Stephen McDowell

Ruling Over the Earth Stephen McDowell

God owns and ultimately governs the earth. Yet, after creating man He tasked him as His delegated authority to rule over and steward it. God does not leave man to rule according to his own volition but reveals in the Bible everything he needs to know to fulfill his mission, including much information about government. Unfortunately, most people are ignorant of these ideas. The topic of civil government is largely ignored by most of the evangelical community today. It is rarely the topic of sermons. While 90% of evangelical pastors believe that the Bible speaks to all areas of life, only 10% of them have ever taught on civil issues. Many pastors avoid any talk of government and politics, whether from fear of offending church members or belief it is not their duty. Some seek to avoid the charge of "preaching politics, instead of Christ."However, all of Scripture is profitable and must be taught and obeyed, including the clear instruction from Christ to render to Caesar his due. Jesus and the apostles taught various principles concerning the office of civil rulers and the duty of citizens toward them. All Christians should learn what the Bible teaches about civil affairs and how to govern biblically. Fulfilling this duty is essential if we are to obey God's commission to rule over the earth. The Bible is authoritative in all it says. In it God gives us principles for all of life, including much about that earthly government that has the power to affect every area of our lives. Ruling Over the Earth addresses: the origin and meaning of government, the premise of government, spheres of government, the purpose of government, Jesus' teachings on government, the power and form of biblical government, the relationship of God and government, the model of the Hebrew Republic as an example for today, and Christians' civil duties.