The Ancient Empire

Beast, Empire, Satan

The Beast of Revelation is the embodiment of the ancient imperial power that has stalked the saints since the fall of Adam. 

History repeats itself. It is littered with past efforts by tyrants and regimes to dominate the earth. Each may experience some success, but every empire that has appointed itself sovereign over humanity has floundered in the end. The kingdoms of Nebuchadnezzar and Caesar ceased to exist centuries ago - [Colosseum - Photo by BENCE BOROS on Unsplash].

City on a Hill

Discipleship, Gospel, Politics

Contrary to the claims of political operatives, Jesus is the light of the world, and his disciples are summoned to reflect him. 

From time immemorial, political leaders and their cheerleaders have invoked “god” to validate their agendas and governments, and the most popular religion is employed to do so. Just as today’s officeholders pay lip service to “Judeo-Christian values,” so the emperors of Rome appealed to their traditional gods for divine approval - [Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash].

What Satan Fears

Cross, Satan, Scripture

What threatens the Devil’s plans is a church conformed to the Cross of Christ that trembles at God’s word. 

Satan offers a smorgasbord of deceptions, and he cares not which one we choose. Only, do not venture in the “wrong” direction. And regardless of which lie, we prefer, common to them all is the goal of steering us away from reliance on the Word of God and living a life conformed to the cross of Christ - [Photo by Yannick Pulver on Unsplash].

Spiritual Warfare

Discipleship, Satan, Spirit

Disciples of Jesus wage spiritual warfare through right conduct, acts of love, and the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

I hear exhortations  daily calling believers to engage in “spiritual warfare.” The popular idea is derived from Paul's statement to the church in Ephesus: “Our wrestling is not against flesh and blood but against the principalities and powers… against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” - [Photo by Diana van Ormondt on Unsplash].

Which Kingdom?

Kingdom, Politics

The message of Jesus centers on the “Kingdom of God,” a political system that bears little to no resemblance to the kingdoms of this world.

Jesus appeared proclaiming the “Kingdom of God” – “Repent, for the kingdom is at hand!” In him, the reign of God was invading the present age. But His domain is of a different nature than the political systems of this world, and on more than one occasion, he refused the political power that has characterized history - [Photo Thimo van Leeuwen on Unsplash].