Living in the Kingdom

There are two kingdoms, one the kingdom of God, the other the kingdom of the world. I have written this so often that I am surprised that there is anyone who does not know it or remember it. - Martin Luther

So, how do you live in the world, but remain distinct from it?

When Martin Luther expressed his frustration at the failure of Christians to understand his "two kingdoms", I doubt he had any concept that the frustration would continue on for centuries. But it is still smouldering.

Some Christians react to the threat of sin in the world by withdrawing from it completely while others are so saturated in it, it is difficult to tell them apart from the world. I would suggest both lifestyles are un-Biblical.

Not that it is easy to always make the right choices. Should Christians protest against that ungodly movie? Should we go to the wall on Scripture in schools? When a local Council tells our church not to play loud music after 10pm, is that an attack on the gospel or just a sensible law for the common good?

Martin Luther said that understanding the two kingdoms (ie the kingdom of the world and the kingdom of God) would make clear many issues we are confused about. He gained this perspective initially by reading Augustine's The City of God.

Many years have passed, but the Church still lives in confusion. Some Christians want to take over the world, believing this is the mandate Christ has given it, while others seem completely inactive.

Join me in this 8 part series as we tackle the difficult issue of being in the world but not of it.

Further reading: Living in God's Two Kingdoms - David VanDrunen.

Terry Allen