THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND

THE TIME IS FULFILLED, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND 3/27/11

REVELATION: I did a Word study today on how Jesus described the kingdom of heaven and how we enter into it. I heard and saw the following in regards to the scripture He gave me.

HEARD: You received this from My Father.

(I had found the scriptural answer of how to enter into the kingdom, through obedience.)

Matt 7:21-23

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

HEARD: The only way, obey. All else is falling short.

PIX: I saw a file called OBEDIENCE.

HEARD: Very necessary.

THE TIME IS FULFILLED, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND 3/27/11

WHAT IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?

The kingdom is mentioned 158 times in the NT. In the Greek, the kingdom of God refers to a realm or rule of power at walking pace.

NT:932 KINGDOM

basileia (bas-il-i'-ah); from NT:935; properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively):

KJV - kingdom, reign.

NT:935 FOUNDATION OF POWER

basileus (bas-il-yooce'); probably from NT:939 (through the notion of a foundation of power); a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively):

KJV - king.

NT:939 FOOT AT WALKING PACE

basis (bas'-ece); from baino (to walk); a pace ("base"), i.e. (by implication) the foot:

KJV - foot.

REVELATION: At the very beginning of their ministries, both John and Jesus declared the exact same decree: "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" These were announcements - foretelling of what was approaching, drawing near.

Matt 3:1-3

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"

Matt 4:17

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Then a third time after John was put in prison, Jesus said, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."

Mark 1:14-15

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."

The Kingdom of Heaven is Power AND AUTHORITY

As I realized that both John and Jesus decreed the same statement at the beginning of their ministries, I asked the Lord, "What did You mean by the kingdom of heaven at hand?" Then I turned to where He actually described it. In like manner, when He sent out the disciples for the first time, they too were told to decree the same statement: "The kingdom of heaven is at hand!" He explained you will know the kingdom of heaven is at hand when you heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead and cast out demons. He clearly said that His kingdom is power

Matt 10:1; 7-9

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease...

And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Matt 11:12-13

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

Matt 12:28-30

But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.

Mark 9:1

And He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power."

1 Cor 4:20-21

For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

1 Cor 2:3-5

I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

1 Thess 1:5

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

NT:1411 POWER

dunamis (doo'-nam-is); from NT:1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):

KJV - ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.

Prophetically speaking, the Lord Jesus is once again decreeing into the earth, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." Jesus is sending His foot company who will be empowered with the same dunamis miraculous power and might, strength and ability to share the kingdom of God - not only in word but also in the power of the Holy Spirit. In the days ahead we will see many accepting their commissions to walk the earth in His power.

So if the kingdom of heaven is at hand, approaching... how do we receive the power of the kingdom?

~~ HOW TO RECEIVE THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN ~

1) The kingdom of heaven is something we are TOLD to seek FIRST

Matt 6:33-34

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

First, Jesus said that He wants us to seek the kingdom of God, to search for, ask for, look for.

HOW TO SEEK HIM

HE DRAWS US TO SEEK HIM

HOW TO FISH FOR FOOD

2) The kingdom of heaven is something that we ENTER

Secondly, the kingdom of heaven just doesnt happen, we must enter into it, just as one would open a door and walk through it to the other side. There is an ENTRANCE into the kingdom of heaven.

Matt 5:20

For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matt 19:23-24

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

Mark 9:47-48

And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire —

RHEMA ABOUT ENTERING

3) REPENT FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND

The first thing we do when the kingdom of heaven approaches us, is to repent. The kingdom of heaven and repentance are connected together. Notice in all 3 verses, when the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Hand Gk #1448: to draw near, approach, to come) both John and Jesus declared you must repent. The kingdom of heaven and repentance go hand in hand.

What is repentance? Repentance simply means to change our mind, to think differently. It is our mindsets, our opinions, what we believe that have set us to live and behave in a certain way. These mindsets, opinions and beliefs are not in alignment with Who God says He is, and how He wants us to live and think. What we believe matters to Him very much because it totally impacts the way He can reach us. Why? Because without free will, there is no love, only obedient slavery to a master. He wants to reach the world with Who He is: God is love.

NT:3340 REPENT

metanoeo (met-an-o-eh'-o); from NT:3326 and NT:3539; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction):

KJV - repent.

Mark 1:14-15

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

RHEMA ABOUT MINDSETS AND OPINIONS

4) ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN BY DOING OUR FATHER'S WILL

Matt 7:21-23

This verse clearly states that only those who do the Father's will shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, which is His rule and walking in dunamas power. However it is possible to have power without entering the kingdom of heaven and the price of such is to be sent away from God.

NT:2307 WILL

thelema (thel'-ay-mah); from the prolonged form of NT:2309; a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination:

KJV - desire, pleasure, will.

Luke 22:41-43

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."

John 5:19-20

Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.

John 8:28-30

Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him."

We need to be careful about those who walk in power. We are not to judge people, but scripture tells us we are to discern, examine, prove and try spiritual food, prophesy, spirits (the spirit of man, the Spirit of God, angelic spirits, demonic spirits) and men's fruits (false apostles, ravening wolves, thorns & thistles, grapes & figs).

WHAT WE ARE TO DISCERN, TEST AND PROVE

HOW TO DISCERN THE HOLY FROM THE PROFANE

God grants miracles, signs and wonders because He will not abandon His people and loves them with an everlasting love. The supernatural is not meant to validate man and his ways, but to validate God and His Word.

5) ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN BY BEING BORN AGAIN

John 3:3-8

Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

ABOUT BEING BORN AGAIN

6) ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN BY RECEIVING AS A LITTLE CHILD

Matt 18:3-5

"Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

Luke 18:15-17

Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."

Little children are humble, dependant and expectant to receive provision for their needs.

HE WILL MEET US AT OUR LEVEL OF EXPECTATION

ABOUT BEING TEACHING AND HUMBLE

7) ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN THROUGH MANY TRIBULATIONS

Acts 14:21-23

And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."

2 Thess 1:4-6

So that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;

It was the early church's experience and promise that we enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations. Tribulations help us grow in character. Those who have waited years and years for His promised dunamis have already been trained in the school of tribulation.

Rom 5:3-5

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

RHEMA ABOUT TRIBULATIONS

8) ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN THROUGH RECEIVING ITS KEYS

Matt 16:18-19

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Remember that when the kingdom of heaven is at hand, it means it is approaching and is near. Remember that in order to receive the kingdom of heaven, we must ENTER. Consider the fact that when Jesus gave us the keys of the kingdom, they are the keys to opening that door of power. These keys are binding and loosing.

NT:2807 KEY

kleis (klice); from NT:2808; a key (as shutting a lock), literally or figuratively:

KJV - key.

NT:1210 BIND

deo (deh'-o); a primary verb; to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively):

KJV - bind, be in bonds, knit, tie, wind. See also NT:1163, NT:1189.

NT:3089 LOOSE

luo (loo'-o); a primary verb; to "loosen" (literally or figuratively):

KJV - break (up), destroy, dissolve, (un-) loose, melt, put off. Compare NT:4486.

NT:1093 EARTH

ge (ghay); contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application):

KJV - country, earth (-ly), ground, land, world.

NT:3772 HEAVEN

ouranos (oo-ran-os'); perhaps from the same as NT:3735 (through the idea of elevation); the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specifically, the Gospel (Christianity):

KJV - air, heaven ([-ly]), sky.

RHEMA ABOUT OUR AUTHORITY TO BIND AND LOOSE

~ WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN? ~

1) THE KINGDOM IS WITHIN

The mystery of His kingdom, is learning that Christ lives within us. The closer we come to Him, the more we will understand what it means to have Him live inside of us. His kingdom grows within us, before it manifests through us.

Luke 17:20-21

Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."

Col 1:27-28

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Rom 14:16-18

Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

1 Cor 15:50

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.

THE KINGDOM IS WITHIN YOU

2) THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN CALLS MANY, CHOOSES FEW

During our time on earth we are given many opportunities that test our hearts, motives and choices. These opportunities are given to us with intent and purpose. When we pass various tests we are also given seasons of promotion and increase.

Rom 11:29-30 NKJV

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

The Parable of the Wedding

Matt 22:1-14

And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, 3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. 4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding."' 5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. 6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. 7 But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.' 10 So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 "But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

14 "For many are called, but few are chosen."

The Parable of 10 Virgins

Matt 25:1-30

"Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

6 "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

11 "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' 12 But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' 13 "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

The Parable of the Talents(Luke 19:11-27)

"For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

20 "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' 21 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' 23 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

24 "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.' 26 "But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. 29 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

MANY ARE CALLED, FEW ARE CHOSEN

3) THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN GROWS FROM SOMETHING TINY

Like a mustard seed and like leaven

Matt 13:31-33

Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, 32 which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."

The Parable of the Leaven

Another parable He spoke to them: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened."

1 Peter 1:23 AMP
You have been regenerated (born again), not from a mortal origin ( seed, sperm ), but from one that is immortal by the ever living and lasting Word of God.

THE DESTINY OF GOD'S TINY SPERM SEED

RHEMA ABOUT SMALL BEGINNINGS

4) THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS FORGIVENESS AND COMPASSION

Matt 18:21-27

Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

RHEMA ABOUT FORGIVENESS AND COMPASSION

5) THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN HAS MYSTERIES

Matt 13:11-14

He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

RHEMA ABOUT MYSTERIES AND RIDDLES

6) THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE TREASURE

Matt 13:44-46

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

HUNTING FOR TREASURE

=======

SCRIBES INSTRUCT CONCERNING THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

Matt 13:52

Then He said to them, "Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old."

NT:1122 SCRIBE

grammateus (gram-mat-yooce'); from NT:1121. a writer, i.e. (professionally) scribe or secretary:

KJV - scribe, town-clerk.

NT:2344 TREASURE

thesauros (thay-sow-ros'); from NT:5087; a deposit, i.e. wealth (literally or figuratively):

KJV - treasure.

NT:2537 NEW

kainos (kahee-nos'); of uncertain affinity; new (especially in freshness; while NT:3501 is properly so with respect to age:

KJV - new.

NT:3820 OLD

palaios (pal-ah-yos'); from NT:3819; antique, i.e. not recent, worn out:

KJV - old.

LEARNING TO SCRIBE AND JOURNAL

7) THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS RELATED TO THE HARVEST

Matt 13:47-50

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, 48 which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, 50 and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

NT:2326 HARVEST

therismos (ther-is-mos'); from NT:2325; reaping, i.e. the crop:

KJV - harvest.

RHEMA ABOUT HARVESTING WHEAT AND TARES

8) THOSE WHO WILL NOT RECEIVE THE KINGDOM

1 Cor 6:9-11

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

Gal 5:19-21

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Eph 5:3-7

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.

SIN IN THE CHURCH