The Kingdom as a Blade.....

In the gospel of Mark you will find that Jesus began teaching the people about the Kingdom of Heaven. We can learn from this, that it is God's desire that you know about His Kingdom. There were so many people that Jesus had to get on a boat and push away from the shore to be able to address everyone. This is a witness to the fact, that inside all of us is the desire to know the truth. However, did you realize that there is a qualifier that must be met in order to learn the mysteries of the Kingdom? I was explaining to someone the other day that a teacher is only as good as his student. The student has to humble himself in order to learn. This is a lesson that a teacher has learned many years ago. However, some have failed to understand that learning is a lifelong process. Yes I still learn as you do. One of the things that I always pass on to my students is that I do not profess to know all things and I teach what I have learned from the Master, who does know all things, Jesus our Lord. Jesus began teaching in parables. A parable is a type of analogy. In other words, a story is given that challenges the hearer to use problem solving and decision making in order to understand the underlying meaning of the story given. In western views, it could be seen as being similar to a riddle. Jesus began His teaching about the Sower/Farmer who went forth sowing seed.

 Mar 4:3  Hearken: Behold, the sower went forth to sow: 

Mar 4:4  and it came to pass, as he sowed, some seed fell by the way side, and the birds came and devoured it. 

Mar 4:5  And other fell on the rocky ground, where it had not much earth; and straightway it sprang up, because it had no deepness of earth: 

Mar 4:6  and when the sun was risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. 

Mar 4:7  And other fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. 

Mar 4:8  And others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing; and brought forth, thirty fold, and sixty fold, and a hundred fold.

After Jesus finished teaching this parable He told them, "he who has ears to hear, let him hear." Then, that was it. End of the teaching. No more was said. Jesus had the men take Him back to shore.

Later, when Jesus was sitting alone with the disciples, people came to Jesus. They asked Jesus to explain to them the meaning of the parable that He had shared earlier. What did Jesus say to them? Mar 4:11  And he said unto them, Unto you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all things are done in parables: 

Mar 4:12  that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest haply they should turn again, and it should be forgiven them. Wow! Jesus explained the requirement to becoming a student. You must humble yourself and seek. Where were the other people? Didn't they hear the same parable? Didn't they hear the same call? Yes, but the ones that have ears to hear are the ones that seek after the truth. All of the people heard the same story. Yet only these few came to Jesus for the answer. It takes your initiative and humbleness to seek the truth. Not many are humble enough to do this. Jesus said, Seek and you shall find. Ask and it will be given. Knock and the door shall be opened! I wonder how many people read these same scriptures over and over and yet never ask? Never seek? Never knock on the Saviors door? These few came and they sought. Jesus proclaims to them that they shall know the Mysteries of the Kingdom! There have been those that have read what I share and never understand the beauty that is placed before them, because they already have themselves indoctrinated into their own beliefs and yes, even if Jesus taught them directly like the multitude that He taught that day on the boat, they will never receive the Mysteries of the Kingdom. In fact, through the recording of the Saviors words He still teaches the masses, Yet only those who humble themselves to learn will receive the Mystery that is hidden inside His glorious Kingdom. Jesus then asked these few, the following question and then gives us a great insight that this parable is a key parable for understanding all of His other parables that He has and will teach. Mar 4:13  And he saith unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how shall ye know all the parables? 

So as we educate ourselves we are going to see other parables unlock before us because of this KEY parable.

In verse 14 Jesus states that the sower sows the word. The Word of God is a seed. It has a growth period, or cycle of time. Also, we know that the word of God is creative and alive.

 Isa 55:11  so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

God reveals to us that is word is alive and produces. When the word is sown it is sown with that knowledge. The unfortunate thing today is that most people are unaware of this fact. I hear preachers that will preach and use passages of scripture like a charismatic catch phrase rather than honoring it for the power it contains. Then Jesus begins to share the different soils that the seed is cast. We know them. First the wayside, the rocky, the thorns and finally the good ground. The wayside is simply put the ground of ignorance. The majority of people fit into this category. They hear the word and will not humble themselves to ask for it's meaning. They foolishly believe they know it all. So the seed lays out in the open and the devil comes and recovers the seed taking it away. Why? Because, of our misunderstanding. You may think you have it all figured out. However, your lack of humility will cause you to lose the seed of life that has been cast before you. It is your pride that opens the door for the devil to steal the seed of the kingdom. Again, we know we are dealing with the kingdom because everywhere Jesus went, His message was the same. Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. And, He explained to His seekers that the Mysteries of the Kingdom would be given to them.

The next ground was the stony ground. The seed was received and it began to grow. However, something happened. It's roots were scorched. The heat of the sun symbolizes tribulation. What kind of tribulation? It will be  a persecution that comes from having the seed. The seed of the Kingdom is an offense to the sin nature of man and to the devil. This is not a one time test. No you will have this battle daily. The seed of the Kingdom will be battled against your own sin nature. Every time you choose the Kingdom over the world, you boldly declare to yourself and everyone else that you are walking by faith and not by sight. That is why it is called the fight of faith. 

