There is one expression in the Bible that is constantly debated. The kingdom of heaven is taken by force. Before we move on to the discussion, I would like to define some concepts.
The Kingdom of Heaven is a place where there is a King, where there is a territory - heaven. There are laws and structure. I wrote this in order to understand what we are talking about. Not about earthly areas or church bylaws, not about “leaders” or denominations. God's kingdom is " not of this world ."
The kingdom of heaven is taken by force
There are two places in Scripture that speak to this. And in both there is a word that is translated as “ by force ” in Matthew, and “ by force ” in Luke. From Greek this word is translated as
to use force, to act forcibly, to take by force, to overcome, to forcefully enter, to force, to force
In other words, the conversation is about violence. Violence always has to do with the flesh. But how can flesh have anything to do with the Kingdom of Heaven?
| The Kingdom of God is taken by force |
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven is taken by force, and those who use force take it. (Gospel of Matthew 11, 12.)
Law and Prophets before John; From now on, the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone enters into it with effort. (Gospel of Luke 16, 16.)
My son! Everything good, everything honest, everything just is achieved through labor, effort and struggle. This good, this honest thing that you will do in the name of Christ and His Church - these are the seeds from which the Kingdom of God grows and is created: it is within us, according to the words of the One who called to Him all who labor and are burdened. Take upon yourself, my son, this good and kind yoke and bear it with difficulty and effort. “The Kingdom of Heaven is taken by force” - remember this always and everywhere, wherever you are, whatever you do. It is taken by force, because we are sinful, evil, ungrateful and, although with all our anger we give good gifts to our children, most often and most of all we wallow in the abyss of sin, luxuriate in the warm, soft and sweet bed of sin. It’s hard for us to get up, and it’s too early, we think, and we lie around... Look, my son, where and how this Kingdom of God is taken by force, where everything honest, everything good, everything good is taken by force...
It's morning. 5-6 hours. A bell sounded in the parish church, calling Christians to prayer. And you are lying in bed, you hear the gospel as if through a dream, but you think: “I’ll lie down for a while! It is too early. While the priest comes, while the clock reads, I will have time to get up, get dressed, and come to church. And what’s the harm if I come, well, to the Gospel or the Cherubim. Both the one who came at 12 o’clock and the one who came at 9 o’clock receive an equal price, according to the words of Christ...” All this quickly flashed through your head, also as if through a dream. Remember here, my son, that the Kingdom of God is taken by force. Force yourself, get out of bed quickly, soon...
So you came to church. God, how crowded, how they crowd, push each other, and they step on your foot, it’s annoying, the heat in the church, stuffiness, and sometimes an unpleasant smell from tar, leather or something else. “What kind of prayer is this?” - you think. Remember here, my son, that the Kingdom of God is taken by force. It is difficult for you to pray in the Church of God, prayer does not come to mind: in that church it is too formal, everyone looks at you as soon as you move, and in this church it is dirty and uncomfortable; they read - you can’t understand anything, they sing badly, so badly that it would be better if they read instead of sang. Remember here, my son, that the Kingdom of God is taken by force.
You went to church, ruined your new dress, caught a cold on top of it, and didn’t pray well to God. Remember, my son, that the Kingdom of God is taken by force...
Here you are sitting at home, in the circle of your relatives, maybe drinking tea or sitting and talking with guests, and one of your relatives or acquaintances will tell you something unpleasant, expose you or remind you of something difficult from your life, and you will flare up. your soul is angry, and a daring word, a word sharp and poisonous, like an arrow, is ready to fall from your lips. Remember, my son, that the Kingdom of God is taken by force, that everything good, everything honest, everything merciful, everything true is taken by force.
One of your close relatives lives with you and eats from your table. If you notice anything in them that is inconvenient or unpleasant for you, if you don’t like anything about them - remember, my son, the labors and illnesses that they undertook and sometimes suffered from for your sake, remember them position, their years, their infirmities, force yourself, command yourself to love them. Remember, my son, that the Kingdom of God is taken by force...
You didn't get along with your friend. Both are to blame, each in their own way. And the time has come for you to turn to him. Don't waste this time, my son. Don't be proud and quick to judge people. Conquer your hot heart, curb it. Remember that the Kingdom of God is taken by force...
You're busy with your own business. It's urgent. We need to finish this evening, but there is still a lot of work. And then, in the midst of your work, in a strong surge of your energy, in an interesting and precious moment of the flight of your thoughts, your feelings, one of your close relatives, or acquaintances, or comrades turns to you for a solution to some perplexity, to your view of something insignificant, or for help, for which, apparently, it was not worth bothering you.
