Book Description

Government is a huge problem in the modern world. Many people are controlled by cruel and greedy despots. They are crying out for freedom, but political change just brings more of the same. In democratic nations, massive expectations have been piled on human governments, as people find more and more problems for governments to solve. Governments have gained immense political power, despite their inability to deal effectively with their existing responsibilities. Their failure to deliver what they promise has created huge disappointment and frustration. People often vote for change, but the new government is usually no better than the one that was rejected. Jesus began his ministry on earth by announcing a new kingdom (government). He claimed that this government is good news for everyone (Luke 8:1). In a world where most people are fed up with their government, an announcement of a new government is good news. The coming of a better government is extremely good news for a troubled and uncertain world. This book explains how the Government of God can transform political authority and solve the problems that modern governments have failed to resolve. Modern systems of government are based on coercion. Political leaders have access to extensive powers of control. They fund their programs with compulsory taxation. People who refuse to obey the government have their property confiscated or are put in prison. Jesus is different from other kings, so the Government of God will be radically different from every other government. God refuses to impose his authority by force. He wants people to accept his authority and do his will because they love him and want to serve him. He does not force people to take action against their will. This radically different approach to authority makes his government unique and special. This Government of God comes as people choose to submit to Jesus and obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit. His authority is not imposed by force, but won by love. The Holy Spirit will establish the Government of God by inspiring people to love and obey Jesus. There will be no coercion or force. This book explains how the Government of God can be established without hierarchy and control. The Holy Spirit He will transform the followers of Jesus into kingdom communities where God's perfect system of government can be established. Government has three main essential responsibilities. -Justice for victims of theft and violence. -Welfare for people suffering from the trials of life. -Protection from evil attack. Modern governments have enormous power, but justice has becomes expensive and uncertain. Welfare is costly and ineffective. Military power has produced destructive wars, but no peace or security. In the Government of God, Jesus will be judge, lawgiver and king (Is 33:22). His government will provide: -justice that is fair and effective. -support for people in poverty -protection from evil attacks. This book describes how a body of believers gathered in a neighbourhood can becomes a Kingdom Community. Kingdom Communities will be based on love and sharing. They will provide justice, support and protection for their community, without resorting to force and coercion or compulsory taxation. The fullness of the Government of God will be a massive challenge to the politicians and governments that dominate the modern world. No place will be left for human government. As God's plans come to fullness, existing governments will shrink away and be replaced by the Government of God. Topics covered include, the nature of authority perfect government the structure of society kingdom communities the source of law applying law relieving hardship and poverty defending the community voluntary financing of community services