Sunday Prayer: The Hope of the Resurrection

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of our faith. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15, if King Jesus has not been raised, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins. But You, in Your infinite love and power, raised Him from the dead, declaring victory over sin and death.

Lord, we thank You for this truth that anchors our hope. Because Christ is risen, we are no longer lost, but found; no longer condemned, but redeemed. His resurrection assures us that death is not the end, and Your promises are true. Help us to live boldly in this reality, sharing the hope of eternal life with others.

Strengthen our faith when doubts arise, and fill us with the joy of knowing that Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. May we walk in the light of His triumph, trusting that we, too, will rise with Him.

In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Choosing the Right Path

 “I thought I didn’t have a choice about being the Batman. That Gotham City chose me to protect her. That is wrong. Ever since the night my parents were taken from me, I made the choice. It means that some of my heart’s desires may go unfulfilled… But many more are satisfied… It is a good choice.”

~ Bruce Wayne; Legends of the Dark Knight Halloween Special #1: Choices (Jeph Loeb, writer; Tim Sale, artist)

Life is filled with decisions, and the choices we make determine the direction our lives take. For Bruce Wayne, the choices he made led him to become Batman. While our choices might not lead to such a melodramatic lifestyle, they still profoundly shape what we do with our lives.

The choice to follow Jesus is one that will affect every area of our lives, much like Bruce Wayne’s decision to become Batman transformed every part of his life. The two are inseparable. To be a Christian is to surrender our entire lives to God’s will. Every action and every word is measured against the reality that we belong to God.

This surrender comes with its own sacrifices. Not all the desires of our hearts will be fulfilled. Sometimes, our desires can lead us away from God’s will and into sin. Other times, even good desires—relationships, comforts, ambitions—may be left behind to follow where God calls. Missionaries who leave behind friends, family, and familiar culture to share God’s love with the world exemplify this truth. To choose one path often means leaving other paths unexplored.

But the good life isn’t found in having all our desires met. It is found in giving ourselves to something far bigger than we are—something that makes a real difference in the world. That is why Jesus tells us that the life He offers is the full life (John 10:10). It isn’t full because every whim is satisfied. It is full because it leads to purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. Over time, as we walk with Jesus, we realize that many of our desires are fulfilled in unexpected ways—often desires we didn’t even know we had until God revealed them to us.

The Apostle Paul, reflecting on his life, wrote to Timothy near the end of his journey:

“As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His glorious return.” (2 Timothy 4:6–8, NLT)

Paul looked back on a life of hardship—beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonment, and more—and declared, “I have no regrets.” For Paul, following Jesus was worth everything. The sacrifices, the challenges, and even the losses were insignificant compared to the joy of knowing God. His life had been good because it drew him closer to the Lord, and death was not an end but the next step in their relationship.

Being Batman is not easy for Bruce Wayne, but it is the path that leads to his greatest desire. Similarly, being a Christian is not easy, but it is the path that leads to our ultimate and deepest desire. It is a good choice.

King Jesus Above All: The Case for Christian Anarchy

 

The Radical Call of King Jesus

Ponder these questions:

• What if following Jesus means something far more radical than we’ve been led to believe?
• What if His call to “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33) requires us to reject the world’s obsession with power, control, and coercion altogether?
• What if we get our cues about how to engage in politics from our culture rather than from Scripture?

My core belief about what it means to be a Christian is this: As disciples of King Jesus, our ultimate allegiance is to him and his kingdom. 

This allegiance often puts us at odds with the structures and systems of the world. It even puts us at odds with what we’ve been taught about faith and politics. For some disciples of Jesus (myself included), this radical commitment to Jesus has led them to embrace a perspective known as Christian Anarchy. 

It’s unfortunate that the term “anarchy” conjures images of chaos and rebellion. True Christian Anarchy is something entirely different than the Molotov Cocktail-throwing people that usually pop into your mind when you hear the word anarchy. Christian Anarchy is not about promoting lawlessness; rather, it’s about proclaiming and living out our allegiance to the King of kings above all earthly authorities.

