Justice: The much Neglected Kingdom Service - Deacon Akuro Parker (Arc)

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe … and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, and mer...


“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe … and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. (Matt. 23:23 ESV).


While on earth, Jesus Christ cursed the Religious Leaders who paid less attention to justice than tithe. He emphasized that justice is more important (in advancing his kingdom values and lifestyle) than tithe, though he never condemned tithe. Similarly, because of look warmness, God classified the church in Laodicea as a failed church despite its wealth (Rev. 3:15-17).


The current very embarrassing levels of injustice, insecurity and under development despite the phenomenal explosive church growth, confirms why the defence of justice is more important than all other sacrificial Kingdom Services. From Isa. 42 and verse 1 – 5, it is clear that God puts His Spirit in us to establish justice in the nation, therefore make the laws according to His Word. We invariably need Kingdom Political Education to be able to use the political platform to establish justice.


To God be the glory for the privilege to share a revelation on the necessity for KINGDOM POLITICAL EDUCATION for the establishment of JUSTICE over the nations in Fulfillment of Christian mission on earth (Matt. 6:10; Rev. 11:15; Prov. 29:2).


The Kingdom of God is the domain or the sphere of influence of the values and lifestyle of the King of Kings (Jesus Christ). It is characterized by righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.


Kingdom Political Education is the acquisition and application of knowledge of the Kingdom values and lifestyle in politics and governments for the transformation of the nations.


The destiny of the nations is squarely in the hands of the church and must not be by chance, but by deliberate choice and effort of the church to redeem the political leadership.


This message has been appreciated by several churches and organizations I have addressed which include, the Anglican Bishops of the Niger Delta Province, the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), several chapters of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Catholic Men’s Organization (CMO) and Communities. 


In a dream I saw a large crowd of confused and angry youths protesting against the pastors, alleging that they are not telling them the truth concerning the need for their collective biblical role, as an army, to defend kingdom political interests to better their conditions (Col. 3:23). Consequently, the youth’s ignorantly defend political parties interest against the kingdom interest, thereby defeating the enthronement of righteous leadership (Prov. 29:2).


The kingdom project or the heaven on earth agenda of God is beyond salvation, miracles, prosperity, church growth and living right individually. It is principally about God coming into the world system through the collective effort of his sons (Rom. 8:19) to assert his Power, Glory and might against Satan’s dominion (Col. 1:16-18), & (Phil. 3:21).


Quite unfortunately, due to misconception, most Christians’ knowledge of work of God is almost confined to church activities, which in most cases are personal gain-motivated rather than love for Christ and humanity. Gain being a motivating factor, the church should preach more on the greater gains in defence of justice through the enthronement of God fearing political leaders. For our embarrassing situation to change, our thinking and positions must change. God created all things (including politics) for his purpose and pleasure (Col. 1:16-17, Rev. 4:11). As a matter of fact, every religion, including Christianity targets at controlling the political power to enhance followership.


“… All authority in heaven and on earth (including political power) has been giving unto me… therefore go ye and make disciples…” (Matt. 28:18-19).


Also from the scriptures, the members of the body of Christ include the government:-


“And God hath set some in the church, first Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers after.... Government....” (1 Cor. 12:28)


The neglect of political power and government is the reason why kingdom values and lifestyle are dying in most nations. Unfortunately, corruption, injustice and under development are on the increase despite the displeasure and anger of the church.


This vision, therefore, is to open the eyes of the church, to appreciate and assume its role in politics as the judge of the earth (Isa. 42:1, Isa. 9:7). It is a complementary vision to the frantic efforts of the great men of God in their different callings. The worsening condition of the Nations calls for this vision. It is therefore necessary to examine WHY AND HOW CHRISTIANS MUST ENGAGE IN POLITICS.


WHAT IS POLITICS? Simply put, politics is the management of state affairs with respect to vested interests. These vested interests could either be in furtherance of God’s Kingdom plans or the plans of Satan.


GOD’S POSITION ON POLITICS


From the history of creation, God set kingdom political agenda for man to manage his estate (Gen. 1:26-27).


“And the Lord God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Gen. 2:15).


From the history of redemption, we are ordained as priests and kings to rule on the earth (Rev. 5:10), therefore we should fulfill our leadership responsibility in the democratic political system. We should take advantage of the overwhelming church population to enthrone kingdom agents as leaders by sharing the message of the benefits of righteous leadership (Jer. 30:19-21).


