In this message we unpack Jesus’ words in Mark 12:28–34 and the powerful moment where a scribe is told, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” Not far — but not in.

By tracing Jesus’ quote back to the Shema in Deuteronomy 6, this sermon reveals a progression many believers miss: not just saved out of Egypt, not just headed into the Promised Land — but first invited into covenant relationship with God.

This teaching calls us to move from knowledge to engagement, from religious activity to covenant love, from ticking boxes to wholehearted devotion. What we are saved into matters more than what we were saved out of.

At the heart of Kingdom living is this truth: we are called to engage in love — loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbour from that place of covenant relationship.

A timely invitation to examine whether we are merely close to the Kingdom… or truly participating in it.