From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17 Jesus spoke often of “the Kingdom of Heaven” while on Earth, saying it was here, right now (Matthew 4:17). So, is the Kingdom of God present or future?  The answer is…yes! Jesus’ teachings about the Kingdom of God reveal that it is a mystery.  The kingdom would come in two stages:  first with Jesus coming to earth to deal with sin and then with Jesus returning in the clouds with great glory and power. We can enter into the here and now Kingdom by being born of God’s spirit, surrendering our hearts to be changed (John 3:3, Romans 14:17). Living in the Kingdom of God means living out God’s purposes on Earth. Jesus told His disciples, “Proclaim: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give'” (Matthew 10:7-8). In the same way, we must do the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21). Jesus explained the Kingdom of Heaven saying it is like a tiny bit of yeast hidden in 3 cups of flour, making all the dough rise (Matthew 13:33). It is action oriented. The Kingdom of Heaven being at hand means that followers of Jesus bring about the will of the Father through their lives on Earth. Until the future Kingdom arrives, present and (Revelation 11:15), Kingdom living is one of action: let’s go into all the world and make disciples, healing the sick, setting prisoners free, feeding the hungry, driving out every kind of demon and visiting the lonely.   Resource reading: Matthew 13:10-52