THEME: BRINGING THE NATIONS BACK TO CHRIST (JEREMIAH 29:14) 

PREAMBLE 

Blessed be the Name of the Most High God who, in His love and mercy, has opened the door of salvation, redemption, and restoration to man and creation through His Son, Jesus Christ—Saviour of the world, Redeemer, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. God through the Spirit, Works, Victory, and Life of Jesus Christ, has opened a door of Peace, Righteousness, Joy, Divine Glory, Eternal Life, and God’s Presence and Heavenly Kingdom Order on earth to man.  Again, in Christ and through Christ deliverance and restoration have come to the rest of creation. Hallelujah! Without controversy, Jesus Christ is the Divine-Spirit released to reconcile, redeem, and restore man and creation back to their original nature, stature, and glory. Christ has come to re-order affairs so there be heavenly ordered peace and goodwill on earth.  Jesus is here to bring all creation and the world under non-disturbed Divine reign and rule on earth.  

The basis of this vision and contention as clearly stated in the Bible, is that Jesus Christ will reconcile the world with God—create man anew and impart His Divine spirit nature and attributes, graces, glory, power, and authority to the new man (2Corinthians 5:17-19; John 1:12-16), and re-order human conduct, life pursuits, and life in general in line with heavenly ordained good works and eternal purposes under the wings and knowledge of God (Ephesians 2:1-10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Jesus has full authority to deliver and redeem creation, overthrow Satan-man rebellion and disobedience, and kingdoms on earth. The kingdoms of the world will ultimately be converted and absorbed into the Kingdom of God (Revelation 11:15).  

This essentially, is the heavenly vision and intent of a New Thing, a New Man, a New Life, New Nations, and New Kingdom on earth, New Heaven and New Earth. It was for this vision and mission that the Church was founded, set in place and commissioned by Jesus Christ (Is.9:6-7; Is. 42:1-12; Math. 16:18-19; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). 

Indeed, the Church Mission is Christ Himself in Action, moving in collaboration with The New People of God—those Born Anew, Divine spirit-filled, guided, directed, and controlled—and the Holy Spirit.  The holy faithful angels are the ministering spirits that serve Christ and the Church in church mission in the nations. Without Christ, there is no Church. Without Christ’s commission, commandment, and presence, there can be no Church mission. All others, if any are without foundation, without vision, without Divine unction, and without legitimacy. They are but vapor—empty and worthless (John 20:21; 15:1-10). It is gratifying to note that the Awesome Grace Network (AGN) of churches has not only caught and understood the heavenly vision and mission, and place of Jesus Christ the Son Given in the Church and her mission on earth— but also the critical End-Time-Mission task of gathering all creation in Christ back to God the Father, so the Father God will be all in all (Ephesians 1:10; 1Corinthians 15:24-28). 

The theme of the AGN 10th Anniversary, BRINGING THE NATIONS BACK TO CHRIST (Jeremiah 29: 14). It is here that the theme of the message on this auspicious occasion is pregnant with great promises and hope for the world.  Not only will it help address the state of judgement, condemnation, captivity, war, pain, and suffering, confusion and lawlessness, prevailing in the socio-politico-economic order in today’s world. It will also help re-awaken and re-vitalize the otherwise, sleeping and compromising fallen away church, overtaken as it is by philosophical secularism and scientificism, modernism, and humanistic adventurism. 

 

INTRODUCTION 

The theme of the message assigned for the occasion is: THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN SHAPING THE SOCIO-POLITICO-ECONOMIC DIRECTION OF THE NATIONS. 

First, the theme makes two affirmations: 

a. That the socio-politico-economic conditions in the world stand in need of Divine direction and change; 

b. That the Church is equipped and is in a position to provide the necessary Divine direction. 

We agree with this affirmation of the church’s position in the nations. The affirmation forms the basis of hope. That the Church has a role to play in shaping the socio-politico-economic direction of the nations. It can be said with full justification in this direction that the Church has positive contributions to make towards—the destiny, life conditions, peace, quiet, security, progress, prosperity, and hope of peoples and nations.  When that happens the vision of the Kingdom of God on earth will become a social reality. Amen. 

