RHYTHM

"The kingdom is primarily a declaration and demonstration of God's power in action. God, as King, is beginning his spiritual reign on earth in the hearts and activities of his people (Jn 14:23, 20:22). He chooses to work out his purposes through those who have devoted themselves to him, He is involved in the world he created and comes into it with all power (Isa 64:1; Mk 9:1; 1Co 4:20). Yet we must not view this power in material or political terms - as if he is looking to prove himself through earthly wealth or military might. Instead, we must realize that God uses his power to effect spiritual change. His kingdom is not a political theocracy, in which God exercises his control and imposes his standards through an earthly system of government. God's kingdom is not a matter of social or political control over the kingdoms of this world (Jn 18:36). God does not intend at this time to save and reform the world through social and political activism, or through violence (Mt 26...