The Reign of Christ Over Tyrants
by Christopher Hendrix
A little over a week ago, one of the Italian churches we have partnered with received devasting news. The Supreme Court of Italy ruled that their church building did not meet the criteria for a place of worship. You can read about it here. The government now sees them like any other business from a tax perspective. While their neighbors around them are businesses making profits, their location seeks to worship the Lord. Their activities are distinct from the places on each side of their church. However, the Supreme Court decided they had the power to define a church. Their definition of a church included ‘structural’ changes such as images, statues, and altars. In other words, they sought to define a church with the worship of images, idolatry, and paganism. They defined a church by the very actions a church despises. They claimed an actual church must have what we seek to avoid. This decision calls good evil and evil good. This determination is no slight error or deviation from the Bible's definition of a true church but posits a counterfeit church. The Supreme Court has shown its tyrannical hand.
Watch Pastor Chris Hendrix’s sermon on Psalm 2.
As we reflect on Psalm 2 from the sermon this past Sunday, we are reminded that Christ's sovereignty extends over all nations. The nations may conspire and rebel against the Lord, seeking to assert their authority above His. The Supreme Court, influenced by a potent mix of Roman Catholicism and Secularism, dared to redefine the bride of Christ. They attempted to replace Christ as the Head of the church with the highest court in the land. But their efforts are in vain. Despite the current suffering of Breccia, Christ's reign over His body remains unchallenged.
The judges in the Italian Supreme Court will appear before the Judge of the universe’s Supreme Court. They will face the wrath of God for their rebellion against him. Their folly of redefining the church will be exposed for what it is, which is foolishness. This future judgment is sure. However, Christ reigns even now, according to Psalm 2. He sits on the throne and rules currently. This means all His laws and commands are actively in place, and He is working even now to put His enemies under His feet. This court has declared war on Christ and shown themselves to be an enemy of Him. But Christ reigns over them. Their continual existence isn’t a sign of Christ’s weakness or failings but His mercy and grace. They still have time to submit to the true King. They still have time to repent.
Christ's sovereignty extends over all nations
Repentance is how Psalm 2 ends. The Psalmist calls those in authority to repent and submit to the King of kings. Those who turn and lay down their pride, foolishness, and desire for autonomous authority will be blessed. Christ will defeat His enemies now or later. He will beat them by converting them or crushing them. And the beauty of this is that Christ will use His church to play out His victory. The very church that is being persecuted and told they are not a church is the same church Christ is working through to bring the nation into subjection to Him. The tyrants will bow their knees to Christ, whether now or in the future.
As the true church, our response to this situation is crucial. First and foremost, we must fervently pray for the repentance of those who oppose Christ on the Supreme Court. We should pray that they turn from their rebellion against Christ and His bride, and instead, submit to Him and join the true church. Secondly, we are called to be the prophetic voice of our time, boldly proclaiming the sin and wickedness of this decision. This ruling is a direct assault on the church of Christ, attempting to control our standards of worship. In response, we must preach the truth of God’s Word and the crucified Christ. Only He has the authority to determine the worship standards for the church. Thirdly, let us unite with Breccia to serve, give, and meet their needs. We should use our earthly resources to combat this worldly decision. The above link has the option to donate to their needs. Finally, let us not forget that the Supreme Court decision represents the spirit of the age we are living in. This means that we could be the next target. So then, let us stand together with our brothers and sisters to resist this evil. Above all, let us remember that we already have the victory because Christ reigns. He even reigns over tyrants.