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Occupying Forces
Far too many Christians today, like the first century disciples, have a faulty view of the future. They focus on Christ's future kingdom rather than on their responsibility to occupy enemy territory and represent His kingdom until He returns.
The church's responsibility to occupy the world can be allegorically compared to what's happening today in the country of Iraq. Due to the rise of evil forces at the hand of Saddam Hussein, our U.S. President, Commander in Chief, George W. Bush ordered troops into Iraq. In just a matter of days, the battle was over. However, many of the insurgents will not accept defeat. Rather than surrender, they snipe and shoot at our troops from behind cars, buildings, and trees using suicide truck bombs and RPG's. So our troops must remain there until the victory is secured and a new government is installed and established.
By the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus the Annointed One, He was victorious over all God's enemies. He has clearly won the victory. However, Satan and his followers have not accepted defeat and still try to claim victory. Thus, the victorious Christ has had to establish His troops (the church) to secure the victory until He returns to set up His new government. The church is God's occupational force until He returns. Jesus clearly intends his disciples to focus their impact on the world today, through the power of the Holy Spirit onto a sick and dying world, lost without Christ.
Christian, rather than entirely focusing your future on eternity in the sweet bye and bye. Let these marching orders of our Lord refresh and remind your heart 'Occupy till I come.' (Luke 19:13b)
If you need to start or rekindle a relationship with God, find the information you need at http://howtoknowjesus.info
About the Author James Stevens 'doc' is an ordained minister and operator of http://bentoncounty.info a local news and views website for residents of Benton County Tennessee.
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