The Kingdom of Heaven

Kingdoms are established by their King. The Kings rule or government is one that is carried by him. As a child growing up, I was intrigued by the story of King Arthur and his round table. The land was at peace and the kingdom of Arthur's rule was carried upon his shoulders and established by his royal decrees. Isaiah prophesied concerning Jesus saying,  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 revealed the Kingly names of Jesus and revealed that His government would be upon His shoulders. Before the arrival of King Jesus, a harbinger was sent to prepare the ways of the King. John the Baptist, was that harbinger. He prepared the way by calling the people back to the ways of teaching that had it's beginning in creation. Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! The call was a call of repentance or returning. The common misconception is that the Kingdom of Heaven is in Heaven. I want you to ask yourself this question. Why would a harbinger be needed to prepare a way for something that was established somewhere else? That just doesn't make sense does it? You wouldn't invite folks to your house for a birthday party and then have the party somewhere else would you? Also, asking people to return to a government that wasn't there for them to join doesn't seem fair at all, does it? Did you know that Jesus taught about the Kingdom of Heaven in the book of Matthew over 32 different times? The majority of his illustrations, Jesus shared that the Kingdom of Heaven was here, in the Earth. In fact, in the book of Revelation John shared an amazing truth. That Jesus would be returning to the Earth with His saints to rule His government. Wow! Here is another amazing fact. Jesus taught something else about His government in the book of Matthew, 

Mat 25:34  Then the King shall say to those on His right hand, Come, blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 

The first thing that catches my eyes is that the kingdom was prepared from the foundation of the world. It was designed for us to dwell in and have our being. It was a kingdom of blessing. It was a kingdom prepared for you and I. Isn't that amazing? 

So, you're probably asking yourself, why hasn't anyone taught me about the Kingdom of Heaven? You have been taught, just not with the revelation that is coming upon us because of a prophetic unveiling. There are certain things in the bible that have been sealed up by the Lord to be understood at a specific timeline. When Jesus arrived to become the sacrifice for mankind, the Jewish people did not recognize their Messiah. Why? Because, God had blinded the people. 

Isa 44:18  They have not known nor understood; for He has shut their eyes so that they cannot see; and their hearts so that they cannot understand. Can God blind a people? Yes! God can seal up understanding from people to conceal His plans from the enemy. I want to share something with you that you probably have never heard before.

Jesus was asked by His disciples some questions about His return to the Earth in Matthew 24. Jesus spoke about the things that would happen on the Earth that would be signs of His return. He said many would come in his name and deceive many. There would be wars and rumor of wars. Mat 24:7  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in different places. 

Mat 24:8  All these are the beginning of sorrows. 

Jesus continued talking about other things that would happen. Some things that were frightening and alarming. Jesus said don't worry these things have to come to pass. Then, Jesus spoke something that would mark the time of the end of the age. Mat 24:14  And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world as a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come. 

We have read this so many times and failed to see what Jesus was really saying. Let's break this down. Jesus stated the Gospel of the Kingdom would be proclaimed. The gospel meaning good news. We have been indoctrinated to the point when we hear the term gospel it means salvation and in most instances in the bible that is the case. However, Jesus is using good news in another context. Good news about what? The kingdom. He said it would be used as a witness against the Nations. Again, the meaning of witness is a legal one meaning evidential or to give evidence. Why would Jesus be talking about the good news of His kingdom would be evidence against the nations? The Nations, yes even the United States, are blinded to the Government of Jesus. They have been coerced by evil to seek a one world government. Why? 

The devil is soon to make his appearance. He plans on building a One World Government. Why? To mock God. In order to mock God, it stands to reason there already is a one world government, right? Of course! Jesus told us it was prepared at the foundation of creation. We see glimpses of His government throughout the scriptures. It was assigned to Abraham, the patriarchal father of Israel. Abraham would entertain angels and serve them. Why did he see them? Because there was a 7 regional government headed by 7 regional kings or angels.(Rev. 1-20) As Abraham grew in the knowledge of this government, he grew in boldness. With 318 men he took on 4 kingdoms and defeated them. Afterwards, when the king of Sodom offered to share the wealth of the victory Abraham boldly proclaimed that no man would be able to boast they made Abraham rich, only God has that right. Abraham grew in the knowledge of the Government of God and that knowledge was passed down through teaching and through blessing. 

Jacob wanted something his brother Esau had possession of, yet valued little. What was it? A birthright. Esau sold it to Jacob for a bowl of stew. Now, all Jacob  had to do was figure out how to get it. We know the story of how he fooled his blind father Isaac and Jacob received the blessing. What was the blessing? The Government of Christ. We know the story of how Jacob fell asleep and saw a ladder coming down from heaven and Angels going up and down the ladder. The 7 angels of the 7 regional government of Christ. We see mention of the government again in the book of Daniel. 

