Matthew 11:12 (KJV)

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

For years the church has used this scripture to inspire, to pump up the people, and used it as validation that possessing something by faith is something you have to do rather than just something you have to believe God for.  I mean just imagine if you’re believing God for something and you hear a message being preached saying “take what you want from the devil by force”.  I mean that sounds pretty good don’t you think, you get to beat up the devil and feel spiritually strong at the same time. 

The more and more I mature in God I don’t think that this scripture is being used in the right context that it has been taught in.  First of all it says the violent take it by force, I never understood how we as followers of Christ associate ourselves as being violent in any manner (Luke 3:14).  Also, why do I have to take something by force when all things are given to me freely by God (Romans 8:32)?  It just doesn’t add up to me.

Secondly, in the greek translation the meaning in context of the word “it” in that particular scripture is “them”.  So the scripture can be read as; “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take them by force.”

When Jesus refers to the kingdom of heaven suffering violence He is not saying that we are a violent people that posses things by the force of faith.  What Jesus is referencing to is that violence has come upon the preaching of the kingdom of heaven because of the conviction of sin it brings and in turn for a person looking for a better way, the freedom that is gained (the worlds system is designed to keep you in bondage, or in today’s terms in debt).  The violence intent is to shut up the preaching of the kingdom.

If you study the history of many of the ministers preaching the kingdom, the first one to begin preaching the kingdom was John the Baptist.  He is regarded as the one sent to prepare the way.  Before John the Baptist the only reference to the kingdom of God and Jesus was through prophecy and prophetic events that took place.  Through the preaching of the kingdom comes immense power and influence which threatens mighty worldly systems that are not of God’s design.  In turn the result is that the stewards of those systems try to silence the message from being preached, because it also threatens the traditional of a way of thinking, culture and what people have believed to be true for so long.   In North America it is hard to bring that home because persecution is something that we don’t regularly face here for the gospel of Christ.  But in many other places on the globe followers of Christ are being persecuted regularly just as the Bible recorded thousands of years ago.

I can almost guarantee you that if the North American church really united as one.  I’m not just talking about “Christians” attending weekly and Sunday services, but if everyone that professes to be a follower of Christ actually started to live what they confess than you would see an uproar in our system also.  Right now the governing systems here don’t feel threatened by the church because the church has very little influence.  Sure the church does a lot of good here in North America but I honestly believe the world views North American Christians as hypocrites and a shifty people.  You may disagree but this is just my own personal thought.  What I believe will happen is this.  The church will begin to take its position and not just here in North America but on the earth in general.  Once this happens we will begin to see positive change, worldly systems will topple and the kingdom of God will visibly reign on earth.  As a result of this there will be a great addition of people into the kingdom of God.  Will there be push back from the world, absolutely!  But I believe it will have no effect on the progress of God’s plans.

So the main intent of why persecution comes towards followers of Christ is to plainly silence the message from being preached.  Before Saul became Paul this was something he took pride in.

Acts 26:10 (NKJV)

This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.

Nothing will ever be able to silence the Truth from being spread because it’s not a message created by man but by God.

Acts 5:39 (KJV)

And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

So now that we have just a little insight on the context of the scripture next time I will go deeper into how that scripture is represented in the Bible, scripturally.

I pray that this has been a blessing.

Daryle Houston II
Kingdom Vizion Ministries

God placed each and every one of us here for a purpose.  Many of us may spend an entire lifetime just existing or “getting by”.  Everyone has a purpose in life, something that burns in your heart, something you may only perceive to be a dream.  When I look back on my life 5 to 6 years ago I thought my purpose was all about me.  I wanted to be rich, I wanted to have this or that, it was all me, me, me.  Now that I have come into the Kingdom of God what really burns in my heart is to help others.

Do I still desire to have some of the things I wanted in the past, yes; but now I have this passion to bless others.  If you look at your life and your situation, can you say that you are operating in life for a purpose or are you just living?  I want you to really think about it because I believe if we started to really seek God regarding purpose the world would be a much different place.

Some may say “well my purpose is to go to work and provide for my family”, in that regard I would say that is definitely something you should do but is that your purpose in life or just your function as a leader in your household?  Now it may very well be that your purpose it to do that, I’m not saying that that can’t be someone’s purpose in life.  All I’m saying is just do an evaluation.  Is there a dream in your heart that just won’t go away?  Do you have a feeling inside of you that you need to be doing something other than what you’re doing now?  If that’s you I believe God is speaking to you about pursuing what He placed you on this earth for.

