The Kingdom: A Present Day Reality
Typically we have seen the Gospel presented as “Christ died for our sins so we can go to heaven.” Yet when we see Jesus begin his earthly ministry, he states that he has come to bring the “good news” of the kingdom of heaven, now! What does this mean? What is the gospel? This shows us that there is much more to the “Good News” than Christ died for our sins so we can get to heaven someday, after I die. Christ’s death on the cross is the beginning of a cosmic revolution, where his followers are commissioned and empowered to help implement a new way of living; (Kingdom Living) one without the perceived separation of His presence.
The good news is that he is restoring all things back to what once was. Restoration back to “Garden-like” living. The Eden garden was the overlap of God’s space and Man’s space, where we experience His presence without the contamination of brokenness, dislocation, and death (sin). Yahweh’s primary desire for us isn’t that we’d someday be reunited with him in some celestial place we call heaven. It’s to experience His goodness, love, and presence now; to come into agreement with His declaration of wholeness, now. So that we would be a people who usher in this heaven on earth reality. Jesus taught us a prayer, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We may have thought this was like praying for the weekend to come faster because you’re having a rough week. As if it’s only some future reality, that we really know won’t happen currently. Instead, what if we understood this prayer to be an invitation for us to partner with Yahweh in opening the doors for people to enter a reality that is currently available.
From Brokenness to Wholeness: The Natural Fruit of Union
Like with any theological conversations, we run the risk of intellectual understanding being the goal. Salvation (being made whole) is a paradigm we must live from, not just comprehend. Yahweh not only calls us into an intellectual agreement with His words and truth, but to be so convinced of them that it invades every fiber of our being, making wholeness the natural consequence of everything we do. We are not simply talking about a conceptual belief, but a convincing belief.
It’s very important to know that fruit is a natural manifestation of what’s taking place within. Fruit is not something that can be changed, worked into, or manufactured. It is merely the expression of a reality, a byproduct of intimacy. If you operate from a place of brokenness, you will manifest fruit of brokenness. If you live from a convinced place of wholeness, then you will exhibit Wholeness. (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and many others)
This reality should be one of freedom, as fruit is never something that requires performance. Many of us have been taught to try and exhibit different fruit. If you lack love, try to be more loving; if you are impatient, you need to work on being more patient. Although, behavior modification may be of some use in this world, it will never produce anything by way of earning, nor will it actually produce lasting change. Only metabolic (transformation) through intimate union will produce the desired fruit, by way of convinced wholeness in Christ. This is the gospel!
The Present Reality of Shalom
As discussed previously, when we think of “salvation,” our minds often jump to the New Testament understanding of eternal life and “where we go when we die.” While this is a vital aspect of salvation, God’s desire for humanity has always been far more expansive. In the Old Testament, we discover a profound concept that encapsulates healing, wholeness, restoration, and a state of complete well-being: Shalom. Much more than just the absence of conflict or a simple greeting of “peace,” shalom is a rich, multi-faceted Hebrew word describing a comprehensive, flourishing state where nothing is missing, nothing is broken, and everything is in its proper place. It speaks to a harmonious existence—spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially. When we understand shalom through the lens of the Greek “sozo” we begin to see how deeply ingrained this concept of present-day healing and wholeness was in the Old Testament understanding of God’s interaction with His people.
A fundamental truth about shalom is that it is not primarily circumstantial, but deeply relational. True shalom doesn’t depend on the absence of external challenges or the perfect alignment of outward circumstances. Instead, it’s inextricably tied to our degree of experienced intimacy and union with Yahweh. Consider the analogy of a branch intimately united with its vine. Even when the exterior elements—the harsh sun, strong winds, or beating rain—threaten it, the branch has no need for worry, doubt, or wonder if it will survive. Its source of strength, its very life, isn’t its exterior environment but its interior connection to the vine. Its degree of shalom, its wholeness and well-being, exists precisely because of its unbroken attachment to its life source. Likewise, we experience true wholeness and operate from a place of lacking nothing, when our interior world is intimately in union with Yahweh. This union is the wellspring of our shalom.
This truth of relational shalom is evident throughout the Old Testament. Shalom signifies a state of completeness, soundness, and integrity, implying that all necessary components are present and functioning correctly because of a right relationship with God. For instance, the creation account in Genesis 2:1-3 depicts a world declared “very good” by God, not merely aesthetically, but as a declaration of perfect harmony and completeness, where shalom reigned. There was no lack, no brokenness, no sickness—this was humanity’s original design, operating in full shalom derived from perfect union with God. Similarly, Proverbs 3:1-2 links shalom to a long, flourishing life, stating, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity (shalom).” Here, shalom is directly connected to obedience, signifying a state of overall well-being and health that flows from alignment with God’s ways. Isaiah 48:18 further underscores this relational aspect, proclaiming, “If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace [shalom] would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” Disobedience disrupts shalom; obedience, born from a yielded heart in union with God, restores it, implying a present experience of well-being directly tied to one’s relationship with God.