2Ti 4:7  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: 

The next ground was the ground of thorns. Again, the seed took root and it grew. However, growing around it was thorns. The thorns choked the plant and killed it. What was the thorns? Cares, riches and pleasures of this world. Cares are your daily problems. It could be health problems, money problems, persecution, your daily struggle. I say your daily struggle for a reason. It is something that you have taken upon yourself. It consumes your every waking thought and even disturbs your sleep. It eats away at relationships, personal wealth, peace of mind. It blinds you to the solutions available to you that are stored in the Kingdom. Riches are best described as the love of wealth. You can be broke and not have a dime in the bank but your love of wealth, your consistent search for it, drives you. Rich men who are consumed with riches are never rich enough. They try to make their wealth greater. Finally, the pleasures of this world. The pleasures of this world makes a person jump from fad to fad. Whatever the next big thing is they are on it. The new car they have will be traded off for the next great one while driving themselves deeper into debt. The new dress that they just bought will only last for the day and tomorrow is another shopping spree. Wealth is wasted away on the pleasure that is heaped upon the individual. Finally, the good ground! What brought about the good ground? The good ground is brought about by the person that sought after the word held onto it, nothing wavering, after great patience witnessing it bringing forth great fruit. 

Mar 4:20  And those are they that were sown upon the good ground; such as hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, thirty fold, and sixty fold, and a hundred fold.

We have good ground but there are differing harvest. Why is this? Guess what? Jesus explains it.

 Mar 4:21  And he said unto them, Is the lamp brought to be put under the bushel, or under the bed, and not to be put on the stand? 

Mar 4:22  For there is nothing hid, save that it should be manifested; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light. 

Mar 4:23  If any man hath ears to hear, let him hear. 

What is the lamp? Or what is the light that Jesus is speaking of? John answered that.

 John 3:21  But he who practices truth comes to the Light so that his works may be revealed, that they exist, having been worked in God.

 So, the lamp is the truth. The truth was never meant to be hid. However, there is a qualifier for the truth. What is it? He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Again, we must continue seeking. So our harvest amount is dependent upon our seeking. In fact, Jesus continued by stating the following,

Mar 4:24  And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete it shall be measured unto you; and more shall be given unto you. 

Mar 4:25  For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he hath. 

In another version it says this,

Mar 4:24  He went on to say, "Pay attention to what you're listening to! Knowledge will be measured out to you by the measure of attention you give. This is the way knowledge increases. 

Mar 4:25  Those who understand these mysteries will be given more knowledge. However, some people don't understand these mysteries. Even what they understand will be taken away from them."

So, if the cares of life, tribulations, riches, lust, whatever it may be distracts you, you will lose whatever knowledge you have gained about the kingdom. And your increase of the knowledge of the kingdom will be in result to your search of them. Finally, Jesus teaches another parable noted here in Mark that unlocks the understanding of the progressive growth of the kingdom. 

Mar 4:26  And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed upon the earth; 

Mar 4:27  and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he knoweth not how. 

Mar 4:28  The earth beareth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 

Mar 4:29  But when the fruit is ripe, straightway he putteth forth the sickle, because the harvest is come.

Jesus explains to the seeker the growth process of the Kingdom of heaven. It was sown into the Earth and came forth as a blade. Now, to a city boy like myself I could drive by a field and my mom and dad would say looks like that farmer planted himself some cotton. Now, I could look at that field just as serious as you could look at it and I would have no idea what was planted until the whole fruit in the ear came. However, to a farmer, he could tell by the blade that came out of the ground what was planted. Could someone be as blind to the blade of the kingdom as I was to the blade of that cotton plant? Of course! However, to help us identify things, Jesus gave us identifiers. The growth process was the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. The time period that Jesus first came into the Earth was a growth time period. The nation of Israel was looking for the Messiah. The knew that the Messiah would come and establish His government and they would rule with Him. I can imagine the priest all telling the people the Messiah is coming soon and we will come out of the rule of these brutal heathen Romans. The problem? They didn't understand the Kingdom. When God spoke through His servant Isaiah, God stated that the Messiah would come with His government on His shoulders. This verse is still misinterpreted today. Unable to understand the growth process of the Kingdom has left folks unaware of important scriptures that are prophetically aligned for this generation. When Jesus arrived He made a time sensitive statement that many overlook today. A Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus, who was one of the important rulers came to Jesus under the cover of darkness. Like most folks that have a hidden agenda Nicodemus started the conversation with a bunch of compliments leading to what his objective line of questioning was going to be, but Jesus stopped Nicodemus with a great statement.  

John 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  

I have heard many teachings over this verse and I am sure you have also. However, Jesus made this statement in response to the compliments of Nicodemus. What did Nicodemus say?   Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him. What is it that we are missing? Jesus has just explained to Nicodemus, You are praising the signs and miracles, but what Nicodemus was failing to truly see was the operation of the Kingdom of God.

Wow! Are so blind today? This was life and life more abundantly that was only perceived by those that were born again. Well Nicodemus asked the same question that many people ask today. How can you be born twice? 

John 3:5  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God! 

We have been taught that this scripture in reference to the being born of water means being born of the word. Why? Because Paul made mention of the washing of the water of the word in Ephesians. So scholars have taken everywhere there is mention of water to be symbolic to the word. What if Jesus wasn't being symbolic. What if Jesus was speaking plain knowledge to a teacher?