You may say “I have a dream of becoming xyz… but I can’t see how it can be accomplished in my current situation”.  I say that’s all God, chances are that God is not going to tell you to do something that you can accomplish yourself.  If He did then why would we need Him?  When God speaks and gives you vision it’s usually something that blows your mind away.  He might tell a farmer to go and preach the Word in a major city; He might tell a teacher to go be an astronaut.  What has He shown you lately?  God wants the world to witness His greatness through you.  He wants people to actually see His mercy and grace and not just read about it.  God can only accomplish this through you and me.

Exodus 9:16 (NKJV)
But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.

In the above scripture God is talking to Moses when He gave him the task of going to Pharaoh to deliver the messages.  It’s no different today; God still wants and is still using His people in the same manner.  The biggest hindrance in this process is our own selves.  We can be quick to say I can’t, or that’s just a dream, etc…  This is real; God wants to use you in such a mighty way.  He wants to show you off to the world, He wants to put you on the stage and say “See there, that’s My son or My daughter”.  We just have to take that first step of faith.  Will it be a bit freighting, it may be.  Will you have doubts here or there, you very may well.  But through it all God is God and He will carry out what He has spoken in your life.  It will happen if you just keep on walking.

So I say make a declaration that you will first pray and seek God as to what that purpose is in your life and then act upon it. I know that you can do it because God has already done it.

Daryle Houston II
Kingdom Vizion Ministries

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The Redeemed!

Many people both believer and non-believer thinks that the devil has the power to cause havoc in their lives.  There are also many individuals in this world today that also fear the devil to the extent that they put themselves into bondage using the Word of God.  You may be asking yourself what I mean?  What I am referring to is this; many people live their lives with the thought that if they mess up or in some way commit a sin than the devil will have reign over their lives.  This is called living under the bondage of the law.  Many believers live in this state of mind every day.  If you were to rightly divide the Word of God you will see that as a new covenant church we are not bound to the requirements of the Law of Moses.

At no means am I saying that the Law of Moses was not of God because it was indeed holy.  What I am getting at is this.  There is a new covenant that we live under that is founded on grace.  We need not focus on what we need to do to be in right standing with God but more on what has already been done that made us righteous forever.  The price has been paid for all of your past, present, and future sins on Calvary.  It’s time to redirect all that energy we put into trying to be pure and use it on building quality personal relationships with God.  Relationship is what God wants with all of us and not dictatorship.  It’s so awesome to know that I can have a personal relationship with the One who created me.  I can go and talk freely and hear God without having to go to a middle man like in the times of Moses. 

Hebrews 8:13 (NIV)
By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.

Using God’s Word to keep His people in bondage under the law has been a very subtle deception that the devil has used for awhile to keep the children of God from progressing.  Still with every thought and suggestion that may come from something other than the Holy Spirit, you still have the power to accept or reject it.

Acts 5:2-4 (NIV)
With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.  Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

The situation in the above scriptures is a perfect representation of your authority over unrighteousness.  Did satan suggest that they try and deceive the Holy Spirit; no doubt.  All the devil can do is give you a thought or a suggestion but it is ultimately up to us whether we will honor God or honor selfish ambition. 

Colossians 2:13-15 (KJV)
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

The above scriptures can pretty much sum up everything that I am trying to convey. 

1. You have been forgiven of ALL your sin.

2. The old covenant was fulfilled when Christ was crucified, so we are not to hold ourselves to that standard.  Only one man was ever able to fully fulfill the law, and that was Jesus.

3. The devil has no hold in your life; he cannot do anything in your life unless you give him room in your heart.  He can’t make you sick with disease, he can’t take your money, all he can do is give you an unrighteous suggestion or thought and in the end the decision to act still lies with you.

I pray that this has been a blessing to you.

Daryle Houston II
Kingdom Vizion Ministries

1 Corinthians 4:20 (KJV)
For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

It is important that as followers of Christ we have to ensure that we are totally led by the Holy Spirit and not just by what we read.  The Bible is a tool that God gave us to instruct us, guide us, and show us how to be effective witnesses for Him.  One may merely read the Bible just for information and revelation but the Word of God is meant to not only provide information but more importantly provide transformation in our lives.  In order for someone to accurately perceive someone who claims to be a Christian they need proof.  In other words they need more than just someone saying I’m a Christian, and Jesus loves you.  The world needs to witness what being a follower of Christ is.  As soon as the church gets on one accord with this, the world will no longer be able to deny the power of God. 