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. 

The kings of Persia were the other 6 Angels in the 7 regional government of Christ. Throughout scripture we can read and identify the government of Christ and how the devil has opposed it, but nothing as clear as we do hear in the book of Daniel. We see the demonic enemy described as a prince and the angelic host listed as kings. While the nations abandon the rights of the people to fulfill the evil agenda of the devil, there is the government of Christ to stand as a witness against them. An example of this was the Prophet Daniel. Daniel was taken in captivity to a foreign country, Babylon. What did Daniel understand about the toppling of Israel? Daniel understood that God had given Israel into the hands of Babylon for correction. Was Daniel upset over this? No. In fact we see his resolve was such that he knew who he was and whose he was. Daniel knew his citizenship resided in God and not in Israel.

Daniel realized that his prosperity was divinely connected to the Government of God and not Israel. He was so instructed in this that when interviewed by King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel and his 3 friends were favored above the Kings own wise men.  The favor of God rested upon Daniel from his youth through captivity and even into another government takeover accomplished by the Medes/Persian empire. Whether you are in a hostile environment or in a country with a history of persecution of Christians you can excel with the knowledge of the Government of Christ.

What is our problem in walking in the Government of Christ? Ignorance. I have heard people preach that prosperity is coming to America. Prosperity is coming to Oklahoma. Do you know what is wrong with all of these statements? God has never promised to do these things. Okay, I will wait while you take a breather, because I know my statement just took your breath away. 

God's blessings for mankind is contained within the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus taught the disciples to preach the Kingdom of Heaven has come to you today. Why did he have them preach that message? Because, this was the witness to all nations! This was the legal contest to the nations that God has blessed the Earth with One Kingdom. The gate to that Kingdom has a paved entrance and that entrance is paved with the blood of the Son of the Living God. There is no other way into this kingdom except through that sacrificial lamb. In this kingdom is all riches and all glory. Everything that one needs is in that Kingdom. Like the woman with the issue of blood, as you walk through the entrance into that kingdom you place a demand on the blood of the Messiah. In this kingdom is ALL that you need. It is the completeness for you. As Jesus explained, He is your all and in all. Now you know why Jesus told the disciples freely you have received, freely give. When the disciples were praying for the sick, casting out demons, raising the dead, they were doing so by giving from the kingdom. Today, you may live in another country. Like myself, I live in the United States, but my citizenship is in the Kingdom of Heaven. As I go forth, I do so in the Name of Jesus and His Kingdom, the Kingdom of Heaven. I impose the will of the Kingdom of Heaven on the nations of the U.S. and any other kingdom I may enter whether physical or spiritual. When you stand for the kingdom, stand with boldness and declare the truths of God. I want to ask you a question. What defines the borders of a kingdom? It's citizens. We can all remember when the United States purchased land in 1803 called the Louisiana Purchase. When the land was purchased did it automatically define the borders of the United States? No. In fact, we sent a survey team to discover what had been purchased. Afterwards, the land was opened up and the citizens of the United States began the migration westward. These citizens settled in the newly acquired territory and that settlement set the borders of this new and growing country. It also opened the doors for further growth. John the Baptist was in jail. He sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah.  Jesus sent  word to John. He began to share a few things about John and something else that is quite exciting. 

Mat 11:12  And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of Heaven is taken by violence, and the violent take it by force. 

Mat 11:13  For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 

Mat 11:14  And if you will receive it, this is Elijah who is to come. 

Jesus is sharing something that is more exciting that any land purchase. With study, you will find that God had given dominion of the Earth to Adam which is recorded in the book of Genesis. That dominion/lease was in turn given by Adam to the devil through Adam's disobedience. We even see the smugness of the devil recorded in Job when God asked the devil where he had been he stated Job 1:7  And Jehovah said to Satan, From where do you come? Then Satan answered Jehovah and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.  Here, we see the devil bragging about his survey team going into the Earth to search out this newly acquired territory. We know that Jesus objective was to redeem mankind. In order for that to occur there had to be a re establishment of what was lost. In the temptation of Christ we see that the devil tempted him with giving him the Earth lease if Jesus would just bow down and worship him. Jesus had a better plan. Now, we know that the kingdom of heaven had been assigned to Israel. However a new program was on the horizon. Jesus shared part of this program when talking about John. In fact, Jesus gave us insight to a division in times that were fixing to occur. He broke it down like this, from the days of John the Baptist until now. What was the days of John the Baptist? Jesus tells us in the next verse. The time period is all the prophets and the law until John. The next dispensation of time for the Kingdom was from the cross on. Before the cross, Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven was taken by force. Is there an example of that to support that statement? Of course! 