 

THE CHURCH – THE AGENT OF GOD IN NATIONS 

This is so, because the Church is first a Divine spiritual body headed, functions with, and is directed by the Divine Person, Jesus Christ.  She is the household and dwelling place of God in the nations.  In fact, the Church is of and is fully enmeshed in the Triune God. Accordingly, she is endowed with Divine knowledge and wisdom, authority, and power necessary for the building and management, direction, and protection of the affairs of peoples and nations.  Again, the Church is equipped and empowered to contend with the forces of evil and unrighteousness, violence, and wickedness that militate against the life, liberty, well-being of people, and the security, peace, and progress of nations.  In Christ and with Christ the Church has victory over Satan’s deceptive, devastating, oppressive, and damning influence on peoples and nations. Satan’s rebellion and man’s disobedience against God the Creator, have been and will be quelled and put to rest.  Evil will cease in the end. Peace, joy, happiness, progress, and hope will prevail.  

Second, the Church has special favor and power with God for the reconciliation of nations, the cancellation of the prevailing wrath, and judgement of God over man and creation, and for bringing harmony between heaven and earth (John 3: 16; 2nd Corinthians 5: 18-19; Isaiah 12; Revelation 11:15). 

Third, the Church serves as an agent of God in His controlling interest in and power over creation and hence, the nations (Matthew 6:9-13).  A faithful and vibrant Church is the pride and joy of both God and man, and nations (Psalm 48; Psalm 122).  It is through the Church as the Mountain and Temple of God in the nations that God reveals His Will, Law, and Commandments—and directs nations in His Truth, Light, and Way they should go (Isaiah 2:1-5; 1st Peter 2:2-10; Matthew 5:13-16). The Church has access to the mind and secrets knowledge of God (1Corinthians 2:12-16; Psalm 25:14; Matthew 6:9-13; Psalm 90:1-4, 13-17).  

To sum it up, the Church is the Temple, Dwelling Place, Home, Court, and Throne of God in the nations. She is the Agency, Vessel of Hope, and Arm of God in the world. The Church brings the Presence, Spirit, Authority, Power, and Hand of God. The Church also stands as servants and army of God for the working out of Divine purposes, government, and kingdom order on earth. She has privilege of Divine Graces, Authority, and Power to command and direct affairs, transform, and effect changes and command the destiny of nations and peoples according to the will, commandments, and knowledge of God.  

Basically, however, the Church is generally viewed as the Priest and Prophet of God concerned with spiritual standing of peoples and nations, leaving the physical, material, and social well-being, the governance, rulership, and destiny of nations to the political, economic, and cultural authorities and powers in the land. But the latter can be and must be part of the Church operational theatre. Rulers and leaders need Divine unction and direction. God has and must have full dominion over creation and the nations. It is here that the Will, Knowledge, Designs, Purposes, and the Kingdom of God in the nations suffer much violence at the hands of Satan and men, spirits and powers, all seeking dominance and control over the lives, treasures, and wealth of the nations, the well-being and destinies of peoples and nations (Psalm 2). Men want to be God, with unchallenged authority, and controlling power over peoples and nations.  

This by definition, creates, and indeed, has created a state of spiritual conflict, hostilities and war, social instability, uncertainty, and distress in the nations as men, spirits, and powers vie among themselves in the direction and control of the wealth, lives, and destinies of nations and peoples. Thus, apart from the state of darkness and death caused by sin and the consequences thereof, the spiritual and politico-economic conflict and hostilities create a social order of pain and suffering, distress and desolation, for generations in nations and the world. 

 

CHURCH MISSION – DIVINE INTERVENTION IN NATIONS 

It is here that Christ’s Spiritual and Social Intervention, His Government, and Kingdom Order become a potent force of salvation and deliverance, redemption, restoration, and hope for the nations—for man, beast, and creation as a whole (Isaiah 9:6-7; 61:1-6; 11; John 10:9-10). This is where the Church’s mission—with Christ’s reconciliation, salvation, redemption, and restoration mission—His government and Kingdom order, reign, and rule on earth become the most potent and viable force and needed escape route and hope for Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards Men. Christ is the Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and King of Glory for the nations. Hallelujah.  His name is wonderful!  Amen!! 