Bishop Oparaojiaku wrote in his book – The politicians and the rest of us: “it is falsehood and betrayal of the gospel, if the Church keeps staying away from politics … any church or minister that will have nothing to do with politics will have nothing to do with the people.”


Concerning Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, it is written:



“The government shall be upon his shoulders (the body of Christ, the church)… of the increase of His Government and peace there shall be no end... upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and justice …” (Isaiah 9:7.)


Christians, by implication, have the responsibility to lead in politics as to establish God’s kingdom with judgment and justice that will birth righteousness and revival (development).


Therefore, Christians have failed in God’s political agenda of transformation of our society (Heaven on Earth), if we consider being born again, prosperity of the church, miracles and living right as all about Christianity without solving the problems (Eph. 2:10; Matt. 5:14-16) of the society such as: injustice, bad governance, under development etc.

Let us examine further strategic reasons why Christians must lead in politics and also how to engage effectively.



PART A: WHY CHRISTIANS MUST LEAD IN POLITICS


1.    To destroy the rulership (works) of Satan and enthrone the rulership of Christ in the battle for supremacy between the kingdom of God and Satan over the earth (1 John 3:8) God is searching for human vessels to reveal himself to (Heb. 10:5-7), so Christians should avail themselves in politics as God’s managers to rule the nations on God’s behalf. God’s managers are men with heavenly values and lifestyle who can subdue the earth.


2.    To disciple all nations (Matt. 28:18-19).  Christians must acquire     all powers – (or where withal) including political power, to be able to     influence the laws of nations with God’s Kingdom values. The     influence of repentant Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon as recorded in     Daniel 3:28-29 and that of Emperor Constantine in Rome are good     examples.


3.    Compulsorily Establish Justice And Laws In The Nations: (Isa.  42:1-5). God puts His Spirit in man to establish Justice in every sphere of life. Effective advocates of justice will fight to be in charge of politics and governance (Prov. 29:2). As a matter of priority, God commanded the Israelites on their way to the Promised Land never to oppress others.


“Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child” (Exodus 22:21-22).


The following scriptures further substantiate Justice as God’s primary concern on earth:


a. Proverbs 21:3,"To do Justice is more acceptable than sacrifice" (every other church activity).


b. Matthew 23:23, "...Justice is a weightier matter than Tithe  and offering..."


c.    Psalm 19:9-10 “…Justice is more rewarding and valuable than gold.”


4.    Secure God’s Throne of Leadership: From the declaration of the Queen of Sheba, Solomon sat on God’s Throne to rule for Him as a delegated authority to do justice (2 Chr. 9:8). This is still the role of all leaders. Furthermore, following the example of Prophet Nathan, it will take the participation of informed Christians to identify and enthrone God's candidates like Solomon (1st Kings 1: 11-22).



5.    Promote The Redemption of The Land: Just as we confess by faith the blood of Jesus for the redemption of souls, so also we should confess by faith the crown of the thorns Jesus wore at Calvary (Matt. 27:27) for the redemption of the land. The faith confession will uproot the thorns (all causes of pains) produced by the curse God placed on the land (Gen. 3:17), because of sin. To prevent further curse and thorns upon the land, the nation must repent and establish Kingdom values and ethics in politics and governance.


6.    Identify And Enthrone Visionary And Purposeful Leaders Like:


•    Nehemiah: rebuild Christian tenets and values (Neh. 5:6-11).


•    David: Christian leaders are called to feed the people (1Chr. 11:2b) and enhance their values (1 Sam. 22:1-2).


•    Solomon: never enslaved or exploited fellow men (1 Kings 9:22), but rather explored all other creatures for the benefit of humanity (Genesis 1:26-28).


It is an abomination to God and humanity for kings to be wicked (Prov. 16:12).

Ministers of God are to weep against wicked leadership (Joel 2:17).


WHAT IS JUSTICE? Simply put, it is the process or result of using God’s law, (His Word) for fair judgment (conformity to truth or correctness).


The parable of the Good Samaritan is a typical example (Luke 10:25-37). Other scriptures include:


Ps. 82:2-4: God is always angry against Christians for condoning wickedness.



Proverbs 31:8-9:  Instruction for Christians to create platforms to defend the weak. E.g. Pst. Sunday Adelaja has over 3,000 NGOs in Ukraine. It is cheaper to prevent corrupt leadership, injustice and crime than the cure (welfare and rescue operations).


Jer. 22: 16: All it means to serve God is to care for the weak.


