Some Christians are expecting the kingdom of God to come when Jesus returns. And there is an aspect of the fullness of the kingdom that will be made manifest when He returns. However, Jesus began His ministry by preaching, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15). Jesus was proclaiming that the kingdom was close enough to touch in the here and now. He continued by teaching us to pray, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10).