My son, do not set your heart on fire, do not lift up your eyes in anger. Do not be like a lion in your house, in the organization of your affairs. Remember that the Kingdom of God is taken by force.
You are back at your job and working honestly, conscientiously, you do as your heart, right, and pure mind tells you. But you see that no one wants to notice your work, that no one gives you approval, support, encouragement. Moreover, someone standing above you comes up to you and reprimands you, corrects you where, it would seem to you, no correction is needed... Your soul hurts. But remember, my son, that the Kingdom of God is taken by force, that everything good, everything honest, comes with obstacles, temptations, adversity...
Perhaps, my son, you will teach others the truths of faith and science. You will speak, but they will not listen to you, but they will tell you something different from what you said. Your students will study poorly: mistakes, sometimes gross, will often be found in their answers to you. Do not be sad about this, my son: work and instruct continuously, repeating your teaching several times. Do not raise your heart to anger, and with love and a spirit of meekness, enlighten and admonish your disciples who do not listen to you. Remember that any truth is given to a person with great difficulty, that mistakes are always possible, and especially at a young age; remember here that the Kingdom of God is taken by force...
The snares of the evil one are placed everywhere.
Here you are walking along the main street of the city. There is a lot of excitement, there are a lot of people. Here is life, here is struggle... Hurry here, here, warrior of Christ, into this hot oven, where Christian blood is shed, where the spirit of malice, the spirit of lies, deceit, the spirit of envy and despair, struck by the arrows, fall. Here is your post, warrior of Christ. Stand strong, my son, and go with the banner of Christ against evil spirits. Look around, what a strong enemy! What is everyone calling for?! These shiny shop windows, these shameless paintings, these dandy carriages, etc., etc. What does all this call for, if not to live above our means, above our position, to which our feelings incline, if not to so that they can lie in the warm bed of sweet sin? Do you see how the arrows of the evil one are kindled? Remember here, remember always and everywhere, that the Kingdom of God is taken by force, that great work and great efforts are needed to preserve the breath of God in yourself: to have everything good, everything honest, everything true.
Wherever you have a good thought, a holy feeling, begin to fight temptations, seductions and oppressions, remember that the Kingdom of God is taken by force and that only to those who work it is given. Work hard and don’t stop, my son, on your path. Gradually, step by step, steadily be at war, fight, do your job, go your way - and when you die (note, only then), your eyes will be opened to you, and you will see what a light yoke you bore, and you will thank the Lord and His holy Church. Now we are warriors, now the Kingdom of God is at war, and then we will be winners and enjoy the fruits of this victory.
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Violence. An effort
In the Old Testament, it was enough to accept circumcision and perform certain actions according to the flesh - and you knew that you were righteous and doing the right thing and would inherit the kingdom. Law and Prophets before John. From now on we must use force, for the Kingdom of Heaven is taken by force.
In this example we see exactly that. Compliance with certain rules led people to eternity. Not to the Kingdom. And Jesus shows man what is necessary for PERFECTION. It was necessary to sell everything that the young man had. This can be called violence. Because here the matter concerns, in fact, the death of this person. This is all he had and what he valued even above eternal life.
How to understand the words “The Kingdom of Heaven is in need”?
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Today, my friends, in Rus' is Angel Day - the day of remembrance of all the saints of our Russian land, whose The Tabyn icon can even be called miraculous. In many places in Russia you can come across Having received a strict, almost monastic upbringing, all the children of this pious family strove to “In order to suffer less and not be deprived of temporary pleasure, one must maintain oneself in indifference: in
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From the days of John the Baptist until now.
Pay attention to the time period as well. Law and Prophets BEFORE John. That is, all opportunities to gain entry into eternal life existed BEFORE John. What happened during John's baptism? REPENTANCE. When a person admits that he is a sinner—that is, dead—he receives the life of God. Moreover, not just words. Fruits were needed, and only after that a person was allowed to dive. People asked him about the real things that needed to be done NOW. From now on, the Kingdom of Heaven will be taken by force.
Recognizing oneself as a sinner, weak, unable to do anything is strength. The essence of the gospel was repentance. Repent, for it is near. Precisely because it was approaching, it was necessary to repent.