When you are born into this world, the sack of water that you once lived in breaks and you are born from water. Where is the Kingdom of Heaven? In the Earth! It has been from the foundation of time. One of the qualifiers to walk in the Kingdom is you have to be born of water. That excludes the devil. Hmmm...Is any of this starting to make since? The second requirement is being born of the Spirit. During the blade growth process men who walked in the Kingdom did so because the Spirit of God rested upon them. It was passed down through lineage and with a prayer passing on the blessing. Issac received the Kingdom from his father Abraham. Isaac had two sons Esau the oldest and Jacob the younger. Jacob learned and watched through his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac the life given through the Kingdom. Jacob was approximately 15 years old when Abraham passed away. He witnessed the passing of the Kingdom from Abraham to Isaac and watched as his father prospered abundantly through the years. Jacob coveted the Kingdom. Jacob used underhanded tricks to gain the kingdom. Jesus spoke about this when talking about John the Baptist.

Mat 11:12  And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and men of violence take it by force.

Everything up until that time was brought about by those that understood the kingdom and took it by any means necessary. From Adam to Jacob was the blade time period. The Kingdom grew from the blade time period to the ear or stalk period when Jacob was given a new blessing.

Gen 32:28  And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for thou hast striven with God and with men, and hast prevailed. The blade had become the ear. Instead of the kingdom being passed down through a man it now came to a nation, Israel. The full fruit in the ear was soon to happen. Jesus explained it to Nicodemus and yet Nicodemus walked away not understanding. Can we hear the truth and not be able to walk in it? The Kingdom of Heaven was given to the world through a completed act of Jesus. Until this time, only those that had the Spirit resting upon them would be able to enter into the kingdom. Jesus was taking this thing global. Why? Because, God so loves the world. Soon through the newborn experience through the finished works of Jesus would give birth to a new life. Jesus best explained it in the sermon on the mount. To find the kingdom, one would have to acknowledge their own poor beggarly condition, this would lead you to the gates. However, once you got there you would find the gates to the greatest kingdom on this planet locked. Great mourning would occur. The good news? You will be comforted. How? Jesus has provided you with the keys to the Kingdom. You receive the key by receiving Him.Jesus would open the gates for the kingdom of heaven to be in you. By receiving Jesus as your Lord and Savior the seed of the Kingdom has been planted inside of you. It will grow. First the blade, the ear and then the full grain in the ear. Hold on to it. Have patience, even when persecution comes, and it will. Stand fast even when cares, riches and pleasures come to lure you away. As the kingdom grows within you, you will learn to walk in it affecting those around you and yes, even the heavens above you. If you haven't chose Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I would like to invite you to do so today. The Lord is coming soon. The sickle is about to be thrust forth and He is going to take a mighty harvest. Will you ask Jesus in your heart today? Simply say Lord Jesus, I repent of following after my own way. It was a way, but it wasn't Your Way. I know that You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. I know that the only way to the Father is through You. Forgive me. Set my feet on Your path of righteousness. I receive Your salvation and Your Kingdom today. I pledge my life and my service to fulfilling the will of God through the Kingdom of Heaven in this Earth. Thank You for Your saving grace. Amen!

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. 

Kings without a Kingdom

Rev 17:12  And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings, who have received no kingdom yet, but will receive authority as kings one hour with the beast.

We know by study, that the vision the Apostle John records in Revelation is connected to the vision the Prophet Daniel recorded approximately 690 years earlier.  Due to the connection of these two visions there has also been a seal on these visions keeping men blinded to their meaning. 
Dan 12:4  But you, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. 
As I have shared before, we are the revelation generation. No other generation in time can be identified as such. With that understanding, we can also show how these prophetic scriptures have been unsealed and their meanings unlocked. I have been teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven, that it is the 7 regional government of Christ. I have also explained that the term government and kingdom are one and the same and cannot be separated. The kingdom or government of Christ is a holy government. That is why it is a 7 regional government. For the number 7 is a Holy number. The ultimate showdown between good and evil is soon to occur. Before the showdown occurs there is appointed a time of tribulation. In fact, Jesus labeled this time period as the "Great Tribulation". This time period would come upon the Earth through the devil and his government of tribulation. The number for tribulation or trials is the number 10. Egypt experienced 10 plagues which are also referred to as trials or tribulations. The tribulation government of Satan is a 10 regional government. Daniel was the first to record the 10 horned beast in his vision. John also saw the same 10 horned beast but records one additional description that further identifies the devils government system. That the 10 kings had no kingdom but will receive authority as kings one hour with the beast. To many this verse was confusing, and accepted as some type of allegory. Isn't it amazing that when men cannot explain scripture, that through their collective schooling and educations, they try to logically explain it away? Why can we understand this verse today? Is it because we have become so intelligent? Hardly. With all of the progresses mankind has made, the spiritual ignorance of mankind has accelerated exponentially. However, I have good news. The spiritual ignorance or blindness is occurring due to demonic influence or oppression. What is so good about that? History through the bible shows that when evil opens the door to affect mankind another door is also opened for God to defend the attack. Isa 59:19  So they shall fear the name of Jehovah from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of Jehovah shall make him flee.