That makes the Church the Vessel of Hope of Divine intervention, deliverance and redemption, direction, and blessedness for the establishment of peace, righteousness, justice, joy, liberty, progress, and prosperity in the nations. The Church brings the nations under the merciful and blessed hand of the Most High God, the Creator. Blessed is the nation; therefore, whose God is Jehovah (Psalm 33:12). 

 

THE SOCIO-POLITICO – ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN THE NATION – ARRANGEMENTS IN THE NATION 

Having stated the Divine mechanism of intervention and change, direction, and blessed Hand of God through the Church mission in the nations, let us turn briefly to the specific issue of shaping of the socio-politico-economic direction in the nations. It is noteworthy in this direction that our theme places social conditions ahead of the political and economic conditions in the nations.  

Essentially, the politico-economic and socio-cultural arrangements have one main goal of meeting the needs, promoting well-being, and creating a peaceful, stable, secure environment and positive social order for fulfillment and joy for the human soul-spirit and life on earth. It is the social conditions of life and aspirations of people that ought to inform politics and business and hence, orderly conduct of righteous and just exercise of political and economic power and politico-economic management in general in the nations. 

Besides, while political and economic power are by definition and nature matters of trust and Stewardship of Power, (the power of God, People, and Nations concerning the determination of direction, management, and control of life and well-being, wealth, and resources) social order is and remains in the domain of individual rights and liberties, aspirations, expectations, and hope in society and the world. Indeed, public and national interests are legitimate only if they meet the demands and aspirations of people’s well-being and social order in general. Unfortunately, because of the rejection of God and robbery by the powers that be, political and economic order is fraught with much pain, confusion, and suffering in the nations.  Men, seduced and/or aided by spirits, want to be God of peoples and nations.  

 

THE LAWS OF INCONGRUITIES 

First, men have taken on the position and place of God in the nations. They rob, steal, and subject, oppress, and kill people with the delegated authority and power given them. They make laws of incongruities in conflict with nature, the will of God, and the true needs and aspirations of peoples. For example, philosophical and ideological conflicts, and confrontations in the political arena in the search and establishment, pursuit, and management of national interests make nonsense of public trust, divine order, peace, and good in nations.  Democratic Obama is seeking help from ideological and interest of divine Congress and Senate.  

Thus, political party promises, pursuits, performance, and governance have become issues and sources of conflict, disorder, and pain. In recent years, deception, lies, and manipulation have become the modus operandi in politics and business. It is not surprising the pursuit and wielding of political power has tended to frustrate peace, righteousness and justice, stability and security and true pursuit of peaceful, just and progressive social order in the nations. There is pain and damage every time, everywhere. In many cases, such as in African politics and governance, chieftaincy, and rulership are fraught with conflict and wars, robbery, and oppression, abomination, and damnable acts.  Both God and People are robbed and cheated by ‘human gods,’ aided by wicked blood-drinking spirits and demons in the name of religion and politics, tradition, and culture. 

The people of Africa are the victims of poverty, backwardness, and hopelessness. On the world scene, there are similar incongruities in the marketplace in the operation of so-called “laws of demand and supply,” profit-maximization, and investment returns. Peoples and nations are freely and openly robbed of daily bread, livelihood, well-being, wealth, treasures, resources, the dignity, and sacredness of life as well as national sovereignty and glory. 

Capitalism, in this regard, is the most guilty, persuasive, and devastating philosophy and social order. Under capitalism, politicians, business, and financial tycoons plunder and plummet with ‘lies and statistics.’  Economic indicators— such as GDP, growth, inflation, and interest rates—have become the weapons of trade. They do not have, if any, it is only remote and distant bearing on poverty and starvation, homelessness, diseases and sickness. Gestures of corporate social responsibility, charity, and philanthropy to mitigate distress are but apology to the laws of incongruities in the nations. Peoples and nations are held in cages and captivity as people entrusted with power and resources loathe it over them, that is over God, People, and Nations.  