Commentary on Matthew 11:12
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Commentary on Matthew 11:12 / Matthew 11:12
Gospel of Matthew 11 verse 12 - synodal text:
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has been taken by force, and those who use force take it by force,
John Chrysostom (~347−407)
Art. 12-13 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and those who use force take it, for all the prophets and the law prophesied until John
Although Christ was born from a wife, but not in the same way as John, because he was not an ordinary man, and was born not as people are usually born, but by an extraordinary and wonderful birth.
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven is taken by force, and those who use force take it . What connection do these words have with what was said before? Great, and very cramped. The Savior forces and compels His listeners to believe in Him, and at the same time confirms what he said before about John. In fact, if everything was fulfilled before John, then it means that I am coming.
For everything , he says, the prophets and the law prophesied before John . The prophets, therefore, would not have ceased to appear if I had not come. So, do not stretch your hopes into the distance and do not expect another (Messiah). That I am coming is evident both from the fact that the prophets have ceased to appear, and from the fact that faith in Me increases every day; it has become so clear and obvious that many admire it. But who, you say, delighted her? All those who come to Me with zeal.
Source: Conversations on the Gospel of Matthew.
Hilary of Pictavia (~315−367)
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and those who use force take it by force.
However, the people do not believe John, the works of Christ are not revered, the future cross was a temptation. Prophecy is already ceasing, the law is already being fulfilled, all preaching is already being restrained, the spirit of Elijah is already being sent forth in the voice of John. Some preach Christ, and others recognize Him, from some He is born, and others love Him. His own people reject Him, strangers accept Him, loved ones persecute Him, and enemies embrace Him. Adopted people rush to the inheritance, but the family rejects it. The sons refuse the will, the slaves acknowledge it. So, the Kingdom of Heaven is taken by force, and the exerting forces steal it away , because the glory of Israel, deserved by the fathers, proclaimed by the prophets, presented by Christ, is captured and stolen by the faith of the pagans.
Source: Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew.
Feofan the Recluse (1815−1894)
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and those who use force take it by force.
You take up work - “not always out of desire, but more out of compulsion.” Such is the law - to resist yourself in bad ways and force yourself to do good things. This is what the Lord’s words mean, that the Kingdom of God is in need, and the needy women delight it . Because of this, following the Lord is a yoke. If everything were done according to desire, what kind of yoke would there be in this? - In the end, however, it comes that everything is done willingly and easily.
Source: Letters.
Anthony the Great (~251−~356)
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and those who use force take it by force.
Question. What does the Lord command when he says: “ From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been taken by force, and those who use force take it ”? We know that every invader is worthy of judgment and damnation; How will we understand what the Lord said?
Answer. John came before that day, preaching the Kingdom of Heaven to people, and when the Savior came, those who without hesitation and truly believed, with great asceticism and suffering, surpassed the institutions of nature, and passed over the body to dispassion and, having flown over the stumbling of the body, mortified bodily lusts , walking in virtue along a narrow and painful path. They force themselves, performing the feat for the crown of the highest calling, as the holy Apostle said.
Source: Questions of St. Sylvester and the answers of St. Antonia. Question 196.
Isidore Pelusiot (350/60−435/40)
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and those who use force take it by force.
Why is the kingdom of heaven in need ?
The rewards are above all human dignity and with great abundance exceed the reward that would follow for labors (since the passions of the present time for the glory that desires to be revealed in us are unworthy (Rom. 8:18), said the chosen vessel (Acts 9:15)) , and they seem to force the weakness of nature. That is why it is said: the kingdom of heaven is in need, and the needy women delight it. What kind of needy women ? These are people who force their body to fast, to chastity, to some other virtue, subordinate it to the laws of the spirit, make it an aid and encouragement to virtue.
Source: Letters. Book III.
Hesychius of Jerusalem (v.p.IV—~451)
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and those who use force take it by force.
However, those who, through some need, refrain themselves from sin by deed, are blessed before God, Angels and men: because those who force themselves are the delighters of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 11:12).
Source: St. Hesychius, presbyter of Jerusalem, to Theodulus, a soul-helping and saving word about sobriety and prayer.
Seraphim of Sarov
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and those who use force take it by force.
It is not for nothing that the Word of God says: The Kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:20) and it is needed, and those in need do not delight it . That is, those people who, despite the sinful bonds that bind them and do not allow their violence and excitement to commit new sins to come to Him, our Savior, with perfect repentance to suffer with Him, despising the entire strength of these sinful bonds, are forced to break the bonds them, such people then really appear before the face of God whiter than snow (see Ps. 50:9) by His grace.