Here in Isaiah we see just that. The enemy comes in like a flood and the door for God to raise a standard against him is opened. This oppression of spiritual blindness has unlocked the seal of revelation, which was a door that had been sealed for 2800 years, waiting for just this time. The first question that we should address is, "Who are the 10 kings without a kingdom?" I believe the scripture shows us clearly who the 10 kings are. To better understand who the 10 kings are, we need to examine what the scriptures reveals about the government of Christ. Why? Remember, when a door is opened in the supernatural, by light or darkness, to the natural an equal door of opportunity is opened for the other side. By studying what Christ has done, we can better understand the plans of the enemy.Who are the 7 kings of His 7 regional government? Those seven Kings are listed in three different places in scripture. The first most obvious place is Revelation.
Rev 1:20  the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand and the seven golden lamp stands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lamp stands which you saw are the seven churches. 
So, the 7 stars are the seven Angels and if there are 7 Angels we can safely understand that the 10 horns are 10 demons. I have shared before, the government of Christ, was assigned to Israel in the Old Covenant. If the government of Christ was passed down through the lineage of Isaac could that have opened the door for the kingdom of satan to be passed down through Ishmael? Yes! Abram and Sarai put together the plan of achieving the desires of their heart for an heir. This plan was based from fear rather than from faith. Abram was not getting younger and Sarai believed more in what she saw than what God told Abram. She explained to Abram that her slave may be the instrument in which God would use in bringing about the kingdom. This act was an act of unbelief which is disobedience to the word of God. This act of disobedience watered the seed of disobedience originally planted in the Earth through the sin of Adam. Of course we know the rest of the story. Isaac is eventually brought into the Earth and Ishmael mocks and makes fun of Isaac. Ishmael and Hagar are sent off and Ismael prospers as God told Abraham he would. Nations were born from his lineage that has it's roots in the same Arab countries that surround Israel today.

In Genesis, Jacob has stolen the blessing from Esau and his mother and father have urged him to flee. Esau has pledged to kill Jacob. Jacob escapes and stops at a place that he later names El-Bethel, the House of God, the gate to the Kingdom of Heaven!
Gen 28:17  And he was afraid, and said, How fearful is this place! This is nothing but the house of God, and this is the gate of Heaven! 
I believe when Jesus talked about John the Baptist and the Kingdom of Heaven, He was citing this event illustrating how the kingdom was taken by violence up until that point. Jesus was going to make a way for all men to enter into the kingdom. How exciting is that? Is there more? Of course! But, before we go any further let us examine what Esau did in response to the blessing being given to Jacob.
Gen 28:9  then Esau went to Ishmael, and took Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to the wives which he had for his wife.
Esau goes to Ishmael and marries his niece who was named sickness. An act of total rebellion. This was the fruit of Ishmael's lineage. Here is the identifying verse that brings our understanding to it's full fruition. 
Gen 28:8  and when Esau saw that the daughters of Canaan did not please Isaac his father; 
Why did the daughters of Canaan not please his father? Because, Isaac knew there were two kingdoms that had come into the Earth through his father Abraham. One that was good, the kingdom of heaven and one that was evil. Throughout history these two kingdoms would would struggle against one another.
Dan 10:13  But the ruler of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days. But lo, Michael, one of the chief rulers, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
What a wonderful amount of heavenly revelation is contained in this verse alone. Not only, do we get to see the battle between good and evil, but we see the spiritual rulers and kingdoms. When you read the beginning of this revelation and see the description of the man that Daniel meets here you will see comparisons of the description in Revelation when the Apostle John meets Jesus. The Heavenly description of Jesus and the earthly appearance of Jesus are so drastic even John who walked with the Lord did not recognize Him in all of his regal attire. In verse 12 He states a very important truth. He states that when Daniel chastened his heart from the very first day before God. So right away He tells Daniel I come from the throne of God and I came in response to your prayer. So, from His description and from His statements we recognize that this was no ordinary man. In fact, we know that Daniel is speaking with a heavenly being.

In verse 13, this being reveals that the ruler of the kingdom of Persia withstood him for 21 days. Now, Daniel begins chapter 10 identifying Cyrus as the King of Persia in verse 1. We know that Cyrus was a man and no match to a heavenly being. We also know that Cyrus was a believer of God and also allowed the temple to be rebuilt in Jerusalem. So who was this ruler? This was a demonic being called the prince of the Kingdom of Persia in other translations. So, we can see the regional prince or king of the region of Ancient Persia known today as Modern day Iran. This being is still over Persia and oppressing men today. Just understanding this one thing alone you also understand what John was talking about. This demonic being is a king without a kingdom. His power will become evident in the hour that the antichrist comes into the Earth. A mere man could not oppose a heavenly being. Also,when we see Michael a "Chief Ruler" we realize this is not an ordinary man. Michael is a regional Angel. He is assigned to the Government of Christ and has come to assist in the battle. What did the messenger of God who had come to Daniel do while the battle raged? He went to the Kings of Persia and remained there until the battle was finished. Who were the Kings of Persia? These were the other 6 regional Angels of the Government of Christ. There are some lessons to be learned here. First, how many kings were sitting by the wayside watching the battle? Six. We know this because the Lord revealed to us that there were 7 regions to His government. The next thing of interest is why were all the Angels at one place? 
Gen 28:12  And he dreamed. And behold, a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 
Here, in Genesis the Government of Christ had been assigned to Israel. Jacob recorded that he saw Angels, plural, ascending and descending on this ladder. These were the 7 regional Angels of Christ's government! This 7 regional government of Christ was assigned to Israel because of the covenant of blessing from God. There was only one Angel, Michael, assisting in the battle, because Daniel had only knowledge of one. How did he know of the one?
Exo 14:19  And the angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud removed from before them, and stood behind them:
Exo 23:20  Behold, I send an angel before thee, to keep thee by the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. 
Exo 23:23  For mine angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Canaanite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: and I will cut them off.
Num 20:16  and when we cried unto Jehovah, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border.

