HCC Weekly - February 2nd, 2026

Where are you Living?

Pastor Ken

Mark 12:28-34 (NIV)One of the teachers of the law…asked [Jesus], "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."   "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."   When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."

Let us take a moment to break down this story. A respected teacher of the law approached Jesus with a question: "What is the greatest commandment?" I believe his inquiry not only reflected a desire for spiritual understanding but also the pursuit of a more meaningful and purposeful life.In response, Jesus outlined five fundamental principles…

1. Love God with all your heart—this emphasizes consideration, including God in every decision, big or small.

2. Love God with all your soul—this signifies honesty and transparency.

3. Love God with all your mind—this encourages a cooperative and open-minded spirit.

4. Love God with all your strength—this advocates authenticity, being yourself.

5. Love others as you love God—this entails extending the same consideration, honesty, cooperation, and authenticity to others as you do to God.

Jesus indicated that practicing these principles would bring you “not far” from the kingdom of heaven. But what does this imply for our daily lives?Many people aspire to become Christians primarily to attain eternal life in heaven, viewing heaven as a distant, future reward. However, Jesus’ teachings suggest a different perspective: loving God involves bringing a sense of heaven into the present moment, making it accessible here and now.

Similarly, loving others allows you to share a fragment of heaven into them. As you begin your week, I pray that you will live “near” the kingdom of heaven—not only to experience a taste of heaven yourself but also to share its blessings with others.Wishing you a blessed Monday!