The Kingdom Of Heaven
Is Still Suffering Violence
(November 2000; Modified December 2003)

The "Kingdom of Heaven" and the "Kingdom of God" are exactly the same in meaning, and will on occasion be used interchangeably in this message.

While Matthew, who addresses himself to the Jews, speaks for the most part of the ‘kingdom of heaven’, Mark and Luke speak of the ‘kingdom of God’, which has the same meaning as the ‘kingdom of heaven’, but was more intelligible to non-Jews. The use of ‘kingdom of heaven’ in Matthew is certainly due to the tendency in Judaism to avoid the direct use of the name of God. (The New Bible Dictionary. William B. Erdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI p. 693, 1962.)

The word kingdom means sovereignty or supremacy, or the rule of God The Father over both Heaven and earth and all that’s in them. This message, however, addresses the sovereign reign of God over His Saints, the Believers, who are on a journey through this world. While on this journey, in the life of the Believer, the Kingdom of God is them receiving and walking in all that God says He is and all that He says He will do.

Kingdom Of God Is The Word Of God

…Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled [at this time in history], and the kingdom of God is at hand [here now to deliver you]: repent [regret your sinning and change] ye, and believe the gospel [God’s admonition for holy living] (Mark 1:14-15).

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give (Matthew 10:7-8).

Jesus came preaching the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is God speaking to mankind that at this time on the earth (this dispensation), a different way is in progress whereby you will be delivered so that you can live holy, righteous, meek, and Christ-like with reverence and trust in Him. The Kingdom of God is God speaking to His people that there are no longer the pressures of the carnal ordinances of the Law of Moses and man’s traditions that prevent them from having a one-on-one relationship with Him. No more burdens or hindrances in living holy is what the Kingdom of God spells out. The Kingdom of God reveals to you who the real enemy is. The Kingdom of God is God’s high holy standard injected into you, the Believer for spiritual and natural healing (Matthew 4:23-24; 12:28), and deliverance so that you can truly love and serve Him with your whole heart, mind, soul, and with all your strength.

The Kingdom of God is not handed to anyone on a silver platter. It must be sought after just as one is seeking after "things" in life trying to fill the void within. Matthew tells you not to fret about what you’ll eat, drink, or wear, and all the other things that go along with being looked after in this world, because God knows your needs, and wants you to be more concerned about eternal security that won’t burn-up in the fire.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).

The Lord has provided a way for your guaranteed eternal security, but you must first of all want it, and you cannot cheat nor scheme to get it – the Kingdom of God, that is. Second, you must fulfill all of God’s requirements from the first stage on through. When you want the Kingdom of God, God will know that you want it by you diligently seeking it, unceasingly, which begins with genuine repentance (Matthew 3:2; 4:17).

1. The Kingdom of God is as the "Sermon on the Mount" speaks of being the "poor in spirit," or genuinely humble and lowly in the true sense of a human being made in the image and likeness of God. One whose inner being is meek, humble, and lowly, will gladly receive the Kingdom of God and walk in it because the spirit, the inner-man, is willing whereas the flesh is weak and rebellious.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).

2. The Kingdom of God is as the parable about the sower who sowed seed (the Word of God) that fell by the wayside, into stony places, among thorns, and into good ground. Only the seed or the Word of God prospered on the good ground. Let the Word of God prosper in your life as one surrendered to all that God says He is and will do, and follow it up as one who walks in His Word.

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one [violent one/Satan], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty (Matthew 13:19-23).

3. The Kingdom of God is as the parable about the mustard seed. In this way of life you must walk in faith, obedience, and hunger and thirst after God and righteousness which will bring you to grow – to blossom forth, so that others can see that light in you and want the same Jesus that you have in you.

… The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof (Matthew 13:31-32).

4. The Kingdom of God is as the parable of leaven, that is, step-by-step maturity in the Believer’s walk with The Lord that ends in total sanctification. This means, salvation is on-going, as (a) The Father, (b) The Son, and (c) The Holy Spirit develop spiritual fruit within you that identify you as a "True Believer."

… The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened (Matthew 13:33).