The Bible has a simple lesson to teach here; that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. That, it is Satan that has come to rob, steal, kill, and destroy.  Whoever or whatever walks with Satan does follow his deception and wicked ways. That men are wicked and desperately so. That righteousness is established, prospers, and flourishes in the acknowledgement and submission to God, obedience of His law, and commandments, humility, and submission to God and authorities in the love, law, light, way, and knowledge of God. But the Law of love and liberty and the Golden Rule are unknown to the laws of incongruities and the wicked (Mathew 22:37-39; 7:12; James 2:8). 

The whole world is beset with unrighteousness and injustice, oppression, and wickedness, hence, there are wars and rumors of wars all over. Indeed, there is no peace, stability, and security anywhere in the world.  Earthquakes, pestilences, and calamities are no challenges to the laws of incongruities and men’s conscience. 

 

SHAPING VISIONS, POLICIES, AND DIRECTION OF NATIONS 

From the observations briefly made, it goes without saying that the Church has positive contributions and/or crucial role to play as Divine Agent, Vessel of Hope, and Army of God in determining and shaping vision and socio-politico—economic direction of nations. For this purpose, therefore, it is imperative that the Church seek the face of God for direction, knowledge, and understanding of the Divine Vision and Plans for nations.  It is from this perspective only that the Church can have spiritual, moral and even political legitimacy for the mission task. Towards this, we can deduce three major areas of Church mission activities for shaping direction in the nations:  

I. The reconciliation of nations with God Mission: The Church leads nation and people to acknowledge and worship God and submit to His Will, Law, Ways, and Kingdom on earth. The Church preaches, teaches, and disciple nations and minister to nations and people in the knowledge and will of God. 

II. The Apostolic and Priestly Mission: The voice of God—His direction and controlling Hand on peoples and nations. 

III. The Church Prophetic Mission  

The combined thrust of the three missions if handled in truth, righteousness, and faithfulness to God will bring peace, righteousness, goodwill, blessedness, hope, and fulfill joyful life and happiness to peoples and nations. 

 

THE RECONCILIATION OF NATIONS WITH GOD 

(1 Corinthian 5:18-19; Acts 26:18; Is. 9:6-7; 2 Timothy 2:1-6; Psalm 2:6-12) 

There are two sub-themes under the Church Reconciliation Mission:  

I. BRINGING NATIONS BACK TO GOD.   

The Church must seek to bring nation and people back to God, the worship, and knowledge of Him through the ministry of reconciliation, evangelism, and discipling on the truth and knowledge of God, true worship, and service of God. This will bring joy to both God, man, nations, and the world. In Africa, this will involve contention with idolatry and festishism, tradition, culture, sorcery, witchcraft, and the power of Satan (Acts 26:18; Isaiah 42:1-12). It will help break the chains of idolatry and poverty, political instability, wars, distorted governance, and stunted economic performance. The Church can break the chains of satanic hold and control over spirits, minds, and ways of life of people  and make way for healing, transformation of tradition, culture, rulership, and life conditions, bringing peace, progress, liberty, and joy in the marvelous light of God (Isaiah 19:1-22;  Acts 26:18). Reconciliation will bring peace with God and turn people to faith, trust, hope in God and the worship of the Creator. This is a vital, fundamental foundational block for peace, righteousness, stability, and hope for development and progress in sound spiritual and socio-cultural environment. 

 

II. SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND KINGDOM BATTLES  

(Matthew 4:8-11; Ephesians 6: 10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:5). 

The deliverance and transfer of trust, faith, and worship to the True and Living God will, by definition, involve spiritual warfare and kingdom battles. These are necessary for the deliverance, winning, and take-over of nations by God. Peace, righteousness, justice, joy, progress, prosperity, and the mercy and goodness of God are the hallmarks of redeemed peoples and nations (Isaiah 51:11; 61: 1-6). 

