Nuances of Identity, Part 4, Storming Heaven, Senior Pastor Fred Garcia
Matthew 11:12(NASB)"From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.
Luke 16:16 "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since that time the gospel of the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.
Matthew 11:12(TPT) From the moment John stepped onto the scene until now, the realm of heaven’s kingdom is bursting forth, and passionate people have taken hold of its power. 11:12 Or “The kingdom of heaven is entered into by force, and violent ones take hold of it."
This is one of the most difficult passages in Matthew to translate from the Greek. Elisha leaving everything to follow Elijah…Disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus…every born again believe…It’s about tenacity… there are two thoughts you can derive from this passage:
- That the Kingdom suffers violence in a negative sense. This is valid in that as the truth has been revealed, as Jesus shines forth through His people, there is a violent back lash against all things Kingdom.
- The second thought is that there exists a level of tenacity available to all believers who so desire, to literally take or partake of the Kingdom of God.
I believe there is an aspect of our identity here, available to all, but in need of revelation, but it begins and ends with what you believe. It has nothing to do with striving or doing things in your own strength. It has everything to do with what you believe about Kingdom, and putting it into action. Does your knowledge of Kingdom make you hungry for it? Desire it? Passionately long forit? If the answer is no, it has nothing to do with your efforts, but everything to do with what you believe!!!
.Anything, where your treasure it, there your heart will be, that’s where while you pursue your treasure and expend effort, it’s effortless at that same time…why? Because you are pursuing your passion!
What is your passion???