5. The Kingdom of God is as the parable of the treasure that was hid in a field and the treasure of the pearls, is as, when God comes into your life, don’t give Him up for anything or anybody, but instead give up all traces of the world just to hold on to the God-given treasures and prizes in your life.

…the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field (Matthew 13:44).

…the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it (Matthew 13:45-46).
 

6. The Kingdom of God is as the parable about the scribe, that is, once you have the Gospel presented to you, bring it out of the treasure of your heart and share it with others both by your walk and by vocalizing it. At the moment you truly love The Lord, you cannot keep yourself from being a true witness.

… Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old (Matthew 13:52).

7. The Kingdom of God is as the parable about becoming as little children, that is, WILLING and SIMPLE. Come as little ones completely trusting in The Lord. Come in meekness, humility, and lowliness before The Lord and before mankind. There is no place in The Kingdom for self-will, doubt and unbelief, pride, arrogance, and haughtiness – no place for sin.

… Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted [Born Again], and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3-4).

8. The Kingdom of God is the Believer not taking any rubbish from Satan and his demons. That is, they exercise full use of the keys of the kingdom – binding (put in bonds; something that can’t move) and loosing (break-up or put-off – something that can move). These keys are for your use in destroying the works of the enemy in your life who hinder you in your walk with The Lord. Bind the negative and loose the positive.

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:19).

9. The Kingdom of God is as the king that forgave his servant’s debt but the servant did not do likewise to those indebted to him. You are to forgive others if you want God to forgive you.

… the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses (Matthew 18:23-35).

10. The Kingdom of God is as the parable about the householder (an equal opportunity employer) that hired help throughout the day, and at the end of the day paid the same wages to everyone regardless of total hours each worked. The kingdom is open to all Believers regardless of race, color, creed, or status in life, all that’s required is repentance and you allowing God to sanctify you so that in the end you will have eternal happiness with Him. Whether you are 12, 50, 60, or 80 years old, repent and surrender to The Lord. Live holy and remain faithful and in the end be chosen to possess the kingdom. It matters not how long one walked with God, it matters if the walk was holy and faithful for however long it was.

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen (Matthew 20:1-16).

In the end,

11. The Kingdom of God is like the parable about the king that made a marriage for His son.  God invites you (called) to the wedding supper, and as a free moral agent you "choose" to attend or not. God will never force you to come to Him, but in the end, if you are present and in respectable attire (found faithful), you will be allowed (chosen) to possess the kingdom. Without proper attire, you will be thrown out of the supper or not chosen for eternal happiness in the presence of The Lord.

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14).

12. The Kingdom of God is, in the end, the separation of the good from the bad. It is as the parable about the wheat from the tares. It is the end result of having lived a life according to God’s blueprint for Saints. The good/sheep/wheat will go to the right of The Lord and the bad/goats/tares will go to the left – HELL.

… The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man [God] which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy [Satan] came and sowed tares [unbelievers] among the wheat [Believers], and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest [end of the world]: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them [hell]: but gather the wheat into my barn [Kingdom of God] (Matthew 13:24-30).

First of all, God hates violence. "The Lord trieth the righeous; but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth" (Psalm 11:5). His Word also says, "Do violence to no man…" (Luke 3:14). From these two verses of Scripture we know that God is not speaking of natural violence but spiritual violence out of which emanates violence in the natural. Nowhere does Jesus instruct His people to be violent or brutal.

The sword is one of the weapons of warfare but it is not a natural sword, it is the Word of God that is more powerful than anything Satan can pull out of his arsenal, spiritually or naturally. It’s God’s Word that saves His Saints from being denied what He has laid up for them.

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence [seized/captured], and the violent [Satan and demons] take it by force (Matthew 11:12).

That Scripture has too many times been misinterpreted. The Church seems to think that she is to forcefully, in the natural of course, take back what the Devil has robbed her of. Sorry, but that’s not what it means. You must go back to John The Baptist – forerunner to one more than a prophet - Messiah, the Deliverer (Matthew 11:10). John had the spirit or the mantle of Elijah upon him – the spirit of truth and boldness. He was preparing the way for The Lord by preparing the hearts of the people to receive the teachings of Messiah that would set them free and keep them free to love and serve Almighty God, which is the overall intent of the Kingdom of God.

