Understanding the Foundation of God’s Kingdom in Simple Terms
If you’ve ever wondered what really sets God’s kingdom apart from the kingdoms and nations of this world, the answer can be summed up in one word: faith. It’s not about where you’re from, your ancestry, or what passport you hold. God’s kingdom is built on trusting Him—on faith—not on any one nation or group of people.
What Does “Faith Is the Substance of Things Hoped For” Mean?
There’s a well-known Bible verse, Hebrews 11:1, that says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” In everyday language, this means that faith is like having a solid foundation or guarantee for the things we hope for, even if we can’t see them with our eyes right now. Faith gives us confidence that what God promises is real—even when we can’t touch or see it yet.
· Substance: Think of faith as something real and solid, not just wishful thinking. It’s the foundation under what we hope for.
· Things Hoped For: These are the good things God promises, which we look forward to, even though we don’t have them yet.
· Evidence: Faith is like proof or a receipt that what we believe in is actually on its way, even if we haven’t seen it delivered yet.
Faith vs. National Identity
Throughout history, nations and groups have tried to claim that they alone are God’s special people, based on being part of a certain country, culture, or family. But that’s not how God’s kingdom works. God doesn’t care about the flag you wave or the language you speak—what matters is whether you trust Him.
The Bible says that from the very beginning, faith has been the mark of God’s people. It wasn’t citizenship or bloodline, but a deep, inner trust in God and His promises that set them apart.
· People like Abraham, Moses, and others in the Bible were honored not because of where they came from, but because they believed God, even when it was hard.
· Faith leads to obedience, courage, and hope—things that connect us to God more than any passport ever could.
Faith Makes God’s Promises Real
Faith isn’t just believing in something, like believing the sun will rise tomorrow. It’s an active confidence that what God says is true and will come to pass. Faith makes God’s promises feel real, even if we haven’t seen them happen yet. It’s like having a taste of what’s to come, giving us reason to keep trusting, hoping, and loving, no matter what.
Key Takeaways from Hebrews 11:1
· Assurance: Faith gives us the confidence to expect good things from God’s promises.
· Conviction: Even if we can’t see or prove these things physically, faith gives us the certainty they are real.
· Trust: Our relationship with God is built on trusting Him, not on our nationality or background.
Faith Shows Up in Real Life
The people in the Bible who are remembered and respected didn’t get there because of their nationality. They got there because their faith led them to do amazing things, to be patient, to keep going during tough times, and to trust God’s plan. Their faith was the driving force behind their actions and their hope.
Bottom Line
God’s kingdom isn’t a country you can find on a map. It’s not tied to any one group or nation. Instead, it’s made up of people from all walks of life who trust God and believe in His promises. Faith—not nationality—is what brings us into God’s family and gives us hope for the future.
So, when you think about belonging to God’s kingdom, remember: it’s not about where you’re from. It’s about Who you trust.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 