Source: Conversation with Motovilov about the purpose of Christian life.
John of Kronstadt (1829−1908)
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and those who use force take it by force.
Why is the Kingdom of Heaven , the kingdom of peace and joy, taken by force, and only those who use force delight it ? Because there is a lot of internal, natural evil in us that needs to be eradicated and which, like a snake that they want to kill, resists and hurts us; that there is a strong enemy of the Kingdom of God, who, by all means, is constantly trying to expel the Kingdom of God from us and establish his kingdom in us, the kingdom of sin, darkness, confusion, sorrow and oppression. Don’t be surprised that you always have to go straight to the Kingdom of Light.
The Kingdom of Heaven is taken by force, and those who use force take it away . These words must also be applied to the Holy Mysteries of the Body and Blood. Since with them we accept the Kingdom of God into ourselves, then without need, without effort, we cannot accept them with dignity, but we must experience an internal struggle before accepting them: the enemy constantly, relentlessly tries to steal faith in the Holy Mysteries from our hearts, so that we accept them in judge yourself, because everything that is not from faith is sin (Rom. 14:23). The above words must also be applied to all other mysteries, to all prayers, to good thoughts, desires and actions.
The Savior’s word is true that the Kingdom of Heaven is taken by force, and those who use force take it . In order to do good, I must constantly fight with my heart, which is always ready to incline me to evil: good is always achieved with need, but doing evil is always easy, just give up. Our heart is the source of evil, according to the Savior.
The Kingdom of Heaven is taken by force . This means that life by faith does not come for nothing, but one must work to have internal signs of the Kingdom of God within oneself.
Source: Diary. Volume II. 1857−1858.
A person is constantly affected by two invisible forces: good and evil; the power of God, the power of grace and the power of the devil, the evil and all-destructive power. Man is placed in this world as if between two fires, one of which is life-giving, about which the Lord says: I came to bring down fire “on the earth” (Luke 12:49); and the other is a scorching and burning fire. A person must exert effort on himself in order to arouse in himself the fire of God, the fire of faith and love for God and neighbor. Man lost his first Divine dignity, his rightness, holiness, goodness, meekness and filled his soul with all sorts of sins. You don’t have purity of heart - this is a big loss, you need to acquire it; there is no sympathy for your neighbor in his sorrow, misfortune, misfortune, disaster, illness - change yourself, be sympathetic; you do not have zeal for prayer, for God, you do not have a spiritual taste for prayer, you do not have a spiritual ear for listening to the Word of God - transform yourself, develop a spiritual taste, a spiritual ear, so that you can listen to the Word of God with love, in order to feel the sweetness of prayer and the sweetness of good deeds . If you are proud, humble yourself; if you are greedy for food and drink, be abstinent, etc. Evil strongly fights a person and forces him to do evil, but good attracts him to himself with his moral beauty, spiritual peace, spiritual freedom; good attracts the promise of eternal life for victory over passions: “To him who overcomes I will give to sit with Me on My throne...” (Rev. 3:21). “ The Kingdom of Heaven ,” that is, holiness and purity, righteousness, abstinence, prayer, chastity, love for God and neighbor—is “ taken by force ,” that is, by the power of God’s gracious help and their own zeal, and “those who use force” acquire it. The flesh resists the spirit (Gal. 5:17), that is, all virtue, so that we do not do what we want for the sake of God and the salvation of the soul and for the good of our neighbors. Man is placed in this life between two currents: good and evil, between two fires: the fire of God, life-giving, and the fire of the devil - scorching and tormenting. What is required is human resistance to all evil, all passion of the flesh and spirit, all lust and learning, the assimilation of all virtue. Real life is a spiritual school, a struggle, a feat, a battle with sin or “with the spirits of wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12), fighting us against evil. Everyone needs to learn to overcome sin within themselves with the help of God, for without God there is no way to reach the threshold. And God has given us all the Divine powers for life and piety; we just need to not be lazy in using them. — Do you want to learn how to delight the Kingdom of Heaven with force? - Learn from the saints, how they labored, how they used every effort on themselves; what selflessness they had, what impartiality to wealth, to worldly honor and glory, to carnal pleasures; what abstinence they had, what zeal for God, what constant prayer, what work, what humility, kindness, obedience, patience, mercy towards their neighbors. And how by faith they reached the Kingdom of God! None of them were put to shame; everyone has received incorruptible life and eternal glory, eternal bliss and are beyond any fear of losing the acquired Kingdom of Heaven. Imitate you too, each according to his own strength; read, listen to the Word of God, delve into it, understand it, strive tirelessly for the goal of your life - and receive eternal salvation. After all, you all work one way or another for the earth, for earthly prosperity; strive especially to obtain eternal life; “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and this is all,” all earthly blessings “will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Amen.