Note: This excerpt is a selected portion of the week’s curriculum and does not represent the entire lesson.
Beyond the Box of Spirituality
We often compartmentalize our lives. We have “school time,” “work time,” “social time,” and then… “spiritual time.” We might think of spirituality as something we do occasionally – like saying a prayer before meals, singing worship songs on a Sunday morning, or attending a small group study.
But what if we told you that your entire life is meant to be a spiritual act? What if every single moment, from the moment you wake up to the moment you fall asleep, and everything in between is designed to be understood as holy? This isn’t just a suggestion for a few “churchy” activities. It’s a radical reorientation of our entire existence.
When we recognize “in Him we live, move, and have our being”, then there is nothing that I do that should be seen as “common”. You, yourself are not common, you are set apart! You are other than! You are holy! You are the righteousness of God in Christ! Therefore, nothing we do should be seen as outside the paradigm of holiness, which is simply the beautiful, integrated outflow of our union with Christ.
Uncommon You, Uncommon Life
When we truly grasp that “in Him we live, move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28), it changes everything. There is nothing you do that should be seen as “common” or outside of His loving gaze. Why? Because you, yourself, are not common.
You are:
Set apart: Chosen and uniquely purposed by God.
Other than: Different from the world’s standards, reflecting His divine nature.
Holy: Consecrated to Him, reflecting His character and your intended design.
The righteousness of God in Christ: Clothed in His perfection.
Therefore, nothing we do – whether it’s studying for an exam, scrolling social media, having a tough conversation, or doing chores – should be seen as outside this paradigm of being holy. Remember, holiness is less about our ability to adhere to a code of conduct and more about our courage to live in agreement with the beautiful, original DNA Yahweh placed within us. We don’t ‘become’ holy by acting right; we are called to ‘be’ holy by resting in the intended architecture of our souls.
The Radical Call: Being a Living Sacrifice
“In light of Yahweh’s mercy, offer yourselves as a living, holy, & pleasing sacrifice” (Rom 12:1). This is not a call to periodically engage in a spiritual activity in a way that honors Yahweh. Notice it doesn’t read, “Therefore, in view of God’s mercy, offer Him a sacrifice once in a while.” It calls us to “be” a “living” sacrifice.
Think about the difference, how much easier would it be to offer a gift, something outside ourselves, and be done with it? Just check a box. God doesn’t want a one-time offering. He wants you. All of you. All the time. David in Ps 51:16-17 beautifully communicates this truth; Yahweh is not looking for a sacrifice or a burnt offering… He desires your heart, your whole heart.
Understanding the “Living Sacrifice” in Christ
We don’t offer ourselves as a performative act. Seen through performance lenses, we may read this as “Try to be a sacrifice, and work hard to be holy, so that you can finally be pleasing.” (This makes holiness a goal you haven’t yet reached). Instead, see the beautiful invitation of deeper intimacy. “offer yourself, which is already a living sacrifice, already set apart (holy), and already well-pleasing to Him, as your logical way of worshipful living.
It’s crucial to understand what this “living sacrifice” isn’t:
It’s not about atonement for sins: That has been fully accomplished by Christ Himself on the cross! “It is Finished!”
It’s not about payment or penance: We don’t offer anything to earn His favor or pay for our brokenness.
“Because of the merciful work already finished in Yeshua, our doing becomes our holy offering that He delights in. This is the union of physical and spiritual worship, making every moment Holy. This requires a shift (metanoia) away from how the world operates, and into your transfigured reality where you see more clearly what He is doing, and joining.” Rom 12:1-2 paraphrased
When every moment is holy, when every act is an offering, your life becomes a continuous conversation and communion with God. It’s how we truly live in union and intimacy with Him, aligning with His intended design for us.
Note: This excerpt is a selected portion of the week’s curriculum and does not represent the entire lesson.
Redefining Work: Beyond Misconceptions
When it comes to the Christian faith, the concept of “work” often falls into one of two unhelpful extremes. One perspective suggests that true spirituality means we don’t work, but rather passively wait for God to do everything. The opposing view insists that we must work tirelessly and strive relentlessly to please God, particularly in light of all He has done for us. Both of these perspectives miss the truth of our design. The scripture reminds us, “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28), pointing to an inherent partnership. Working is something we were called to do from the very beginning, ingrained in our purpose even before sin and brokenness entered the world. Genesis 2:15 states, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Work, then, is not a consequence of the Fall or sin, nor is it a punishment; it is an intrinsic part of our design as image-bearers. It’s simply not supposed to be a means by which we earn or achieve our beloved identity. Nor are we meant to sit idly by, expecting Yahweh to accomplish everything without our participation. We were created in His image to steward and cultivate the creation He has entrusted to us, bringing order from chaos, much like He organized the “Tohu va Vohu”—the formless and empty state of the earth in Genesis 1.