Matt. 25: 33-40: Care for humanity is the standard for the final judgment.


Job 29: 12-17: We are blessed to bless others and not to oppress them.

EFFECTS OF JUSTICE

•    Justice produces righteousness (Isa. 26:9-10).

•    Justice cleanses the land and prepares it to sustain peace and development (Isa. 4:46).

•    Justice is the greatest delight of God (Jer. 9:23-24).

•    Justice releases the land from captivity and make the people happy (Psa. 89:14-16).

•    Justice is more rewarding and valuable than gold (Psa. 19:9-10).



PART B: HOW CHRISTIANS SHOULD ENGAGE IN POLITICS


1.    ENGAGE AS A KINGDOM ARMY – A call to Christianity is  call to

military service (Matt. 10:28, 16:24-26). We are indeed soldiers of Christ (2 Tim. 2:3-4).


(a)    Collectively: Politics being a game of numbers, demands     massive and collective participation in sponsorship and in     voting (John 17:21)


(b)    Urgently: Without giving any place to the enemy (Eph. 4:27). Understanding of the times to know what ought to be done (2 Chr. 12:32).


(c)    Violently and Fearlessly (Heb. 2:14-15; Matt. 11:12, Num. 13:30, 14:24), applying every spiritual and physical power to displace the enemy from God’s throne as we do when our property is trespassed and also as Prophet Nathan dethroned Adonija for Solomon (1 Kings 1:11-22).


(d)    Value all Men (1 John 4:17) Human capital development:


•    Equal rights – neglect no man. All men created in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26) God calls all believers priests and kings (Ex. 19:6).

•    Enhancement of values of men: to refine men to reveal God (2 Sam. 22:1-2, 1 Chronicles 12:8). The durable wealth of the nation is in the values of the people and not the mineral resources (Pastor Sunday Adelaja).


•    Not making slaves (1 Kings 9:22) Solomon did not make slaves but enhanced the value of men and gave them responsibilities.


Consequently, the Pastors should preach the importance and benefits of believers’ collective effort to control political party to enhance human values as they do for church activities. Unfortunately, majority of Christians are withdrawn because they are imitating their Pastors that is complacent. How can an individual living right in his closet constitute a strong force to dominate or rule the nation?



2.    ENGAGE ON DIFFERENT PARTY PLATFORMS BUT ONE FAITH

Our commitment to our Political Parties must be based on our commitment to our faith. (Col. 3:23). No one can influence party decisions from outside; therefore, we must aim to influence the parties to follow kingdom principles of love and righteousness.


Christians should register and participate in the decision making process in different parties, just like we do in our different churches for God's service. Very unfortunately, we are overwhelmingly negatively influenced by unbelievers as we are not taught what politics means to the kingdom project and how to engage collectively.


3.    OBEY DIVINE DIRECTION

We must recognize the fact that the choice of leaders to represent God (2 Chron. 9:8) over the affairs of men is His exclusive right.


“When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee,… Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee:…” (Deut. 17:14-15).


God is so interested to lead us that He warned us as follows:              "...without me ye can do nothing " (John 15:5). Hopefully, this vision will inspire the church to seek God’s face to identify his choice candidate to enthrone and not the choice of the political parties.


LEADERS IMPOSED BY MEN OFFEND GOD AND CAUSE PAINS: From the book of Hosea 8:4, God is querying why we make leaders outside His choice and in verse 10, He said we shall suffer under such leaders.


“They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols that they may be cut off” (Hosea 8:4).


4.    SHUN CORRUPTION: Politics must transcend the acquisition of power for selfish and pecuniary interest. We must focus on serving the public interest and view every office as an avenue or platform to serve the Lord, thereby ensuring that lives, property and happiness of citizens are guaranteed.


Evil is on the increase because of lack of strict condemnation (John 7:7).    Pastors need to rebuke, condemn and curse people involved in corruption following the example of Jesus Christ (Matt. 23:23b). Bishop David Oyedepo also cursed those who stole in his church during Shiloh and many returned what they stole. If people are cursed for bringing stolen money to the church, corruption shall be seriously curbed (Ps. 12:8, Isa. 26:9-10).


5.    UPHOLD THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST: We must recognize our utter helplessness without Christ. For this reason, we must focus more on The Word as we fight for fundamental Human Rights or cry for democracy as a way of solving the crisis.