 

APOSTOLIC AND PRIESTLY MISSION IN THE NATIONS 

(Matthew 28:18-20; 2Timothy 2:1-6; Psalm 122; John 4:22-24)  

A. Teaching and discipling nation and people 

The Church must GO OUT to teach, disciple, and engage nation and people in the Law, Light, Way, and Knowledge of God (Matthew 28:18-20; 2nd Timothy 3:16-17; Isaiah 2:1-5; 1st Timothy 2:1-6). The Church must teach and engage the nation in the Truth, Knowledge, and Worship of God in spirit and in truth (Acts 26:18; John 4:22-24) 

B. The Church must engage the political, traditional, cultural authorities, political parties, and powers that be in democratic states in dialogue over the Divine Vision and Plans for the nations. Not only that, but the church must also have a Divine ordered plan and voice in the political arena, governance, administration and national affairs in general. This is vital for righteousness and peace in the nations. 

C. National Worship, Priestly Intercession and Supplication on National Issues and Affairs (Matthew 6:9-13, 33; 1Timothy 2:1-6). The Church is empowered to engage and lead the nation in Acknowledgement, Worship, Prayer, Praise, and Honor of God in national affairs (Psalm 122; 2 Chronicles 7:1-16). This is a viable vehicle for peace and rest in the nations. The worship of God is key to deliverance, transformation, and overthrow of Satan, powers, and the wicked ways of men. 

D. Private and Public Life, Social Righteousness, and Social Order: The Preaching, Teaching, and Exhortation on private and public conduct in the knowledge and fear of God, must receive special attention in the Church’s place, encounter, and relationship with people and nation, particularly with government (executive, legislature, and judiciary, public administration as well as with academic, business and professional communities. In particular, the Church must design and make special endeavors to educate and exhort on the Law, Light, and Way of God to the flock among whom are Kings, and governors, legislators, justices, public servants, business—as well as and Economic, Social, and Cultural Lords and Ladies of the land.

 In the final analysis, it is the executive action, legislation, and activities of the “Lords and Ladies” of the nation that direct and impinge most on life, living conditions, and social order in the nations.  This is where the Knowledge and Fear of God is imperative. 

 

THE PROPHETIC MISSION OF THE CHURCH 

(Jeremiah 1:5; Ephesians 4:11; Ezekiel 3:17; 33:7; Isaiah 62:6-7) 

The Prophetic Mission of the church is an open door to the nations to factor in and respond to the will, directions, mind, ways, hand, and Voice of God in nations for peoples and national affairs. The prophetic mission of the Church demands a holy, righteous, humble, obedient, and faithful church ready and willing to seek, listen, hear, declare, make known, and follow-up if necessary—the will, commandments, and directions of God.  

The prophetic mission is carried out mainly by people appointed by the Most High God Himself. They carry His burden and mantle for His Will, Righteous, and Godly spiritual and social order, as well as His reign and rule of the nations. It entails much prayer, fasting, and consistent waiting, intercession, warfare, and obedient carriage of the Divine Will and Directives, Plans, Purposes, and Glory for the nations. 

The scriptures declare: “Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established: believe His prophets, and you shall prosper. (2 Chronicles 20:20 (c). Jesus said in John 14:1: “Let not your heart be troubled; You believe in God, believe also in Me”  The Voice of Jesus Christ is the Voice of God. The Vision and Will of God is the Vision and Will of Christ for the nations. The Church Mission is Christ mission. Accordingly, the Church’s mission task concerning the spiritual and social order in the nations and the world are of heavenly origin and design. The Church’s mission in the nations is therefore, of a potent force in shaping the socio-politico-economic direction of nations. The Church must believe, know, and understand this. 

 

CONCLUSION 

The Church has a vital, Divine, heavenly calling and obligation to play an active and responsible role in the affairs of nations and peoples. The Church has a duty not only to teach and lead the nations to know and worship the True God, obey His Law, Commandments, and observe His Light and Way in their affairs—but also to pursue Divine Vision, Will, Plans, and Purposes for peoples and nations, their governance, social order and affairs in general. 