And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers lest I come and smite the earth with a curse (Malachi 4:6; Luke 1:17).

(More on the turning of the hearts at "First 3-1/2 Years Of The Tribulation: The Great Revival."  See pages 7-10.)

During the Intertestamental time (400 years) when God was not speaking to Israel, it was because of the gross sin of the people. God was about to send His Son Jesus into the world but wanted the hearts of the people made ready before His arrival with The Word in action – the Kingdom of God. It was John’s job to preach repentance and baptism to them. John was to also let the people know to go back to believing God as their ancestral fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, believed, or they would not be able to received the Kingdom of God and would be cursed worse than what they already were.

Because of 400 years of rebellion, God’s Word could not touch and heal, spiritually nor naturally, the lives of the people. Remember, God’s Word is all that God says He is and all that He says He will do. The Bible is God’s Word and Jesus is God’s Word. God wasn’t speaking to Israel and blessing them but it was Satan that was speaking to Israel during those 400 years. God’s Word that He had sent to the Israelites was suffering violence by way of Satan invading the people’s hearts and hindering them from (1) worshipping the God of their fathers with their hearts instead of their lips; (2) trusting in God; and (3) obeying God’s Commandments. Saints, God blesses His people when they do all of the above and are not in all out rebellion. This was how the Kingdom of Heaven was suffering violence, and it’s that very same way today in The Church of Jesus Christ because The Church is in apostasy.

In The Church, today, the Kingdom of Heaven is suffering violence! Great revival, healing, and deliverance are not in The Church because "the violent (Satan) taketh it by force." Sorry, but "the violent taketh it by force" does not mean The Church is taking back the Kingdom of Heaven because she has all of this authority or is a "kingdom now" believer. "The violent taketh it by force" means that Satan and his demons have overpowered God’s Word in the lives of the people because the people have allowed him to do so due to even the smallest doubt and unbelief such as "God doesn’t do that any more" or "That went out with the apostles."

Satan was really disturbed at the new activity going on in the earth leading up to Jesus’ arrival to live out The Word. That which John the Baptist was doing was different than ever before and was to go on until Jesus returned a second time – 2000-plus years. Naturally, Satan was going to do all in his power to gain advantage over what God was doing in the earth, and it proved not to be that difficult. So what was Satan going to do? He was going to use deceit to influence the hearts of the so-called Believers, and for the most part has succeeded. As for the hearts of the people, they are free-moral agents who can choose to accept God’s total Word or choose not to accept and walk in His total Word. They have accepted the latter because they want to do as they desire to do. Result of that is "the violent" have snatched the Kingdom of God right out of their hearts. Oh, yes, they go through the motion of being Believers, but God knows that in their hearts they are not true Believers – they have no real faith, and they have no power.

These Church-going people are powerless when it comes to Satan and his demons. Sure, they may say, "I rebuke you Satan, in the name of Jesus" or "I bind you up Satan, in the name of Jesus," but those demons laugh and continue to stick their ground because they know that it wasn’t a "true Believer" speaking, but was a half-stepping  – faker and shaker.

In Conclusion

The Kingdom of God is "missing in action" because of the apostate hearts in the Church of Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God is to this day "suffering violence" and the violent Satan that is, is taking the salvation of God right out of the lives of His people. (No, it’s not "once saved, always saved! Salvation is on going until The Lord chooses you in the end.)  Before Jesus’ first coming, Satan had taken the kingdom by force because the people could not compete with him. Satan was on the attack then and continues to this day. The difference being, today, Satan doesn’t have to take the kingdom from the people, they are opening up and willingly handing it over to him. Stop giving your heart and soul – your salvation – to the enemy and repent of your apostate ways. Open up and let The Lord come in and do a genuine work of sanctifying your life so that you can be found faithful in the end.

Repent! Believe the Gospel! Believe that the book of Acts is for today! Believe God is all that He says He is, and will do all that He says He will do! This is the way to keep Satan from violently robbing you of your salvation. Get mad! Don’t let the "violent one" keep you in this apostate state.