Source: The Last Diary (1908).
The Kingdom of Heaven is forced - and the kingdom of Satan is forced, that is, sin constantly forces us to follow its lusts, and even with impudence, with strength, with bitterness; fight against it constantly: if you don’t fight, sin will completely overcome, and the Kingdom of God will weaken.
Source: Diary. Volume X. 1866−1867.
Hieronymus of Stridon (~347−419/20)
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven is taken by force (vim patitur = suffers violence), and those who use force take it by force
If, as we said above, the first John proclaimed the need for repentance to the nations, saying: Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2), then, consequently, from that time on, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence (vim patitur), i.e. That is, it is acquired by force, and those who use force steal it. Indeed, great effort is revealed in the fact that we are born on earth, but strive for a place in heaven and master through deeds of virtue what we did not receive from nature.
Source: Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew.
Theophylact of Bulgaria (~1078−~1107)
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and those who use force take it by force.
This doesn't seem to be relevant to what was said earlier, but it really isn't. Pay attention: by telling His listeners about Himself that He is greater than John, Christ arouses in them faith in Himself, showing that many delight in the Kingdom of Heaven, that is, faith in Him. This matter requires a lot of effort: what effort is needed to leave your father and mother and neglect your soul!
Source: Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew.
Origen (~185−~254)
Art. 12-13 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and those who use force take it, for all the prophets and the law prophesied until John
The days of John and Jesus should not be understood in the sense of time, but in the sense of the state of mind of the listener of divine Scripture. The word “today” refers to the days of Jesus, which the psalm describes as follows: In his days righteousness and much peace will shine until it ceases (Ps. 72:7). The one who undergoes preliminary training, starting with the rudiments of the words of Jesus and walking along a path that seems rocky and difficult to beginners, seizes the Kingdom of Heaven by power - by the power of patience. For taken by force is used here not in a real, but in a passive sense. If the perfect Word, having accepted the one who expects freedom under the law and the prophets, who are [for him a kind of] schoolmasters and stewards, gives him the paternal inheritance, then it is rightly said: the law and the prophets until John .
Source: Fragments.
Evfimy Zigaben (~1050−~1122)
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been in need, and the needy women have taken it away.
Chrysostom says that here he called faith in Himself the Kingdom of Heaven, as a guarantee of the Kingdom of Heaven, i.e. enjoyment of heavenly blessings. Needs , i.e. forcibly admires people when they do violence to themselves and overcome the need of their own passions or the tyranny of unbelief. Explaining this, he added: women in need delight her . Such laudable violence began, he says, from the days of the preaching of John, who proclaimed to the people: repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is drawing near (Matthew 3:2). Christ said this both to praise John, who, as it were, laid the foundation for the salvation of people, and to encourage his listeners to use a similar effort on themselves.
Source: Interpretation of the Gospel of Matthew.
Lopukhin A.P. (1852−1904)
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and those who use force take it by force.
(Luke 16:16). Verses 12-15, difficult to explain, serve as a connection between 11 and 16. By “the days of John the Baptist” we mean the time he went to preach. The words “Kingdom of Heaven” are used here, obviously, in the sense of “Kingdom of God” established by the Savior on earth. Chrysostom interprets this verse as follows: “The Savior forces and compels with them (i.e., these words) His listeners to believe in Him, and at the same time confirms what he said before about John. In fact, if everything was fulfilled before John, then it means that I am coming. For, he says, the prophets and the law prophesied everything before John. The prophets, therefore, would not have ceased to appear if I had not come. So, do not stretch your hopes into the distance and do not expect another (Messiah). That I am coming is evident both from the fact that the prophets have ceased to appear, and from the fact that faith in Me increases every day; it has become so clear and obvious that many admire it. But who, you say, delighted her? All those who come to Me with zeal.”
Source: Explanatory Bible.
The Kingdom is preached
We see that the very beginning has changed. If earlier it was necessary to accept circumcision and become a Jew according to the flesh, now a new opportunity arises. Without circumcision and law. THROUGH GOSPEL.
