LET THE BIBLE SPEAK.

THE EARLY CHRISTIAN'S STAND ON POLITICAL ACTIVISM.  Benson Omole. The early Christians (from the 1st century until the early 4th century) generally maintained a distance from active political life for a combination of theological, practical, and moral reasons. To them, being a Christian meant a complete shift in identity that often made the political structures of the time incompatible with their faith.   Here are the primary reasons why they stayed away from politics: 1. The Theology of "Two Kingdoms". The early church lived with a dual-citizenship mindset. They believed they were citizens of an earthly nation, but their primary and ultimate loyalty was to the Kingdom of God.   Jesus’ Example: When Jesus was questioned by Pilate, He stated, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). Early Christians took this literally. If the King they followed refused an earthly throne, they felt they should not strive for earthly power either.   Th...

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT COLLECTING MONEY UNDER FALSE PRETENCE (EXTORTION). Extortion is using force, threats, pretence, and position of power to take money or property from someone unfairly.  The Bible condemns it repeatedly as theft or oppression. 1. It is Theft and Injustice, God calls it evil. Read, Exodus 20:15: “You shall not steal.” Extortion is stealing by tricks, force, or pretence. - Read, Lev.19:13, "You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning.”   Withholding a Worker's pay through threat is extortion. - Read, Micah 2:2. “They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.”  God calls out powerful people taking from the weak, by force. - Read, Isaiah 3:14-15. “The Lord will enter into judgment with the Elders and Princes of his people: ‘It is you who have devoured the vineyard, the s...

Who Is Not a Christian? Six centuries before the birth of Christ among men, the prophet Isaiah foretold that a new name would be given to the people of God. The prophet wrote, "And the nations shall see thy righteousness and all kings thy glory: and thou shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of Jehovah shall name" (Isa. 62:2).  The Lord was going to give his people a new name! This prophecy is not fulfilled until we come to the New Testament, to the eleventh chapter of Acts. By this time, Christ has come, has given his blood for the sins of the world, and has been resurrected from the dead. The church has now been established and the gospel is being preached among the nations. Thus, the stage is set for the giving of this new name, and in Acts 11:26 we read, "The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch". The name Christian is not a term of derision. Rather, this is the new name which God gave to his people, a name to be worn with joy ...

How the Early Church Approached Politics By Tyler Boyd, and Benson Omole. In the early church there was widespread agreement that it was inappropriate for Christians to seek political power. These early Christians believed that their separation from the state was an important part of following the example of Jesus. By “early church” I mean the church prior to the year 313, the year Emperor Constantine ended the persecution of Christianity. When Christianity transitioned from a persecuted religion to a government-endorsed religion, this led to a rapid change of perspective and practice on many issues. Why Care What the Early Church Did? The early Christians were fallible human beings. They wrote uninspired words. They were just as capable of error as men in any other generation. Although the early church’s practices and teachings did correspond to the New Testament in many ways, they made errors as well. We shouldn’t just agree with everything the early church said or did. The Bible is ...

Political System Adopted By God, in Governance.   By Olufemi Omole, COC Leicester, UK. 1. The Political System: Theocracy The political system God established among Israel is best described as a theocracy. A theocracy means God Himself is the supreme ruler, and all authority flows directly from Him—not from the people or human institutions. 2. God as King of Israel From the beginning, God made it clear that He was their King: In Exodus 19:5–6, God calls Israel “a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.” In Judges 8:23, Gideon said: “I will not rule over you… the Lord shall rule over you.” In 1 Samuel 8:7, when Israel demanded a human king, God told Samuel: “They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.”  This shows clearly: God intended to be their direct ruler. 3. Structure of Governance Under God Although God was King, He governed through appointed representatives: a. Prophets (Spiritual Authority) Men like Moses and ...

THE CHRISTIAN AND POLITICS. Kunle Eniola  Introduction Beloved brethren, politics is an integral part of human society. It influences leadership, laws, and the direction of nations. As Christians living in this world, we cannot completely avoid its effects. Yet the question remains: What should be the Christian’s proper attitude toward politics? Many have gone to extremes—some completely withdrawing, others becoming so entangled that their faith is overshadowed. The Word of God provides a balanced approach that helps us live faithfully in any political environment. 1. God Is Sovereign Over All Governments The Scriptures make it clear that all authority ultimately originates from God. In Romans 13:1–2, the apostle Paul teaches that “there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” Likewise, Daniel 2:21 remind us that God “removes kings and raises up kings.” Even our Lord Jesus Christ affirmed this truth in John 19:11, whe...

