Kingdom and Prayer

What does it mean to live in the kingdom of God—really live in it, with righteousness, peace, and joy—not just in theory but in your heart, your relationships, and your decisions?

In this powerful message, Kingdom and Prayer, Pastor Josh invites the church into a crucial season of reflection and spiritual pursuit. Coming off a series on the Kingdom parables, he now turns the focus inward, asking: If the kingdom of God is here, why do so few experience its reality?

A Church Not Led by One, But Built by Many

Pastor Josh begins by explaining his evolving role—not as the sole charismatic leader, but as a teaching pastor equipping the saints. Drawing from Acts and Ephesians 4, he reminds us that every Christian is a minister, not just the “professionals.” In a church governed by the Spirit, everyone has access to the presence and voice of God—not through a pastor, but through Christ himself.

“You don’t need Joshua Choi—you need Jesus Christ.”

The Gap Between Desire and Reality

Many of us say we want righteousness, peace, and joy. But why don’t we live in it? The missing link, Pastor Josh says plainly, is prayer.

From James 4, he unpacks why our lives are often filled with quarrels and struggles: “You desire and do not have… You do not have because you do not ask.” He illustrates how our inner passions—unsubmitted to God—are the root cause of external chaos. A messy room isn’t just a mess; it’s a trigger for deeper fears. A fight with a spouse often reveals unmet desires and buried insecurities.

“You bring the million-dollar question to God and expect a ten-cent answer. You can’t do that.”

Prayer is Not Just a Tool—It’s a Battle for Your Desires

Prayer, in this season, is not about wishful thinking or religious ritual. It is the battleground where desires are examined, confessed, and aligned with God. Without prayer, we are governed by cravings. With it, God can rule over our desires.

“If you want the wrong thing, you will never get the right answer.”

Pastor Josh challenges us to bring not only our actions but even our sinful desires to God—sexual temptations, bitterness, pride—and let Him reshape us. He distinguishes between what is ours (responsibility for action) and what is God’s (transformation of the heart).

Why Don’t We Pray More?

Sometimes, we don’t pray because we’re afraid of disappointment. So we ask only for what seems humanly possible. But true faith presses in. God is not a vending machine, he says, but a Father. Sometimes He says “no” not to reject us, but to protect us.

“When God says no, that’s His protection. When He says yes, it’s His permission.”

An Invitation to Seven Days with Jesus

Pastor Josh ends with a challenge: set aside the next seven days to pray intentionally, fervently, and honestly. Fast—perhaps not just from food, but from whatever distracts your heart. This is not about trying to impress God, but being vulnerable before Him. You don’t need religious words; you just need an honest heart.

“You are not a servant who begs. You are a child who asks.”