CONCLUSIONS: God’s purpose of creation is the establishment of heaven on earth “Political Agenda” or the dominion of kingdom values and lifestyle. Very unfortunately, this project is failing in Nigeria because the corrupt political system has defied the efforts of the church which lacks Political Education (Hosea 4:6). Unlike other religious leaders that educate their followers on how to effectively control politics to advance the values and ethics of their faith, Christians fall prey to an unbiblical and deceptive notion that rejects religion (God) in politics. Consequently, the overwhelming negative influence of the corrupt political system, which we have failed to resist, is making mockery of the frantic efforts of the Pastors to transform the Nation. The church is like catching fishes into boats with holes.


The remark of Dr. Myles Monroe is very challenging. He expressed strong displeasure that, although the pastors in Nigeria have never been less concerned about the evil of the corrupt system, but they have not been able to improve on it. This is because the congregation is not yet exposed to teachings on how to collectively enthrone righteous leaders to establish justice. Also, they are not quite aware that Jesus Christ qualifies justice as a weightier matter of the law and more rewarding than all other sacrificial services including tithes (Matt. 23:23, Ps. 19:9-10). The increasing level of injustice and pain, despite the phenomenal church growth and prosperity explains why Jesus Christ called the priests hypocrites for neglecting justice. Is it not time for us to take correction?


This vision is therefore, to promote special teachings on Kingdom Political Education just as we do for Prosperity, Health, Singles, Couples, and Businessmen etc. besides the general sermons. This will help believers to know how to collectively use the political platform to advance kingdom values and ethics.



Christianity has come of age to correct every false doctrine which excludes God from the systems of the world (Gal. 4:1-6, Col. 1:16-17). With God’s involvement, without necessarily having all men in the church, the light of God or the mustard seed of the kingdom should be able to influence the entire nation just as the president rules, even though not voted by every citizen.



       

GOD IS IN NEED OF MEN OF UNDERSTANDING AND MORAL COURAGE (THE SAVIOURS) TO DEFEND JUSTICE IN THE NATIONS (ISA. 6:8, 42:22, EZK. 22:30). No man exists in the eyes of God wherever injustice is on the increase (Isa. 59:16) because the living must of necessity, feel the pains of the society and react without excuse.


The examples of the following are worthy of emulation:


•    Martin Luther King Junior, fought for equal right in America.

•    William Wilberforce fought to abolish slave trade.

•    Mary Slessor stopped killing of twins in Nigeria

•    Nelson Mandela fought to stop apartheid in South Africa.


As a Saviour (Obad. 21) what history are you writing with your name in our Nation where corruption, injustice and underdevelopment are on the increase? God said that we should not consider as achievement or boast about His gifts which include wisdom, wealth, family, church growth and miracles, but to boast for promoting justice and righteousness (Jer. 9:23-24). Let justice, God’s priority and expectation become our delight (Eccl. 3:16, Prov. 21:3).


If we consider the fact that our earthly fathers cannot bear the pains of seeing children kill one another, then imagine how much our inhumanity grieves God (Zech. 7:8-13). No true lover of God should have excuse not to intervene to enthrone righteous leaders. To whom much is given much is expected, so we must do all within our powers to transforms our society. It is an aberration for “the church” to be growing in number and wealth while the Kingdom of God (the values and lifestyle) is dying. 


If the land of Nigeria were the settlement of any of the far advanced unbelieving nations (Rom. 2:14-15), it would have developed far more than their nations. The Kingdom Political Education is the answer.


People who are heaven focused and earthly useless risk to miss heaven at last because God says that He will withdraw the kingdom from any nation that fails to bear the fruits of the Kingdom (Matt. 21:43, Gal. 5:22). 


When men slept the enemy sowed tares (Matt. 13:24), so let The Saviours arise from Mount Zion to fight for justice and redeem the battered image of the church in the eyes of Jesus Christ and the unbelievers (Matt. 23:23a, Isa. 29:13-14; Ps. 82:1-7).


Looking forward to your partnership to promote KINGDOM POLITICAL EDUCATION in your church, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), other Christian organizations and communities through crusades, seminars, workshops and sermons.


Finally, this priority work of God demands a platform to congregate The Saviours to salvage the world. You are therefore most cordially invited to join THE SAVIOUR’S INTERNATIONAL MISSION (SIM) (Obad. 21). Your life is only fulfilled when you contribute your best to make your society better than the state you met it. It is time to act for Nigeria and not only to pray for Nigeria.


God bless you.



Please for more details contact: 0803 310 4346, 0705 882 7667. Email: akuparker@yahoo.com



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