The kingdom of God suffers violence

How many of us heard that right?! The kingdom of God suffers y'all...."From the days of John the Baptist (Baptizer) until now, the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence/force and the violent/forceful seize it" (Matthew 11: 12). I've been asking myself, and I want you to ask yourself too, who are the "violent" that take it by force?  

It is a tale of two kingdoms: there's a war going on between the kingdom of God on the one hand and the kingdom of darkness (largely represented by the marine kingdom) on the other hand. The forces of darkness (Satan and his agents) attack believers because, as Jesus said, the kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17: 20-21); we are "carriers" so to speak of the kingdom of God through the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 3: 16) and the presence of Jesus (in spirit) in our midst when we gather together (Matthew 18: 19-20). We see their operations all around us, how in many places, they have rendered church attendance a mere formality, reducing it to a social gathering and fashion parade! I often think to myself, what spirit is behind that? I can't remember the last time I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in church.

 One day I went to a mid-week service and during the preaching, I could hear in the spirit someone saying something but I didn't know what they were saying. Next thing I knew, I was nodding off and could barely keep my eyes open! And so, they render church attendance ineffective, in order that believers do not benefit spiritually from going to church, causing people to fall asleep, distracting them in various ways so they are unable to focus on the word of God. Even worse, I've been in churches where in the spirit (ie. not audibly) I heard the words (instructions?) "Fornication with the pastor", and I've even been asked what color bra I'm wearing! So the violent or shrewd ones (see Luke 16: 8), in this context, are the agents of Satan coming against the kingdom (authority, will and word) of God, primarily by attacking the children of God and preventing people from finding God in the church.

Now how are we to respond when these things are happening to churches in our land, in our towns and homes as children of God? We're supposed to be pushing back the kingdom of darkness from our territory, they're not supposed to be ruling the spiritual atmosphere wherever we live (cf. 2 Corinthians 10: 4-5). How do we as believers deal with the incessant and offensive warfare from the kingdom of darkness, take back ground that has been lost to the enemy and exercise our God-given authority over the powers of darkness?

I recall the passage in Jude where the author talks about godless men that have slipped into their midst, who scorn authority, speaking arrogantly and presumptuously about things they don't really understand. Even the archangel Michael did no such thing, but said instead "The Lord rebuke you" when contending with Satan over the body of Moses (Jude 1: 9). Indeed, Jesus said in the Beatitudes that the MEEK shall possess the earth (Matthew 5: 5). Furthermore, the apostle Paul exhorts us not to sin when angry (Ephesians 4: 26). So think about whether some of the prayer points we say are in line with the word of God! 

Well, I don't claim to have the answers but I do know that prayer is the key. In James 5: 16, we are instructed to confess our sins and pray for one another...for the constant, consistent supplication of the just is very powerful. We must confess our sins in order to be "just" or right with God and regularly intercede for each other in prayer (cf. 2 Chronicles 7: 14; 1 Thessalonians 5: 17; Ephesians 6: 18). I think we must get angry in our spirits at the activities of the kingdom of darkness that we see all around us (Mark 3: 5; 1 John 3: 8) and pray forcefully, with greater vigor. In this way, we can seize or defend the kingdom of God here on earth from enemy attack (see Luke 16: 16; Matthew 18: 18). We are also to pray collectively for there is power in community (Hebrews 10: 25; Matthew 18: 19-20; Acts 4: 23-31). We must not only go to church but also be the church!

There's a contest for the kingdom of God. There's a race and sadly the church seems to be losing this race. However, I am encouraged by the promise of Jesus that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church of Christ (Matthew 16: 18). We have to be conscious of the fact that we are in a spiritual battle and be determined that Satan and his agents will not win (Luke 10: 17-20; 2 Corinthians 10: 3-4). Therefore, put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done ALL to stand, remain standing (Ephesians 6: 13).

Servant Eezy - Mad at Me