All of Israel knew of the one Angel. Daniel, who was well educated, knew of the one Angel. Daniel empowered this Angel with his prayer. It makes you wonder how many of the 7 regional Angels are sitting still today because of our lack of knowledge. Finally, we know that government of Christ which was once assigned to just Israel has gone global, because of the New Covenant. Those 7 Angels are over each region of the world as the good news of the Kingdom has been preached and accepted. We have learned many things about these two governments. We have learned they in the world but are not of the world. They affect the natural outcome through supernatural means. We also know that they have an ability to influence the outcome of the natural, but in doing so open an equal opportunity of influence by the other kingdom. We also know that these kings have no personal kingdoms in the Earth but are assigned authority over the regional realm of worldly influence. Through our investigation we have a greater understanding of Revelation 17. These 10 kings with no kingdoms have a region of influence. Now, how is that influence worked? They influence men and place them in positions of power and influence. We have witnessed this through time. Each of the Beast kingdoms were connected to the other through their religion. As the kingdom of evil has grown it increases the influence of the spiritual side or religious side. Why? That is the actual doorway in which the influence begins. Remember, that Lucifer was made to worship God. His desire to be worshiped is the motivating force in his bid for a kingdom. In Revelation he will enter the temple and command all to worship him. So the driving force of religion has to be connected with his natural kingdoms that is influenced in the Earth. 
Rev 17:13  These have one mind, and they give their power and authority unto the beast.
In other words the have a central focus and it is related back to one topic. It is like a tree. The branches all come back to the trunk of the tree. What do we know about the trunk of the tree?
Rev 13:16  And he causeth all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the bond, that there be given them a mark on their right hand, or upon their forehead; 
First we know that the trunk of the tree, the beast, will require a mark. This mark of allegiance is given on their right hand or their forehead. A better translation shows that it is on their right side or arm and forehead.  The second thing we know about this kingdom of the beast is that it will have a religion. We know that the kingdom of the beast will persecute Christians and Israel because of it's religion.

We know that beheading will be the practice of this kingdom. What else do we know? That this kingdom will have ancient ties to the previous beast kingdoms before it. All of these things are important for identification of the beast kingdom. Another thing we can utilize in identifying the beast kingdom is what has been done in the righteous government of Christ. Before Jesus walked in the Earth, there were prophecies and examples of Him in the Earth. We know by Hebrews about foreshadowing of Christ in scripture. I earlier told you how if one side opens a door in the Earth for intervention then it automatically opens a door for the other side. The foreshadowing of Christ opened the door for foreshadowing for the beast kingdom. In each kingdom was the image of the beast in some form or fashion. Daniel witnessed these Kingdoms and wrote them down. These kingdoms have materialized in the Earth throughout history. Just like the Kingdom of heaven was first walked in by individual men so it was the case with the beast kingdom. We can see that through individuals such as Nimrod and Goliath. Nimrod was known as a mighty man and moved mankind to a one world movement in building a tower up to the heavens. We can see the same movement or spirit of Nimrod in the land today. Goliath was a giant in the land and had certain abnormalities that come from the demonic blessing of the kingdom. He also, had a hatred for Israel and all those in covenant with God. As the kingdom of heaven was passed down through birthright so was the beast kingdom. Eventually, the beast kingdom was issued to nations.  I find it interesting that we have so easily accepted and believed the witness of the kingdom of the devil and yet, find it so difficult to believe the Kingdom of Heaven. Why is this? Could it be the oppressive and deceptive spirit of the antichrist? Yes, I believe so. I believe it also is a witness to the sin nature of man. Until we receive the gift of faith through Christ our understanding of the kingdom of Heaven will be thwarted by the sinful nature of the flesh.  Jesus said in the gospel of Mark that the Kingdom of God was like a seed cast into the ground. That it would begin to grow in the ground and the first thing we would see would be a blade. I am sure that many of you have seen a field that was planted and after time the fragile blade of the crop breaks through the ground. That blade is like a hand waving to us acknowledging that it is here. The blade of the Kingdom of heaven first broke the ground and waved to all the Earth as a single man was chosen to walk in it. Men like Enoch, Noah and Abraham. Prospering in the Earth as a witness of the goodness of God. It was passed down through birthright until it's assignment to Israel. The beast kingdom has done everything to destroy the Kingdom of Heaven. The Good News is the Kingdom of Heaven became victorious through the finished works of Jesus at the cross of Calvary 2,000 years ago. Now, I have shared many things about the beast kingdom and it has been for a purpose.