Acts 4:13-21 (KJV)
13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.  14And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.  18And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 21So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

The above scriptures tell of the time when Peter and John are before the council.  The council did not like the fact that they were preaching Christ and also understood that a miracle had been performed on a lame man.  As you see they could not deny the power of God nor find a way to punish them because all the men glorified God.  If this doesn’t show you how we ought to be I don’t know what does.  When everyone comes on one accord and just gives God the glory the world will bow.  It’s not about which preacher is right, about different intricacies of the Bible.  It’s not about judging others if they slip and fall from time to time.  If we all just give God the glory in all things the Holy Spirit will led us in all things.  Many walk around puffed up because they may be more knowledgeable in God’s Word than another but I say are you displaying power with what you know?  The ones around you do they just see you as someone who just talks or as one who performs?

Acts 2:22 (KJV)
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

Jesus was approved (exhibited, pointed out...) by God not because of how much He knew but because of what He did.  God performed many miracles through Jesus, and He wants to do the same through you. 

Now a miracle is much more that just healing someone, the word in the Greek there is dynamis:
1) Strength power, ability
a) Inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing   exerts and puts forth
b) Power for performing miracles
c) Moral power and excellence of soul
d) The power and influence which belong to riches and wealth
e) Power and resources arising from numbers
f) Power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts

Now, miracles do consist of supernatural healing but also excellence of soul.  As followers of Christ we are to exhibit miracles on a daily basis.  When Jesus was on the cross being crucified and he said Father forgive them for they know not what they do, this was a miracle.  Young men when a woman comes to you and offers herself to you and you resist the temptation, this is a miracle.  Young women when you find out that someone has been talking about you behind your back and you choose not to hold that person at fault, this is a miracle.  It’s time to begin to expand our minds beyond the traditions that we have been accustomed too.  It’s time to not only know Word but actually display its power.

Daryle Houston II
Kingdom Vizion Ministries

Recently there has been a lot of talk about the world coming to an end and there are many people that are in a state of fear and panic.  This has affected both the believer and the non-believer.  This ought not to be the case when it comes to the children of God.  Some may ask why not; shouldn’t we be concerned at the second coming of Christ?  I say the only one that needs to be concerned with the second coming is the one who is not ready for it.  Everyone loves to quote the scripture of how the Lord will come as a thief in the night.  As believers we believe this to be true for us also, my friend this is not so.  If you read the scripture in context you will be enlightened.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (NKJV)
 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

So in the concern with the end of the world, we ought not to be afraid because as the righteousness of God we are eternal beings (Matthew 25:45-46).  There is no end, when we pass through this life on earth we will not die but will continue on.  In verse 9 of the above scripture it says that we are not appointed to wrath, but to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ.  That is the purpose of why we live, to be witnesses of Christ to others so that they too may also decide to receive Jesus.  In turn the Kingdom of God will expand. 

Me personally I’m not watching the clouds everyday waiting for Jesus to come because that’s not what God has called me to do.  But rather I am watching and being sober to the fact that there are many who are out there that need to hear the Truth.   When the day of the Lord comes then I will be ready but until then my purpose is the ministry of reconciliation.  To tell and show as many people I come in contact with about the goodness of the Lord and about the Truth.  In doing this they too can make the decision as whether to choose life or not.  My purpose is clear and in whatever function God has me carry it out in is fine.  Reconciliation and not the great day of tribulation is what we are to be focused on.  

2 Corinthians 5:19-21 (NKJV)
19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Daryle Houston II
Kingdom Vizion Ministries

 

  When I was growing up in the church I was never really taught about the power of repentance.  During that time I thought that repentance was asking God for forgiveness of some sin that I had committed.  Naturally I was repenting almost about every Sunday; of course this was when I was still attending church.  No one ever told me that repenting was not about going to the altar and feeling guilty and apologizing to God for my shortcomings.   As believers in Christ we must know that forgiveness for sin is not something that you need to be forgiven of constantly, but rather it is something you walk in continually.  You have already been forgiven of your sins through the price that was paid on the cross.  Every sin, past, present, and future has already been forgiven so you can stop condemning yourself for your shortcomings and start thanking Jesus for what He has already accomplished.   So now we know that we have been freed from the bondage of sin we can now start to understand what real repentance is and where it leads.  

