in science, and in every neighbor we meet.

Amen.

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