The Christian and Politics: A Critical Analysis Opemipo Olusola 18th of April,2026 1. Understanding the Topic Politics, in simple terms, is about governance, power, and decision-making in society. Christianity, however, centers on devotion to God, spiritual growth, and advancing God’s kingdom. The tension arises when political loyalty begins to compete with spiritual loyalty. That’s where politics can become a stumbling block in a Christian’s life. 2. Stumbling Effects of Politics in a Christian Life (a) Divided Loyalty A Christian is called to serve God wholeheartedly. But partisan politics often demands absolute allegiance, creating a conflict. Instead of identifying primarily as a Christian, one begins to identify as a party supporter first. This weakens spiritual focus and devotion. “No one can serve two masters” (principle reflected in Matthew 6:24). (b) Compromise of Christian Values Politics often involves: Manipulation Propaganda Hostility toward opponents A Christian deeply in...

THE CHRISTIAN AND POLITICS. Bro. Oke Preacher, COC Leo Akure. Introduction The relationship between Christianity and politics has long been a subject of debate among believers. Some Christians avoid politics entirely, believing it to be corrupt, while others see it as a platform to influence society for righteousness. This topic examines the role of Christians in politics, guided by biblical teachings and principles. 1. Definition of Politics and Christian Responsibility Politics refers to the governance of a society, including decision-making processes, leadership, and public policies. As members of society, Christians are not exempt from civic responsibility. Biblical Foundation Romans 13:1–2 – “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers…” 1 Peter 2:13–14 – Christians are called to submit to governing authorities. These passages show that government authority is ordained by God, and Christians are expected to respect and engage with it responsibly. 2. The Christian as a...

Morality, The Government and Christians Moral statements and positions will, necessarily, impact political issues. This is not because morality is inherently political, but because government has the task of recognizing the difference between good and evil, so moral issues will have to be dealt with (Romans 13:3-4). This means that, contrary to what is so often stated and argued, morality will be legislated by government, and it will be legislated from a worldview that either recognizes the significance of God or not. To say that God needs to be kept out of politics, then, is to default to the secularized view of morality; and secularized morality will then be legislated. Why is it that people default to keeping God out of it instead of keeping the secularized views of reality out of it? And why do some Christians seem to be buying into all of this? We need to see what has happened here. Many have bought into the notions that God and religion must be kept out of politics, a...

Welcome Address: Bible Preachers' Meeting on the Christian and Politics. Benson Omole. Distinguished Bible Preachers, grace and peace be unto you from our Lord Jesus Christ! It is with profound joy and gratitude that we gather here today in the Meeting Hall of The Church of Christ Ekute Quarters Ado Ekiti, and welcoming you to this important meeting. As ministers, and stewards of the eternal Word, you have journeyed from near and far to fellowship, pray, and deliberate on this vital intersection: the Christian and politics. Initially, Christianity was pure, and its integrity could be verified from the pages of the Bible, until it was endorsed by Emperor Constantine, of the Roman Empire. The damage which resulted afterwards could be approached in any historical Book. However, this political endorsement brought mixture of distortions: 1. Genuine faith coexisted with political convenience. 2. Some entered into Christianity for influence, and political patronage without t...

Theme: Shepherding the Flock: Equipping the Saints for the Work of Ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12; 1 Peter 5:2–3) Topic: The Noble Task: Understanding the Beauty and Weight of Oversight (1 Timothy 3:1; Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:1–2) INTRODUCTION Kunle Eniola (Preacher). Brethren, today we are considering one of the most important subjects in the life of the church—the role of spiritual leadership, particularly elders, and the responsibility of shepherding God’s people. In Ephesians 4:11–12 , the Bible says: “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Also, in 1 Peter 5:2–3 , Peter writes: “The elders who are among you I exhort… Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers…but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.” From these passages, we learn that leadership in the church ...

Divorce and Remarriage Few subjects stir the emotions like the subject of marriage, divorce and remarriage. It cuts to the core of our most intimate relationships and touches virtually every family to some degree. For these reasons, many refuse to discuss the issue at all. Others search for easy and painless solutions to complicated and often sinful situations. Neither approach serves the cause of truth. The Ideal vs. Modernism Most Christians are aware of God's ideal plan for marriage. From the early chapters of Genesis we learn: (1) that we are created in God's image, on a higher moral plane than the animals, (2) that God ordained the marriage relationship, (3) that marriage is between a man and a woman, (4) that to marry is to "cleave," implying a life-long commitment, and (5) that in marriage we can enjoy the richest blessings of companionship and sexual fulfillment. This biblical ideal stands in sharp contrast to the modern view of marriage. Basing their ideas on...

Barton W. Stone’s Lecture on Matthew 5:38-48 (1844). Ye have heard that it hath been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. – Matthew 5.38 The law of Moses admitted of, yea, enjoined strict retaliation on its subjects; the reverse of which our great Lawgiver Christ Jesus enjoins on his subjects with equal strictness. “But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil.” The word evil is an adjective, and doubtless agrees with person understood, resist not an evil or injurious person – if he smite thee on thy right cheek, retaliate not by smiting him also, rather meekly offer the other cheek. By doing thus you may overcome the injurious person, and bring him to submission to the truth. Christ himself, set the example. When he was reviled he reviled not again, when he suffered (more than a stroke on the cheek) he neither retaliated, nor threatened th...