Acts 2:38 (KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  

Here Peter is speaking to a group and telling them to Repent.  The word repent here is metanoeo which simply means to changes one’s mind for better.  To me being a follower of Christ is not merely about doing good deeds but more about the renewing of one’s mind and the fervency for God in one’s heart.  So in a sense Peter is saying wash your mind with Jesus Christ and then you will receive the power and guidance that Holy Spirit provides.   So you may be asking if repentance is not asking for forgiveness of sins than does that mean I will still commit sin.  The answer is yes.  The question is not will you ever commit sin again but it should be how will I let Holy Spirit mature me so I can resist those sins that I usually fall prey to.  When I was younger I used to commit all kinds of sin, from fornication to stealing. 

When I washed my mind with what Jesus did for me on the cross and received power and guidance from the Holy Spirit I soon began to see that the temptations I used to fall prey to no longer had power to influence my decision making.  As each day, month, and year past I grew stronger and stronger.  Does this mean that I am sinless, no not at all.  What I mean by that statement is this; I may no longer commit fornication but I may walk in unforgiveness even if it is for a short moment.  Sin is sin, no matter if it’s something as horrific as murder or something as subtle as envy, it all weighs the same.   Clearly no believer can live a successful life without the help from the Holy Spirit and the first step to this is repentance.  Remember not the repentance where you go up to the altar and ask for forgiveness and weep because of the guilt you carry.  I’m talking about the repentance where you decide that you will change your thinking and stance on the things and situations that have hindered you and you say once and for all that those things and situations will no longer control your thinking or actions.  


 The above scripture informs us that when we repent we shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit that will help us with this life here on the earth.  Now when you do go through that process Jesus says that you will be witnesses unto him all over.  And your life will be a testimony unto all the world of the goodness of God.

Acts 1:8 (KJV) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  

As believers we are witnesses unto Christ, not because we live perfect lives but because we were transformed by the blood of Jesus.   I hope that this has been a blessing to you.  

II Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

We recently celebrated Easter and during this time we really hone in on the sacrifice that was made on our behalf, and once Easter comes to an end we usually go on to a different topic.  I think that the sacrifice of Jesus is the most important reference in the Bible.  I say this boldly because without it we would be lost in sin, not knowing which way to turn.  I was thinking about the price that was paid and it continuously astounds me that God loves us so much.

Let’s think about, God took his only Son and poured His wrath upon Him so that we would be set free.  On the cross Jesus not only took our sins but He became sin itself.  He became the only thing that God hates.  He went from being the purest person on the entire earth to being the exact opposite of that.  Now that’s grace my friend, and without it we are nothing.

We have to watch as believers how we view our relationship with God.  Many people view it in many different ways.  Until recently I viewed my relationship with God as one that was pretty much based on trying to please Him through my actions.  I just recently realized this and it was the biggest weight lifted off my shoulders when God told me that He is already pleased with me and there is nothing I can do to change His mind.  God is not mad at anybody; remember His wrath was poured out on His only Son on the cross.  If God was mad at you that would be like saying His first sacrifice (Jesus) was not good enough.

But this is a revelation that we have to not only get but receive.  When we think about the devil and his tricks we always think about some sinful temptation.  We never think that He might try and use the Holy Scriptures to confound us and keep us in bondage.  Many of us are still living according to the ways of the Law of Moses and not even knowing it.  The Law will tell us that we have to do something to please God.  The Law tells us that God can sometimes be mad at us and put us through various trials such as sickness and disease to mature us as Christians.  The Law tells us that we’re not good enough until we do something that is good enough for God.

If we rightly divide the Word of God we will understand that first and foremost the Law is Holy, and given by God.  We will also know that there is a new covenant and that no man but Jesus could have fulfilled the Law of Moses and we are to live according to the new and not the old.

Romans 6:14 (NKJV)
For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Acts 13:38-39 (NKJV)
“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; “and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things you could not be justified by the Law of Moses.

The above scriptures let me know that I am justified because I believe I am and that there is nothing I can do to earn extra brownie points with God because He has more points to give that I can imagine.  God loves you for you and not what it is that you do or don’t do.  Sounds a little too good to be true, but it is indeed so.  Once we renew our minds to this truth freedom will reign in your life and you won’t feel like you are living in bondage by being a follower of Christ.  I pray that this has blessed you in some form or fashion and if you know someone who is on your heart that might also be blessed by this, please feel free to share.

Daryle Houston II
Kingdom Vizion Ministries