SEEKING THROUGH ARDENT ZEAL AND INTENSE EXERTION

[Albert Finch]

Matthew 11:12 - "And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force (as a precious prize - a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion)."

The violence of the Kingdom is not physical violence but focused earnestness, a deeply passionate pursuit of God that enables Christ's followers never to give up in pursuing their Christ calling regardless of the conflicts and trials they face.
John said he was a "partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus"(Revelation 1:9). 
Jesus taught that true disciples "bear fruit with perseverance" (Luke 8:15).

The word "persevere" is rooted in the word "severe". It implies that there are times when we will not reach our spiritual goals unless we are stretched in ways others call severe or extreme. We don't go one mile; we go two. We contend for the faith; we wrestle against principalities and powers. We are soldiers who endure hardship. Even if we are knocked down, defeat is not final: We rise to fight another day. Surrender is not an option.



Ezekiel 3:1,2 - "Moreover He said to me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this scroll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that scroll."

God's primary purpose is not just having us believe His Word, but having His Word change us.
Through His Word and communion with the Holy Spirit, the Lord has provided heavenly bread that we can gather every day. Like the manna He gave to Israel in the wilderness, it cannot be stored, but must be gathered and partaken of fresh each day. As we partake of it we become what we are eating.

Albert Finch Ministry

http://afministry.ning.com/