Lost in many church cultures today is the idea that the Lord intends to establish His kingdom on earth.

Mike Vlach does a pretty good job of describing and contrasting what he calls the "Spiritual Vision Model" vs the "New Creation Model" of the kingdom of God. There are very important distinctions and implications. You can read about these models here:

He defines these models using labels. And the explanation may be a bit technical and academic.

But, the essence of what the Bible says about the "kingdom" is very basic and clear - so that even a child can understand it. In fact, most of us who've committed to memory the "Lord's prayer" need to stop and re-consider carefully these words:

"Your kingdom come,
     Your will be done,
     on earth as it is in heaven."

It's a simple, bold, and accurate statement about what is coming! And it's echoed throughout the Bible.

On this mountain the LORD of Hosts
     will prepare a banquet for all the peoples,
a feast of aged wine, of choice meat,
     of finely aged wine.
On this mountain He will swallow up
     the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
     the sheet that covers all nations;
He will swallow up death forever.
     The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face
and remove the disgrace of His people
     from the whole earth.

Is 25:6-8

For behold, I will create
     new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered,
     nor will they come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice forever
     in what I create;
for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy
     and its people to be a delight.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem
     and take delight in My people.
The sounds of weeping and crying
     will no longer be heard in her.

Is 65:17-19

"The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."

Rom 8:19-21

 

Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven:

“The kingdom of the world
     has become the kingdom of our Lord
and of His Christ,
     and He will reign forever and ever.”

Rev 11:15

“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man,
     and He will dwell with them.
They will be His people,
     and God Himself will be with them as their God."

Rev 21:3