“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.”
Matthew 11:12
When Jesus spoke these words, He was revealing a truth about the Kingdom that shocks the complacent. The Kingdom of God does not advance by passive belief or casual attendance; it is not simply about attending services or agreeing with doctrines from a distance. Instead, it demands active engagement, fervent commitment, and a heart set ablaze with passion for the truth.
The advancement of the Kingdom occurs through holy desperation— a deep, yearning desire for transformation that goes beyond surface-level faith. It is characterized by an urgency to seek God’s presence, to pursue His will, and to intercede for the world. This kind of desperation compels individuals to step out of their COMFORT ZONES, to reach out to those who are lost, broken, or hurting, and to be instruments of God’s love and grace in a world that desperately needs it.
This Kingdom is alive, and its growth is fueled by those who are willing to cry out for change, to hunger for righteousness— Matthew 5:6, and to labor for His glory. Such an approach challenges the status quo, pushing back against apathy and indifference and inviting us to live with intention and fervor. In doing so, we become active participants in the unfolding story of God’s redemptive work, joining Him in the mission to restore all things through the power of His love.
“Co-labourers together with Christ“
The Apostle Paul
From the days of John the Baptist, men and women pressed into the Kingdom with a spiritual determination that refused to be denied.
John stood in the wilderness preaching repentance and the multitudes came. They left their homes, walked into the desert, and confessed their sins publicly.
They were not half-hearted and complacent. Instead, they approached their endeavors with fervor and unwavering determination, driven by a passionate commitment to their cause that propelled them forward even in the face of adversity. Their resilience and focus were evident in every action, as they refused to succumb to lethargy or complacency. Each step they took was purposeful, as they sought to achieve their goals with a fierce dedication that inspired those around them to rise to the occasion alongside them.
“Woe to you who are at ease in Zion!”
The Prophet Amos
They pressed in. Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus when the crowd was too thick. The woman with the issue of blood pushed through the throng to touch His garment. Blind Bartimaeus cried out louder when the crowd told him to be silent. The Demoniac in the city of the Gadarenes, ran with all might to Jesus, desiring to be set free.
These were not polite seekers. They were violent in faith. They refused to let anything stop them from receiving what heaven had promised.
The Kingdom is not handed to the indifferent.
It is seized by those who burn with passion and fervor, driven by an insatiable desire for truth and justice. Fleshly strength will not secure it, but a soul ignited with faith—a faith that is resolute, deeply rooted in Jesus, and unwavering—will take hold of the treasures of God that lie in wait for those who earnestly seek them. Heaven opens to those who press through opposition, tirelessly facing the storms of doubt and disbelief; who navigate through delay, with patience that is a testament to their convictions; and who combat resistance, armed with holy determination that fuels their every action.
Passive faith shall never inherit the Kingdom, for it is the bold, the brave, and the tireless seekers of God’s glory who will claim their rightful place in His eternal realm through Jesus Christ.
The promises of God are not for the casual. They are for the desperate. Press in with prayer. Press in with fasting. Press in with obedience.
Heaven’s treasures are seized by holy force.
The Kingdom belongs to those who refuse to let go until they take hold; woe to those who are at ease and complacent in Zion!
LOUD CRY COMPENDIUM
Loud Cry Compendium 