Kingdom Forward: Living on the Leading Edge of the King’s Story (Ep 347)

What does it mean to live Kingdom Forward? In this short, high-impact episode of JesusSmartX, discover how to align every decision, relationship, and prayer with the King’s agenda. Drawing from John 3 and Matthew 6:33, we explore how to seek first God’s Kingdom, live ahead, and advance His reign in real life — flourishing, now and forever.----------See the full episode transcript below.👉 Enhanced show notes: Go here👉 Explore more episodes: JesusSmart.com/podcastIf this episode gave you a fresh perspective on Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs encouragement.Be sure to follow the podcast—each episode is designed to help you think more clearly and pursue the kind of life only Jesus makes possible.Stay current via The Smart Edit newsletter -- Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com.----------EPISODE TRANSCRIPTLife on the Leading Edge of God’s KingdomWelcome to the Jesus Smart X Podcast. I’m Brian Del Turco, and here we quest to explore life on the leading edge of God’s kingdom. This isn’t just a belief system—it’s a dynamic reality we step into through the born-again experience (John 3, Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus). From there, it’s a process of growth, discipleship, and development.A professor once explained it to me as punctiliar versus process: a point in time versus a continuing line. Entering the kingdom begins at a moment—conversion—but then becomes a lifelong process of growth in Christ.From Tech Forward to Kingdom ForwardRecently, while on a fitness walk, I was listening to a podcast where a guest described people and companies as "tech forward"—early adopters leaning into technology. That phrase struck me. What if we thought of our lives as kingdom forward?A kingdom forward person leans into God’s reign. They seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Their mindset, values, and decisions align with the King’s agenda, not with cultural trends or even religious habits.Why the Kingdom Matters NowIn North America and Europe, many Christians tend to approach faith as “churchianity” or simply “getting to heaven.” But Jesus said we must be born again to see and enter the Kingdom (John 3).This kingdom is not a side hustle. It’s the organizing principle for all of life.The Greeks searched for the organizing principle of reality and called it the Logos. John takes that concept and applies it to Christ: Jesus is the Logos. Everything is created by Him, sustained by Him, and moving toward Him.What It Means to Live "Kingdom Forward"Being kingdom forward means syncing our story with the Jesus story.Allowing our values, decisions, and relationships to be shaped by the King’s agenda.Asking in every challenge or opportunity: "What action right now most advances God’s reign?"Leveraging opportunities not for ego or competition but for the advancement of Christ’s story.Living this way positions us for blessing and alignment with God’s purposes.God Loves All—But He Likes Kingdom Forward PeopleHere’s a challenging thought: God loves all His children, but I believe He especially delights in those who are Kingdom forward. Those who seek His reign first are playing on a different field. They live ahead—carrying the King’s priorities into every space of life.A Kingdom Forward PrayerKing Jesus, I choose to seek first Your kingdom and the Father’s righteousness. Holy Spirit, align my steps, words, and thoughts. Advance Your reign in me, through me, and around me. I trust You to add everything designed for me as I prioritize Your kingdom. Amen.Live Ahead: The Kingdom Is ComingFriends, history is moving toward Christ. He is returning with the fullness of His kingdom—the millennium, a new heavens and a new earth. The life we live now is a seed of what’s to come. Live ahead. Wake up each day with the kingdom first, always.If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a friend.