The 7 churches in Asia were placed where they were for a reason. God does not do things idly with chance or circumstance. These 7 churches are the 7 regional governments of Christ. They are a physical representation of the Spiritual Heavenly Kingdom. Each of the 7 churches were specifically picked out by Christ himself for two purposes. One to identify the coming beast kingdom. These churches and specifically Pergamos which was described as being the seat of satan, came to the gates of the beast kingdom. Remember, Jesus said that the gates of Hell would not prevail against His government? These churches were located at the gates of the next beast kingdom. Turkey. The Ottoman empire would begin it's rule from here and the number of Christians and Jews that were persecuted there were a number that even today cannot be exactly confirmed. Belief is that it outnumbered what Hitler did in Germany. This beast kingdom would rule for over 600 years until 1923. It established it's religion in the Earth and now the 10 toes of the beast kingdom is upon the Earth. How can I say that? When the Ottoman empire ruled there were two factions of it's religious base, the Shi'ite and the Sunni Muslims. As time and demonic influence grew these 2 basic sects would grow into 9. These are the following 9 basic sects; Sunni, Shi'ite, Kharajis, Druze, Alawi, Ismali, Ahmadiyyah, Sufi, Wahhabi. These 9 sects worked throughout the globe. It stayed at 9 until 2011. In 2011, a new sect of Islam was brought into existence right here in the United States. It was brought into existence by a man once called America's Pastor.

Endorsed by the President Barak Obama Chrislam was birthed into existence bringing the 10 toes into our lives. Folks, the beast kingdom is here and the demonic oppression is being felt world wide. What are we to do? Jesus told us as He addressed each of the 7 regions He explained the plan of attack of the enemy and what the child of God was to do in each region. Understand, you have a kingdom. You have authority! Jesus gave it to you along with the Keys to the kingdom! It is time to return to that which we were in the beginning. When we get to heaven we won't ask each other what church do you go to. Why? Because there is only One Kingdom! Only One King! Jesus!

Where Do We Go From Here?

I pray that you are learning as much as I have from these lessons. I am going to share some things about the Kingdom of Heaven that the Lord has been teaching me. It has caused me to grow in my knowledge and I pray that it will cause you to grow as well. The Kingdom of Heaven was taught  by the Lord and the disciples. In time, the lessons of the Kingdom became too hot of a topic to share and religion like today, took on a political correctness from the pulpit and preached conformity rather than adversity. A kind of well, whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger type of teaching. What did Jesus say about His ministry? He said,  I did not come into the world to bring peace, but a sword! Matthew 10:34.  Some so-called preachers have been honoring their ministry more than the Kingdom of Heaven. They preach for their own profit, rather to the good of mankind. They will face their judgement. In fact, many today are already facing the Judgement of the Lord on failing to teach the truth. As I have shared before, the massive fish, bird, wildlife kills, and worldwide economic problems are a direct result of the punishment rendered by God for violating the spiritual laws as listed in Hosea chapter 4. God will debunk the false teachings to make His truth visible. So, you are probably asking okay, where do we go from here? Let's go back to Kingdom knowledge and understanding as taught by the Lord himself. Kingdom of Heaven 101.

Ecc 4:12  And if one overthrows him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.  

As we have discovered in Ecclesiastes a threefold cord is not easily broken. We are going to examine a threefold cord and it's importance to the believer. The Lord visited me in the early morning and began to talk to me about the 3 fold cord of the Government of Christ. It is spelled out by the Lord, himself.    John 14:6  Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me. The Lord revealed to me that the Way, Truth, and Life are a threefold cord. It is how the Kingdom is established and is how you and I work within the kingdom. In this 3 fold cord is the understanding and the irrefutable evidence of the existence of His government/Kingdom in the world today. Understand that His kingdom and His government are the same they and can not be separated.  Also, the Lord expressed to me that the power of the 3 fold cord, and it's strength comes from each part being in another. It is an example of the trinity. When Thomas said to the Lord to show us the Father and that would be enough. God spoke through Jesus and said have I been with you this long Thomas and you still don't recognize me? They all have three different beings but are united together as one. You cannot separate one from another as if to say this one is greater or more important than the other.

The first part of the 3 fold cord is the Way. Again, we are going to cover some areas we have taught about before, however I believe you will better understand it as it is joined with the other parts of the cord. We know that John the Baptist was the Harbinger of the Messiah, Jesus. What is said about John?  

Mat 3:3  For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight."  

So, John was preparing the Way of the Lord. Now the question is what was the message that he preached to prepare the Way?

Mat 3:1  In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 

Mat 3:2  and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand. 

So, John the Baptist was preparing the Way by preaching the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Now, how do we know that the Kingdom of heaven is the government of Jesus?

Isa 9:6  For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 

Isaiah shares with us the spoken word of God that the Messiah is coming with His government. This is the reason for the accusations against Jesus. The Pharisees told the Romans that Jesus had committed treason against Rome for preaching the Kingdom/Government.

