When Jesus first appeared in Galilee, he proclaimed the “Kingdom of God” – “Repent, for the kingdom is at hand.” In his ministry, God’s reign had begun to invade the Earth. But his realm was and remains of an entirely different nature than the political systems of the present fallen age. Moreover, on more than one occasion, Jesus refused THAT kind of political power, especially when it was offered by Satan who tempted him with sovereignty over “all the kingdoms of the world.”
Continue readingCaesar
The Ancient Beast
History repeats itself. It is littered with past efforts by tyrants and regimes to dominate the Earth. Each may experience some success, but so far, every empire that has appointed itself sovereign over humanity has floundered in the end. For example, the kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar and Caesar’s imperial realm both ceased to exist thousands of years ago.
Unfortunately, the imperial effort never ceases, and today, we find the latest incarnation of the World Empire marching across the globe, imposing its will, seducing Christians, and subjugating nations that refuse to bow to its demands.
Continue readingTransitory Powers
Despite human pretensions, History demonstrates the impermanence of political power and governments. Rome endured for a thousand years, but its empire fell all the same. Like life itself, political power is fleeting, and regimes often collapse quickly and unexpectedly when their allotted time expires. Only the “Kingdom of God” will last forever.
Continue readingPaul on the State
Writing to the churches of Rome, Paul presents principles for Christian conduct in relation to the State. Believers must “subordinate themselves to governing powers, for there is no authority except by God.” His statement was written when Nero ruled the Roman Empire, the same man who became the first emperor to persecute the church. But what is truly exceptional is Paul’s exhortation to show respect to “governing authorities” in an imperial system that was anything but democratic, one ruled by autocrats with absolute power.
Continue readingJesus or Caesar?
When offered by Satan, Jesus refused the political power of Rome. So, why do we continue to seek what he rejected? When I became a disciple of Jesus, I was taught NOT to “be unequally yoked” with the world. Yes, conditions around the globe were tragic, but what did we expect from a world order under Satan’s boot? What humanity needed was the good news of God’s kingdom, not another corrupt political ideology.
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