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. 

We see how the Angel fought against the demonic prince of Persia. I have shown how this was a spiritual battle that took place between two kingdoms in order for understanding of a vision could be given to Daniel. The demand on the Kingdom of Heaven was initiated by Daniel. What happened afterwards?

 Dan 10:20  Then he said, Do you know why I come to you? And now I will return to fight with the ruler of Persia. And when I have gone out, lo, the ruler of Greece shall come. 

Another battle would take place for this Angel to be able to return to the throne room of God. A new era would occur after the cross. Jesus explained it in John 16. Jesus said that it was expedient for us that Jesus goes away. Why? So that the Father would send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. Why would it be so advantageous for us? First to convict the world of sin. Secondly, concerning righteousness and finally, judgement. What about this judgement? Didn't Jesus say that He didn't come to judge man, but to save man? Yes! So what about this judgement?

Joh 16:11  concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

Who was the ruler of this world? Satan. Yes, we see a new thing has occurred. With it a new era for the Kingdom. No longer would the battles occur. Why? Judgement! Paul stated, Eph 6:12  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

He discovered like our Louisiana Purchase, new territory had been acquired. The surveyors were sent out. We seen that in Revelations 2. The seven churches were positioned in Turkey the gates of the enemy. Remember, Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail against His government. They didn't and they won't. The Kingdom of Heaven is beyond the natural realm. That means the Kingdom supersedes our natural world. We have witness of that throughout scripture. Jacob took a stick and placed it into the troughs of sheep to give them spots. Ever heard of that before? Me neither. One of the students of the company of prophets lost an axe head. Elisha threw a stick in the water which sank and made the axe head float. Ever heard of anyone doing that? Me neither. The disciples needed money to pay a tax. Jesus told Peter to go fish and when he opened the fishes mouth there was the money. Ever heard of that? Me neither. Why? Because these things are only possible in the supernatural realm of the Kingdom of Heaven. Friend, I have too good to be true news for you. Life as you know it is going to change as you understand the Kingdom of Heaven and your role in it. Judgement brought by the Comforter proclaims power and authority above and beyond our world and the world of the devil. You now have access to SUPERNATURAL POWER! You are the witness that is going to present the legal evidence against all nations! The difference between the Angel in the time period of Daniel and today is one thing! Judgement! The Holy Spirit is there to enforce the Judgement of the past tense ruler of this world and enforce the rights, rules and blessings of the One World Government of Jesus! The blood of Jesus settled the debt of sin. God declared with the blood of Christ a Judgment. PAID IN FULL! As you and I go forth in the leading of the Holy Spirit, He(the Holy Spirit) goes before you proclaiming PAID IN FULL! Prosperity has come to man and it is found when you make His Kingdom Your Kingdom! Jesus reigns supreme.

Finally, I would like to share the parable of the talents with you. Jesus shared this parable in Matthew 25:15 to explain about the kingdom of heaven. In this parable Jesus shares many truths about the kingdom and about servants in the kingdom. If you haven't read the parable I encourage you to do so. One thing I would like to focus on, is the servant that was given 1 talent by his Lord. The servant spoke of his fear of his Lord. How he was a hard man reaping where he had not sowed seed. Based in that fear he buried the talent given him. Understand, he would never steal from his Lord. He just wanted to protect it. What did his Lord say about the man? 

Mat 25:26  His lord answered and said to him, Evil and slothful servant!

Why was he evil? Not because of thievery, No! Because, of his desire to keep everything as it is. How many times have we been guilty of this? Every Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and even on Wednesday evening. Same thing over and over. Nothing changes. If it does? We complain. I have been parking in that same spot for over 20 years. Friend, you have been given something of great value. The kingdom of heaven. That Kingdom was never built to be contained within the four walls of your building or your mind. What did Jesus tell his disciples? As you go! Jesus commanded us to go! Go and proclaim. As you go and proclaim, give! Freely you have received, freely give. Give what? The blessing of the Kingdom. Will we be as blind as Esau? Never observing the treasure of the blessing? Possessing a birthright, yet blind to it's wonderful blessings? Will we be as ignorant as the wicked  slothful servant burying what has been given to protect it? Will we be stagnant and just remain in the comfort of sameness? Or will we rise to what we have been called to do in these final days? To become the witness to the nations of the kingdom of Heaven!