This was the mocking the devil made of the government of Christ at His trial and crucifixion. The Romans laughingly mocked Jesus saying Hail to the King, placed a robe upon his shoulders, and a crown of thorns upon his head. When they placed Jesus on the cross they place a sign that read King of the Jews. This was done by and through the influence of the spirit of antichrist who is directly opposing the kingdom of Heaven.   Today, there are Christians unknowingly bringing accusations of the antichrist when they ignorantly oppose this teaching. Jesus spoke over 32 different times just in the book of Matthew about the Kingdom of Heaven. When Jesus began His ministry He began preaching the same message. Repent! The kingdom of heaven is at hand. There is a kingdom that you can live in, move in, and have a life of abundance in. Jesus also gave this same message to the disciples to preach when they were sent. Jesus said this concerning the Kingdom of heaven, that the good news of the Kingdom would be preached as a witness to the nations. This would precede His coming. Rejoice! Jesus is coming. This message of the way is being preached once again. Now was this message preached and known in Israel? Yes!

Act 9:1  And Saul, still breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 

Act 9:2  and asked letters from him to Damascus to the synagogues; so that if he found any of the Way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 

Isn't that exciting? This message of a life of victory, living in the Kingdom of Heaven, has come full circle to be witnessed against the antichrist and all the nations of this world. 

The second cord of study is the Truth.  This is so exciting. Jesus spoke about truth and the knowledge of truth. He said it would set you free! 

John 8:32  You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 

So let us examine the truth about what Jesus himself shares. Jesus was talking to the disciples and asked them who do men say that I am? They gave our Lord many answers to which He asked them, Who do you say that I am? Peter spoke up and gave an answer. 

Mat 16:16  And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. 

Jesus was so excited. He told Simon that He was blessed because this truth was given to him by His Father in heaven. Jesus then said something that has opened the gates to the Kingdom for you and I. 

Mat 16:18  And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Now, interpretation of the word church has been a controversial point that has been argued since the king James translators first entered it into the English bible. The Greek word Ekklesia is interpreted as an assembly. Does that fit what Isaiah prophesied as government? Does that sound right?  On this truth I will build my assembly? Can you be a King of an Assembly? The Kingdom of Heaven is a legitimate government established in the Earth before the foundation of the Earth. Matthew 25:34. Will Jesus rule from His throne over an assembly? No! He will rule from a Kingdom that has been enforced by the saints! That is you and I! What does Daniel say about the Kingdom?

Dan 7:24  And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise. And another shall arise after them. And he shall be different from the first, and he shall humble three kings. 

Dan 7:25  And he shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and plot to change times and laws. And they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and one-half time. 

Dan 7:26  But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his rulership, to cut off and to destroy until the end. 

Dan 7:27  And the kingdom and rulership, and the greatness of the kingdom under all the heavens, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. And all kingdoms shall serve and obey Him. 

I can already hear some folks saying, Yes, but that is during the tribulation. Wake Up! Understand the reason that the kingdom of the beast opposes the kingdom of heaven is because it is a legitimate viable kingdom operating in the Earth. What was so different between the believers in the book of Acts and the believers today? The believers in the book of Acts walked in the kingdom, confessed the kingdom, and openly protested that the kingdom of heaven is the only legitimate kingdom in the Earth. Why do you think that there was so great a prosecution back then? And it was more than, these believers holding a sign up and demanding to be recognized as the legitimate government of Christ. They not only preached it and believed it they gave from it! The believers knew that everything that was needed for life itself, in this world, had already been provided for in this kingdom. That was why Peter told the paralyzed man in Acts chapter 3 silver and gold have I none, but what I do have I give to you. Peter didn't give the man any time to consider anything. He reached down and pulled the man up! That is called giving from the kingdom! The disciples didn't waste their time asking each other what church do you go to. No! They didn't waste their time on foolishness. They preached and gave from the kingdom. The believers of the kingdom gave back into it with all they had. I had someone ask me about tithing. Whether it was right or wrong. Did the believers tithe?

 Act 4:34  For neither was anyone needy among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 

Act 4:35  and they laid them down at the apostles' feet. And distribution was made to every man according as he had need. 

Oops! I know I stepped on some toes there. There was no supporting a social gathering! This was a campaign.

As Joshua and the nation of Israel walked into their promised land establishing Israel, these Believers recognized that they were establishing something greater! They were standing on the Truth of Christ! What was his Truth? That He is the Messiah and the Son of the Living God! Jesus then emphatically stated that the Gates of Hell would not prevail against His Kingdom! The Government of Christ is a 7 regional government. Why 7? Because the number 7 is a holy number. His kingdom is based upon holiness! That 7 regional government stood at the gates of hell in Revelation. They not only identified the country and origin of the antichrist, but also identified the last days regions, the failures and successes in each region but also Jesus gave us the answer how to become successful! RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE! In other words, if He were preaching here today, Repent! The Kingdom of heaven is at hand!! The known Truth will make you free and it establishes the Way! Finally, the Life! In the world of splintered churches, preachers and beliefs we find that in most of the world, not all, but most there is a lifeless group of believers. An interesting fact, is that just as Africa is experiencing the greatest harvest in history, the rest of the world is experiencing the greatest falling away. In the U.S. alone, 3,500-4,000 churches are closing their doors every year. A total of 2,765,000 people are walking away from the church each year. Reinhard Bonnke had a 6 day crusade in Lagos Africa and saw over 3,000,000 people come to the Lord in 6 days! What is the difference? The Philadelphian region is over Africa while the Ephesian region is over America. While some of the greatest and well thought out programs for churches are developed here, we see the greatest losses. Why? Because we honor the enterprise of church rather than the Kingdom of Heaven. Why do people greedily ask do I have to give 10%? Because, there is no life in the enterprise of church. And as the people routinely walk in and out of the building being entertained, given the power of positive thinking messages, and encouraged to just hold on, their lives see no improvement and destruction surrounds them. Why? There is no life!

