The kingdom of God is within us – this is what we want to perceive and feel together! God's nearness in many forms of appearance, in many gifts, through those present …

We want to experience this motto together in encounters, music, lectures, presentations, workshops, exhibitions, discussion forums, collective efforts etc., as well as in games and sporting activities.

Jesus Christ had fellowship with the people and permitted them to feel the kingdom of God. At that time, and also at the International Church Convention, the same applies: "See" – come and experience!

You wish to learn more about the Convention motto?

"For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17: 21). This motto for the International Church Convention was agreed upon at a District Apostles' Meeting. It was selected because every visitor at the Convention should be able to see, feel and experience the "kingdom of God" at the ICC.

The motto is a biblical quotation taken from the gospel according to Luke. The term "kingdom of God" does not mean a state territory, and is not a political domain. On the contrary, "kingdom of God" means the presence and sovereignty of God among mankind.


The "kingdom of God" has come in Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ gave this answer ("the kingdom of God is within you") in association with the Pharisees' question concerning the kingdom of God and its realization.

The sermon of the "kingdom of God" was the central point of Jesus' teaching. We can read in the gospel according to Mark that He said: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1: 15).

The "kingdom of God" therefore came to mankind in the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (In the gospel according to Matthew, the term "kingdom of heaven" is used as being tantamount to "kingdom of God".)


The future "kingdom of God"

The "kingdom of God" also has a future significance. Believing Christians expect that the "kingdom of God" will come in the future: it will commence with the "marriage of the Lamb". In turn, the picture of a marriage means unification of Jesus Chris with His bridle congregation (= followers of Christ who are waiting for His return – who will be counted to these will be revealed upon Christ's return).


The "kingdom of God" today

We experience the "kingdom of God" today in that we perceive the presence and sovereignty of God among mankind. Thus the "kingdom of God" is present in His Church.

We know the thought of A. Saint-Exupéry: "seeing with the heart" – those who look "with their heart" at the Church Convention will be able to recognize part of the kingdom of God. (s.r.)

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