ONE OF GREATEST MYSTERIES THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN - MANY PARABLES, FALSE HOPES, SATANIC DISCOURAGEMENT

1. Men have always expected the wrong kingdom, the wrong way; botched God's plan, & blamed God
2. Matthew presents the great expectation -but in Matt 11:11-12 the great transition --crash
3. Selfish men have always wanted the kingdom's blessings, but rejected the King & His laws-

Great nations built by obeying God's social law- but destroyed by men refusing to be ruled

I.- THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN SUFFERETH VIOLENCE 11:12a

Matthew's message cries "The King is Coming" but men are asked to get ready!  Free gift!

A.- THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN WAS TRULY OFFERED TO MEN, NOT JUST SPIRITUALIZED, BUT OFFERED FREELY

1. They knew Isa 11:6 "Child lead", & 65:25 Lion & kid together in peace & men wanted it cheap
2. John came as the forerunner- to get people ready for the King - said "Prepare Ye"!  Would You?
3. Jesus came preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom at Hand- see Matt 10:7 - offered, not forced!

B.- BUT HIS FORERUNNER, JOHN THE BAPTIST, WOUND UP IN HEROD'S PRISON FOR HIS PREACHING!

1. John had preached courageously- but Luke 3:19-20 tells of his trouble!  Demanded righteousness
2. In jail- with God not saving him- John's faith wavered!- Matt 11:3 his disciples came to Jesus
3. In spite of his doubt, John was still greatest- 11:11- but still not in the Kingdom of Heaven

C.- THE KING WAS THERE, BUT WAS REJECTED BY THE PRINCES AND LEADERS OF MEN!  REJECTED BY THE JEWS

1. We studied about his home town- Nazareth- trying to kill Him; He escaped by strange power
2. He sent his Apostles as sheep among wolves-10:16 -Remember nature is cruel!-
3. Jesus no longer walked in Jewry - John 7:1-because they sought to kill Him!  Does meekness win?

The only peace on earth is when superior force MAKES men who are savages be civilized

II. THE VIOLEΝΤ TAKE ΙΤ BY FORCE ! -Matt 11:12 b

Soft words could not stop the Jews, Romans, Herodians- combining against the Prince of Peace-

A.- THE STRONG-WILLED FORERUNNER, JOHN THE BAPTIST, DIED A VIOLENT DEATH IN A PRISON CELL!

1. Herodias- a real Jezebel, used her daughter to obtain John's murder through lust Matt 14:1-
2. John's head was chopped off, carried into banquet hall on platter 14:11- savage! no Civilization
3. when men reject God's law the law of the jungle reigns!  John's disciples begged for his body!

B.- THE PRINCE OF PEACE HIMSELF WAS DRAWN TO A CRUEL VIOLENT DEATH PLOTTED BY THOSE HE CAME TO SAVE

1. Jesus avoided some danger Matt 14:13, but later predicted His death Matt 16:21 in Jerusalem
2. Peter argued & was rebuked- Matt 14:22,23-
3. Jesus came to die as Savior! - We are citizens of this world too! & get government we deserve!

C.- GOD HAS COMMISSIONED THE NATIONS, AND THE POWERS THAT BE ARE ORDAINED OF GOD TO GOVERN!

1. From the time of patriarchs to present- one of gifts of Spirit is Governments!- NOT ANARCHY
2. When God's laws are followed- & men with strength and honor demand justice- we have peace!
3. When the righteous refuse to rule- do not enforce judgement & righteousness- savages take over

Without FORCED LAWS - men degenerate- cruelty, vengeance, murder, rape, theft, BY NATURE!

III. JESUS SENT NOT PEACE BUT A SWORD ! Matt 10:34

Strange words, but consistent with God's dispensation of human government - Luke 22:36- buy sword

A.- THAT GENERATION JESUS LIKENED UNTO CHILDREN PLAYING IN A MARKET PLACE, NOT MEN - Matt 11:16-

1. Adults played games with their theories- instead of obeying God- Matt 11:17- Changeable Whims
2. Double standards- condemning Jesus- & John- No matter how you do right- it is wrong!- critic
3. And today- those civilized are supposed to play dead before the savages!--Freedom = Anarchy!

B.- JESUS HAD ALREADY WARNED HIS DISCIPLES, AND WE WOULD HEED HIS WORDS TODAY! Matt 10: -

1. Fear not death- but fear the One who can destroy soul too!- v.28 -Today's brainwashing & demoralization
2. The big command- Confess Christ -Matt 10:32,33 - Claim Jesus as your King before men!  Have you?
3. Jesus did not come to bring peace - 10:34 - but a sword! Rev. 19:15 - Not revolutionary!

C.- GOD'S KINGDOM ON EARTH TODAY IS ON THE VERGE OF VIOLENCE, ANARCHY IS ABOUT TO TAKE BY FORCE!

1. Many injustices- but not made right by kidnapping, murder, men taking law into own hands!  Anarchy
2. Law & order might not always be Godly, but Anarchy never is!- Overreaction damage civil law
3. Christians are not revolutionaries- guard your heart attitude & action! 

Being meek in face of terrorists does not help God's program!  Only the strong can have peace.

AS AMERICA FACES THE TEST OF ANARCHY, WE EACH HAVE A CHOICE- CONFESS & STAND FOR CHRIST- OR ANARCHY

1. Have you confessed Him before men?- If you do you will be left out of the World's mob
2. Stand for what is right alone if need be! - And use your strength to defend right!  In Law!
3. You can help by keeping your church strong! - Membership, loyalty, tithes, pull together!