Churches predominantly honor the name of Jesus and the enterprise of organized religion more than they honor Jesus as a person. Most preachers really don't believe what they preach. There is just one motivation and that is success and to be a people pleaser. Make the people happy and more will come, then the flip side is the preacher who has his little congregation that hasn't grown in 20 years and he knows there is little hope of anymore growth. So, he heaps loads of guilt upon the people to insure they keep coming back. Churches will hold their annual revival or outreach and boast they are doing their part. Unfortunately, there is no zeal to see the growth of the government of Christ. In fact, trying to protect their own little kingdom these preachers will attack the one thing that they are trying to use to keep you in their pews. And why do they call them pews? Because, If they haven't decided to leave like the 2,765,000 people every year have been, then the rotting and lifeless corpse of attendees are stinking up the place! Here is a story for you. Years ago, when Jesus was walking the Earth, word came to Him that His friend Lazarus was sick. Jesus didn't get up and leave. Nope. He stayed where He was. Mary and Martha had sent word begging for Jesus to come back. Yet, Jesus waited 2 days. After 2 days, Jesus told the disciples we are going back to Judea. The disciples said," Lord, they are wanting to kill you back there." Jesus said a most curious thing. 

John 11:9  Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble because he sees the light of the world. 

John 11:10  But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles because there is no light in him. 

If you walk in the Light of the world you will not stumble. You could substitute that with if you walk in the Life of the world you will not stumble. Why do we have the most corrupt preachers in the world? There is no Life in their hearts.

Like the Pharisees of old they look good on the outside and we believe their outward appearance is a witness of their inward life. But, they are full of death and corruption! They walk in the night and stumble and the world is more than happy to keep it on video. Jesus started His walk back to Judea. After 2 days He arrives and Martha comes running to meet Him. Martha tells Jesus how she wished He could have been there when Lazarus was sick because he wouldn't have died. Jesus told Martha your brother will rise again. Martha said I know he will rise in the resurrection. Jesus heralds a Truth that is interwoven into the 3 fold cord. He told Martha:

 John 11:25  Jesus said to her, I am the Resurrection and the Life! He who believes in Me, though he die, yet he shall live. 

Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life! What is so great about this? As Lazarus, the one whom He loved, lie rotting and stinking Jesus called Life into the rotting corpse of Lazarus. That same Jesus is calling Life into the rotting corpse of believers that are lying in the pews of the building they call a church. Take off the grave clothes and rejoice! The voice of many waters is commanding life into you! When the believers began their work the greatest misconception was that Paul and the other disciples were going out building churches. These men were not church builders. These men were set on fire to establish the kingdom. They were kingdom builders and were setting the world on FIRE! The Holy Spirit spoke to them, guided them, and confirmed the Words of Life they were speaking! As these men bravely walked into the empires of the world, like the prophets of old, they boldly proclaimed the existence of the Kingdom of Heaven. They boldly proclaimed that there is only one government in the Earth and they were it's Ambassadors! Preaching Repent! The Kingdom of heaven is HERE! That Kingdom is full of Life! The Life of Jesus! That is the Life that will resurrect you today! He is coming back for those same Life giving believers that He left here! The Good News of the Kingdom will be preached as a witness to the nations.

But, first it has to be preached to the church. There are preachers that act more like gold miners trying to protect the mother lode rather than honoring the kingdom or it's King. How can this be changed? It is not our job to change it! It is our responsibility to keep our eyes fixed upon the Lord and hear what the Spirit is speaking. Jesus will take care of the gold diggers. How?

 Mat 7:22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? 

Mat 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 

Iniquity means twisted. I heard a description that I think best explains iniquity. When they make wicker furniture they take wood and they twist it. That is the heart of the gold digger. They have taken the treasures of the Kingdom and have twisted it. When a person is first saved the very first instinct of that newly saved person is to share the good news. However, organized religion will tell that person sssshhhhhh!! Sit down here in this seat. Now isn't that comfortable? You know, not everyone is called to preach. Before you do anything you need to learn a few things. You don't want to run around talking to folks and not knowing everything there is to know. When Jesus cast out the legion of demons from the man of Gadarenes, the man wanted to go to Jesus. Jesus made the man stay to share the good news. That man set the Gadarenes on fire for God. All he did was share the Truth. When the Pharisees listened to Peter and John it was recorded that they took notice that Peter and John were unlearned men.

The woman at the well went about telling everyone about the Truth of Jesus. Sharing the Truth is sharing Life and sharing Life is sharing the Way. Jesus, The Way, the Truth and the Life! Start walking in the kingdom today! Stop trying to find a door to walk through, find a person to talk to. Find their need. This world is full of sick, hurting, bound people! Introduce them to the Kingdom of Heaven. You have been given everything to help them. Jesus said freely give as you have received. We are the witnesses to the nations. Begin Today!!