The Church of Jesus Christ is to be a dominating influence, prevailing against the kingdom of darkness. It has been commissioned to carry on the works of the Lord Jesus and to do even greater things than He did.
How could anyone think that a dominating influence could be brought about by violence and force? The Crusades are a dark blot on the history of Christianity, but remember that this does not represent the heart of the Father. When the disciples wanted to call down fire on some trouble makers, Jesus said, "You do not know of what spirit you are speaking."
Put these two together: We are to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul and strength AND we are to love our neighbor as ourself.
Is it really possible to force one to love? Don't we create and draw love out of another by loving them with tenderness and appreciation? This is how the Lord Jesus treated those around Him. We who are called by His name will be known by the way that we love. We may be surprised at the end of life that God will reward us for how well we loved, rather than the volume of our accomplishments.
In the light of our crumbling world order, we may soon be called on to let go of many hopes and dreams of this temporary life and test our spiritual promises to actually see God's Kingdom coming in power and authority through us, as Heaven sees it.
God plans is to do far beyond anything we can ask and think through those who love Him better than life. Ephesians 3:20
The Church of Jesus Christ will have a dominating impact on the world before Jesus comes in bodily form, to the praise of all the world.
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