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Focal Point Ministries

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Audio Video

The Kingdom of Heaven Suffers Violence? Matthew 11:12 Explained

February 3, 2026
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In this teaching, Pastor Mike unpacks one of the most difficult sayings of Jesus: Matthew 11:12, where Jesus says “the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” Pastor Mike explains the historical, biblical, and theological background of the passage, showing how the kingdom’s arrival through John the Baptist and Jesus overturned the religious status quo. Rather than respectable religious elites, it was repentant sinners, outcasts, and unlikely followers who urgently embraced the kingdom. This explanation helps clarify how spiritual hunger, repentance, and bold faith—not social status or religious pedigree—marked those who truly entered God’s kingdom.

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About Ask Pastor Mike Live

Join us each Friday as Pastor Mike tackles hard-hitting questions Christians face in the modern world. Arm yourself for your next challenging conversation by getting relevant, biblical answers on hot topics of the day.

About Focal Point Ministries

Dr. Mike Fabarez is the founding pastor of Compass Bible Church and the president of Compass Bible Institute, both located in Aliso Viejo, California. Pastor Mike is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Talbot School of Theology and Westminster Theological Seminary in California. Mike is heard on hundreds of stations on the Focal Point radio program and is committed to clearly communicating God’s word verse-by-verse, encouraging his listeners to apply what they have learned to their daily lives. He has authored several books, including 10 Mistakes People Make About Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife, Raising Men Not Boys, Lifelines for Tough Times, and Preaching that Changes Lives. Mike and his wife Carlynn are parents of three grown children, two sons and one daughter, and have four young grandchildren.

Contact Ask Pastor Mike Live with Focal Point Ministries

Telephone: 
1-888-320-5885
Mailing Address:
Focal Point
P.O. Box 2850 
Laguna Hills, CA 92654