Where is the Kingdom of God?

Jim Jones believed he had found the Kingdom of God. Indeed he believed that he was God incarnate. He led over 900 other souls to believe that he had brought the Kingdom of God to bear on the world in a mosquito infested, hot-as-hell, cult compound in the middle of a jungle in South America. When it became all to clear that Jim Jones was just an angry drugged out drunk he began a murderous rampage that involved mass-suicide and the death of hundreds of children and adults. Jim Jones' congregation were looking for the Kingdom of God in the midst of a broken world. The Kingdom of God had not been revealed in Jonestown.

In the 1970's Jimmy Carter claimed to be a born again Christian and a new political kingdom was born. Evangelicals, Roman Catholics, Mormons, Jews, and even non-religious people banded together to form a Moral Majority. Their mission was to be an expression of the Kingdom of God on earth through the public square. Theology was kicked to the curb and a confusion of the Kingdoms was once again en vogue. America was God's Country. Evangelicals were looking for the Kingdom of God in the midst of a broken world. After 30 years of hard fought politics many Christians are confused because they have found that the Kingdom of God is not revealed in a moralistic America.

Am I saying that Jim Jones cult members and the Christian Right are one in the same? No way. What I am trying to demonstrate is that misunderstood theology of last things leads to very dangerous conclusions and results. When we confuse the two Kingdoms or ignore what is called "eschatology" (study of redemptive history) our whole view of the world is thrown off balance.

Let's admit it. Everything is not right with the world today. War, immorality, failed promises, economic problems, social injustice, crime, and the list goes on. The American Church is struggling to find it's place in the midst of post-modernism. If you are honest with yourself you may have thought at one time or another, "Where is the Kingdom of God?"

Jesus spoke of this Kingdom. He said that it was coming and that it had already arrived. We are told that Jesus has conquered sin and death and yet sin and death still seem to have victory. Just turn on the news for a few minutes and you will see what I am talking about. Where is this Kingdom of God?

This week, and perhaps in the coming weeks, I am going to be preaching on the Kingdom of God through the book of Daniel. I chose the book of Daniel because I believe it will bring comfort to God's church in the midst of difficult times. Our understanding of the Kingdom of God will teach us how to live in the public square as we keep our hearts fixed on this Kingdom that Jesus spoke of so long ago.

If you want to come prepared this Sunday I would encourage you to read Daniel chapter 2. Ask God to open your heart to his Word and allow the Holy Spirit to bring to bear his Word on your life.