Hindrances in Moving Forward

Text verse: Matthew 11:12 NLT “And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it.”
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What are the hindrances in moving forward?

To move forward means to keep going until you reach the destination. God has a destiny for each of us.
God planned it in eternity past. He has a prepared future for everyone where we will walk in the fullness of what He has called us to. God wants us to fully manifest on this earth – our full potential, our full capability, our full self. He has created and designed us intricately and with great precision considering all the variables – our unique personality, ethnicity, location, time, the generation we are supposed to serve, the obstacles we will face and the good works we are designed to produce. Ephesians 2:10 NLT “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

As God’s ambassadors and representatives, we have been handpicked and called to advance His heavenly kingdom on earth. We are to establish His kingdom of light over the earth and dismantle the kingdom of darkness that pervades and influences the world. Colossians 1:13-15 NLT “For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,”

Why doe we need to Advance the Kingdom of God?

1. Because it is God’s PURPOSE for us. It is the very reason God created us. Genesis 1:26 ESV Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created us to be like Him, to rule and reign in the area He has placed us. To have dominion on earth, to administer God’s righteousness and establish His kingdom through us – His children. Man sinned and we lost that authority and power. But Jesus was redeemed us from our sins and restored our original position. We have the right standing (righteousness) with God not because of our own good works or merit, but because of what Jesus did. The Lord saved us that we may rule and reign again on earth – over sin, over circumstances, over the works of the enemy.
2. Because it is God’s PASSION for His children. John 3:16 ESV “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Luke 19:10 NLT “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” God does not want anyone to perish, His passion is that all of His children will be brought back to His eternal kingdom. John 21:15-17 “After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” God is the Good Father who does not want any of His children be led into destruction and be captive by the kingdom of darkness. We, the church – ekklesia, the called out ones, have a duty and task to reach the lost and be coworkers with Christ. God the Holy Spirit will empower and strengthen us to fulfill His purpose and passion.
3. Because it is God’s PRIORITY. Matthew 6:33 ESV “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”Luke 2:49 NKJV And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Jesus’ priority was to do the will of the Father. He was all about the Father’s business. And we as His children must clearly understand and fulfill the most important thing in life. And that is the advancement of the Kingdom of God. To let heaven invade the earth. To do good works that glorifies God the Father. Matthew 5:16 ESV “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our primary concern is to be who God called us to be, to do the good works He has prepared for us to do, to have influence and dominion in the area He has placed us and to give all the glory to God in everything that we do.

In closing, God’s Purpose, Passion & Priority is to Advance His kingdom through us – His children. He promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. In Him we have the victory and we are more than conquerors. No plans and weapons of the enemy shall prosper for the God Almighty, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is with us. Colossians 1:16-18 “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” Let us move forward and advance His kingdom. We already have the victory in Christ Jesus. Acts 1:8 NIV “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” God the Holy Spirit will empower us to do His will on earth, He will guide us into all truth and teach us of all things. We are blessed beyond measure and we are highly favored! All glory and honor and power belongs to God. This we pray in the mighty Name of our Lord and King Jesus Christ. Amen.