The Kingdom of Heaven in the book of Matthew

There are 31 references to the Kingdom of Heaven in the book of Matthew (NIV).  I called my blog "the simple guide to the Kingdom of Heaven" so maybe this would be a fitting study.  I have been wanting to look at each one of these references for a couple of years now.  I didn't want to make them a sermon series just yet, and I didn't want to do a Sunday school class with these references.  I have finally figured out the venue I would like to present these in - my blog.

So here is mention #1 - Matthew 3:2.  This scripture is the first mention of the Kingdom of Heaven and it is presented by John the Baptist.  John was clearing the way for the King to come.  He was baptizing people in water to cleanse their sins.  He was preaching that the Kingdom was coming.  So he said to get prepared.  Make sure that you are ready.  The King is coming.

Repentance is a way to make room for the Kingdom of Heaven.  The people repented of their sins.  In essence they were cleaning out their hearts to make room for the Kingdom.  We can not live in the Kingdom with sin in our hearts.

John shouted, "Repent!  For the Kingdom of Heaven is near

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