The Kingdom Within

The Lord Jesus Christ, before ascending to Heaven, spent 40 days with His disciples talking about the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Among the many things He could have talked about, He chose to focus on the Kingdom of God.

These were also the first words He proclaimed at the start of His ministry: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Jesus both began and ended His ministry emphasizing this message.

The Kingdom of God is not physical. This contrasts with what the Pharisees expected—that the Kingdom of God would be visible, like in the days of David or Solomon.

People often seek God for success, comfort, or recognition. They try to build their own “kingdom” in this life. But the Kingdom of God is not like this.

So, what is the Kingdom of God?

The Kingdom of God is within us. It is God reigning and ruling in our hearts, allowing His will to prevail over ours. If we do not surrender our will and instead insist on our own way, we cannot fully receive the Holy Spirit. Many people want to keep control of their own choices, but if we want God to reign in us, we must learn to let go of our will.

When a person is baptized in the Holy Spirit, that is when the Kingdom of God begins to dwell within them. Then all other blessings follow.

“Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21

Having the Kingdom of God within a person means becoming a child of God. To be a child of God is to have His nature within us—not that we are perfect, but that we live according to His will.