What Is Christian Anarchy? An Allegiance to King Jesus

It’s worth repeating that Christian Anarchy is not about chaos, lawlessness, or rejecting all forms of authority. Instead, it’s the radical commitment to see King Jesus as the sole and rightful ruler over all aspects of life. It’s a pledge of allegiance to Jesus alone (Matthew 6:24). This allegiance challenges the legitimacy of coercive power structures—those that rely on force or threats, like taxation backed by imprisonment or laws enforced with violence—by insisting that the way of Jesus—marked by love, peace, humility, and self-sacrifice—stands in direct opposition to the world’s systems of control and domination.

At its core, Christian Anarchy is a declaration that our highest allegiance belongs to King Jesus and his kingdom, which operates on entirely different principles than those of earthly governments. As Jesus declared, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). His reign is not enforced through violence or political power, but through the transformative power of his love and truth.

For some, like myself, this vision draws not only from Scripture but also from the Anarcho-Capitalist ideas of thinkers like Murray Rothbard and Tom Woods (Tom Woods has been a huge influence on my beliefs). They argue that coercive state monopolies—whether taxing us into submission or waging wars in our name—violate human liberty and reason. This aligns with Christian Anarchy’s rejection of idolatrous power, pointing to voluntary exchange and cooperation as a reflection of Jesus’ non-coercive ethic. Where Rothbard and Woods see markets and mutual consent as the antidote to statism, I see King Jesus empowering us to live freely under his lordship, rather than Caesar’s yoke.

Christian anarchists seek to live as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven above all else, refusing to compromise their loyalty to Jesus by placing their trust in the coercive, flawed, and often unjust systems of the world. Instead, they strive to embody the way of Jesus, even when it challenges societal norms and expectations. This is hard when things like patriotism and partisan politics get woven into the way we practice Christian faith. Not only are we bucking society’s expectations, but also the beliefs and practices of the majority of Christians.

The Radical Teachings of King Jesus

Following King Jesus means embracing his teachings—especially when they seem impractical or contrary to worldly wisdom. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) presents an ethic of radical love, humility, and nonviolence that stands in stark contrast to the power-driven methods of earthly kingdoms.

Jesus calls His followers to:

• Love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44).
• Reject the pursuit of wealth and power, instead trusting God to provide (Matthew 6:19–34).
• Seek reconciliation and forgiveness rather than harboring anger or seeking revenge (Matthew 5:21–26).

Jesus didn’t just preach this radical love—he lived it. When struck by a soldier during his arrest, he didn’t retaliate (John 18:22-23). When crucified, he prayed for his executioners’ forgiveness (Luke 23:34). This is the King we follow—a ruler who uses love as his weapon, not force. Living under his lordship means abandoning the coercive tactics of the world and embracing the power of sacrificial love (Revelation 5:5-6). It’s a life that rejects the sword and embraces the cross.

Why Christian Anarchy Is Not Lawlessness

Critics often accuse Christian Anarchy of promoting lawlessness or utopian idealism. But nothing could be further from the truth.

Christian anarchists don’t reject authority itself; they reject coercive, violent, and idolatrous authorities that seek to usurp the place of King Jesus. They seek a different way—voluntary cooperation under the lordship of Jesus, not obedience extracted by force. The world’s order relies on fear and threats; Jesus’ authority invites freely given loyalty, as seen in the early church’s mutual care (Acts 4:32). They obeyed God over the Sanhedrin’s unjust decrees (Acts 5:29) while peacefully accepting the consequences. This same courage carried into their defiance of Rome, facing lions rather than wielding swords. As Paul wrote, believers are called to be “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20), representing a kingdom “not of this world” (John 18:36).

It’s important to note that this does not mean living in isolation or disengagement from the world. Instead, it means living in a way that bears faithful witness to the reign of King Jesus, even when that witness conflicts with the demands of earthly rulers. The call the first Christians heard wasn’t to rebel and overthrow Rome—it was to love and support one another as they went into the world to make disciples.

