The church plays a vital role as God’s instrument for spreading His kingdom on Earth. Rather than just being a building or weekly gathering, the church represents God’s people carrying out His mission in the world.
What is the Kingdom Tension?
We live in a tension between the “now” and “not yet” of God’s kingdom. Jesus inaugurated His kingdom during His first coming, but won’t fully consummate it until His return. In this in-between time, the church operates as God’s primary vehicle for demonstrating and expanding His rule and reign.
How Did the Church Become God’s Instrument?
When Israel rejected Jesus as Messiah, God gave the responsibility of producing kingdom fruit to the church. Starting with a small group of faithful followers after the resurrection, the early church grew rapidly as they demonstrated new creation life empowered by the Holy Spirit.
What Are the Key Relationships of the Church?
The church operates through three key relationships:
Relationship with God
Relationships within the church community
Relationships with future believers yet to know Christ
These relationships, empowered by the Holy Spirit, allow the church to effectively carry out its ministry of reconciliation.
What Authority Does the Church Have?
Jesus gave the church “keys to the kingdom” – not to control who enters, but to provide access to God’s power and presence. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, He reclaimed the authority humanity lost in Eden and commissioned the church to operate in that authority.
How Does the Early Church Model Ministry?
The early church demonstrated effective ministry through:
Devotion to teaching, fellowship, communion and prayer
Sharing resources and meeting needs
Regular gatherings for worship and encouragement
Witnessing to others about Christ
Experiencing God’s power through signs and wonders
Life Application
This week, consider how you can better live as the church rather than just attending church. Ask yourself:
Am I actively building relationships with God, other believers, and those who don’t yet know Christ?
Where do I need to “open the door” and get out of God’s way so He can work through me?
How can I demonstrate kingdom life to those around me?
Am I living with awareness of both the “now” and “not yet” aspects of God’s kingdom?
The challenge is to wake up each day ready to partner with God in His ongoing work, remembering that we have access to His power and presence to fulfill our mission of reconciliation.
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
