The Rulers of the Kingdom of God.

To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation 2:26-29)

(3/8/2009) The burden this morning appears to be on the idea that the victorious saints will one day govern the nations of people on the earth. Not only will they govern them, but their rule will be absolute, admitting no compromise.

Christians often speak about "ruling and reigning with Christ." I wonder how much serious thought they have given to this hope.

As we consider the things happening in the United States, and in the world at this time, we can see just how important ruler ship is. At present there is a debate in California concerning authorizing people of the same gender to marry one another. To many Christian people this simply does not make sense.

If the purpose of a wife is to complement her husband and make fruitfulness and dominion possible, as in the case of Eve, what sense does it make for two men or two women to be married?

Well, it does not make a great deal of sense. But Christian people cannot prevent the courts and the government from legalizing same-gender marriage, although they might wish they could. We see then just how important the ability to rule actually is.

If there had been one strong, governing saint in the Garden of Eden, Eve would not have been permitted to disobey God, thus sparing mankind the following thousands of years of agony and insanity as human beings have rebelled against God.

It seems to me that every right-thinking person is appalled at the thought of the aborting of fetuses. But we can do little about it. The current President of the United States appears to have no problem with abortion-on-demand, even if the baby is about to be delivered. I sure would like the authority, and I believe you would also, to stop such an abominable procedure. It is certain to bring the wrath of God on the United States in the near future.

There is the campaign to spread the acceptability or even desirability, of homosexual behavior, coupled with the notion of permitting people to declare what gender they are regardless of their physical characteristics. Gender confusion might be humorous to some, but it could lead to destructive practices.

Of late we see the infiltration of the Muslim religion into many heretofore "Christian" countries. The Muslim religion appears to regard women as personal chattel. Since a woman is intended to complement her husband, the idea of her being chattel is not acceptable. In this instance she is not a genuine wife. She certainly should not be beaten with a stick! This is not acceptable behaviour.

In many instances around the world the Muslim religion is associated with the murder of innocent people. If we had the authority promised to the victorious saints, we could put a stop to this behaviour. However, the record shows that there is blood also on the hands of the Christian churches.

Christians have produced commendable social programs such as the abolition of slavery, the improved treatment of wounded soldiers, missions that feed the poor, and the care of lepers. Nevertheless, the past unwillingness of the "Christian" nations to share their wealth and education with poorer countries, instead of stealing from them, has left a black mark on Western civilization. I think we are about to pay bitterly for this utterly abominable selfishness. How many situations in our country and around the world would we change if we had the absolute authority and power promised to the victorious believers in Christ?

The Scripture states that many who are last shall be first. I think this means that some of the highest ranks in the coming Kingdom of God will be assigned to people born in the present hour. This may account for the wicked practice of abortion, homosexual behaviour and marriage, and transgender operations. Such practices may have as their goal the prevention of the birth of those destined to govern in the Kingdom of God.

Because of the increased opportunities for ruler ship in the eternal Kingdom, the temptations are more difficult. God wants His highest rulers tested thoroughly.

There are any number of distractions operating in America at this time, but the most difficult to overcome may be sexual lust. God has placed in man a strong sexual drive. God requires that we control ourselves and do what He has commanded. Those who obey God will govern the rest of mankind in the new world of righteousness that is coming.

We have to rule now in the midst of our enemies, and we will have to rule then in the midst of our enemies. If we cannot govern now, we could not to be trusted to govern in the age to come.

Why are pornography, adultery, fornication, the displaying of nakedness, so powerful in our day? It is obvious that numerous well intentioned individuals, including pastors and other professional people, are unable to resist these temptations?

I do not know that I can answer this question. However, it may be possible that as more and more people succumb to temptation, and then die and pass into the spirit world, the spirits they nourished are let loose to harass the living people. In any event, the pull of the flesh is becoming increasingly strong. I said many years ago that the days were coming when people simply would not be able to resist temptation. I wonder if perhaps that day is here.

The unscriptural "lawless grace" and "pre-tribulation rapture" errors have contributed greatly to the weakening of the determination of the believers to overcome sexual lust. It indeed is possible to resist sexual lust, but it requires a very dedicated, consecrated Christian to do this.

The great need of our day is for a godly government with absolute authority and power. Our Lord Jesus has promised us this authority and power over the nations of the earth, just as the Father has promised to Him.

But the stipulation is that we overcome. What are we to overcome? We are to overcome every force, compulsion, urge, idea, teaching that would distract us from listening to the Lord Jesus and obeying Him every moment of every day and night. Those who overcome evil will stand and help others to stand during the Gentile holocaust that is at hand.

I have little doubt that destruction will come upon America in the near future, including severe famine. We have turned away from God and His Bible. We may think that God has changed, but He has not. Rebellion against His Person and will always shall be accompanied by every social disaster, including those disasters having to do with military and economic institutions, and the availability of food.

America is about to be chastened soundly.

So the need is for righteous government that will enforce God’s laws. You and I, if we are following Christ closely today, are being prepared to return with Him and take over the governments of the earth. Let us not come short of our privilege and responsibility.

To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— He will rule them with an iron sceptre; he will dash them to pieces like pottery just as I have received authority from my Father. (Revelation 2:26, 27)

The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 11:15)