Common Criticisms (And How They Miss the Point)

Even though Christian Anarchy has a compelling vision of allegiance to King Jesus, it faces valid criticisms. Let’s address them:

1. Naivety About Human Nature
   Criticism: Without governance, society would devolve into chaos.
   Response: Christian anarchists see humanity’s sinfulness clearly—wars and corruption prove the state often amplifies evil, rather than restrains it. They trust the Spirit’s power to renew hearts (Romans 12:2), producing peace and patience where swords fail (Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus’ kingdom doesn’t deny sin; it redeems people from it.
2. Practical Ineffectiveness
   Criticism: Nonviolence and voluntary community sound noble but seem impractical for organizing society.
   Response: Tell that to the early church, thriving without the force of the State to govern it (Acts 2:42-47). God’s kingdom advances through love and service, not coercion and violence. Jesus calls us to faith that is lived out in love—feeding the hungry, forgiving the sinner—and not worldly practicality.
3. Lack of Political Engagement
   Criticism: Disengaging from politics is irresponsible.
   Response: Christian anarchists don’t shun justice—they pursue it Jesus’ way, not Caesar’s. Relying on coercive systems risks idolatry; true justice flows from peace and mercy (Micah 6:8; Matthew 23:23). This doesn’t mean total abstention—we may pay taxes or vote, not as endorsements of the state’s coercion, but as pragmatic acts in a fallen world. These aren’t sins or signs we accept the system; they’re choices to live faithfully within it while serving King Jesus alone. Ultimately our vote is the way we live life, a life lived for King Jesus.
4. Misinterpretation of Scripture
   Criticism: Christian Anarchy wrongly politicizes Jesus’ teachings.
   Response: Jesus’ kingdom is political—upending power with love, not swords. When Rome demanded worship, the church said no (this is one of the themes in Revelation). His teachings aren’t abstract; they demand total allegiance over earthly thrones.

Following King Jesus in a World Obsessed with Power

Christian Anarchy challenges us to ask: Where does our highest allegiance lie? Are we more committed to earthly power structures than to the teachings of King Jesus? When the kingdoms of this world demand our loyalty, will we remain faithful to the King of kings?

The call of Christian Anarchy is not to withdraw from the world but to bear witness to the reign of King Jesus by embodying his kingdom’s values. It invites believers to live lives marked by love, humility, service, and peace—demonstrating to a watching world that Jesus truly is Lord of all.

Reflection Question:

What earthly loyalty—nation, political party, status—might Jesus be calling you to loosen your grip on to hold him above all?

The Right Cross at the Right Time

In December 2004, I found myself in a bind. After serving as a youth pastor for over five years at the Stronghurst Christian Church in Stronghurst, Illinois, I decided to pursue seminary with the thought of becoming a college professor. I took out a student loan and moved to Lincoln, Illinois to attend seminary. One of the big problems I faced was I couldn’t find a job. 

Meanwhile, a $3,000 credit card debt from my time in Stronghurst loomed over me, spiraling toward collections. I was helpless. It was then my dad, fresh from selling some cattle, paid it off. When I promised to repay him, he simply said, “Show me your savings account when you’ve saved $3,000.” It took a few years, but I was able to do that. In fact, that was the money I used to buy Jenny’s engagement ring and pay for our honeymoon. That act of grace from my dad is a small picture of a much bigger story.

The Bible compares sin to a debt we can’t pay. It leaves us utterly helpless, trapped in a broken world, our relationship with God fractured because we’ve chosen our way over His. There’s nothing we can do to fix it. Yet, God doesn’t abandon us. From the moment sin entered through Adam and Eve, corrupting His good creation, God set a plan in motion to rescue us—starting with those made in His image. That plan centers on love, and it unfolds most clearly on a cross. In Romans 5:6-11, the Apostle Paul unpacks this story: the problem of sin, the power of faith, and the heart of God’s love.