The good news of the Kingdom is what Christ's first disciples had to say. The Kingdom has come. Through the good news, a person learned about the opportunity to become an heir, to enter this Kingdom of God, where He reigns, where His laws apply. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom. And therefore they must die. The kingdom of heaven is taken by force.
Life in the Word
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Part 3:
God's Kingdom is being taken by force!
Nothing is insignificant for God, even if you just offered a prayer for a loved one, this is already success in the Lord’s work. God wants us to be successful people in His work. With the Lord is knowledge and wisdom, power and authority. The main success that God has called us to is joy and peace in the heart. Jesus once said: For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mark 8:36,37)
We are happy people, the Holy Spirit lives in us! We are filled with love, you just have to step into it. No matter what kind of spiritual disciplines you practice, it will definitely not be in vain.
So, my beloved brothers, be strong, immovable, always abound in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and those who use force take possession of it... (Matthew 11:12)
He who makes the effort enters and possesses the Kingdom. We are called to live in God's Kingdom already here on this earth, which is also the Lord's. If you put in the effort, you will enter the Kingdom, and He has everything you need.
For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14)
God chooses from those who come to Him who open their hearts to Him. It is important for you to understand that you are not reading this by chance, God foreknew, predestined and chose you. Your heart pleases God! God is impartial, He does not look at your flesh, He looks much deeper, inside you, at your heart, and this is precisely what is precious in His eyes! In this world, everything is fleeting, everything changes and you simply cannot keep up with trends and opinions. In fact, you don’t need this, because God has already created you very beautiful both inside and out, He created you in His image and likeness! And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good... (Genesis 1:31)
We need to realize the greatness of God and understand that God himself is our Father. God, who created the universe, everything we see and do not see, is our Father. Strength, creativity, desire and ability to study and cognize - all this comes from Him. He who did not spare His Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also freely give us all things with Him? (Romans 8:32) God can give you everything you need.
God has endowed you with a great gift - to dream. Everything you can imagine is real! (Pablo Picasso)
You can achieve anything you can imagine, but there is one very important point, Jesus says about this: I am the vine, and you are the branches; He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Without God it is impossible to hit the very target! Often in life we seem to hit the target, but not the top ten; the result doesn’t seem bad, but we would like it to be better. Don't forget, you have a Father who can do anything! Everything in the universe is held together by His Word! Do you really think that God, who gave his Son to suffer, will not take care of you, for whose sake he did it? God knows you and everything about you better than you know yourself!
So if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him. (Matthew 7:11)
God gives you good and you need to be confirmed in this. It is important to know the truth - to connect with Jesus. Only in this way will you become free from everything that oppresses you. You are freed from the bondage of sin and death. You live in the law of the Spirit and life - this is freedom from any oppression or torment.
You need to hold on to Him and then everything around you will be arranged, no one and nothing will be able to harm you. God is our Father, He takes care of us, but we ourselves can let go of His hand and He will not hold us back. God is great and He respects your choice, He gives you the opportunity to decide for yourself what to do and how to act.
If it does not please you to serve the Lord, then choose for yourself now whom to serve, whether the gods that your fathers served who were beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live; but I and my house will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)
God asks the question whether you want to serve Him and how serious you are in your intention. .. no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God. (Luke 6:9)
Today God is looking for the faithful because such a person can be trusted. ...you have been faithful in a few things, I will put you over many things; (Matthew 25:23)
He who is not faithful in a little cannot be faithful in much. The Kingdom of God is taken by force, and everyone who makes an effort delights Him. Effort is a firm, unshakable intention that you remain true to, no matter what the circumstances.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7)
There is no lack in Christ; everything is in Him. First of all, you need to abide in Christ.
For this reason, brethren, we ask and plead with you by Christ Jesus, that, having received from us how you ought to walk and please God, you may abound more and more in this... (1 Thessalonians 4:1)
The answers to any questions are in Christ.
The greatest value today is not money, it is time. And the most terrible question that one can ask at the end of life is: “What did I live for?”
If you prosper in God, you will not be disappointed! Your work before the Lord will never be in vain. Your reward can overtake you already here, on this earth. God will not keep you waiting for rewards for success in Him. Prosperity is expressed in the state of your soul - it is peace, joy, love, tranquility.
God's Kingdom is taken by force! Set yourself apart for God! Prosper in the work of the Lord! Succeed in knowing God and He will reveal to you something new that you do not yet know.