In this regard, the Church can in fact wield positive influence on the state of affairs and destinies of peoples and nations. Accordingly, it is imperative that the Church concerns herself with the socio-politico-economic policies, operations, and performance of governments, leaders, citizens, the rulers and ruled alike in the social, political, business, and economic direction of nations. This is necessary for service as people, servants, and watchmen of God.  It is necessary also to ensure that the life, well-being, and welfare of the people and social order as a whole are not oppressive, chaotic, and bewildering. The Church has a duty to build trust and hope in God, righteousness, peace, and goodwill in society. 

Second, and most importantly, the Church has a duty to engage with the leaders in the political economy regarding the vision of God for the nations. The Kingdom of God must be real and true for all. It is here that the Church has a definite role, to participate in determining and shaping the socio-politico-economic direction of nations. 

Where agreement is reached on a vision for the nation, the Church has special prophetic and watchman duties towards God, the Nation, and the People to ensure orderly, peaceful, righteous, honest, and just conduct and the well-being of peoples and the peace, progress, and prosperity of nations. But on the aggregate, the Church is/are the believers and true worshippers of God. At the ultimate, the Church stands as the Agent of God and Divine Ordained Voice of God, and Spokesperson of the people in nations. The Church has a part and duty in the spiritual supervision and oversight of the exercise of delegated political and economic power and authority in the nations.  

We also observed that there are laws of incongruities in the political arena in the marketplace and economic sector as a whole. These laws have openings for abuse and misuse of power, oppression and exploitation, outright robbery and fraud—for corruptible, sinful, selfish, and wicked man. The pluralistic capitalist market democracy offers no escape either. 

To be sure, it is because of evil and wicked works of the nations that God is rejected, and the prophets are hated and killed, and suffer much at the hands of spirits and men, authorities, and powers in the nations. It is very sad and unfortunate in this regard that some prophets choose to partner with the powers that be in robbery and wickedness, selfish, and unrighteous pursuits of private and group interests.  “Let God be true and every man a liar.” In this regard, the Church in Africa must wake up from sleep, shed the garment of corruption, and meaningless pursuit of money and wealth, power, pleasure, and fame—the unhealthy yielding to foreign influence and take on the true and holy garment of Priests and Prophets of God—so they can engage Satan and men, spirits, powers, and the selfish, corrupt, hypocritical, and wicked kings and leaders, Lords and Dames in the political economies of African nations.  

Truth, righteousness, and faithful observance of the Law, Light, Way, and Knowledge of God must be a cardinal underpinning spirit and culture in politics, business, life, and social order. Nothing is so challenging to the Church’s role in shaping the socio-politico-economic direction of nations in Africa, as idolatry and tradition, open corruption, robbery, bankrupt, and misguided anti-God ideologies and the challenges to good, sound, righteous, and purposeful governance.  Because iniquity and poverty abound many drop off the demand for righteousness and truth.  

We take consolidation however, in the fact that the Most High God has raised His Holy Hands-on Africa. Beginning from Ghana—He will raise new leadership conduct and practice in Church, state, and nations in Africa. Hallelujah.  The theme of the 10th Anniversary Celebration of AWESOME GRACE NETWORK (AGN) Churches is one sure sign of this new development in Africa. The Mighty One has raised His Holy Hands-on Africa.  

“Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.” (Isaiah 42: 9) 

“Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord” (Psalm 68:31-32)  

Africa’s risen glory will challenge Europe and America. There is hope for Israel and the Arab countries coming together with Africa to hail the Messiah, Mighty Saviour, Redeemer, and King of Glory, Jesus Christ (Isaiah 19: 2-5). Meanwhile, let the governments, leaders, and all in Africa take notice that God Has Risen with healings in his wings and power to do a “New Thing” in Africa.  But be it as it may, may all take note that JESUS IS SOON COMING. 

 

Saturday September 10, 2011