The Meaning of the Cross: A Sacrifice for the Undeserving

Paul writes, “When we were utterly helpless, Christ died for the ungodly at just the right time” (Romans 5:6). Our sin left us powerless, unable to undo the damage to our relationship with God, each other, and the world. Like shattered glass, it can’t be unbroken. The covenant with Israel exposed this reality, showing our separation from God and our inability to save ourselves. Yet, at the precise moment in God’s plan—“just the right time”—Jesus died for us.

Consider this: we might sacrifice our lives for someone we love—a child, a sibling, a friend. But for a stranger? A morally good person we don’t know? Unlikely. Now imagine dying for an enemy. That’s where God’s heart differs. Paul says, “God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). Jesus, the righteous Son, gave His life for the ungodly—not because we deserved it, but because God’s love extends to all creation. The cross is love in action, securing eternal life and a place in God’s new creation.

The Greatness of the Cross: Justification and Reconciliation

Because of the cross, we are justified—made right in God’s sight. Sin’s penalty is death, but Jesus, the sinless One, took that penalty for us. His perfect life and sacrificial death didn’t just forgive us; they restored us as citizens of God’s Kingdom. Paul also says we’re reconciled: “Our friendship with God was restored” (Romans 5:10, NLT). More than friendship, we’re welcomed back as children, no longer enemies but family.

This salvation is secure. It’s not based on our efforts but on Jesus’ finished work. Our role? Faith—trust, loyalty, and commitment to King Jesus. Justification and reconciliation are offered to all, but only those who pledge their allegiance to Him receive them. The cross is God’s great act of love, dealing with sin’s penalty and restoring what was broken.

The Joy of the Cross: Celebrating Atonement

Paul calls us to “rejoice” in this new relationship with God (Romans 5:11). Other translations say “celebrate” or “boast.” We’re to thank God for His love, proclaim His mercy, and live with joy. The South Asia Bible commentary tells of a Nepali pastor who shared that one of the truths that drew him to Jesus was that He willingly died for His enemies—a stark contrast to gods he was taught about, who sought to destroy their foes. Our God loves even the rebellious, and that’s worth shouting about.

The cross brings atonement, a term from the Old Testament meaning to cover sin and restore the covenant. Paul uses justification and reconciliation to explain this to Gentiles: Jesus’ death deals with sin, repairing our relationship with God. This joy isn’t just for new believers—it’s how we live every day. Our hope isn’t in fleeting circumstances but in God’s promises and the return of King Jesus, who will make all things right.

Living in Light of the Cross

Romans 5:6-11 reveals God’s love poured out through Jesus’ sacrifice. The cross shows us that Christ died for the undeserving, justifies us by paying sin’s penalty, and reconciles us to God’s family. Because of this, we can rejoice—no longer slaves to sin, despair, or fear. We worship a God who loves us enough to die for us. That’s worth celebrating.

Big Idea: Jesus secured our atonement on the cross so we can be justified and reconciled to God.

We live in a sin-corrupted world. Our bodies fail, relationships fracture, and pain surrounds us. But that’s not the final word. Through Jesus’ death, we can have a new relationship with God and confidence in the future. The atonement—His perfect sacrifice—deals with our sin and restores us to our Creator.

Challenge: This week, worship God with gratitude. Whether through music, prayer, or reading Psalms, express the joy of the reconciliation Jesus made possible.

Closing Thought: At just the right moment, Jesus came to rescue creation from sin’s corruption—evil, pain, disease, and death. He did it through a Roman cross, an unlikely tool for victory. His sacrifice atoned for our sins, giving us hope and a place in God’s Kingdom. Because of Jesus, we can live confidently as part of His family.

Prayer:

• Thank God for the new relationship He offers through Jesus.
• Ask forgiveness for ongoing sin.
• Commit to following King Jesus with trust and loyalty.

Let’s live in the joy of the cross, proclaiming God’s love to a world that needs to hear it.