Work as Worship: Abad and Shamar
The Hebrew terms used in Genesis 2:15, Abad (work) and Shamar (keep), offer a deeper understanding of work, revealing that to some significant degree, they are synonymous with worship. Abad carries meanings such as “to work, to serve, to labor, to till, to cultivate, and to worship.” It speaks of active engagement and devotion. Shamar means “to keep, to guard, to treasure, to observe, and to protect.” When we are called to “work and keep” the garden, it is an invitation into a form of active worship, a devoted stewardship of God’s creation. What these words convey is preserving and cherishing, transcending mere obligation and duty.
Imagine a father and his young son working together to plant a garden. The father begins by tilling and prepping the land, then gets on his hands and knees, carefully making small holes and placing seeds in the ground. At some point, the young son, captivated by the process, asks, “Can I try?” With a smile, the father hands over the seeds, guiding the son’s small fingers, teaching him how to make a tiny hole in the dirt, drop in the seed and pat it lightly. Then teaches when to water, and how to care for the seedling, all with shared excitement and expectation of the harvest to come. This vivid picture illustrates what it means to “work and keep” the garden. It’s not about a taskmaster assigning chores; it’s a demonstration, an invitation into a shared joy of being the planter and harvester.
Similarly, consider a mother showing her young daughter how to sew and make a dress. After demonstrating the technique, she slides over, inviting the young girl to participate with her. This collaborative, joyful engagement, where responsibility is shared and skills are lovingly passed down, is the essence of Abad and Shamar in action. It is this spirit of co-laboring with God, of actively cherishing and preserving His creation, that defines our call to “work and keep.” This isn’t an obligatory chore, but a partnership, a divine dance of co-creation and loving stewardship. From the time you wake up, through the tasks of the day, and the people you encounter; these are all invitations to partner with Yahweh.
Good Works: A Partnership, Not a Performance
This understanding of work as a partnership and a dance, rather than an obligation, is powerfully illustrated in Matthew 26:10. Jesus defends the woman who poured expensive oil on Him, stating, “Why do you bother this woman? She has worked a good work for Me.” The Greek word for “worked” here is Ergazomai, from which we get Ergon (work). This same root often implies labor, service, and even worship. What was her “work”? It was to pour out her most precious possession, anointing Jesus and bringing Him honor. This act of lavish devotion, born of deep affection and not compulsion, was recognized by Jesus as “good work”—a tangible expression of deep, relational worship. Her act was not a duty performed, but a heart-felt participation in a beautiful moment.
Similarly, we are called to “let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16), and we are assured that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). Our work, in this divine context, is not merely secular activity but sacred service and partnership, a means of glorifying God and reflecting His ongoing work (care & cultivation) in us. It’s a response to His initiating love, like the child’s eager “Can I try?” John 6:28-29 highlights this relational aspect, for when the people asked Jesus, “What must we do to work the works of God?” His profound answer was, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he has sent.” This reorients our understanding of “work” entirely: it shifts from outward striving and dutiful performance to internal reception, trust, and faith, which then overflows into active, loving partnership with God. Our “works” become the natural fruit of a believing heart, a beautiful expression of our shared journey with Him.
Managing Expectations & Redefining Success
When Yahweh invites us to “do” something or join Him in what He’s already doing, our human tendency is to attach our own ideas of what the outcome should look like – what we would consider “successful.” We often think of success in terms of visible results, measurable achievements, or the fulfillment of our own preconceived notions. However, we must understand that success for Yahweh is tied to our response-ability, our ability and willingness to respond to His invitation. If we respond to His invitation, then we are successful, regardless of our perceived or expected outcomes.
Weare called to “Shema” and join in with Yahweh. If we say “yes” to His invitation, then we are inherently successful. When we enter into a task or ministry opportunity, whether it’s service, preaching, leading worship, parenting, working with customers or simply showing kindness, the common tendency for others is to ask, “How did it go?” This question, while often well-intentioned, frequently centers on the “results” – the intended or expected outcomes. This focus on outcomes can be unfortunate. In essence, people are often asking, or at least we are hearing the question as, “Were you successful?”
Our response, rooted in this paradigm, should be something like, “I heard the call, and I responded to the best of my ability.” From this perspective, it was a great success! The perceived results or human-expected outcomes don’t even need to be part of the conversation, because they are not the ultimate measure. We are often unaware of what Yahweh truly has in mind regarding the outcome. Maybe it was simply for the sake of our obedience and partnership, and had very little to do with whatever “great thing” we thought we were being asked to do. The success isn’t in the perceived impact; it’s in the profound act of entering the dance with Him. Keep in mind, there will always be room for adjustments and evaluations that will call us to respond differently and more appropriately. Our response-ability will grow with maturity, so how you respond to a call or situation today, will most likely be different in the future.
Note: This excerpt is a selected portion of the week’s curriculum and does not represent the entire lesson.